Choosing a thermometer

Types of thermometers

Years ago, a glass mercury thermometer was a staple in most medicine cabinets. Today, mercury thermometers are scarce because of the health and environmental concerns surrounding mercury. So what's the best option for your family? A digital thermometer? An ear thermometer? Or maybe another type of thermometer? Here's a quick guide to the latest temperature-taking gadgets.

Digital thermometer

Digital thermometers, which are powered by small batteries, use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature. Most digital thermometers can record temperatures from the mouth (oral), armpit (axillary) or rectum (rectal) — often in 30 seconds or less. The result appears in a window on the upper side of the thermometer. Digital thermometers are inexpensive and appropriate for infants, children and adults.

Note: For infants younger than age 3 months, rectal temperatures are the most accurate. For older children and adults, oral readings are usually accurate — as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in place. Armpit readings tend to be less accurate than rectal and oral readings.

Digital pacifier thermometer

If your child uses a pacifier, you may want to try a digital pacifier thermometer. Your child simply sucks on the pacifier until the peak temperature is recorded. The temperature appears in a window on the front of the thermometer. There are a few caveats, however. Pacifier thermometers aren't recommended for infants younger than age 3 months. And for the most accurate reading, your child must hold the pacifier still in his or her mouth for about three minutes — which is difficult for many young children.

Digital ear thermometer

Digital ear thermometers, also called tympanic thermometers, use an infrared ray to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. When positioned properly, ear thermometers are quick and accurate — often measuring body temperature in just a few seconds. The result appears in a window on the upper side of the thermometer. Digital ear thermometers are powered by small batteries. They're appropriate for infants older than age 3 months, children and adults. Digital ear thermometers aren't recommended for newborns because their ear canals are usually too small. Digital ear thermometers are usually more expensive than other types of digital thermometers.

Temperature strip

Temperature strips contain liquid crystals that react to heat. Simply apply the strip to your forehead or your child's forehead. The strip will register body temperature by changing color. Temperature strips are appropriate for infants, children and adults. The strips aren't precise, however. If you need an exact temperature reading, use a digital thermometer instead.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/