Shopping For Your Family’s Next Fever Thermometer

Posted by Christie in Health & Care

It’s a fact of life, children at every age are bound to get sick sooner or later. Odds are that the illness at some point will be accompanied by a fever which will need to be checked at home by parents or caretakers. 

This task requires a reliable fever thermometer but the market is saturated with different types, models, makers, and styles so how do you know which one is right for your family?

Do your research. Researching the right kind of thermometer is important because getting an accurate reading could be critical in caring for your child. According to numerous experts a child is considered running a fever when temperature reaches 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. 

When buying a thermometer there are several questions that I suggest you answer to narrow your search down. First, consider the age of your child. Most pediatricians that I have spoken with agree with other research I have found that says it is hard to get an accurate oral reading on children under the age of six months old. They suggest to measure under the arm or rectal temperatures at this age, keeping in mind that rectal temps are the most accurate but the least pleasant for you and the child.

Second question to consider is who else in the family is going to use the thermometer?  Are your children spread throughout a large age range? Third, What is your price range that you are wanting to spend for your new thermometer?

Once you have asked yourself those questions consider the following types of fever thermometers that are popular on the market today.  

♦ Combination Thermometers:  Can be used to measure temps rectally, orally, and under the arm.  It comes with different attachments and can be used for a wide variety of ages in the same family. There are tip covers that you can purchase to sanitize the tips of the attachments.  The price for a good Combo thermometer starts around $35.00

♦ Infrared Thermometers: These are fairly new technology, measuring temperature by quickly being passed over the forehead. They are considered to be accurate, fast, and easy and are being used in numerous hospitals and doctors offices across the country, including mine. They can be used on all ages so like the combo thermometer they are good for families with various ages in them. Prices start at about $30.00 and go up from there.

♦  Pacifier Thermometers: As their name indicates, these are pacifiers that a baby can suck on that has the ability to detect its temperature.  Not always accurate though since babies don’t always want to suck on the thermometer at the right time that you are trying to take it. Though for baby’s that like a Binky… these can be easy to use. They start at around $15.00 but if you have older kids you’re going to want to pick up a different model for older children and adults.

♦ Rectal Thermometers: Remain one of the most reliable ways to check an infants temperature though not the most convenient or fun for baby or parent. They are cheap, costing just a few dollars at most stores but again… you will want a different kind for older children and adults.

♦ Oral/Under Arm Thermometers: Like the rectal ones are kind of the “old standby”  models. They are fairly easy to use and normally reliable but they depend on how cooperative the child is being when you are trying to take their reading. They cost about the same as a rectal thermometer but can be used by older family members too.

♦ Ear Thermometers: These can be used by all ages so they are good for families with various ages. They are easy to use, just stick the end in the ear, push a button and wait for the beep to indicate it is done reading. However, the readings can vary with ear wax build up, position and angle they are held at, and other factors so they are not always reliable. Ear Thermometers start at around $18.00.

These are just a few simple guidelines to consider when shopping for your family’s next fever thermometer.  Good luck and happy shopping!



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