THERMOMETER OPTIONS:
When considering your choices for a thermometer, consider these options:
DIGITAL THERMOMETERS
These thermometers can be used in the rectum (rectal), mouth (oral) or armpit (axillary). Armpit temperatures, however, are typically the least accurate of the three. They use electronic heat sensors to record the body’s temperature.
DIGITAL EAR THERMOMETERS
A digital ear thermometer uses an infrared ray to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. Keep in mind that earwax or a small, curved ear canal can interfere with the accuracy of an ear thermometer temperature.
DIGITAL PACIFIER THERMOMETER
The child sucks on the pacifier until their temperature is recorded. This is one of the least accurate methods of obtaining your child’s true temperature.
TEMPORAL ARTERY THERMOMETER
An infrared scanner is used to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the child’s forehead. While this method is a good option, and more accurate then a pacifier thermometer, it still will not give you the more accurate reading of a digital thermometer.