A Thermometer To End All The Squirming

Safety 1st Hospital’s Choice Accu-R.A.T.E. Forehead/Underarm Thermometer

Even though he normally won’t let us get any of the six different thermometers that we have anywhere near him, when my almost-3-year old son Ben had a fever, he was willing to let us use Safety 1st Hospital’s Choice Accu-R.A.T.E. Forehead/Underarm Thermometer ($42.99) on his temple. For comparison, we also took it from his underarm, with the same reading.

It gives an accurate reading in just 7 seconds. R.A.T.E. stands for Rapid Accurate Temperature Establishment – this technology calculates the exact rate of heat transfer from your child’s blood vessels to the surface of the skin. The LCD screen was large and it was really easy to switch from forehead to underarm mode. Temperature reading is available in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

This worked well for our toddler. We still use the rectal method for the baby because it’s the most accurate way to take a temperature, but we’re happy to be able to use the Accu-R.A.T.E. Thermometer on our older child.

Deal: Get free shipping during August and September at Safety 1st’s Online Store.

Comments

My pediatrician has told me not to take my baby’s temperature rectally. He said it is no longer recommended because the risk of perforation is too great. I used axillary on the baby, and the exergen temporal artery thermometer on the older kids. I’ll have to try this one next time I need one- it looks easier than the exergen- i hope its accurate too!

- steph on September 1st, 2008

Where was this thermometer when my kids were little??? LOL! What a handy baby item to have (as well as a great gift idea!)

- SouthenBelle on September 1st, 2008

The couple I’ve nannied for has this (very similar — same brand) and it is awesome! No worrying about the older kids keeping it under their tongue or having to hold the babies arm down while a thermometer’s jabbed in his armpit.

It works so fast and has always seemed reliable (moreso even than the ear therms). E once had a temperature of 102.7 and I checked it on his older brother to make sure that was accurate… yep a solid 98.7 for him.

I highly recommend it.

- Rachel K. on September 1st, 2008