I have been battling for the past few months with our old in-ear baby thermometer. The baby wriggles and refuses to let me take a reading and when I do get one it fluctuates all over the place. It has had it's day.
So time to test out some of the new infrared thermometer models which allow you take accurate forehead temperatures within a few seconds. Sounds infinitely better than poking a screaming baby in the ear.
The 3 models I have been sent to test out are the NUK 2in1 baby thermometer, Omron Gentle Temp 720 and Chicco My Touch. Let's put them through their paces...
NUK 2in1 Baby Thermometer £24.99
This is a dual thermometer which uses infrared technology to measure the temperature in the ear but also at the temple.
How does it look? The unit is compact and the rounded design means it fits in the hand comfortably. It has a little matching stand which keeps it upright. The sensor has a cap which fits snugly.
How does it work? It defaults to ear mode so if you want to use it to measure at the temple you have to change the mode - which isn't the most instinctual process but you get the hang of it. You pop the sensor against baby's temple and gently move it in a circular motion. The screen is not backlit so in a dark room it is difficult to read the screen but the tip does glow red/green to indicate fever which would be visible.
How long does it take? Readings take 5-8 seconds
Did the baby like it? She didn't seem to mind at all and it is quite easy to do when asleep.
Added extras? As mentioned the device has a fever alarm - the tip glows green for a normal reading and red for a high temperature plus you can measure surface temperatures (bath water, baby milk etc) using a different setting. It holds the past 25 readings in it's memory. When not in use the device shows the room temperature (it can be turned off completely to save battery life). Silent mode.
Pros: The stand makes it easy to use at a glance as a room thermometer.
Cons: It is annoying that it reverts back to ear mode everytime it is turned off.
Verdict: 4/5
Good all rounder - Great value for money
Omron Gentle Temp 720 £43.95
This is an infrared contactless device which measures forehead temperature.
How does it look: The unit is quite large and definitely the most medicinal looking device on test. It is long but sits in the hand well.
How does it work: It couldn't be more simple. You turn it on. Hold it 1-3cms from the centre of the forehead and press the start button. The screen is back lit so easy reading in the dark.
How long does it take? 1 second
Did the baby like it? My top tip with this one is do it discreetly! As soon as Little I saw the unit she wanted it. Trying to keep her still to take the reading (which only takes 1 second so you'd think it would be easy, right?) Luckily it does only take 1 second so at some point they usually do sit still for that long. It is perfect when they are sleeping as you don't need to touch them at all.
Added extras: The unit shows the room temperature when not in use and can also be used to measure surface temperatures. It holds 25 readings in the memory. Silent mode.
Pros: The speed of reading is virtually instantaneous. Plus you don't need to touch the child (just keep them still for 1second!) Genius.
Cons: It is quite large (you wouldn't want to carry it around in your bag) plus it is quite expensive. Most importantly it doesn't have a fever alarm.
Verdict: 4/5
Incredibly quick and easy to use - a professional unit.
Chicco My Touch £24.99
This is an infrared forehead thermometer with an unusual design.
How does it look? The smallest device I've seen, the My Touch is round and compact.
How does it work? The unusual device is designed to be held between 2 fingers and cradled against baby's temple. It is very simple to use. Turn it on, wait 2 seconds for calibration then press the scan button. You cradle against baby's temple moving slightly up and down. The unit beeps when finished and has a 3 colour fever alarm to alert high temperatures. The screen is not backlit so you need to rely on the fever alarm in the dark.
How long does it take? 5 seconds
Did the baby like it? She barely knew it was happening as I did it during a cuddle. We even took a selfie during one reading! Little E also decided it was her favourite because it is 'so cute!'. I never thought I would say this about a thermometer but she is right!
Added extras: 25 previous readings memory. Silent mode.
Pros: It is very compact so incredibly portable. I love the ergonomic design. The red, amber, green fever alarm (plus a sound alarm) makes it very clear to read.
Cons: No backlight, no surface or room temperature settings.
Overall verdict: 4/5
Unique design - Most portable
If you don't already have a room thermometer in the nursery and are on a budget the NUK is a good option but if you have a little bit more cash to spend the Omron is a very professional device.
Personally I will be keeping the Chicco My Touch in my change bag at all times - it is so compact and perfect for when out and about (it accompanied us on our family holiday to Spain last month!) In the medicine cabinet I'll keep the professional Omron - perfect for night time contactless readings.
Clink the links below to purchase via Amazon.co.uk
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Linking up to #triedtested at myfamilyfever.co.uk and goingonanadventure.co.uk #familytested at thegigglesfamily.com #maternitymondays at becomingastayathomemum.com #pocolo at vevivos.com
