What kind of thermometer do you use?
By Sillychick
@Sillychick (3275)
United States
March 17, 2009 8:36am CST
My son, 2 1/2, hates to have his temperature taken. It is impossible to get him to sit still long enough. I use a digital thermometer under his arm, because it is the only way I can hold him since it takes so long.
I tried an ear thermometer, but it doesn't seem to be accurate. I tested it on myself a few times, comparing it to the digital one taking temperature under the arm. The underarm one is consistent, while the ear one varies by as much as 2 degrees from one reading to the next. I was careful to follow the directions closely, and still not consistent.
I heard that the ones you swipe across the forehead are accurate, but they are so expensive. Any recommendations? What kind do you use, and is it accurate? How long does it take to get a reading? Thanks
3 responses
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
17 Mar 09
I had an ear one for my son when he was younger and it was never accurate. The one I have for the kids now is one of those ones you just put on their forehead. It is not one of those expensive things though. It is a strip the the colors change like a mood ring almost when you put it on their forehead.
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
17 Mar 09
Just use the standard method, kiss his forehead and tell him he has a fever.
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
19 Mar 09
I do that, but sometimes it's nice to have a specific number, like when the doctor is asking how high his fever is, or when exclusion criteria for daycare states a specific temperature.
@poppoppop111 (5731)
• Canada
17 Mar 09
i use an ear thermometer. i like the fact that it takes one second for the reading but i find the readings aren't acurate. every time i take it i'll check a few times and get something different every time, so usually i feel how warm she is and you get to know just by feel how bad it is
@Sillychick (3275)
• United States
19 Mar 09
I can usually tell without a thermometer if my son has a fever or not, but it would be nice to have an accurate thermometer when you want a more specific answer.
