All babies get ill for time to time and an increase in temperature is nothing unusual. It’s the body’s natural reaction to help fight off micro-organisms. However, occasionally the body can overreact which leads to dangerous rises in core body temperature which can be very serious. Monitoring your baby’s temperature during illness is therefore very important.

Up until very recently the favored method of monitoring a baby’s temperature was via the rectal route. Although this gives a very accurate temperature reading the disadvantages of this approach are obvious. Firstly it requires planning and cooperation. Secondly it is unpleasant for your baby and not particularly kind if he or she is already feeling unwell. Thirdly, it takes time for the reading to stabilize.

Baby ear thermometers now represent a great alternative to conventional methods but it is only recently that their use has become widespread. This is largely down to a significant reduction in costs over recent years. Costs were previously prohibitively high for home use.

They work based on very different technology to traditional thermometers. Traditional thermometers incorporate a liquid (normally mercury) that conducts heat when placed in a body orifice, expands and is forced up a tiny tube that runs up the center of the thermometer. In this way the temperature can be read off the scale. Baby ear thermometers work by quantifying the amount of infrared energy that is emitted – invisible energy that is given off by all warm objects. By doing this temperature can be quickly and accurately quantified.

The ear represents one of the optimal sites for measuring body temperature. Inserting a small sensor into the ear causes minimal discomfort and stress. The ear is also not affected by fluctuations in local temperature (such as inside the mouth for instance where recent hot or cold drinks can have a big impact).

Using a bay ear thermometer is very easy indeed. Although it will vary slightly between models it normally just involves inserting the sensor into the ear and pushing in a button. Some devices give you feedback in terms of whether the device is in the right position and whether an accurate reading has been taken. The final reading is available virtually instantaneously.

Baby ear thermometers are not solely for use on babies. They can in fact often be used in the whole family ranging all the way up to adults.

Baby ear thermometers are a great innovation which you can trust. Keeping track of your baby’s temperature during illness is very important to know when to seek help. These products make the process quick and easy. There is also little or no discomfort for your baby.