Discharge Instructions: Taking an Axillary Temperature (Pediatric)

You take an axillary (armpit) temperature by holding the thermometer under your baby’s arm for 4 to 5 minutes. Do this with care to get a correct reading. Remember, though, that taking a child’s temperature under the arm is less accurate than taking the temperature in the rectum, especially for babies less than 3 months old.

Get the thermometer ready

• Be sure to use a thermometer that is made only for underarm use.

• Remove the cover from the thermometer.

• Clean the thermometer before each use.

• Be sure the thermometer is at room temperature when you use it.

Position your baby

• Hold your baby on your lap or lay the baby on his or her back on a firm surface.

• Gently lift your baby’s arm.

• Place the tip of the thermometer in the fold of the baby’s armpit. To get a true reading, the thermometer must rest directly against baby’s skin on all sides.

• Lower the arm back down to your baby’s side.

Take the temperature

• Follow the specific instructions for using your digital thermometer.

• Keep your baby’s arm against his or her side for 4 to 5 minutes. This keeps the thermometer in place and gives an accurate reading.

• When the thermometer beeps, remove it and read the temperature on the display.

• Normal axillary temperature is about 97.6°F (36.4°C) to 99.4°F (37.4°C).  An axillary temperature is often 1 degree lower than oral or rectal temperatures. So it can help you gauge whether your child may have a fever. But it's not the most reliable at any age.

• Before putting the thermometer away, clean it with soap and warm water. Then put the cover back on.

Follow-up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

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