Baby thermometer: traditional or non-contact?
As parents, you know very well that it is a real challenge to measure your baby's temperature correctly. You also need to take into account the age of the baby - we measure the temperature differently in an infant and in an older child. If you are wondering which thermometer for an infant, as well as an older child, will be the best, we will tell you what the currently available options are. The rankings available on the Internet can also help young parents in their search for the best thermometer for an infant.
It is also worth mentioning that mercury thermometers have been removed from the market due to the toxic substance they contain.
Glass thermometer
Contains temperature-reacting alcohol - it works in a similar way to the old mercury thermometers. They are used for underarm measurements. Due to the long measurement time (up to several minutes) and the risk of injury if the device is damaged, it is not suitable for infants and very young children. The non-contact thermometer for babies is definitely the safer option.
Electronic thermometer
Most are powered by batteries, and the available models differ in shape, types of tips and the material from which they are made. Such a thermometer is able to measure the child's temperature within tens of seconds with an accuracy of 0,1 ° C. In addition, there are many models on the market with various amenities, such as an acoustic signal indicating the moment of completion of the measurement.
The temperature in the mouth, rectum and armpit can be measured with electronic devices. They are also often available at a low price. Parents who plan to buy an electronic thermometer should pay attention to its tip - it must be soft and flexible, thanks to which it will be safe also for small children.
Bar thermometer
Simply put, it is a strip that sticks to the baby's forehead. Then, after a few minutes, the color of the strip is compared with the template. Unfortunately, this method of measurement is very indicative and the result is imprecise, so we do not recommend it for regular use.
Non-contact thermometer
The thermometer works with infrared, thanks to which it can measure the temperature with an accuracy of 0,01 ° C in a few seconds. An undoubted advantage is the fact that it can be used even when the child is asleep. Therefore, the non-contact thermometer is recommended for babies. However, we must be aware that the accuracy of measurements using infrared thermometers may depend on the distance from the forehead or temples, the beam angle, the presence of sweat on the skin, etc. most precise. Such an ear thermometer for an infant should work in terms of the comfort and safety of a baby.
Thermometer-pacifier
An interesting solution is a thermometer in the shape of a soother, which collects information about body temperature in 2-3 minutes with an accuracy of 0,1 ° C. Unfortunately, a problem with its use may occur when the child does not want to have a soother and does not want to hold it in the mouth.
What thermometer for a baby to choose?
As indicated above, in stores we can find many types of thermometers for children - electronic, glass, non-contact, strip or thermometers-nipples. There is no clear answer to the question of the best thermometer for an infant, as it also depends on the character and sensitivity of the toddler. Therefore, the best method is to check in practice what it will be like best baby thermometer - by trying and observing your baby while taking her body temperature.
- Thermometer touchless for babies - it will be a good solution for characterful and very mobile children. It works on the principle of an infrared beam directed at the child's forehead. We get the result after a few seconds, but it also depends, for example, on whether the baby has a sweaty head or not. As we mentioned earlier, it is best to get a special over-the-ear measurement attachment. A baby ear thermometer will give you a more accurate measurement.
- Electronic thermometer for a baby - the result will be most reliable when the temperature is measured in the anus, which is why it is better for calmer children. The result is given after a few seconds with an accuracy of 0,1 ° C and signaled by a sound.
What to look for when choosing a baby thermometer?
Today, thermometers, in addition to the measurement function, offer a number of amenities that are designed to shorten and facilitate this process. What should we keep in mind when buying a baby thermometer? The rankings can definitely help us in choosing. Below, we indicate which features are worth paying attention to when searching.
Measurement speed
In the case of children, time is of great importance, so the sooner we are able to measure correctly, the less unpleasant the process will be for them. Infrared devices read after 1-3 seconds, while traditional thermometers show the result after up to 3 minutes.
Accuracy of measurement
It is also important that the thermometer shows the result correctly - some models do it with an accuracy of up to 0,01 ° C!
Useful functions
When measuring temperature, it is also important to compare previous results - to determine if the temperature is rising or falling. Some thermometers are equipped with a measurement memory function. Depending on the model, the device can save up to several dozen results or only the last one measured. An additional, important function is the measurement signal - thanks to it you do not have to sit with the watch in your hand, because you will hear an audible notification when the temperature measurement is finished.
Additional equipment
You can list here such elements as, for example, a waterproof casing, a flexible tip or illumination of the result (especially useful at night).
Brand
The brand of the product is also important, which is worth paying attention to when buying a thermometer. This does not mean that only the devices of leading manufacturers of medical equipment are worth recommending - the positive opinion of the Institute of Mother and Child was also obtained by affordable products offered in popular retail chains.
Price
The prices of thermometers are very diverse and depend both on the type of product and additional functionalities. It is therefore worth looking through the various offers, taking into account not only the purchase cost, but also other features of the device.
How to measure a child's temperature?
We already know that we can measure the child's body temperature in various places, but the most reliable indicator will be the measurement in the rectum, especially in the case of children under 3 years of age.
How do you measure your rectal temperature?
- Use a dedicated thermometer ONLY for a child.
- Clean the tip of the thermometer, rubbing gently with alcohol or soap and water, and then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
- Brush the tip with a little petroleum jelly or olive oilbecause the anal area is very sensitive to irritation.
- Take the measurement:
- Place your baby on your lap or on the level ground, belly down. Place your hand on your back to stabilize the position. With the other hand, gently insert the thermometer to a depth of about 1,3-2 cm. If you feel resistance, hold off. Hold the thermometer between your thumb and middle finger. After 1-2 minutes or after the beep, remove the thermometer and check the result.
- Put the baby on his back and pull his legs towards his chest. Hold your legs with one hand. Insert the other thermometer. After 1-2 minutes or after the beep, remove the thermometer and check the result.
- It is also possible to measure when the baby is lying on its side with legs bent.
Other places to take temperature
But what to do when such a measurement is impossible due to e.g. the toddler's mobility or when the child is already older? You can use other places to measure the temperature keeping in mind the difference in the results.
- The temperature in the armpit we measure by inserting a thermometer deep down the armpit. It is also important that it touches the baby's skin directly - temperature cannot be checked through clothes!
- When measuring temperature in the mouth remember to disinfect the thermometer with alcohol. The tool is placed under the tongue and held until an audible signal is heard. It is important to wait 15 minutes before taking a measurement if your child has had a cold or hot drink beforehand! Remember, however, that measuring the temperature in the mouth is recommended in children over 5 years of age and able to cooperate.
- Temperature in the ear it is best to measure with an infrared device - place a dedicated cap on the tip and after turning it on, gently insert the thermometer into your ear. We have the result after a few seconds. Such an ear thermometer will be suitable for both an infant and older children.
Which thermometer will be the best?
