Types of baby thermometers

It is always difficult for parents when their children are sick, but it can be especially concerning when the child is a baby. Babies cannot tell you exactly where it hurts or what is wrong, so you must rely on your parenting skills to know what illness they may be suffering from. One of the first things to do is take your child’s temperature. Technology has made it possible to choose from a variety of thermometers on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the common types of thermometers and how they might help you when your baby is sick.

Pacifier thermometer

If your baby is extremely fussy and difficult to calm down, then a pacifier thermometer may be the best way to get a reading, and your baby may not even realize that there is something different. However, these thermometers should be kept in the mouth without moving for three to five minutes, which can be more difficult for babies or children with a stuffy nose. Many doctors also believe that pacifier thermometers do not give accurate readings and may request a reading from a different thermometer.

Tympanic thermometers

Tympanic or digital ear thermometers can give you an accurate temperature if your child is older than six months and does not have wax buildup or a curved ear canal. These thermometers are easy to use and can provide reliable readings in older children and adults. They are not recommended for newborns because the ear canals are too narrow to fit the thermometer correctly.

Infrared thermometers

Temporal artery thermometers are used to scan the temperature of the artery in the forehead and provide fairly accurate results when used correctly. Many pediatrician offices even use this type of infrared thermometer on their patients. Temporal artery thermometers can be used in children 3 months and older, and can even be accurate for newborns. They are extremely easy to use, but they are more expensive than other types of thermometers.

Digital thermometers

Digital thermometers can be used in the mouth, in the armpit, or in the rectum. Rectal readings are the most accurate for newborns younger than three months, and this is made much less bothersome by using thermometers that can take a reading in less than a minute. Be sure to label your thermometers so you know which one should be used rectally and which should be used orally.

There are several types of thermometers on the market and it can be confusing for parents to decide which one is the best. If you’re still having trouble choosing the perfect thermometer for your baby, talk to your pediatrician to see which one he recommends.