Discharge Instructions: Taking an Axillary Temperature (Pediatric)

You take an axillary temperature by holding the thermometer under your baby’s arm. Do this with care to provide 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. Use the steps on this sheet as a guide for taking an axillary temperature.

Get the Thermometer Ready

• Be sure to use a thermometer that is specifically designed 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. This keeps the thermometer in place and gives an accurate reading.

• When the thermometer beeps, release your hold and gently lift baby’s arm.

• Remove the thermometer. 

• Read the temperature on the digital display. Normal axillary temperature is about 97.6°F to 99.4°F.

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

Follow-Up

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