These are some of the factors that you should consider when looking for a thermometer for a kid.
1. The Way to Use it:
Kids do not understand much and they are quite impatient. Thus, it can be a challenge to use a thermometer on them. That is if you are using the wrong kind.
You will find different types of thermometers based on how you use them. For example, rectal thermometers, forehead, ear, oral, etc. Each has its pros and cons. And, each suits a different age group.
Let’s find out which suits you more.
Rectal Thermometers: These are thermometers doctors recommend using on babies younger than three years old. It is because the rest of the thermometers may not give a very accurate reading and may be difficult to use on a baby of such age. In fact, rectal thermometers are very accurate.
Forehead and Ear Thermometers: These are very easy to use on kids older than three years. All you have to do is hold them on the forehead or ear of the kid for a few seconds. This is less accurate but extremely easy to use. In fact, it uses the tympanic membrane to take the temperature. The trouble is that sweat and such conditions may alter the reading.
Oral Thermometers: This is the traditional thermometer that you put in the mouth and wait. The problem with this one and kids is that the kids do not know how to hold the thermometer properly and often are not patient enough to hold it for long. Other than that, you have to keep the mouth closed properly for the thermometer to pick the temperature up accurately. But, you can place some of these under the armpit as well.
2. The Type of Thermometer:
There are a few types of thermometer available and without any doubt, the most popular is the digital one. Let’s get to know them.
Digital Thermometers: These are the user-friendly ones with displays that give you an easy reading of the temperature. All you have to do is place it where you have to place it, wait and check the reading.
Infrared Thermometers: These are even more developed thermometers. You may not even have to place the thermometer on the kid’s body, it can receive the temperature form a distance. And, it can also provide the reading very accurately and easily. However, these are much costlier and usually not for home use.
Mercury Thermometers: These are the traditional ones with mercury in them. And, these are the ones you should never use on kids as mercury has been proved to be harmful to human health.
3. The speed of the thermometer:
As kids do not want to wait for long, you do not want the thermometer to take too long either. Therefore, check how long the thermometer is supposed to take to know the correct temperature of the kid. The faster it does, the better it is. In fact, if the thermometer works well from the beginning, you do not have to worry about how long it takes until its battery runs out.
4. The accuracy of the thermometer:
A thermometer may measure the temperature in two different units. It may be Fahrenheit or Celsius. But, let’s talk in Fahrenheit now.
You should make sure that even if the thermometer is inaccurate, it should not exceed the inaccuracy of 1-2 Fahrenheit.
Another thing you have to consider is the range. It is safe to choose a thermometer that measures temperature from a range of 96 Fahrenheit to 109 Fahrenheit.
Consider both of these and you will get a reading that may not be accurate but it won’t cause any danger either.
5. Safety Concerns:
Since you will be using the thermometer on kids, you need it to be safe. The thermometer should never pose a choking hazard. Check other risks as well and make sure that the unit is harmless.
6. The Ease of reading:
Most digital thermometers come with an LCD display that clearly shows the temperature of the body. You have to check that this screen is very clear and the overall light combination suits the eyes. If you want the thermometer to show something more then you should look for such a feature too.
7. Other Features:
Many thermometers offer extra features like a fever alarm or a warning about the temperature if it is too high. As a clueless parent, you may find the guidance of the thermometer very helpful for the most accurate reading. So, if you are looking for such features, make sure you find a unit that provides them. Because there are many out there that do.
Final Words
Thermometers are not just devices to measure temperature anymore. Their features allow them to do a lot more than just measure and convey. With greater features, the price rises as well.
You know what you need and what you have to consider. It’s time you make a choice.
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