buying guides
How to choose the best thermometer for your family
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When you become a parent, it’s quite common to become a LITTLE obsessed with your child’s temperature.
It's the peak season to pick up bugs (not to mention Covid-19), so having a decent thermometer is a MUST.
It will help you to check whether a family member's temperature is above 38C, which can be a sign of infection.
You can then either treat the fever at home using paracetamol, or, if you’re concerned that they are more seriously unwell, seek medical help.
For more help and guidance, visit the NHS website, here.
1. Digital Thermometer, £9.99
*Can be used in mouth or under arm
*Results in approximately 30 seconds
*Screen has a clear digital display to show reading
A simple-to-use and budget-friendly thermometer that gives accurate readings in only 30 seconds.
The soft flexible thermometer tip is designed with comfort and safety in mind and the waterproof design means it can be throughly cleaned between readings.
2. Wohlman Medical Thermometer
*Three modes for measuring the temperature of body, surface and room
*Uses infrared technology to measure temperature
*One-button measurement, that's simple and quick to use
A three-way thermometer that can be used to measure forehead and ear temperature, as well as how hot or cold a room is.
It provides readings in a second and recalls the last 20 temperature readings for extra convenience.
3. Braun digital, £37
*Useful thermometer that can take accurate temperatures in just one second
*Easy-to- read LCD display
*Probe suitable for use on newborns
Most parents prefer to buy a digital thermometer, which can start from as little as £5.
More sophisticated models will set you back about £30, but at the upper end of the scale, you can expect to pay £50 to £60.
This digital ear thermometer by Braun is a bestseller for good reason, and can take an accurate reading in just a second. It has a colour-coded temperature guide, so you'll know whether your child's reading in the safe zone, or whether they need medical attention.
4. Non-contact thermometer
*Easy, one-touch operation
*Designed with high precision infrared sensor
*Can take readings in both fahrenheit and celsius
This model can read your child's temperature from as far away as 3cm and automatically shuts off after 30 seconds to save battery life.
Plus, it features a large LCD screen and three colour backlights (green indicates a healthy state and red a fever).
What features to look for when buying a thermometer
While strip thermometers have the benefit of being cheap, they are not known for their accuracy.
They work by holding against your child’s forehead for about 30 seconds; the strip changes colour to indicate temperature.
However, these measure your child’s skin temperature rather than the core body temperature and the NHS advises against using them.
Digital thermometers vary enormously in their function and features.
The cheapest are simple devices that you can use orally or under your child’s armpit.
These beep when they’re ready to be read and give an actual temperature in figures, but you have to hold them in place for 30 to 60 seconds, which can be tricky if your child is distressed or fidgety.
Mid-priced digital thermometers can often be used to take a reading from a few different places, such as your child’s ear or forehead.
These are usually much quicker to use, and give you a reading in just a few seconds.
The drawback is that they can give inaccurate results if they’re not placed in the ear correctly, which can obviously be a challenge with a wriggly child. Some also have to be used with disposable probe covers.
Top-end digital thermometers are designed to be super-quick and easy to use.
They give readings in a couple of seconds, and some don’t even need to be in contact with your child’s skin to take their temperature, which can be a big benefit if he’s sleeping.
They are significantly more expensive, though.
Some digital thermometers have functions that make them easier to read – for example, displaying a red light if your child has a fever and green if they’re okay.
Others also do double-duty as a room thermometer.
What else you need to know about thermometers?
If you still have an old-fashioned glass thermometer hanging around, don’t be tempted to use it for your child.
These are no longer sold for home use, as there’s a high risk that they could break, releasing poisonous mercury.
The NHS recommends that your child’s armpit is the most accurate place to take a temperature reading from.
If he’s less than three months old and his temperature is above 38C you should see a doctor, and if he’s three to six months, you should seek medical help if it’s above 39C.
For older babies and children, use your judgement – if his temperature is particularly high or not coming down with paracetamol, or he has other signs of illness, it’s wise to see your doctor.
Checklist
- The NHS recommends taking your child’s temperature using a digital thermometer.
- Most can be used in your child’s ear or on his forehead, and some don’t have to touch the skin to take a reading.
- Don’t use forehead strip thermometers as these are not accurate, or mercury-in-glass thermometers as these are not safe.
Read on:
• The best baby bath thermometers
• What should your newborn wear in bed?