Is the baby ear thermometer reliable?

One of the things that can not be missing in the kit of each house and more having small children in the family is a thermometer. An essential tool to take the temperature of our children when they are sick. Thermometers are of many types: digital, front, pacifier, plastic strip and also ear. Since

One of the things that can not be missing in the kit of each house and more having small children in the family is a thermometer. An essential tool to take the temperature of our children when they are sick.

Thermometers are of many types: digital, front, pacifier, plastic strip and also ear. Since children do not stop moving, a thermometer that helps us take the temperature quickly and easily, as with thermometers that capture the heat of the eardrum, is effective. But, is the baby ear thermometer accurate?

How to measure the baby's temperature with the ear thermometer

Ear thermometers are very popular for their convenience, since they take the temperature in a safe and faster way than the measurements of oral or rectal thermometers that can make it difficult this work in the case of babies.

Measure the temperature inside the ear canal through infrared without causing discomfort or friction.

Since in children the ear canal is straight we must insert the thermometer in a position perpendicular to the head to make a good measurement.

The thermometer has a wide cannula that is inserted into the ear with care and without excessive pressure to avoid damaging the eardrum and then you have to press the measurement button and in a few seconds we have the results.

Is the result of the baby ear thermometer reliable?

According to some expert voices, including a study from the University of Liverpool that was published in the British medical journal 'The Lancet', this type of fever meters does not they are reliable to take the temperature for several reasons:

- The curve of the ear and the existence of cerumen inside it can interfere in the accuracy of the thermometer, being able to give false readings.

- If at the time of the measurement with this type of thermometer there is infection or inflammation in the ear, the infrared system can detect fever without it or not detect it.

- These thermometers are not recommended for babies under 6 months since their ear canal is very small.

Therefore ear thermometers offer good references of quality and precision as long as the interior is clear, otherwise the measurements are not very reliable.