How to Take Rectal Temperatures

• Have your child lie stomach down on your lap.
• Put some petroleum jelly on the end of the thermometer and on the opening of the anus.
• Slide the thermometer gently into the opening of the anus for about 1-inch. If your child is less than 6 months old, put it in only about ½ inch (inserting until the silver tip disappears is about ½ inch).
• Hold your child still and leave the thermometer in 2 minutes with a glass thermometer (about 20 seconds with a digital electronic thermometer).
• Your child has a fever if the rectal temperature is above 100.4°F (38°C).