How to Take an Axillary (Armpit) Temperature
An easy, non-invasive method for checking your child's temperature
🤲What is Axillary Temperature?
Axillary temperature means taking the temperature from the armpit. It's a simple, non-invasive method that's easy to do and comfortable for children.
✓Advantages
- • Easy and comfortable
- • Non-invasive method
- • Safe for all ages
- • Child-friendly
- • No resistance from kids
⚠️Limitations
- • Less accurate than rectal
- • Reads about 1°F lower
- • Can be affected by environment
- • Takes longer (3-5 minutes)
- • Child must stay still
📋When to Use Axillary Temperature
Best For:
- •Children 3+ months old when rectal method isn't practical
- •Routine screening to check if child might have fever
- •Home monitoring when accuracy isn't critical
- •Children who resist other methods
Not Recommended For:
- •Infants under 3 months (use rectal method for accuracy)
- •When accuracy is critical (suspected serious illness)
- •Very active toddlers who won't stay still
🛠️What You'll Need
- 🌡️
Digital thermometer
Any digital thermometer works - no mercury thermometers!
- 🧼
Soap and water
For cleaning the thermometer before and after use
- 🧻
Tissue or cloth
To dry the thermometer and armpit if needed
- 📝
Paper and pen
To record the temperature reading and time
👣Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Thermometer and Child
- •Clean the thermometer with soap and water, then dry it
- •Make sure your child's armpit is clean and dry
- •Remove your child's shirt or lift it to expose the armpit
- •Wait 20-30 minutes if child was just bathed or bundled up
Important:
Moisture in the armpit can affect the reading. Make sure the area is completely dry.
Position the Thermometer
- •Turn on the thermometer
- •Place the tip of the thermometer in the center of the armpit
- •Make sure it touches skin only, not clothing
- •The thermometer should be pointing up toward the head
Positioning Tip:
Think of placing it in the "deepest" part of the armpit where it folds naturally.
Hold the Arm Down
- •Gently fold the arm down across the child's chest
- •Hold the arm snugly against the body (like a hug)
- •Make sure the thermometer stays in place
- •Keep the elbow close to the body
For Babies:
Hold baby in your lap or lay them down. You can hold their arm gently but firmly against their side while cuddling or talking to them.
Wait and Keep Still
- •Keep the arm held down until the thermometer beeps
- •Usually takes 3-5 minutes for accurate reading
- •Keep your child calm and still during this time
- •Talk, sing, or read to distract and comfort
Distraction Ideas:
- • Read a favorite book together
- • Sing songs or nursery rhymes
- • Watch a short video
- • Tell a story
- • Count together or play "I spy"
Read and Record
- •Remove the thermometer when it beeps
- •Read the temperature on the display
- •Write down the reading and the time
- •Note that it was an armpit (axillary) reading
- •Clean the thermometer with soap and water
📊Understanding the Reading
An axillary temperature of 99°F (37.2°C) or higher is considered a fever. Remember, armpit readings are typically about 1°F lower than core body temperature.
Normal
Below 99°F
(37.2°C)
Possible Fever
99-100°F
(37.2-37.8°C)
Fever
Above 100°F
(37.8°C)
Important Note:
If an axillary reading suggests a fever, especially in a young infant, confirm with a more accurate method (rectal) before giving fever medication or calling the doctor.
💡Tips for Success
✓Do:
- • Ensure armpit is completely dry
- • Place thermometer in center of armpit
- • Hold arm firmly against body
- • Wait full time for accurate reading
- • Keep child calm and distracted
- • Record method used (axillary)
✗Don't:
- • Take reading through clothing
- • Rush - need full 3-5 minutes
- • Let child move arm around
- • Use if armpit is wet or sweaty
- • Rely solely on axillary for infants under 3 months
- • Take right after bath or exercise
⚠️Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Waiting Long Enough
Axillary readings need 3-5 minutes for accuracy. Removing too early will give a falsely low reading.
Loose Arm Position
If the arm isn't held snugly against the body, air can circulate and affect the reading.
Wet Armpit
Moisture cools the skin and can result in a lower reading. Always dry the armpit first.
Taking Through Clothing
The thermometer must touch bare skin directly for an accurate reading.
🔄Other Temperature Methods
Related Topics
ℹ️Medical Note
This information is for educational purposes. While axillary temperature is convenient, it's less accurate than rectal temperature. For young infants or when accuracy is critical, use rectal method or consult your doctor.
Always tell your doctor which method you used when reporting your child's temperature.