Product Review Sunday of Products Nannies LoveI just can't seem to get an accurate reading from an auxiliary (ear) thermometer. I have always been frustrated with auxiliary thermometers as they give low readings, that are never the same.
Pediatricians agree that a rectal thermometer is the most accurate to take a baby's temperature. But studies have shown temporal artery thermometers to be more accurate than underarm and in-ear thermometers. For babies it's best to use the rectal method until they get too old to tolerate it. But with children older than 12-months, the main information parents need to know is whether their kids have a high or low fever, so it's safe (and much easier) to swipe away.
The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer
The trick is to not depress the button until the sensor is flush against the forehead or behind the ear (on the pulse point). You have to slide the thermometer across the child's forehead, from the middle of the forehead to the temple, since the carotid artery is not in the same place on every person. It does have a bit of a learning curve, so practice using on your own forehead a few times. Just follow the directions in the package. Most clinics and hospitals are using these thermometers now, so it is well recommended. And from a frustrated nanny that can't use an auxiliary thermometer correctly, I recommend it too.