thermometer

MrsNJSwimmer

https://www.parents.com/baby/gear/registries-buying-guides/fuss-free-thermometer/

Do any of you have this?  Is it any good?

I really hate the idea of the rectal thermometers, but from what I've read, they are the most accurate. 

thoughts?

LMH1209

I think the most important part of that review starts with "But take note:".  That thermometer sounds good for squirmy toddlers, but for an infant, I'd go with an inexpensive oral/rectal thermometer that has a quick reading (and plan to use it as a rectal thermometer).  For a young baby, a fever can mean a trip to the hospital and possibly a spinal tap just to rule out really bad things.  I'd rather be as accurate as possible at that stage.  We have the Safety 1st 8-second thermometer, but I'm sure anything similar would be good.  We also keep thermometer covers on hand.

Taking a rectal temp really isn't that tough once you've done it once or twice.  DH and I usually do it together so he can hold DS's lower back and legs while I insert the thermometer, but I've done it on my own.  You could take your thermometer to one of your early well visits and ask a nurse to help you do a practice temp so you are comfortable with it whenever you start wondering whether your baby has a fever.  (I think I thought he might have a fever about once a week for a while early on, and the temp always turned out to be under 100.4.  I guess I'm still fine-tuning that feeling the forehead trick ).

MrsNJSwimmer

LMH1209:

You could take your thermometer to one of your early well visits and ask a nurse to help you do a practice temp so you are comfortable with it whenever you start wondering whether your baby has a fever.  (I think I thought he might have a fever about once a week for a while early on, and the temp always turned out to be under 100.4.  I guess I'm still fine-tuning that feeling the forehead trick ).

This is a great idea - I never thought about that.  Thanks! 

I'm pretty sure there's a regular thermometer on my registry, but I happened to get a pamphlet on this the other day and then saw this.  Thanks for the input!

tracy042206

For an infant I would get one of the tapered thermometers - it prevents over insertion if using rectally.  And like pp said, the rectal temp really isn't that hard as an infant and they don't really seem to mind that much either.  After 3 mo my pedi said to just use one under the arm and after 1 yo we have been using the ear thermometer which Maggie actually loves and is very fast.  I am sure it isn;t the most accurate but once they are older you just need to know ball park and I always take it twice in both ears because she likes it and it gives me more peace of mind that reading is correct.