Hi Mamasource,
I am seeking advice on an easy but accurate thermometer. I have an active 20 month old, and I am looking for an easy to use thermometer. When she was an infant, I used a rectal, but now that she is so active she absolutely will not sit still for that. I asked my doctor and he recommended the pacifier type since she still takes a Nuk, but she will not have anything to do with any Nuk that is not the “Soothies” Brand. So, that failed. I wanted to know if other parents had success with the ear thermometers. Are they accurate? If so, which brands do you recommend? If not, what other types have been a success for you? Thank you all for your help!!!
We have tried several thermometer and honestly it's not easy no matter which one you use. We bought the Vicks thermometer that you can change the setting for arm, mouth and rectal. It does a 2 second reading and works great. We bought it at Walgreens.
Hi Angie! We have a Braun ear thermometer, and the reviews on it were very good, but my daughter has very narrow ear canals, so it's difficult to get an accurate reading. It doesn't bother her at all, and it's quick, but like I said, not sure how accurate. Her ped uses one that gets swiped across her forehead, so I'm planning to pick up one of those next time I'm at the store. Thanks to the pp who said they're cheapest at Sam's! =)
I see that you have several others recommending an ear (tympanic) thermometer. Do NOT use them. They are NOT accurate and are a huge waste of money. I worked on a peds unit for years and most doctors would make the nurse take the temp over if an ear thermometer was used. There are a lot of issues with them. In fact, Children's Hospital does not use them.
I know it can be difficult but taking the temp under the arm at this age is the best and most accurate way. I have a 21 month old so I know what you are dealing with. The First Years has a great, affordable digital thermometer. I am surprised your doc told you to use a nuk. Those are not accurate either. Best of luck. V. RN, BSN.
We have the Braun thermoscan and it's great! It's takes 2 seconds to take the reading, so you can usually take the temp before they even start squirming...
Hi Angie,
I really like the ThermoScan by Braun. It goes in the ear and takes about 15 sec to get a temp. It is very helpful when you have squirmy kids. I think that it is accurate although I usually take the temp 2x to make sure in case the 1st time the ear part was not in all the way. Sometimes my boys will ask me to take their temp a 2nd or 3rd time.
About me: I have been married to my husband for 9 1/2 yrs. I stay at home with our 3 children: 5 1/2 y/o son, 3 y/o son and 1 y/o daughter. They can cause me to stress out at times, but have brought me so much happiness and are the loves of my life.
you should try the temporal thermometer. It takes like half a second to do. All you have to do is run it across the forehead. They're a little pricey around 30 dollars, but they're good. Especially if the little one has an ear ache, you won't be tugging on them. good luck.
We have had a couple of ear thermometers and have found them to not be very accurate. I can get temperature readings that vary by as much as a degree or more. When I do use them I usually take two readings in each ear and average them out. (Don't know how reliable this method is, but I figure it gives me a base with which to work.) They are also are not very good for children with ear infections, so if your little one gets a lot of those you may want to keep that in mind. What I really like are the temporal (forehead) thermometers. I have found them to be very quick, easy, and reliable. Their only drawback is they are a little pricey. (Our first one a few years ago was $50.) However, I did just see one yesterday at Sam's Club for $28, so either prices have gone down or Sam's Club is just really cheap.
Try using a thermometer under the arm. The temp will be one degree lower then it would be by the mouth. Get one that beeps when its done. There are also ear thermometers and one the goes on the forehead or temple. Most is personal preference.
I have a ear thermometer made by Mobi and love it. I too was skepical about the accuracy but I tested it against the good 'ol fashion was and it was spot on every time. It only takes a few seconds and also says the temp. out loud which is handy cause after you take the temp my kids are always trying to check it out. Hope this helps.
We have a Philips thermometer that you rub against the forehead that we bought about 10 years ago. I LOVE it. Super easy to use, and accurate.
We have a temporal lobe thermometer and we love it. I don't remember the brand, but it was about $40 at Wal-mart or Target. It's very fast as you just swipe it across the forehead. It is very accurate and the only time we get an inaccurate reading is when we use a poor technique.
We use the Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer. It won't read a temp if it can't get a line at the ear drum...so you are sure when you get a reading it is accurate. We've never been failed by this thermometer.
I just bought a new one on Tuesday last week because my daughter was VERY sick and I wanted a quicker reading thermometer. I went with a VICKS 8 second reading one. It's really sweet 'cause it shows the temp and then the background is either Green-good, Yellow-mild, Red-hot. It's fun for my daughter to use also because of the colors. AND it was less than $10. Oh and the screen is a nice size too for reading the temp. good luck!
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9875...
