Taking baby’s temperature

Your baby’s body temperature will vary with the time of day and amount of activity. Normal underarm (axillary) temperature range is 97.6° (36.4 C) – 100° F (37.8 C).

Underarm or axillary temperatures should be done until your baby is one month old. Never take an oral temperature on a baby or young child. We recommend using a digital thermometer.

How to take an underarm (axillary) temperature

1. Hold your baby in your arms (soothes her and helps keep thermometer in place).
2. Place the thermometer under her arm so the bulb of thermometer is nestled within the underarm.
3. Hold her arm against her side.
4. Keep the thermometer in place until the thermometer signal is finished.