Before you buy a recommended digital ear thermometer brand you might have some questions.
Here are some of the common questions mums and dads have along with the answers.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Digital Ear Thermometers?
Digital ear thermometers, also called tympanic or aural thermometers, and use infrared sensors to read a babies body temperature inside the outer ear canal to then give readings in degrees celcius or farenheit.
Why Use a Digital Ear Thermometer on a Baby?
The benefits of using digital ear thermometers on a baby or child is they are less invasive and provide quicker readings than a digital probe thermometer under the arm pit or from the rectum when used correctly.
Are Digital Ear Thermometers Safe to Use?
Yes, digital ear thermometers are safe to use on children. However, digital ear thermometers are generally not recommended for children under six months old due to the size of a babies’ developing ear canals.
No matter which baby ear thermometer you choose, remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintenance and use.
How Often Do You Clean a Digital Ear Thermometer?
You must clean thermometers after every use to prevent germs from developing and spreading. Multi-use thermometers should also only be applied in one area per reading to prevent contamination. Do not place the same thermometer in both ears without cleaning in between readings.
What is a Normal Baby Ear Temperature Reading?
The normal ear temperature reading range for a child is 35.8 – 38°C when using a digital ear thermometer.
At What Temperature is it a Fever in a Baby?
If Your child has either a forehead, ear, or rectal temperature reading higher than 38°C then they have a fever.
What Are the Signs of a Serious Fever in a Child?
If you sense your child is seriously ill, follow your instincts and contact your doctor, especially if he/she exhibits the following signs:
- Less than 3 months old and has a fever
- Maintains a fever for over 72 hours
- Extremely irritable, fussy, and/or cranky
- Incredibly lethargic, sleepy, or non-responsive
- Persistently coughs and wheezes
- Fever combined with a rash or other signs that worry you