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Which Thermometer Should You Trust? 🤒📏 Ever taken your kid’s temp with three different thermometers and gotten three different readings? Or, even more puzzling, vastly different readings with the same thermometer? You’re not alone. But before you panic (or throw out every thermometer you own) let’s talk about why this happens, when to use each type, and what actually matters when monitoring a fever. 🔬 Why Do Different Thermometers Give Different Readings? Each thermometer measures temperature in a slightly different way. Core body temperatures (taken rectally or orally) are typically higher and more stable than skin-based temperatures (forehead or underarm) because they reflect internal heat regulation rather than external influences (think outside temp, blood flow changes due to activity, positioning etc). 🌡 Some other considerations with each type of thermometer: ✔️ Rectal → Best for babies/toddlers under 2, but especially important for babies under 3 months of age. If child is 3+ months, you can consider ear (if over 6 months) or forehead thermometer unless otherwise directed by your clinician. ✔️ Oral → Avoid right after eating or drinking. (4+ years) ✔️ Ear (Tympanic) → 6 months + if rectal not preferred. ✔️ Forehead (Temporal) → Follow the directions and in the insert and either scan the sensor smoothly across the forehead parallel to the eyebrow. ✔️ Underarm (Axillary) → Placement is key. Make sure the thermometer is snug against dry skin without clothing in the way. The Bottom Line: Pick a thermometer that’s appropriate for your child’s age, stick with one method for consistency, and remember—fever is a symptom, not a sickness. I use rectal for my children under two and then switch to ear for 2-5 and under tongue after 5. Want more info on fevers in kids? Comment or DM me “YOUTUBE LINK” to get a link to my YouTube channel where you’ll fin
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Posted in Vaccines & Prevention. đź’‰ Best practices for vaccines, check-ups, and preventive care for kids.
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