November 6, 2013, admin, Health, Reviews, , 0
When Little Mr A was born we bought a set which included an under arm thermometer. It has been very tricky to use (trying to hold a poorly, wriggly child still long enough to get a reading is almost impossible!) and we have never been sure whether it is 100% correct or not. I have often looked at other, more expensive, thermometers but wondered whether they were actually worth their hefty price tag.
I was delighted to be offered a Braun Thermoscan IRT4520 ear thermometer to review and couldn’t wait to see whether it would live up to expectations.
Before receiving the thermometer I wasn’t sure what the benefits were of taking an in-ear temperature, however, reading the information I found out that the thermometer measures the infrared heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissue. Because the eardrum shares a blood supply with the temperature control centre in the brain, the ear more accurately reflects core body temperature meaning it is an excellent site to measure temperature.
The thermometer uses a small, soft tip so that the temperature is taken gently in just a few seconds. The thermometer also uses disposable lens filters to maintain hygiene and means that you can use the same thermometer for the whole family. The tip is also pre-warmed which helps to ensure accuracy and the temperature reading claims to be accurate to a tenth of a degree.
Another great feature is the memory function. Let’s face it, when you have a poorly child, the last thing you want to have to do is write down or try to remember their last temperature reading! This thermometer records the last 8 temperature readings so you can easily compare them.
With the thermometer you receive 21 disposable-lens filters, 2 AA batteries, a protective case and a two year warranty.
What did we think?
After reading the instructions I was ready to give it a try with Little Miss A. I placed on a disposable filter and switched on the thermometer. I was a little concerned Little Miss A wouldn’t sit still whilst I tried to place it in her ear – it’s not a particularly nice feeling is it, having someone poke something into your ear! She sat really still and didn’t seem bothered about the thermometer in her ear at all. The temperature reading came up in a matter of seconds (rather than the minutes we had to wait with the underarm thermometer!) and I felt much more confident that the reading we got was accurate.
The lens filter was easy to ‘pop’ off and it is great having a nice, sturdy case to put the thermometer back into. When spending so much you want to make sure it is well protected and I feel very confident that the case will keep the thermometer safe.
Since using the thermometer I can certainly understand the benefit of spending more for ease of use and ensuring that you get an accurate reading which is so important when you have children.
I think this thermometer is a great investment and would recommend it to anyone with children.
The thermometer is available to purchase from Boots, Mothercare, John Lewis and Mamas & Papas and has an RRP of £43.90.
Disclaimer – We were sent the thermometer to provide our honest opinion. All photographs were taken by me and are not to be used without my permission.
