RECTAL TO ORAL TEMPERATURE CONVERSION SKIN

Your child is younger than age 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.In general, contact your child's doctor if: If you're in doubt about an armpit temperature reading, use another method to confirm the results. Keep in mind that an armpit temperature might not be accurate. Has an armpit temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) or higher.Has an oral temperature of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher.Has a rectal, ear or temporal artery temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher.Don't use aspirin to treat a fever in anyone age 18 years or younger. Read the label carefully for proper dosage. If your child is age 6 months or older, ibuprofen (Advil, Children's Motrin, others) is OK, too. Be aware that some combination over-the-counter medications might contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Never give more acetaminophen than recommended on the label for your child. However, for children younger than age 3 months, don't give acetaminophen until your baby has been seen by a doctor. If you want to give your child medication to treat a fever, stick to acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) until age 6 months. When reporting a temperature to your child's doctor, give the reading and explain how the temperature was taken. Remove the thermometer and read the number. Gently sweep the thermometer across your child's forehead.

Hold the thermometer tightly in place until the thermometer signals that it's done. Follow the directions that come with the thermometer to ensure you insert the thermometer the proper distance into the ear canal. Gently place the thermometer in your child's ear. Keep the thermometer tightly in place until the thermometer signals that it's done. While the device reads your child's temperature, hug your child, keeping the side holding the thermometer against your chest.

RECTAL TO ORAL TEMPERATURE CONVERSION SKIN

When you place the thermometer under your child's armpit, make sure it touches skin - not clothing. If your child has been eating or drinking, wait 15 minutes to take his or her temperature by mouth. Remove the thermometer when it signals that it's done and read the number. Place the tip of the thermometer under your child's tongue toward the back of the mouth and ask your child to keep his or her lips closed. Hold the thermometer in place until the thermometer signals that it's done.

Never try to force a rectal thermometer past any resistance.

Rectal to oral temperature conversion