There are different types of clinical thermometers, each with its practical use case. Some are more suitable for babies, others for adults. Accuracy can vary from one type of thermometer to another, although in recent years the majority of clinical thermometers have achieved an extremely reliable level of accuracy. That being said, choosing a thermometer for your child or baby can lead to several questions. Is it better to have a non-contact infrared radiation thermometer or is it better to have an ear thermometer? We describe here the different types of clinical thermometers to answer the question “Which clinical thermometer to choose?”
Why choose a baby thermometer?
Aside from crying and maybe looking you in the eye with a worried face (which could mean anything), your baby won’t be able to tell you that he’s not feeling well. It is important to know that a fever can be dangerous for your baby if it is not controlled.
Although a baby thermometer will not treat your child’s illness, it will come in handy in helping you identify it. Knowing your child is sick is half the road to recovery , and with that information in hand, you can go to the doctor for treatment.
Many parents will tell you that the baby thermometer is an essential item if you plan to raise children.
The different types of baby thermometers
If you’re a new mom or dad, you might be surprised to learn that there are many ways to check your baby’s temperature. Below, we explore the different types of baby thermometers and the pros and cons of each.
rectal thermometers
Rectal thermometers are by far the best. If they are a good fit for your child, you should get one specifically for young children . In infants, a few degrees of difference from normal body temperature may be worth hospitalization. Oral thermometers are also very accurate. However, if you use a thermometer of this type, your child must remain motionless for several minutes with the tool in his mouth. This is why the oral thermometer is often advised in older children.
forehead thermometers
As said before, they are really very good and very precise. Forehead thermometers are considered the best on the market, and you can also use them with your infant , but rectal thermometers will be more trustworthy.
Axillary thermometers
If your infant has diarrhea, or any other illness that might make it difficult to use rectal thermometers, you can use the axillary (underarm) thermometer. Of course, the use of axillary thermometers also requires the immobility of your child for a few minutes until the temperature is read on the machine. It should be noted that this type of thermometer is the least precise in terms of temperature measurement and is recommended for older children.
ear thermometers
They are very popular and very easy to use. However, they are not always the most accurate and should not be used on infants under 3 months, due to their narrow ear canal. Additionally, ear wax can cause poor temperature reading . Ear thermometers are a good remedy for older babies and children. They are not very restrictive and precise, but are only recommended for children over 6 months. Ear canal thermometers are suitable for all young children and can be replaced by rectal thermometers.
mercury thermometers
Above all, do not use old mercury thermometers! Although mercury thermometers are quite common, scientists now attest that they should not be used because they present potential risks for the child. If the thermometer breaks, toxic mercury smoke can then be inhaled. Scientists recommend not to use mercury thermometers even a few years old, you probably won’t find them in stores anymore. If you have an old one, don’t use it and buy a new reliable and digital one.
Which baby thermometer to choose?
Not all baby thermometers give a super reliable temperature, and some offer better comfort and safety for your children and babies! Find the ones that are with our comparison.
Most children fall ill during their first year, and unfortunately they don’t have the opportunity to tell us about their state of health. Imagine catching the flu and being totally unable to do anything except cry. These situations are really frustrating and dangerous if not taken seriously. The best way to know your child’s flu status (and really the most reliable) is to use a good children’s thermometer. It is essential for parents, everyone should have one available if this is not yet the case.
Hurry moms! (and dads!) You can’t just use any old thermometer. Children need thermometers that are right for them , and some thermometers are more accurate than others. Our buying guide will show you how to choose your baby thermometer, and make smart purchases.
Choose a baby thermometer according to the subject’s age
The rectal thermometer for infants
Your pediatrician probably recommends the use of rectal thermometers until three months of age. They are definitely the most accurate for infants. It is essential that the temperature read is correct, in order to determine the state of health of your still infant baby.
Although forehead thermometers are quite accurate and could be used, but if you are worried about your child’s feverish condition, it is advisable to use a rectal thermometer alongside . Consult your pediatrician before using any rectal thermometer to ensure that you are using it correctly.
This model is highly recommended for all parents of infants. At a later age you can switch to a non-rectal thermometer which will be less intrusive.
A forehead thermometer for older babies
For children 3 months and older, using a forehead thermometer is a great idea . We invite you to go to our page dedicated to the latter where a comparison of several models is made.
Infrared thermometers are the easiest to use, as they are very convenient. All you have to do is gently place the thermometer in front of your child’s forehead and the temperature will be indicated very accurately.
These forehead thermometers are often used in hospitals and healthcare professionals . Be sure to read the instructions completely and remove the protective cap before using. You may laugh, but it’s a common oversight among parents who use it.
To use it correctly, place the thermometer in the center in front of the child’s forehead, press the button, and slide it gently towards the temples. When you hear the beep which means that the measurement has been carried out correctly, you then have the precise body temperature of your child! It is simple to use with very little practice.
The only real disadvantage is the influence of the room temperature, indeed if it is high it can distort the reading of the temperature by the forehead thermometer. So if you are in a room with a very low or very high temperature, it is advisable to wait a few minutes before using the infrared ray forehead thermometer.