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| Boilerpipe Text | What is a normal temperature?
The normal temperature range varies, depending on the method you use:
Method
Normal temperature range
Armpit
36.5°C - 37.2°C (97.8°F - 99°F)
Mouth
35.5°C - 37.2°C (95.9°F - 99°F)
Ear
35.8°C - 38°C (96.4°F - 100.4°F)
Rectal (bum)
36.6°C - 38°C (97.9°F - 100.4°F)
Temperatures may vary throughout the day, rising as much as one degree in the morning and reaching a maximum during the late afternoon. Mild increases may be caused by exercising, too much clothing or bedding, drinking something hot or cold, taking a hot bath or being outside in hot weather.
When a child is sick with an infection, it is normal to have a fever (temperature higher than 37.9ÂşC (100.4ÂşF). A fever is part of the normal process of fighting an infection. Usually, it goes away after 3 days.
Thermometers are not always accurate so it is important to be watching for other signs that your child might be ill. Also, the degree of a fever does not always indicate how serious an illness is, but rather the child’s behaviour, overall appearance and other symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting are generally the most important factors. A fever with other symptoms may mean a more serious illness.
What type of thermometer should I use?
There are 4 ways to accurately take (measure) a temperature:
Under the armpit (axillary method)
In the mouth (oral method)
In the ear (tympanic method)
In the rectum (rectal method)
A digital thermometer is best for taking temperatures by the armpit and mouth.
Fever strips and pacifier thermometers do not give an accurate temperature. Do not use a mercury thermometer. Mercury is toxic and the thermometer could break.
Speak to a pharmacist/health care provider if you have any questions when buying a thermometer.
Whichever type of thermometer you use (except ear thermometers), clean it with cool, soapy water and rinse off before and after use.
Axillary method (under the armpit)
The armpit method is usually used to check for fever in newborns and young children:
Place the tip of the thermometer in the centre of the armpit
Tuck your child’s arm snugly (closely) against their body
Leave the thermometer in place for about one minute, until you hear the “beep”
Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
Oral method (in the mouth)
The mouth method can be used for children who are older than 5 years of age. It is not recommended for children younger than 5 years of age, because it is hard for them to hold the thermometer under their tongue long enough:
Carefully place the tip of the thermometer under your child’s tongue, off to the side, and at the base of the tongue
With your child’s mouth closed, leave the thermometer in place for about one minute until you hear the “beep”
Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
Tympanic method (in the ear)
The ear method is recommended for children older than 2 years old.
Though quick to use, the ear method can be inaccurate even when the manufacturer’s directions are followed:
Use a clean probe tip each time, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
Use a clean probe tip each time, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
Squeeze and hold down the button for one second
Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
Rectal method (in the rectum or bum)
The rectal method can be used to check for fevers in newborns and young children. Use a rectal thermometer only if you are comfortable doing so and a health care provider has shown you how to do it safely:
Cover the silver tip with petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline)
Place your baby on their back with their knees bent
Gently insert the thermometer in the rectum, about 2.5 cm (1 inch), holding it in place with your fingers
Leave the thermometer in place for about one minute until you hear the “beep”
Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
For more detailed instructions on how to take a temperature using the rectal method, speak to your health care provider.
After a thermometer has been used to take a rectal temperature, do not use it to take an oral temperature. Make sure that the rectal thermometer is clearly marked so that it is not used orally. For example, you could label your rectal thermometer with an “R” and your oral thermometer with an “O”.
Over the forehead (temporal artery method)
Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) may be less accurate than other thermometers such as oral, rectal or well-calibrated tympanic thermometers. Several factors influence the ability of NCITs to accurately detect fever, including:
Relative humidity
Significant perspiration
Positioning on forehead
Exposure to cold or hot weather before temperature measurement
Follow best practices and the manufacturer's instructions when using NCITs. NCIT readings do not themselves rule in or rule out the presence of a fever. NCITs are not the recommended temperature taking method for children.
How should I take a child’s temperature?
From birth to age 5, the most common way to take a temperature is under the armpit. For children older than 2, temperatures can also be taken by ear or, if the child is able to sit still long enough, by mouth (not recommended for children under age 5). The most accurate way to take a temperature is in the bum (rectal method). See the section on the rectal method to learn how to safely take a rectal temperature.
Always wash your hands before and after taking your child’s temperature. For more information on hand washing, visit
HealthLinkBC File #85 Hand washing: Help stop the spread of germs
What can I do if my child has a fever?
Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions each time you use a different type or brand of thermometer.
Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen* (e.g. Advil®) can be given for fever or soreness. ASA (e.g. Aspirin®) should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome.
Babies younger than 3 months of age must be seen as soon as possible by a health care provider when they have a fever.Â
During the first 3 months of life, babies are not always able to fight infections, so they need to be seen sooner than older babies and children with fevers.
For babies 3 to 6 months, the parents should speak with their health care provider. | ||||||
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# How to take a temperature: Children and adults
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Last updated
April 23, 2025
HealthLink BC File number
99
Download PDF
Document
[English](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/healthfiles/hfile99.pdf "hfile99.pdf")
## What is a normal temperature?
The normal temperature range varies, depending on the method you use:
| Method | Normal temperature range |
|---|---|
| Armpit | 36\.5°C - 37.2°C (97.8°F - 99°F) |
| Mouth | 35\.5°C - 37.2°C (95.9°F - 99°F) |
| Ear | 35\.8°C - 38°C (96.4°F - 100.4°F) |
| Rectal (bum) | 36\.6°C - 38°C (97.9°F - 100.4°F) |
Temperatures may vary throughout the day, rising as much as one degree in the morning and reaching a maximum during the late afternoon. Mild increases may be caused by exercising, too much clothing or bedding, drinking something hot or cold, taking a hot bath or being outside in hot weather.
When a child is sick with an infection, it is normal to have a fever (temperature higher than 37.9ÂşC (100.4ÂşF). A fever is part of the normal process of fighting an infection. Usually, it goes away after 3 days.
Thermometers are not always accurate so it is important to be watching for other signs that your child might be ill. Also, the degree of a fever does not always indicate how serious an illness is, but rather the child’s behaviour, overall appearance and other symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting are generally the most important factors. A fever with other symptoms may mean a more serious illness.
## What type of thermometer should I use?
There are 4 ways to accurately take (measure) a temperature:
- Under the armpit (axillary method)
- In the mouth (oral method)
- In the ear (tympanic method)
- In the rectum (rectal method)
A digital thermometer is best for taking temperatures by the armpit and mouth.
Fever strips and pacifier thermometers do not give an accurate temperature. Do not use a mercury thermometer. Mercury is toxic and the thermometer could break.
Speak to a pharmacist/health care provider if you have any questions when buying a thermometer.
Whichever type of thermometer you use (except ear thermometers), clean it with cool, soapy water and rinse off before and after use.
### Axillary method (under the armpit)
The armpit method is usually used to check for fever in newborns and young children:
- Place the tip of the thermometer in the centre of the armpit
- Tuck your child’s arm snugly (closely) against their body
- Leave the thermometer in place for about one minute, until you hear the “beep”
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
### Oral method (in the mouth)
The mouth method can be used for children who are older than 5 years of age. It is not recommended for children younger than 5 years of age, because it is hard for them to hold the thermometer under their tongue long enough:
- Carefully place the tip of the thermometer under your child’s tongue, off to the side, and at the base of the tongue
- With your child’s mouth closed, leave the thermometer in place for about one minute until you hear the “beep”
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
### Tympanic method (in the ear)
The ear method is recommended for children older than 2 years old.
Though quick to use, the ear method can be inaccurate even when the manufacturer’s directions are followed:
- Use a clean probe tip each time, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
- Use a clean probe tip each time, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
- Squeeze and hold down the button for one second
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
### Rectal method (in the rectum or bum)
The rectal method can be used to check for fevers in newborns and young children. Use a rectal thermometer only if you are comfortable doing so and a health care provider has shown you how to do it safely:
- Cover the silver tip with petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline)
- Place your baby on their back with their knees bent
- Gently insert the thermometer in the rectum, about 2.5 cm (1 inch), holding it in place with your fingers
- Leave the thermometer in place for about one minute until you hear the “beep”
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
For more detailed instructions on how to take a temperature using the rectal method, speak to your health care provider.
After a thermometer has been used to take a rectal temperature, do not use it to take an oral temperature. Make sure that the rectal thermometer is clearly marked so that it is not used orally. For example, you could label your rectal thermometer with an “R” and your oral thermometer with an “O”.
### Over the forehead (temporal artery method)
Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) may be less accurate than other thermometers such as oral, rectal or well-calibrated tympanic thermometers. Several factors influence the ability of NCITs to accurately detect fever, including:
- Relative humidity
- Significant perspiration
- Positioning on forehead
- Exposure to cold or hot weather before temperature measurement
Follow best practices and the manufacturer's instructions when using NCITs. NCIT readings do not themselves rule in or rule out the presence of a fever. NCITs are not the recommended temperature taking method for children.
## How should I take a child’s temperature?
From birth to age 5, the most common way to take a temperature is under the armpit. For children older than 2, temperatures can also be taken by ear or, if the child is able to sit still long enough, by mouth (not recommended for children under age 5). The most accurate way to take a temperature is in the bum (rectal method). See the section on the rectal method to learn how to safely take a rectal temperature.
Always wash your hands before and after taking your child’s temperature. For more information on hand washing, visit [HealthLinkBC File \#85 Hand washing: Help stop the spread of germs](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/node/11527)
## What can I do if my child has a fever?
Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions each time you use a different type or brand of thermometer.
- Offer plenty of fluids
- Encourage your child to rest
- Remove extra blankets or extra clothing/hats if the child does not become too cold or starts to shiver. Shivering can cause the body's temperature to rise
- Medicine to reduce a fever is not always needed
- Sponge baths, alcohol baths and rubs are not recommended
Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen\* (e.g. Advil®) can be given for fever or soreness. ASA (e.g. Aspirin®) should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome.
## When should I take my child to see a health care provider?
Call or visit your health care provider if your child:
- Has had a fever for more than 5 days
- Is not drinking well, or has been peeing less than normal
- Is feeling lethargic (low energy), excessively fussy or irritable
- Has a fever and signs of another illness (rash, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, stiff neck)
- Has recently returned from traveling abroad
- Has a seizure associated with a fever
- Has problems breathing
- Has very pale or grey skin that is cool to touch
Babies younger than 3 months of age must be seen as soon as possible by a health care provider when they have a fever. During the first 3 months of life, babies are not always able to fight infections, so they need to be seen sooner than older babies and children with fevers. For babies 3 to 6 months, the parents should speak with their health care provider.
## For more information
Infants and children may have a febrile seizure. These are episodes of uncontrollable shaking associated with the fever. Your child should see a health care provider after the seizure.
For more information, see the following HealthLinkBC Files:
- [HealthLinkBC File \#84 Reye syndrome](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/node/11526)
- [HealthLinkBC File \#112 Febrile seizures (fever seizures)](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/node/11711)
For more information about fever and temperature taking, visit Caring for Kids at <https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/fever_and_temperature_taking>.
**The information in this HealthLinkBC File has been adapted with the permission of Alberta Health and Wellness.**
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| Readable Markdown | ## What is a normal temperature?
The normal temperature range varies, depending on the method you use:
| Method | Normal temperature range |
|---|---|
| Armpit | 36\.5°C - 37.2°C (97.8°F - 99°F) |
| Mouth | 35\.5°C - 37.2°C (95.9°F - 99°F) |
| Ear | 35\.8°C - 38°C (96.4°F - 100.4°F) |
| Rectal (bum) | 36\.6°C - 38°C (97.9°F - 100.4°F) |
Temperatures may vary throughout the day, rising as much as one degree in the morning and reaching a maximum during the late afternoon. Mild increases may be caused by exercising, too much clothing or bedding, drinking something hot or cold, taking a hot bath or being outside in hot weather.
When a child is sick with an infection, it is normal to have a fever (temperature higher than 37.9ÂşC (100.4ÂşF). A fever is part of the normal process of fighting an infection. Usually, it goes away after 3 days.
Thermometers are not always accurate so it is important to be watching for other signs that your child might be ill. Also, the degree of a fever does not always indicate how serious an illness is, but rather the child’s behaviour, overall appearance and other symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting are generally the most important factors. A fever with other symptoms may mean a more serious illness.
## What type of thermometer should I use?
There are 4 ways to accurately take (measure) a temperature:
- Under the armpit (axillary method)
- In the mouth (oral method)
- In the ear (tympanic method)
- In the rectum (rectal method)
A digital thermometer is best for taking temperatures by the armpit and mouth.
Fever strips and pacifier thermometers do not give an accurate temperature. Do not use a mercury thermometer. Mercury is toxic and the thermometer could break.
Speak to a pharmacist/health care provider if you have any questions when buying a thermometer.
Whichever type of thermometer you use (except ear thermometers), clean it with cool, soapy water and rinse off before and after use.
### Axillary method (under the armpit)
The armpit method is usually used to check for fever in newborns and young children:
- Place the tip of the thermometer in the centre of the armpit
- Tuck your child’s arm snugly (closely) against their body
- Leave the thermometer in place for about one minute, until you hear the “beep”
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
### Oral method (in the mouth)
The mouth method can be used for children who are older than 5 years of age. It is not recommended for children younger than 5 years of age, because it is hard for them to hold the thermometer under their tongue long enough:
- Carefully place the tip of the thermometer under your child’s tongue, off to the side, and at the base of the tongue
- With your child’s mouth closed, leave the thermometer in place for about one minute until you hear the “beep”
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
### Tympanic method (in the ear)
The ear method is recommended for children older than 2 years old.
Though quick to use, the ear method can be inaccurate even when the manufacturer’s directions are followed:
- Use a clean probe tip each time, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
- Use a clean probe tip each time, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully
- Squeeze and hold down the button for one second
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
### Rectal method (in the rectum or bum)
The rectal method can be used to check for fevers in newborns and young children. Use a rectal thermometer only if you are comfortable doing so and a health care provider has shown you how to do it safely:
- Cover the silver tip with petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline)
- Place your baby on their back with their knees bent
- Gently insert the thermometer in the rectum, about 2.5 cm (1 inch), holding it in place with your fingers
- Leave the thermometer in place for about one minute until you hear the “beep”
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature
For more detailed instructions on how to take a temperature using the rectal method, speak to your health care provider.
After a thermometer has been used to take a rectal temperature, do not use it to take an oral temperature. Make sure that the rectal thermometer is clearly marked so that it is not used orally. For example, you could label your rectal thermometer with an “R” and your oral thermometer with an “O”.
### Over the forehead (temporal artery method)
Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) may be less accurate than other thermometers such as oral, rectal or well-calibrated tympanic thermometers. Several factors influence the ability of NCITs to accurately detect fever, including:
- Relative humidity
- Significant perspiration
- Positioning on forehead
- Exposure to cold or hot weather before temperature measurement
Follow best practices and the manufacturer's instructions when using NCITs. NCIT readings do not themselves rule in or rule out the presence of a fever. NCITs are not the recommended temperature taking method for children.
## How should I take a child’s temperature?
From birth to age 5, the most common way to take a temperature is under the armpit. For children older than 2, temperatures can also be taken by ear or, if the child is able to sit still long enough, by mouth (not recommended for children under age 5). The most accurate way to take a temperature is in the bum (rectal method). See the section on the rectal method to learn how to safely take a rectal temperature.
Always wash your hands before and after taking your child’s temperature. For more information on hand washing, visit [HealthLinkBC File \#85 Hand washing: Help stop the spread of germs](https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/node/11527)
## What can I do if my child has a fever?
Make sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions each time you use a different type or brand of thermometer.
Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen\* (e.g. Advil®) can be given for fever or soreness. ASA (e.g. Aspirin®) should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye Syndrome.
Babies younger than 3 months of age must be seen as soon as possible by a health care provider when they have a fever. During the first 3 months of life, babies are not always able to fight infections, so they need to be seen sooner than older babies and children with fevers. For babies 3 to 6 months, the parents should speak with their health care provider. | ||||||
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| Publish Time | 2025-04-23 12:00:00 (1 year ago) | ||||||
| Original Publish Time | 2021-11-30 20:03:19 (4 years ago) | ||||||
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| Redirect Target | null | ||||||
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