Safety tips

Carefully read the instructions that come with the thermometer. Before and after each use, clean the tip of the thermometer following the instructions for your particular thermometer. If you plan to use a digital thermometer to take a rectal temperature, get another digital thermometer for oral use. Label each thermometer, and don't use the same thermometer in both places.

For safety — and to make sure the thermometer stays in place — never leave your child unattended while you're taking his or her temperature.