Baby Thermometer Buying Guide
When your baby has a fever and you're worried, call your doctor. Be prepared to report your baby's temperature, the method
you used to take it, how long your baby has had the fever, and any other symptoms your baby has. Accuracy is crucial and having
the right thermometer is the first step.
- Getting started
- Types
- Features
- Brands
Features
As simple as digital thermometers are, some have bells and whistles that you might find convenient—beeps that tell you when they're in the right spot or when they're finished, or soft or curved tips. Here are the baby thermometer features to consider.
Speed reading
When you're trying to take a wiggly baby's temperature, you don't have much time to get the job done. Some thermometers claim to display a reading in as fast as five seconds, but in our opinion, a reading in 20 to 60 seconds is fine.
Positioning gauge
To take the guesswork out of insertion, some rectal thermometers feature an indicator or design that makes it easy to know if the thermometer is positioned properly—a definite plus.Sound effects
Thermometers that beep when they're done are useful; that way, you won't leave the thermometer in any longer than necessary.Durability
Life with an under-the-weather baby is unpredictable. You'll want a digital thermometer that can withstand dropping, being submerged in water, even being gnawed on by your little one.Brains
Some thermometers "remember" the last temperature read. That can be useful, especially in the middle of the night when you're sleep-deprived and trying to determine in which direction your baby's fever is going. Some also feature an automatic shutoff to preserve battery life. That's a plus, too.-
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