Types of Baby Thermometers
Multi-use thermometers. While a digital multi-use thermometer has the ability to take rectal, oral or armpit temperatures, you should designate it for one selected area of the body for hygiene purposes. According to the AAP, oral use isn’t recommended until a child is at least 4 years old. And, for accuracy’s sake, most pediatricians suggest taking rectal temps for babies and toddlers up to age 3. These thermometers typically take several seconds to record a temperature reading (making them one of the slower options), and they can be intimidating for parents to use—but when it comes to accuracy and affordability, these reign supreme.
Temporal artery thermometers. A baby forehead thermometer (temporal artery thermometer) works by using infrared sensors to measure heat coming off of the blood vessel that runs across the temporal artery (forehead). These options can be used for all ages, and are favored by many for their quickness and ease-of-use. Most require just a quick swipe across the forehead or are no-contact, making them a hygienic and easy-to-clean option. However, it’s important to note that forehead thermometers can be affected by sunlight and air temperature, which can potentially mean inaccurate temperature readings.
Tympanic thermometers. Baby ear thermometers (tympanic thermometers) work by measuring infrared heat waves coming off of the eardrum. They can be used on babies older than 6 months (younger babies’ ear canals are too narrow). To get an accurate reading, this type of thermometer must be placed correctly in a child’s ear canal. While easier to use than multi-use thermometers, ear thermometers can be affected by small ear canals, ear wax and cold air temperatures, making them less reliable than other methods.
