What's the best thermometer to buy for babies? And the best way to check a temperature?

A few years ago I bought a $90 hospital- grade ear thermometer- it works in about two secs. The problem is, most people use them incorrectly and you you have to get it really IN the ear in order to get a true reading. And now, the hospitals have even gone back to a rectal temp for babies and small children because of the accuracy issue. Just buy a rapid-reading digital for 'bottom' use. It's the most accurate and any time a dr. wants to know baby's temp, they prefer a rectal read. now I use the $10 rectal thermometer because it's easier to get an accurate read if your baby is squirmy.

After trying this with 3 kids I would say for a baby (under 2) I would use a thermometer for the bottom. I have found one that is digital and the tip is short so you don't have to worry about putting it in too far.

I've found babies are too wiggly to do this any other way. For Older kids the ear ones may be ok depending on the model. Some are not very accurate at all. My personal favorite is the one you swipe across the forehead and tap behind the ear.

Best Thermometer For Baby

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RE:

What's the best thermometer to buy for babies? And the best way to check a temperature?

I have a digital thermometer and it takes way too long to register a temperature. I need something that takes a quick temp since babies don't sit still very long! I've been taking her temp under her arm -- is that the best way to do it?

Best Thermometer For Kids

You can buy digital thermometers just like the ones the doctors use, only cheaper. Try looking at your local chemist. or pharmacy. You just pop it in their ear and 3-5 sec later you've got your reading.

I swear by mine but it was around $30-$40 from memory, but you have them forever so its worth the money.

best ofluck

Oh and remember when taking underarm temp always add on 0.5 degrees (celcius) to get a more accurate reading. There is heat loss under the arm and its not the same as an ear or under toungue reading.

I have had issues with my Safety First thermometer. I had a Red Cross one (that came in a health/grooming kit) but i lost it. I just bought another Red Cross one. It was $9.99 at Drug Mart where I live (OH). It was the most expensive but I needed one that was a good brand and took my daughter's temp faster. Of course I buy it and she doesn't have a fever anymore BUT it takes temps between 10-22 seconds, depending how you take it. EDIT: the Red Cross one I mentioned above can be used rectally (once used that way you shouldn't use in the mouth for sanitary reasons), orally, or under the arm. I usually do it under the arm. Definitely get a new one. The Red Cross one is digital. I love digital ones. Mercury takes too long.

I use the ear thermometer, it is very very fast 2-3 seconds

generally the ear type is easy and quicker way to take the temperature.

You can check out some of the thermometers below.

We have a digital thermometer that goes in our child's ear, believe it or not.