One of my patients had a 107 degree temperature when his parents used an ear thermometer rectally. Oral temperatures Hold off on using an oral thermometer until your child is about 7 or 8 years old. Until then, he probably won't be able to safely hold a thermometer in his mouth or keep it under his tongue for the required time. Oral readings are virtually impossible to get from a squirming, crying child, and they're generally 1 degree lower than rectal readings, anyway. Thermometer strips Don't use temperature-sensitive strips that you place on your child's brow or under his arm.
Doctors say they're unreliable.
Willow Older has written for Outside and Health magazine. Be the first to comment on this article. Add a comment or read what other parents say. Click to get free Charmin materials today. All rights reserved.