Important Tips for All Temperature Readings

• Always wait for three flashing lines on the display before every reading. Wait at least 15 minutes to take a reading after eating, drinking, exercising or bathing.
• If you or your Kinsa were outside on a cold day, wait until you are used to the new temperature before taking a reading.
• A person’s body temperature will fluctuate depending on the time of the day. The best method to determine your own normal temperature is to record it twice a day (early morning and late afternoon) when feeling well. The average of the two is considered your normal body temperature.

Underarm Readings

Wipe armpit with a dry towel and make sure that no clothes are in the way. Place the thermometer probe in the armpit and keep your arm pressed firmly against the body. In general, a normal underarm temperature is considered 35.8°C – 37.2°C (96.5°F – 98.9°F). Also, please note that underarm readings are typically 0.6°C (1°F) lower than oral readings; this is perfectly normal. The Kinsa app automatically takes underarm readings into account when calculating the severity of the fever, but it does not artificially add that 0.6°C (1°F) to the temperature reading.

Oral Readings

For oral readings, always place the probe tip of the thermometer in your mouth’s heat pocket – under the tongue at the back of the mouth. Keep your mouth closed while the temperature reading is being taken. The temperature in one spot of the mouth can be very different from another so always put the probe tip in the same heat pocket for every reading. A normal oral temperature is considered 36.1°C – 37.7°C (97.0°F – 99.9°F).

Rectal Readings

Consider applying a bit of petroleum jelly on the QuickCare tip to make it easier to insert. Place your baby on a firm surface, either on her stomach or back, with legs lifted up to the chest (think diaper-changing position). Insert the probe tip about ½ inch inside. Never insert the probe past the metal tip. Stop if you meet any resistance. Hold QuickCare between two fingers while keeping your hand cupped around your baby's bottom (you might need to squeeze the cheeks together to hold it in place). Remember, rectal temperatures tend to be about 0.3°C (0.5°F) higher than oral and 0.6°C (1°F) higher than underarm readings. In general, a normal rectal temperature is considered 36.4°C – 37.9°C (97.5°F – 100.3°F). If you'd like to verify your results, be sure to wait 5 minutes first for the most accurate second reading.