SS - STM+ Thermometer Recommendations

crestedlady · May 2014

A bit of a SS question here, but I'd appreciate some thermometer recommendations from some STM+.

We have an ear thermometer (Safety 1st) that we received as a gift during my first pregnancy, and at this point, I just don't think it is reliable. Admittedly, some of this is probably user error, but I can't seem to get a consistent temperature reading for our son. This morning it has ranged from 98.2 to 100, and it depends on which ear I'm using as to whether I get a higher or lower temperature as well. I know that at this age rectal is probably still the most accurate way to take a temperature, but a) I'm not comfortable doing that and b) I'm pretty sure at some point one of our class instructors during my last pregnancy recommended against taking a temperature that way ourselves. Anyway, any recommendation for an ear or forehead scan thermometer would be greatly appreciated.

zipscheer07 · May 2014

We just bought a tempural thermomater and we LOVE it. She actually thinks its funny when we go and take her temperature. Its pretty expensive but completely accurate and well worth the money!

erind228 · May 2014

As babies, I use a rectal thermometer. At two and three years old, I am using a temporal thermometer.

gmc222 · May 2014

We got this one when DD was born and we LOVE it! It has 3 different tips so you can use it rectally when LO is a baby, then move on to underarm or oral. It lights up red when there is a fever. Highly recommonded!!

ElTrain5 · May 2014

I bought the exergen temporal thermometer and have tried it out on myself multiple times. According to that I am constantly running a low fever. It never matches the oral thermometer I have and varies as much as 2 whole degrees. I'm probably going to return it.

emandjp · May 2014

In the first year, rectal thermometers are suggested by most pediatricians. They are extremely accurate and quite easy to use. DD1 is almost two and we still use it, we will switch to a different one once she's two.

steprozz · May 2014

I used to work as a nurse in pediatrics pre-pregnancy and I despise temporal thermometers. they are so inaccurate because no one can use them correctly not even nurses. rectal is the most accurate way to take temp in a child and I always advise parents to do it that way. you barely have to put the thermometer in, pretty much just the tip. if you are really that uncomfortable with it, under the arm is the next best IMO. the ear thermometers are ok but can have a margin of error if you aren't comfortable using it or baby isn't cooperating. we have a Vicks brand thermometer for DS and I have found it to be accurate and not terribly expensive. plus it lights up green for no fever, yellow for low grade, and red for high so it's awesome for taking nighttime temps when you can't read the screen