This Is the Only Accurate Digital Thermometer (for Kids and Adults) I’ve Ever Used
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When yournewbornhas a fever, accurately measuring their temperature is crucial. It’s the difference between going to the ER and waiting it out. The most accurate thermometers for children under 12 months are rectal thermometers. As they get older, oral as well as forehead and ear readers are more convenient — and comfortable — options. But in my experience as a mom of two kids (6 and 3 years old), the forehead and ear readers I’ve tried have been wildly off. It would almost be comical if a misread fever weren’t a potential medical emergency.
And then I gotBraun’s updated ThermoScan digital ear thermometer. (Strategist senior editors Winnie Yang and Simone Kitchens both own versions of this as well.) According to Braun, it’s clinically proven to be as accurate as a rectal thermometer, even for newborns. It comes with what the company calls “Age Smart Technology,” allowing you to select your child’s age before taking their temperature: 0 to 3 months; 3 to 36 months; and 36 months and up. Once you select the right age range, you insert the pre-warmed tip into their ear and press the read button. The temperature appears in a couple of seconds with a beep and a color-coded, backlit screen: green for normal, yellow for fever, and red for high fever.
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The screen light lasts for a few seconds so that you can easily read the temperature, but it also comes with a night-mode option. In night mode, the tip illuminates so you can actually see where you’re inserting it, and it also turns off the beep alert so it doesn’t disturb your child if they’re sleeping. Another nice touch is that the previous temperature read shows up in the corner each time you use it. (There’s also the option to connect the thermometer with the Braun Family Care app to see a chart of all temperatures taken plus fever guidance and other features, but you don’t need it to start using the thermometer right away. I personally haven’t even downloaded it.)
The thermometer also comes with a box of lens filters, which are basically plastic covers that go over the probe to ensure an accurate reading and hygiene between users. (You cannot use the thermometer without a lens filter.) The filters fit inside the protective case along with the thermometer for easy transport.
Having the Braun on hand has been invaluable when my kids are sick. Even though they’re old enough to use an oral thermometer, it takes forever to register the temperature, and I can never be sure that they’re putting the tip under their tongue correctly. It’s pokey and fussy, and it’s the last thing you (and the kids) want to deal with when they’re feeling miserable. The Braun is instant, accurate, and so easy to use. Every parent should have this in theirmedicine cabinet.
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