How to Take Rectal Temperature of a Baby

Taking a baby's temperature is a good way to evaluate his condition. When your baby is sick, taking his temperature helps you and your pediatrician know whether the prescribed treatment is effective. An oral temperature reading (placing the thermometer under the tongue) is recommended for children age 4 and older. For infants, a rectal reading is recommended. Rectal temperature is typically 1 degree higher than oral temperature. Your baby has a fever if his temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees F when taken rectally.

Things You'll Need

  • Digital thermometer
  • Petroleum jelly

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an appropriate thermometer for your baby. Do not use glass mercury thermometers as they might expose your baby to mercury. Use digital thermometers instead. Digital thermometers have many advantages over other types of thermometers. They are fairly cheap and are safe and easy to use. The reading time of a digital thermometer is quite short, about 20 to 60 seconds.

    • 2

      Lubricate the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly.

    • 3

      Put your baby facedown on your lap or on a changing table. Bare her bottom. Keep the palm of your hand on her lower back. Turn on the thermometer.

    • 4

      Use your other hand to carefully insert the tip of the thermometer into the anal opening about a half-inch to one inch. If you feel resistance, stop. Your baby will probably start to resist so make sure the thermometer is in place.

    • 5

      Hold the thermometer in place with your fingers while your hand rests on your baby's bottom.

    • 6

      Remove the thermometer when it beeps.

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