I have a 3.5 yr old and a 2 yr old, for the first 3 years I fought my children with the simple digital thermometers and trying to get under arm readings. (try doing this with an autistic 3 yr old) Finally I paid the $40 for this thermometer at Target and it has been a life saver! It reads SO FAST, there is no struggling with toddlers to hold still. BUY Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer, you will not regret it! I can't believe I waited as long as I did to purchase one.
I don't know how others compare, though my mother purchased a cheapy dig. ear thermometer at the drugstore, and it just wasn't as easy to use and fast as this one.
no night light
Great thermometer but no night light which is critical for me since my child sleeps in the dark most of the time when he's sick.
Not Consistent
The IRT 4020 ThermoScan is easy to use on babies, and takes just a second to get a temperature reading, but I am never able to get a consistent temperature. I have tried using the thermometer in the same ear 3 times in a row, and the temperature reading will flux from 98.2-101.1! The only way I know for sure if someone in our household has a temp is if the reading is about 102 and their forehead feels very warm. Having an ear thermometer is nice, but I'd suggest spending a little more money so it can actually serve it's purpose efficiently.
Much More Practical Than Traditional Methods
We bought our unit at a local drugstore over two years ago, but will like to share our experience, which overall has been great. We do repeat readings just to be sure (can't wonder about your baby's health) but if done properly, we have never had a difference of over 0.2 Celsius degrees. It is great to take our baby's temperature in a blink while he is asleep. Thermal temperature reading is accurate, fast and reliable. The unit is well made, you can tell the quality, and Braun is renown as a reliable manufacturer.
A must have in the house
Great for babies! After a bit of practice, it is very easy to insert it properly into the kids' ears to get a proper reading. Major benefit is the speed. The old thermometers may be perceived as more accurate but I never had the heart to insert one into my babies' rectums and they take forever when done orally or under the arm. This is definitely the way to go.
