W. Steven Pray, a Bernhardt Professor of Nonprescription Products and Devices, College of Pharmacy, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, offers "Temperature Taking 101" tips based on materials from Vicks Products:

Rectal Temperatures
1. Lie child stomach-down on your lap, keeping hand against child's bottom to prevent wiggling.
2. Put dab of water-soluble jelly on tip of thermometer and rectal opening.
3. Gently slide thermometer 1/2 inch into opening. If you feel resistance, stop.
4. Look for some of today's "fast read" thermometers, which can provide a reading in as fast as 10 seconds.
5. After taking temperature, wash probe with soap and warm water or disinfect with 70 percent rubbing alcohol.

Underarm Temperatures
Insert tip high up in the armpit and close armpit area by holding elbow against chest.

Oral Temperatures
This method is recommended for children who are at least 4 years of age.

1. Make sure that your child has not had a cold or hot drink within the last 30 minutes.
2. Gently place the tip of the thermometer under one side of the tongue and toward the back in a "heat pocket."
3. Have child hold thermometer securely in place with lips and fingers. They can even bite on this thermometer while keeping lips sealed.