(HealthDay News) -- Getting an accurate reading when taking a wiggling infant's temperature can be a challenge.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how to determine if your little one has a fever:

• If you have a rectal thermometer, label it so it isn't used orally by mistake.
• Always wash the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and warm water, then rinse with cool water before you take your child's temperature, and again after use.
• If taking your child's temperature orally, don't do so until at least 20 minutes after the child consumes anything hot or cold.
• Avoid tightly bundling up baby or giving baby a bath just before taking baby's temperature.
• Don't leave your child unattended when using a thermometer.