Fact Friday-Thermometer use 101

Did you know that normal temperature for a child may range from 97-100.3 degrees F. The AAP considers anything over 100.4 degrees F to be a possible fever. If your child feels warm, looks flushed, is sweating or shivering, or has flu symptoms, you might suspect fever. Using a thermometer is the only sure way to know if a fever is present. But what thermometer should you use?....Use a digital thermometer to take a rectal(in the bottom), oral(in the mouth) or axillary(under the arm) temperature. A tympanic(ear) thermometer, which is more expensive, is another option. Other methods are available but are not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) at this time. For newborn to 3 months it is best to do a rectal temperature. For 3 months to 3 years,  you may use rectal, axillary, or tympanic; however, it is recommended that anyone under three years of age use the rectal thermometer.  For 4 to 5 years of age, use rectal, oral, axillary or tympanic.  For 5 years and older, use oral, axillary or tympanic.

Click on the link below to read more about this great article from the AAP and learn more about how to take an accurate temperature of your child. Happy Friday!! http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/30/11/29-d

**info from the AAP