What Thermometer is Best for Baby?
Posted by Emma, Snotty Noses HQ on 10th Apr 2024
Is your little one sick? We feel for you, parents. Life is so stressful when your babe is sick. It can feel like all your hard work with sleep and feeding schedules has gone out the window. The light at the end of the tunnel is 'this too shall pass,' and your babe will get better.
We started snottynoses.com.au to help parents through the stressful sick times and get their babes feeling better faster.
Let’s look at a medical box essential: thermometers.
What thermometer is best for baby?
While researching, you may have read about rectal thermometers and their accuracy. We find that while these are accurate at reading temperatures of young babies, they're super impractical for most parents and very invasive for Bub. Not to mention, when your child is sick, they’re easily irritated, and something like this just isn’t it when your child is already uncomfortable.
That's why our team of mamas here at Snotty Noses HQ and paediatricians all over the globe recommend infrared thermometers for babies over 3 months. See footnote for information on thermometers and newborns.
Here are five reasons why using an infrared thermometer, especially one with both forehead and ear probe capabilities like our Fever Boss, is the best choice for your family:
1. Accuracy and Consistency
Infrared thermometers provide accurate readings quickly and consistently.
The technology measures the infrared energy emitted from the child's body, ensuring precise temperature readings without direct contact. This method reduces the chances of measurement errors, especially when your child is restless or uncomfortable.
2. Ease of Use
Having a thermometer that offers both forehead and ear probe readings makes it versatile and easy to use in different situations. For instance, the forehead mode allows for non-invasive readings, ideal for younger children who might be sensitive to having something in their ear.
Alternatively, the ear probe mode provides a more direct measurement, useful when you need a precise reading quickly. Due to wax build up, the reading from the ear may be 0.5-1 degree higher than forehead.
3. Hygienic and Safe
Infrared thermometers are designed for hygienic use, as they do not require physical contact with mucous membranes.
This feature reduces the risk of cross-contamination between family members, making it a safer option for use within the household, especially during times of illness.
4. Quick Results
Time is crucial when your child is unwell. Infrared thermometers deliver results within seconds, minimizing the time your child needs to stay still for a reading.
5. Suitable for All Ages
From babies (over 3 months) to adults, infrared thermometers are suitable for everyone in the family. The dual-mode design, incorporating both forehead and ear probe capabilities, ensures that you can use the same thermometer for different family members, adapting to their comfort and age-specific needs.
The probe is easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
When Should I Contact a Medical Professional?
The temperature that should trigger a call to the doctor depends on a child's age, the illness, and whether they have other symptoms. You might ask if your doctor has specific guidelines on when to call about a fever.
In general, call the doctor or contact 13 Sick if your child is:
- younger than 3 months old with an underarm temperature of 38°C or higher
- 3 months or older with a forehead or ear temperature higher than 39°C
- any age but has a health problem like cancer or sickle cell disease and has a fever over 39°C
Source: kidshealth.org
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Don’t let winter colds and flus get the best of you. Stay on top of symptoms and prevent nasty secondary infections with the correct knowledge and tools.
Good luck, parents. You’ll make it through this.
Important Note for Babies under 3 months - by Dr. Stephanie Newnham
Forehead and ear infrared thermometers can give a false reading in newborns/babies under 3 months, as infants give off heat mainly from their head, so you usually get a higher reading. For babies under 3 months, we recommend a digital thermometer placed under the arm.
Disclaimer: We are not doctors, healthcare professionals, or aromatherapists. Our products are offered for sale with general use guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Should any sensitivity to our products occur, please discontinue use. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, and/or take the place of medical treatment prescribed by a doctor or medical professional.
