When choosing a thermometer, parents need to understand that some devices are designed exclusively for determining the temperature in infants, while others are suitable for older children. All types of thermometers have both disadvantages and advantages. Consider the different types of thermometers and determine which one is suitable for a child, and which one is only for an adult.
Types of Thermometers
There are a lot of varieties of thermometers for children, and every day new developments are appearing in drugstores. Not all parents understand which measuring device is better to choose so that it is safe and also accurate.
The most common types of thermometers for children:
- mercury;
- infrared;
- electronic;
- nipple thermometer;
- thermal strip.
The most popular types of thermometers
We will analyze the characteristic features of each in more detail.
Mercury thermometer
One of the oldest ways to measure body temperature. A mercury meter is a glass tube with a reservoir containing mercury and a temperature scale. The main advantage of the device is the most accurate temperature when measuring. Deviations are scanty - from 0.05 to 0.1 degrees. Besides, such a thermometer with proper use and storage, it can serve the whole family for ten, or even more years.
Often, using a mercury thermometer, they measure not only the temperature under the armpits, but also oral and even rectal.
Such measuring devices are inexpensive and can be found in every pharmacy.
Read also: mercury-free thermometers - pros and cons of use.
Mercury thermometer
In pharmacies you can find a special pediatric mercury thermometer. It is lighter than ordinary, and also durable, it has a shockproof tip. If it falls to the floor, it will not crash.
Disadvantages of a mercury thermometer:
- Conventional thermometer (not pediatric thermometer for newborn) is quite fragile, when dropped to the floor it can easily break.
- Toxicity. If the flask is damaged, mercury spreads and has a negative effect on people and animals.
- When measuring, you need to wait a while, since the thermometer determines the exact temperature after ten minutes.
- In poor lighting conditions, it is difficult to see the temperature on the scale, since mercury reflects and is poorly visible.
- Such a thermometer is rarely used to determine the temperature in infants, since children at this age are quite restless.
Despite the impressive list of shortcomings, such a thermometer is in every house, and many prefer a mercury thermometer.
Infrared thermometer
Appeared on the shelves of pharmacy kiosks relatively recently, but has already managed to fall in love with consumers. Measures temperature in a few seconds. Infrared measuring instruments come in several forms:
- earplug;
- frontal;
- non-contact.
The measurement process occurs by reading the infrared radiation of the human body through a sensitive element. For accuracy, you can take measurements several times in a row.
Infrared thermometer
Benefits:
- It is completely safe; there is no mercury or glass in the design.
- Instantly detect temperature in just a few seconds.
- Hygienically clean, does not require regular disinfection and handling.
- The temperature in infants is easily measured - there is no need to undress the child, measurements can be taken during sleep.
- The infrared laser device works just like electronic thermometer. At the end of the measurement, it gives a signal, the indicator is displayed, the device automatically turns off and remembers the latest indicators.
- Replaceable tips are attached to ear devices, it is very convenient when measuring at small children.
- In addition to temperature, an infrared device measures the environment, the temperature in the room, as well as water.
- An infrared thermometer is often used for chronic otitis media, since it can be used to measure the temperature in the auricle.
Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer
Disadvantages:
- When measuring gives a small error - from 0.1 to 0.2 degrees. Experts do not consider this a significant drawback.
- Do not measure rectal temperature, as is the case with a mercury device.
- With the inflammatory process in the ear, thermometers will give the wrong result.
- High cost, up to 7000 rubles.
Infrared thermometer better used for measuring temperature in infants.
Digital Thermometer
One of the most popular thermometers is electronic, as it is easy to use. The principle of operation is based on measuring the resistance of the conductor with the environment, the indicators are displayed.
Electronic thermometers can be of different colors, configurations, with the image of animals, which helps to persuade the child to measure the temperature. Most electronic thermometers report the completion of measurement and can remember the latest readings.
Electronic baby thermometer
You can use an electronic thermometer in the groin, armpits, in the mouth under the tongue, as well as in the rectum.
Benefits:
- Measures in one minute.
- The average cost is low - a maximum of 600 rubles.
- A relatively safe device that does not contain mercury and, if dropped, is not capable of breaking and electric shock.
- Use the armpit in the oral cavity and rectum.
- In the pharmacy you can buy thermometers of various colors, sizes, in the form of animals.
- During the measurement process, it is not necessary to detect the time; a sound signal will inform about the result.
- Some models may remember several previous indicators. Thanks to this, you can track the heat throughout the day or even several days.
Digital Thermometer
Disadvantages:
- When measuring, there may be errors of 0.2-0.3 degrees.
- For an accurate indicator, it is necessary to measure the temperature several times in a row.
- The electronic device is powered by batteries, which must be changed from time to time.
- It is unsafe when there are middle-aged children in the house who can get out the batteries and swallow them.
- Most models should not be soaked in water compared to mercury thermometers.
- It is not recommended to sterilize or treat with antiseptic agents.
In general, such a thermometer is safe and can be used for both young children and adults.
Nipple Thermometer
Outwardly, it does not differ from a simple latex dummy. A special sensor is built into the pacifier, the temperature is displayed on the board. In addition, in the dummy is a button on and off. Some devices have a backlight that allows you to measure the body temperature of infants at night, without disturbing the child.
Nipple Thermometer
The principle of operation is quite simple: you need to give the baby a nipple and turn on the baby thermometer, degrees will appear on the display. After the sound signal, the thermometer pacifier must be taken from the child, it should not be used for a long time, like an ordinary pacifier. Depending on the manufacturer, the nipple thermometer measures the temperature from one to five minutes.
Advantages of a nipple thermometer:
- The measurement time is an average of one minute, but it also takes longer.
- Completely safe. Does not contain harmful substances (mercury), does not break.Since the nipple is a latex thermometer, it is safe for the baby.
- Easy to apply.
- Most of these nipples are equipped with automatic shutdown.
- There is color illumination, which is very convenient when measuring at night.
- The last indicators are remembered.
Nipple thermometer
Disadvantages of nipple thermometers:
- It is not recommended to use as an ordinary dummy.
- Periodically change the batteries.
- Error in the changes. Manufacturers claim that the deviations are up to 0.1 degrees, but most consumers say a significant error. When determining the body temperature with a pacifier-thermometer, it is necessary that the child breathes exclusively with his nose, which is not always possible, from this, and deviations in the indicators.
- Not every thermometer for children is recommended to be processed, but you can wipe it with warm water or hydrogen peroxide.
The cost varies from 600 to 3000 rubles. Use such thermometers mainly for infants. After a year and a half, it will be necessary to purchase another measuring device.
Thermal strips
The device is a film on which special crystals are applied, they change their color at different indicators. It can be measured by applying a strip to the arm, forehead or temporal lobe.
Thermal strip
Benefits:
- At high body temperature, the strip shows the result for 15 seconds.
- Easy to use.
- Convenient to take on the road, do not take up much space.
Thermal strip
Disadvantages of thermal strips:
- In most cases, they do not have accurate data, they can simply show whether the child has a fever.
- They have a large error. The indicators are influenced by body tightness, sweating or other nuances.
- Periodically, it is necessary to acquire new strips, as they quickly wear out.
Strips are also suitable for adults. Such devices are often purchased in kindergartens and schools for quick measurement of body temperature. The cost of the strips is low, an average of 600 rubles.
Expert Advice
When measuring body temperature with a mercury thermometer, the device must first be shaken, only adults should do this.
Body temperature in different parts of the body can vary significantly, so when checking several devices, it is necessary to measure the temperature under the armpits, where it will be most accurate.
When using an electronic device, the closest contact with the body is important.
The temperature of the child should not be measured immediately after the bath procedures, as well as after crying or walking, the indicators will be inaccurate.
Each of the thermometers has both advantages and disadvantages. Experts recommend having several types of thermometers at home in case of double-checking the readings or unexpected breakdown of the device.
