infectiosum 8°F or less, an oral temperature of 98.6°F or below, and an armpit temperature (which is the least accurate) of 98°F or less are all considered normal. Despite these variations, all thermometers are marked to indicate 98.6°F as normal. For the most reliable readings at any age, the rectal thermometer is recommended, although it takes a little longer for the temperature to register. (A rectal thermometer differs from an oral one only in having a more rugged bulb.) The most practical instrument for home use is a stubbybulb thermometer, which can be used to take a child's temperature in any of the preferred ways. USING THE THERMOMETER Before using the thermometer, shake it briskly a few times to make certain that the top of the mercury column is below 96°F and that the bulb is intact. To take a rectal temperature, first lubricate the bulb of the thermometer with petroleum jelly, and then spread the child's buttocks with the thumb and forefinger of one hand so that the anal opening is clearly visible. Insert the bulb of the thermometer gently into the center of the anus and hold it there for two to three minutes. (Only the bulb portion of the thermometer need% to be inserted to get an accurate reading.) The child should feel no pain or discomfort from having his temperature taken rectally, but he probably will not like being restrained. However, it is important to keep the child from moving so that the thermometer will not break. To take a baby's rectal temperature, place the child face down on a solid surface and put the heel of your hand firmly on the lower back. An unwilling toddler can be firmly clasped between your thighs and bent forward over one of your legs. Although less reliable, an oral temperature reading is sufficient and can be taken in a child who is old enough to hold the bulb of the thermometer under the tongue with the mouth closed for three minutes. (If the thermometer breaks and the child accidentally swallows the mercury in the thermometer, don't worry. Thermometers contain elemental mercury, which is a nonpoisonous and harmless form of the metal.) To take a rectal temperature, lubricate the bulb of the thermometer, spread the child's buttocks with the thumb and forefinger of one hand, and gently insert the bulb of the thermometer into the center of the anus, and hold it there for at least two minutes. Before using the thermometer, shake it briskly a Jew times to make certain that the top oj the mercury column is below 96°F. To take an older child's oral temperature, place the thermometer under the child's tongue and have her hold it there (with her mouth closed] for three minutes. A rectal temperature oj 99.8°F or less, an oral temperature oj 98.6°F or below, and an armpit temperature of 98°F are all considered normal. i 1 102 96 96 Ю0 CARE OF YOUR THERMOMETER After each use, the thermometer should be shaken so that the mercury level is below the "normal" level of 98. erythema