If you are a parent of an infant or toddler, one of the staples you should have at home is a good thermometer. There are many different types of baby thermometers to choose from, and each is designed to be as noninvasive as possible when taking a baby's temperature.
One of the easiest designs to use is a plastic strip thermometer that you hold against a child's head. After 15 seconds or so, the thermometer will change color to indicate the baby's temperature. Using a plastic strip is quick and affordable. Other options include a digital baby thermometer that is built into a pacifier so your baby can suck on the nipple without realizing that you are taking her temperature. This model comes with a digital readout area.
You can place an under-the-arm unit in your baby's armpit, where it is cushioned by skin. This baby thermometer will usually signal when the reading is complete if you are using a digital model. If you use a glass model, you should leave the thermometer under your baby's arm for 2 or 3 minutes before you take a reading. There are also ear models that function as accurately as the oral or underarm units. They generally come with a digital display that you can read in the dark so you don't disturb your baby's sleep.
What to Look for
When shopping for a baby thermometer, look for digital units that provide clinically accurate readings. Some are so efficient that they are designed to monitor a baby's temperature every 5 minutes, allowing parents and caretakers to keep frequent tabs on the baby's fever. For the pacifier model, look for an orthodontic nipple and a sealed battery area in the body of the unit. The ear model should come with an internal light that makes the readout easy to see. Some ear units are designed ergonomically so that you don't have to adjust the baby's ear in any way to receive the probe. With under-the-arm models, look for a quick sensor element that displays the temperature digitally. In general, it is best to buy high-precision baby thermometers that provide quick readings. Look for hypoallergenic tips and waterproof casings.
Common Pitfalls
Many pediatricians recommend that parents do not use rectal or glass thermometers for babies. With all the options available in the market, try to find a less-invasive, high-tech model that can do the job effectively. When using strip thermometers, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly since you can easily misread these units if you don't know what you are doing. Strip thermometers are also not as precise as other models, so keep this in mind when determining your purchase.
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