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An axillary or armpit temperature is a safe and easy alternative to oral, rectal or tympanic (ear) measurements, some of which can be daunting to parents and caregivers.

Any electronic thermometer can be used which has a pediatric axillary mode (or can be set to wait longer than one minute) will be fine. The older mercury thermometers can even be used if you still have one lying around the house, though take care to ensure it has no cracks or breaks, and that you shake it down below 36 degrees centigrade or 97 fahrenheit prior to use.

The thermometer probe is placed under the arm. Without hurting your baby, try to get it snugly in there, surrounded by the folds of baby fat that are usually present. This will provide the best reading. Close your baby's arm over the tip of the probe, making sure that the end isn't poking out the other side. It's the end of the probe that does the testing.

It's important to remember that axillary temperatures take longer than other methods. You should be guided by the instructions that came with your thermometer if you have them, but as a general rule the thermometer probe should be kept in place for at least a minute and preferably two or three minutes to be as accurate as possible.

This is easier said than done because babies make wriggly patients, and for some reason many of them object strongly to having something placed in their armpit! In any case, you will need to hold your baby firmly while taking the temperature as it will not be accurate if the thermometer is dislodged. I find that keeping one hand on the upper arm and pushing in towards baby's body, and my other hand patting the chest works well. You will not hurt your baby by holding on gently but firmly, and if the temperature probe is kept still the reading will be more accurate.

Tips:

- Babies often like to sleep with their arms up! If yours has been doing this, you might need to wait longer with the arm held down for an effective reading, as the armpit could be a bit cool. Clothes help lessen this effect, of course.

- If you're confident, try putting the probe in place and then picking baby up for a cuddle.

- Axillary temperatures are usually lower than core body temperatures, sometimes by up to a degree or more.

A discussion of normal values for temperatures goes beyond the scope of this article, but you should discuss any concerns with your child's doctor. As a VERY GENERAL rule, a sustained fever of above 38 degrees Celcius or 100.4 Fahrenheit particularly in babies under three months is worth at least discussing with your doctor. Try to remember that fever is a normal part of your baby's defense against illness, and not all fevers are dangerous. At any time if you are concerned about your baby, no matter what the temperature, seek medical advice.

Learn more about this author, Rich Churcher.
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