FACT: Although 98.6°F is the often thought of as the baseline for body temperature, normal body temperatures can range between 97-100.4°F. Where the thermometer is placed while taking the child’s temperature will also vary. Rectal or ear thermometers that register above 100.4°F indicate a fever, while oral thermometers will show a fever is present at 100°F or higher. When the temperature is taken under the armpit, 99°F is the cutoff. If you contact your child’s health care provider in Scottsdale about a fever, make sure you indicate the location of the thermometer’s placement.