Taking Temperature

You could buy a digital thermometer which measures quite well by placing it in his ear, though these are expensive, and I still don't find as accurate as just turning him over and gently taking it rectally. If you put vaseline on the tip of the thermometer, and explain gently to him why you must take his temperature he'll most likely cooperate. Well, mine does ... and he doesn't have much to say either when his temp goes past 103.

As others have mentioned, use a digital thermometer under his arm pit (have him put his arm up, turn on the thermometer, place the end of the thermometer in the center of his pit -- horizontally is most comfortable -- and hold his arm down securely while also holding the thermometer in place with your other hand). Then, add one degree to the reading. Our son was born quite early and was in the NICU for several weeks (he's fine now). The nurses used this method and had parents use it as well when we were in the NICU caring for our babies.

HI!
Like Jill I use the temporal thermometer. It is GREAT and only varies like a degree from one side to the other, so you can be confident you have the right temperature. Ours was about $50, which is a lot if you ask me, but it is worth every penny in comfort knowing you are doing it right :-)

First, you may want to get a new thermometer. Those digital ones can lose accuracy over time. I don't know too many 4 year olds who are willing to have a rectal temp done, so here is what I would do...

If he has not eaten or had anything to drink for the last 20 minutes; or he has not been breathing with mouth open...take his temperature orally.

Othewise, take it axilary (arm pit) with skin touching skin and add a degree to it. This is less accurate.

Hope this helps. I suspect, though, that you need a new thermometer.

The armpit isn't "off" per se- normal for an axillary (armpit) reading is 97.6.

There are temp-taking strips used by placing them on the forehead of the child. Just takes a minute or less, I think. You can purchase them at a bigger drug store, they are with the other thermometers. Good luck!

I think you should just get a new thermometer. I like the ear ones. its quick and easy. my son loved to have his temp taken with ours. he's 11 now and likes the mouth one better, but when he was young i was always afraid he would bite it in half!! we also have this one thats a strip that you hold against the forehead (it reminds me of a mood ring) good luck

When my cousin was born prematurely (27.5 weeks) the nurses/docs at Stanford took her temperature under her arm. A normal reading under the arm should be 97.6. I figure if it is good enough for one of the most respected neo-natal intensive care units in the world, it's good enough for my kids. :o)

ps - in case you're curious, she's fine and healthy now!

Fever's are nothing to worry about unless they go above 104. At 4 yrs old each way you are taking them is fine. Each way may be off a few degree's, but again, as long as it is not extremely high, don't worry. You can always call your pediatrician and see which way they recommend. When to worry is when your child stops eating and is lethargic and just wants to sleep. So, take his temperature which ever way you feel comfortable. All the readings you listed are within normal range, meaning no fever. Good luck

Hi A.,
We use a Temporal Scan thermometer in our house. You push a button and swipe the thermometer across the childs forehead (make sure it's not sweaty first). It seems to be pretty accurate and completely pain free! If we were to get a "high" reading I would probably check it with my digital one as a back up. We got our temporal scan thermomter at Sam's Club and it has been worth every penny.