What are the methods for taking a child or infant's temperature?
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Dr. D. Mark Valentine of Intermountain Healthcare answered:There are several methods for taking a child or infants temperature. Rectal temperatures are often considered the most accurate. An oral temperature is often difficult to obtain in a child or infant. An axillary temperature is one taken under the armpit. This is quite easy to obtain, but lacks accuracy. There are also temperature scanners that can be used on the forehead or temple. Ear canal temperatures are a very common method as these are relatively accurate and easy to obtain.
There are several methods for taking a child or infants temperature. Rectal temperatures are often considered the most accurate. An oral temperature is often difficult to obtain in a child or infant. An axillary temperature is one taken under the... More -
Dr. Iris Rodriguez-Ocasio of MDLIVE answered:There are several methods of taking one's temperature, but for an infant the rectal method is the most accurate. For older children other methods such as oral, ear, and forehead are available. Today, digital thermometers are popular.
There are several methods of taking one's temperature, but for an infant the rectal method is the most accurate. For older children other methods such as oral, ear, and forehead are available. Today, digital thermometers are popular. More
