How do you choose the best thermometer for taking your child's temperature? It all depends on your kids and how easy it is to take a temperature when they are sick.
As parents we know it's not always and easy task to take a sick child's temperature but it's very important.
It can be difficult to get a child to keep a thermometer in their mouth especially if they are sick and vomiting from their illness.
The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends the old-fashioned mercury thermometers for our youth. When it comes to choosing a digital device, it depends on how old the patient is.
The most accurate method is to try and use a rectal thermometer when a child is sick but as parents most of use do not care to use this method. Most doctor will tell you that is is fine to use a digital thermomter under an arm to take a temperature. But when reading the temperature let the doctor know what your actual reading was on the thermometer and let them add any degrees to the number in order for an accurate reading.

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If a child is older than 6 months you can try to use an ear thermometer or the temporal type. The temporal thermoter can be swiped across the child's forehead and behind the ear this seems to be one of the most reliable methods for taking a temperature. It's also one of the easiest because the child doesn't have to sit still very long and is very fast and painless.


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Vicks Ear ThermometerThere are also strips that sit on the forehead which make it easier to take a little one's temperature. Along with that there are pacifier models, and ones that light up in the dark that make it easier to read them.
Most doctors will tell you not to do any adding or subtracting to the temperature at home. Instead inform them of what type of thermometer and method you are using (ear, rectal, underarm, forehead etc.) and provide them with the actual temperture.
Make sure the temperature is not taken right after eating something hot or cold. This will provide a more accurate reading. If the child has been outside in the cold let them rest inside at room temperature for about 15 minutes before taking their temperature.
Other things to consider besides taking a temperature when your child is sick is how they are eating, sleeping, if they are irritable or any change in their behavior.

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