FEVER

How to take an infant’s temperature: a rectal temperature is the only reliable measurement in infants up to two months old. After that age, rectal temperatures are still the most accurate but ear temperatures are acceptable.

What is an elevated temperature?: any temperature at or above 100.5 is elevated. We need to be notified of any child less than two months old with a rectal temperature more than 100.5. These children need to be evaluated immediately.

When to take an infant’s temperature: If your infant is not acting like he/she normally acts, is irritable, or feels too warm, check a rectal temperature. There is no need to routinely check temperatures.