children's temperature chart

children's dosing chart

Children's Temperature Chart

Use a digital thermometer as it is easy to read and can measure your child’s temperature quickly. There are different methods to use depending on your child’s age. Make sure to read and follow the thermometer manufacturer's instructions before use. Find out what method works best for your child based on the chart below:
Method Age Normal Temperature Fever
Rectal iconRectal Under 5 years old 36.6°C – 38°C
(97.9°F – 100.4°F)		 38.1°C (100.5°F) or higher
Ear iconEar Children 2 years & up 35.8°C – 38°C
(96.4°F – 100.4°F)		 38.1°C(100.5°F) or higher
Oral iconOral Children 5 years & up 35.5°C - 37.5°C
(95.9°F - 99.5°F)		 37.6°C (99.6°F) or higher
Armpit iconArmpit Children of any age 34.7 °C – 37.3°C
(94.5°F – 99.1°F)		 37.4 °C (99.2°F) or higher
Rectal iconRectal
Age Under 5 years old
Normal Temprature 36.6°C – 38°C
(97.9°F – 100.4°F)
Fever 38.1°C (100.5°F) or higher
Ear iconEar
Age Children 2 years & up
Normal Temprature 35.8°C – 38°C
(96.4°F – 100.4°F)
Fever 38.1°C(100.5°F) or higher
Oral iconOral
Age Children 5 years & up
Normal Temprature 35.5°C - 37.5°C
(95.9°F - 99.5°F)
Fever 37.6°C (99.6°F) or higher
Armpit iconArmpit
Age Children of any age
Normal Temprature 34.7 °C – 37.3°C
(94.5°F – 99.1°F)
Fever 37.4 °C (99.2°F) or higher

Download to Print

A few tips to consider:

  • Do not use an oral thermometer to take a rectal temperature, or a rectal thermometer for oral temperature taking.
  • Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water before and after each use.

  • How to take your child's rectal temperature (for children younger than 5 years old):

    Use rectal thermometer only if you are comfortable doing so and a healthcare provider has shown you how to do it safely.

    Step 1: Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water and rinse before use.

    Step 2: Coat the tip with petroleum jelly.

    Step 3: Place your child on their back with knees bent. Holding the child's bottom, gently insert the thermometer about 2.5cm (1 inch) in the rectum. Keep the thermometer in place for 1 minute until you hear the beep.

    Step 4: Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

    Step 5: Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water and rinse after use.

  • How to take your child's tympanic/ear temperature (for children ages 2 and older):

    Step 1: Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water and rinse before use.

    Step 2: Gently tug the ear to pull it back. This straightens the ear canal to get a better reading.

    Step 3: Insert the thermometer gently until the ear canal is sealed off.

    Step 4: Squeeze the button and hold down for 1 second.

    Step 5: Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

    Step 6: Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water and rinse after use.

    Note: use a clean probe tip every time and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Crying, ear infections, and ear wax do not significantly affect the reading.

  • How to take your child's oral temperature (for children ages 5 and older):

    Step 1: Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water and rinse before use.

    Step 2: Carefully place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue.

    Step 3: Have your child hold the thermometer in place by keeping lips closed—without biting it—for about 1 minute until you hear the beep.

    Step 4: Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

    Step 5: Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water and rinse after use.

    Note: Wait at least 10 minutes after your child drinks hot or cold liquids before taking his or her temperature. You may want to avoid this method if your child is unable to breathe through their nose while taking their temperature since mouth breathing lowers the temperature reading.

  • How to take your child's under the arm temperature (for children of any age):

    Step 1: Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water and rinse before use.

    Step 2: Place the tip of the thermometer in the center of your child's armpit, making sure the arm rests snugly against the body.

    Step 3: Hold it under the armpit and wait 1 minute until you hear the beep.

    Step 4: Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

    Step 5: Clean the thermometer with cool, soapy water and rinse after use.

  • Contact your physician as soon as possible if your child:

    • has a fever and is younger than 6 months old
    • has a temperature over 40° C (104° F ) and is older than 3 months old
    • has a history of febrile seizures
    • has a fever that lasts longer than 72 hours
    • cries inconsolably, looks or acts very sick, has diarrhea or repeated vomiting or difficulty awakening, has signs of dehydration or refuses to drink
    • develops any unusual or severe symptoms, such as a stiff neck, confusion, rash with fever, difficulty breathing, or seizures
    • appears to be getting worse
    • has a fever and sickle cell anemia
    • cries inconsolably, looks or acts very sick, has diarrhea or repeated vomiting or difficulty awakening, has signs of dehydration or refuses to drink develops any unusual or severe symptoms, such as a stiff neck, confusion, rash with fever, difficulty breathing, or seizures appears to be getting worse has a fever and sickle cell anemia.

This product may not be right for your child. Always read and follow the label.

 

The information provided above does not substitute medical advice. Consult your Healthcare Professional or Pharmacist for more information.

Children’s Advil with Grape Flavour in 230ml

Children's Advil

Buy Now

Advil Pediatric Drops with Grape Flavour in 24mL

Advil Pediatric Drops

Buy Now

Junior Strength Advil with Grape Flavour in 40 Chewable Tablets

Junior Strength Advil

Buy Now