Smart Shopping for Thermometers

It's true that they just don't make things the way they used to. Depending on who you ask, that can be a bad thing or a good thing. There's no question that when it comes to fever thermometers, the innovation that came with the digital age is a great thing. If you have an old glass mercury thermometer, check with your doctor or local health department about how to properly dispose of it. Then go digital, if you haven't already. Your choice ranges from oral to ear to forehead thermometers. Unlike many things today, higher price doesn't always indicate higher efficiency.

What to Look for

Temperatures of children under 3 should be taken rectally for the most precise reading, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. So, parents of very young children, and caregivers for anyone unable to hold a thermometer under his or her tongue, should look for a digital thermometer that can be used either rectally or orally. Some have extra features, such as signaling with a beep when they're in the right spot or when sufficient time has passed for an accurate reading. In late 2005, Consumer Reports tested all types of fever thermometers and found the digital oral models to work best and cost least--less than $15 (although for a few dollars more, the Timex oral type announced the reading by "speaking," which testers enjoyed). Some give a reading in 30 seconds, some 60. Considerably quicker, but also less accurate according to Consumer Reports, was an average brand of ear thermometer. While a reading took just one second, it wasn't consistently accurate. In order to work, it had to be placed at exactly the proper angle in the ear, and the model tested had no beeping or other indicators to verify its proper placement. Also sent packing in the CR test was a forehead thermometer (it tested the Exergen brand) that gave a reading in one second, but also was much less precise.

Common Pitfalls

It's probably not realistic to expect any type of thermometer to deliver an accurate reading in less than 30 seconds, so don't be swayed by claims of instant answers. Parents of infants may be tempted to skip the rectal procedure and buy a pacifier thermometer. That may be fine for the run-of-the-mill illness, but it's best to have a digital oral/rectal thermometer on hand, as well. Pacifier types may be off by as much as a full degree, and while that will only matter slightly if at all for the most common childhood maladies, it could matter quite a bit when a child's temperature climbs and you and your doctor need an accurate measurement of what's going on.