Glass thermometers (with silvery-looking mercury inside) can break and be toxic for kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics does NOT recommend using forehead strip or pacifier thermometers.
Pacifier thermometers
Forehead strip thermometers
Mercury thermometers
NEVER USE
Digital Armpit Thermometer*
Age All ages Pros • Easy • Noninvasive • Inexpensive Cons • Less reliable than rectal • For accuracy, kids must sit still *Same as standard digital thermometer
Digital Forehead Thermometer
Age 3 months and up Pros • Fast • Noninvasive • Little cooperation needed Cons • Less reliable than rectal • More expensive than standard digital • Sweat from fever affects accuracy
Digital Rectal Thermometer*
Age 0 to 1 year Pros • Most accurate Cons • Invasive • Hard to do when kids are older *Can also use standard digital thermometer
Digital Ear Thermometer
Age 6 months and up Pros • Fast • Less invasive than rectal • More expensive than standard digital Cons • Earwax / poor placement in ear canal affect accuracy • Difficult if child is uncooperative
Standard Digital Thermometer
Age 4-5 years, and up Pros • Quick • Easy • Inexpensive Cons • Kids must cooperate • Nasal congestion affects accuracy if mouth can’t close around tip
What’s Best for Your Child?
Thermometers:
F
6
5
4
98.