If your baby is under the weather your doctor will normally suggest that you monitor their body temperature. There are two reasons for this. Firstly it gives you an indication of the status of the illness - a falling temperature could indicate that the illness is getting better while a rising temperature could indicate that the illness is getting worse. Secondly, it enables you to ensure that core body temperature does not rise to dangerously high levels.
Up until very recently the favored method of monitoring a baby's temperature was via the rectal route. Although this gives a very accurate temperature reading the disadvantages of this approach are obvious. Firstly it requires planning and cooperation. Secondly it is unpleasant for your baby and not particularly kind if he or she is already feeling unwell. Thirdly, it takes time for the reading to stabilize.
Baby ear thermometers now represent a great alternative to conventional methods but it is only recently that their use has become widespread. This is largely down to a significant reduction in costs over recent years. Costs were previously prohibitively high for home use.
Unlike traditional thermometers baby ear thermometers do not measure temperature through conduction and expansion of a liquid. They work by monitoring the amount of IR radiation emitted by the body. Using some fairly complex technology and calculations it is possible to obtain a very accurate indication of body temperature.
Use of the ear has other advantages over alternative routes. Firstly, in comparison to the mouth, the reading is not affected by a recent cold or warm drink. The ear drum also shares a blood supply with the part of the brain that is responsible for regulating body temperature so temperature in the ear reflects core body temperature very accurately. In comparison, the temperature of the rectum can lag behind core body temperature giving a less accurate reading. The ear canal is also very accessible and does require extensive cooperation to use.
Generally speaking baby ear thermometers are very easy to use. You normally just place them in the ear canal, push a button and wait for a second or so for the result to appear on the display. Some of the very best also provide you with feedback while you are using them. For example they will tell you when the thermometer is in the correct place to give a reading and also tell you when an accurate reading has been obtained. Some even warm up the ear piece to avoid discomfort and increase the accuracy of the reading.
Although predominantly intended for babies there is absolutely no reason why they can't be used by other members of the family - even up to adults. They are also very easy to clean so there is no risk of transferring ear infections from one member of the family to the other.
Although there are many options available to all parents baby ear thermometers represent one of the most practical and cost effective methods of monitoring your baby's body temperature during illness. They are extremely easy to use and the costs now make them an option for all families. They are a great investment which you will use again and again.
Up until very recently the favored method of monitoring a baby's temperature was via the rectal route. Although this gives a very accurate temperature reading the disadvantages of this approach are obvious. Firstly it requires planning and cooperation. Secondly it is unpleasant for your baby and not particularly kind if he or she is already feeling unwell. Thirdly, it takes time for the reading to stabilize.
Baby ear thermometers now represent a great alternative to conventional methods but it is only recently that their use has become widespread. This is largely down to a significant reduction in costs over recent years. Costs were previously prohibitively high for home use.
Unlike traditional thermometers baby ear thermometers do not measure temperature through conduction and expansion of a liquid. They work by monitoring the amount of IR radiation emitted by the body. Using some fairly complex technology and calculations it is possible to obtain a very accurate indication of body temperature.
Use of the ear has other advantages over alternative routes. Firstly, in comparison to the mouth, the reading is not affected by a recent cold or warm drink. The ear drum also shares a blood supply with the part of the brain that is responsible for regulating body temperature so temperature in the ear reflects core body temperature very accurately. In comparison, the temperature of the rectum can lag behind core body temperature giving a less accurate reading. The ear canal is also very accessible and does require extensive cooperation to use.
Generally speaking baby ear thermometers are very easy to use. You normally just place them in the ear canal, push a button and wait for a second or so for the result to appear on the display. Some of the very best also provide you with feedback while you are using them. For example they will tell you when the thermometer is in the correct place to give a reading and also tell you when an accurate reading has been obtained. Some even warm up the ear piece to avoid discomfort and increase the accuracy of the reading.
Although predominantly intended for babies there is absolutely no reason why they can't be used by other members of the family - even up to adults. They are also very easy to clean so there is no risk of transferring ear infections from one member of the family to the other.
Although there are many options available to all parents baby ear thermometers represent one of the most practical and cost effective methods of monitoring your baby's body temperature during illness. They are extremely easy to use and the costs now make them an option for all families. They are a great investment which you will use again and again.
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