When preparing a large dowry for a future baby, parents need to take care of many things. One of the important and necessary components of a children's first-aid kit is a thermometer for a newborn.
general information
On sale you can meet completely different models, and which one will be more convenient to use - it is important to know in advance. After all, the baby cannot lie still while the temperature is being measured, and it is often necessary to do this at first and during the illness. Each thermometer has its obvious advantages, but experienced mothers also note the disadvantages.
The thermometer for a newborn can be made of a variety of materials, differ in size, appearance and accuracy of temperature measurement. Consider the main types and find out which option is preferable for babies.
Mercury thermometer - time-tested classic
Our grandmothers and mothers trust only the classic mercury thermometers. Yes, and in hospitals most often it is this option that is offered. It is believed that his accuracy is maximum and there are practically no failures. The error of such a device can be as little as 0.1 degrees. But such a thermometer has several disadvantages:
- It is easy to break. If this happens, you will have to carefully collect the mercury balls and carry out disinfection measures.
- Not every infant can withstand a long waiting time. If the child is "on fire", then it takes about 5 minutes to establish accurate data. But at lower temperatures, it may take up to 10 minutes to find out the readings.
According to the reviews of mothers, it is clear that this option is necessary in the first-aid kit, but is suitable for older children and adults. For a baby and a restless baby, it is better to consider other devices.
Electronic meter
The electronic thermometer for the newborn is gaining more and more popularity. It is a modern instrument that allows you to measure the temperature not only in a traditional place - under the armpit, but also in the mouth, in the anus or when applied to the forehead.
To get the testimony, you need to wait about 2-3 minutes. At the same time, the device gives a sound signal at the end of the measurement, which, according to parents, is very convenient. However, doctors do not always trust the testimony of such products, because sometimes their error ranges from 0.2 to 0.8 degrees.
Features of the electronic thermometer
When buying a thermometer for a newborn, it is recommended to identify its accuracy with a special device that a pharmacy worker should offer. If the error is only 0.1 degrees, then such a product lasts a long time, and at the same time, the values do not lose their accuracy. If the thermometer initially showed a large discrepancy, then subsequently the results only worsen. It is also not recommended to purchase too cheap options. As practice shows, the sensors in them react poorly to small changes in body temperature.
The electronic thermometer is convenient and safe to use, as evidenced by the feedback of many parents. You can call the device the best option for measuring temperature in newborns and older children. The main thing is to choose a verified instance.
Nipple thermometer
On sale you can find nipples, inside of which an electronic sensor is built in, showing body temperature. To measure it, you need to perform a number of simple steps:
- put a dummy in the baby’s mouth and press the button;
- wait about 3 minutes until the device gives a signal;
- view data on an electronic display;
- turn off the sensor.
A big plus is the fact of remembering the last testimony. Also, many models have a backlight, which helps a lot at night. The product itself is made in the form of a nipple with a silicone base, so the baby uses this wonderful device without any problems. However, when deciding which thermometer for newborns to choose, this option cannot be considered optimal. Despite the apparent ease of use, such a dummy has a number of disadvantages that parents point out in their reviews:
- the device cannot be sterilized because it contains an electronic sensor;
- the battery may run out at the wrong time;
- the baby can simply spit out the nipple or completely abandon it;
- during crying, it is difficult to obtain data on body temperature;
- the child grows rapidly, and very soon such an adaptation becomes irrelevant.
When using a nipple thermometer, the data may be incorrect if the baby has a stuffy nose and is forced to breathe through his mouth.
Single use thermometer
Thermometers for newborns are very diverse. Reviews about them sometimes help other users make the right choice. So, thermometers appeared on sale, which are popular with avid travelers and parents, often away from home. The device is a strip for single use, which, thanks to the individual packaging, is completely sterile. An obvious plus - convenience, compactness and the ability to use at any time and place. Scheme of use:
- the strip is removed from the package and placed under the tongue of the baby;
- after one minute it needs to be removed and left for 10 seconds;
- You can watch the result.
The strip turns blue when the temperature is elevated. Of course, this option can be recommended as emergency or for use on the road.
Thermal strips
The product looks like a flexible strip with a sensitive indicator applied to it. According to the reviews of mothers, it helps a lot when a newborn cries and there is no way to use the usual thermometers. It is necessary to get a strip from the package and stick it on the baby's forehead. Depending on the color, you can understand the presence or absence of a problem. Of course, we are not talking about the accuracy of the values, but such a device makes it possible to quickly assess the situation and take measures in time.
Of the positive feedback from parents, it should be noted:
- The convenience of use. It can be used if the baby is sleeping, or it is appropriate to take with you on the road.
- Allows you to measure the temperature, even a crying child.
But there are much more minuses than pluses. Firstly, the thermometer is not capable of accurate measurements. It allows only to assess the situation. Secondly, the life cycle of one strip is short, so you need to constantly buy new packaging. Parents often purchase this option in order to have a product in their purse that allows them to control the temperature of the newborn at any time.
Infrared thermometer
When considering which thermometer is better for a newborn, it is worth considering the infrared version. The device is small and allows you to receive data on the temperature of the baby, without touching it. It comes in the form of various modifications and can be ear or frontal.
Among the positive reviews note:
- strong design and complete absence of harmful to health components;
- allows you to measure the temperature without contact with the skin of the baby;
- to obtain the result, the conversion of body energy into a digital indicator is used.
Of course, such a device also has disadvantages. Many are repelled by the high price. In addition, there are errors in use. If the ear option is selected, then with inflammation of the ear, the results may be overestimated.
However, despite some disadvantages, many parents admit that this is the best thermometer for newborns, because it makes it possible to quickly and accurately measure the temperature of the baby without disturbing him.