Thermometers: Understand the options

Choosing the thermometer that’s best for your family can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know about the most common thermometers.

Digital thermometers

Regular digital thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature. These thermometers can be used in the rectum, mouth or armpit.

Armpit temperatures are usually the least accurate. Rectal temperatures provide the best readings for infants, especially those 3 months or younger, as well as children up to age 3. For older children and adults, oral readings are usually accurate — as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in place.

If you plan to use a digital thermometer to take both oral and rectal temperatures, you’ll need to get two digital thermometers and label one for oral use and one for rectal use. Don’t use the same thermometer in both places.

The pros:

• Most digital thermometers can record temperatures from the mouth, armpit or rectum — often in a minute or less.
• A digital thermometer is appropriate for newborns, infants, children and adults.

The cons:

• Parents may worry about causing discomfort when taking a child’s temperature rectally.
• You need to wait 15 minutes after eating or drinking to take an oral temperature. Otherwise, the temperature of your food or drink might affect the thermometer reading.
• It can be difficult for children — or anyone who breathes through the mouth — to keep their mouths closed long enough to get an accurate oral reading.

Digital ear thermometers