Each parent's home should have a thermometer to measure the temperature of the newborn baby. As a rule, these are mercury or electronic devices that need to be held under the armpit. However, for the smallest, there are other temperature meters - nipple thermometers. What it is and how to use them - let's take a closer look.
Nipple thermometer - what is it?
The mechanism of the product is quite simple: the design resembles an ordinary latex or silicone pacifier. A special sensor is built into it, which displays the temperature. The device is equipped with an on / off button. Many of them are backlit for free temperature measurement at night. The indicator can show the state of temperature by changing the color signal: normal temperature - green light, increased - red.
The principle of operation is as follows: The child takes a pacifier-thermometer in his mouth. When you press the power button, the temperature measurement sensor starts working. The numbers are shown on the display. Soon, the device beeps to indicate the end of the measurement. Depending on the manufacturer, the nipple thermometer measures the temperature from one to five minutes. We turn off the thermometer and immediately remove it from the child's mouth, since the pacifier-thermometer cannot be used for a long time, like an ordinary pacifier.
The last result is saved automatically.
The nipple thermometer is absolutely safe as a device and meets all standards and norms of consumer goods.
At what age to use?
Can be used from birth. Manufacturers in the instructions recommend using a pacifier thermometer until the child reaches the age of three.
The advantages of the device include:
- Temperature measurement time - 1 minute;
- Safety - Does not contain mercury, it cannot be accidentally broken. Not capable of causing injury due to the soft latex or silicone used for the nipple;
- Ease of operation;
- Automatic shutdown function;
- Backlighting - the results are easy to read even in the dark;
- Save the last result.
The disadvantages include the following:
- You cannot suck a nipple thermometer all the time, like an ordinary pacifier;
- Batteries may run out at the most inopportune moment;
- Error. Despite the fact that manufacturers promise an accurate result with a small error of 0.1 ° C, some reviews speak of a greater inaccuracy. This is due to the fact that the nipple moves during sucking. Also, the baby's breathing and crying during temperature measurements have a great influence. The baby should breathe through his nose without opening his mouth. That is, in the event of a runny nose, the device will no longer give a reliable result. Some manufacturers themselves indicate that it is worth paying attention to additional factors: facial redness, sweating, anxiety. And emphasize the need to confirm the result by measuring with another thermometer rectally, in case of high temperature or if in doubt;
- Disinfection. Not all models can be sterilized like regular pacifiers. Although you can wash the thermometer with warm water and soap, or use a solution of hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol for processing.
It is best to buy collapsible nipple thermometers, as this will give you the opportunity to boil or sterilize the nipple before use.
Controversial issues
Controversial issues include temperature measurement time, service life and cost of nipple thermometers. We will consider them below.
- Manufacturers promise fast, reliable results within sixty seconds. However, the same instructions indicate that the normal measurement time is about five minutes.
- The warranty is valid for two to five years, then the device may become inoperative. The battery should last for three years but is not covered under warranty. You cannot replace it yourself. Moreover, many nipple thermometers are capricious: they are afraid of direct sunlight and high humidity, not to mention bumps and falls.
- The cost of nipple thermometers varies from 350 to 1500 rubles. The average cost is about 500 rubles. If you compare it with an ordinary mercury thermometer, the price of which does not exceed one hundred rubles, it turns out to be expensive. However, if the amount is divided by a couple of years of operation, then the price no longer seems high.
- Another controversial point is the presence of a sound signal. For parents, a signal is a positive phenomenon; for a small child, it can come as a surprise. The squeak of the device can disturb the baby during the temperature measurement procedure.
How to choose the right pacifier thermometer?
Even if a child sucks a pacifier, it is not a fact that he will suck an unusual pacifier-thermometer. After all, ordinary pacifiers are round, drop-shaped, in the shape of a cone. Therefore, the orthodontic shape of the nipple-thermometer may not be suitable. Parents know how finicky kids are in this regard. Therefore, it is worth considering the shape of the nipples, the material from which they are made (latex or silicone).
Take into account the individual characteristics of the child, how he accepts innovations, whether he refuses from unusual objects, because the nipple-thermometer is heavier than an ordinary pacifier due to the built-in mechanism. And a capricious baby can refuse an item that is different from an everyday nipple.
It is better to purchase a pacifier thermometer at a pharmacy or medical equipment store. There, turn to a specialist who will give advice and help you make your choice.
Consumer reviews
Reviews of parents who purchased nipple thermometers from different manufacturers are mostly positive. Moreover, everyone notes an interesting idea, the safety of the device and ease of use. Most popular brand - Little Doctor and Baby Temp... Others - Microlife, Maman, Philips Avent, Mothercare, Safety 1st, Camera, Fairy Tale and Vavu-Frank. All negative reviews are associated with the high error of such a nipple. When a child is sick, you cannot take risks. Moreover, if the baby is just a baby. Among other shortcomings is the high price.
Julia Usmanova, Moscow: “As for the accuracy of the measurement with the“ Little Doctor ”teat, I can safely confirm, since the temperature value coincided with an ordinary mercury thermometer. But my baby doesn't like nipples very much, therefore, when measuring the temperature, you need to make sure that he does not spit out the nipple-thermometer and distract the baby. But safety is a definite plus, and in terms of speed, the advantage over a mercury thermometer is in its favor. So I recommend. "
Irina Petrova, Voronezh: “For an invention, you can give an“ five ”, for utility - no more than“ two ”. We bought a thermometer "LD - 303", we thought it was a useful thing. But no, they just threw the money away. If a child is sick, his nose is blocked and he breathes through his mouth. And the condition for measuring the temperature with the nipple is only the closed mouth of the child. The kid did not like her shape. Squeaks loudly - the child was scared when he was little. Measurements with an error of 0.2 - 0.3. It is important! Charging does not change. What is so good about such a wonderful nipple? Ideal, mercury free, easy to use and well designed. No more".
Elena Ryder, Izhevsk: “At the pharmacy I was offered to buy a digital pacifier“ Little Doctor LD-303 ”. I have never regretted this wonderful purchase! The thermometer is very similar to our regular Avent pacifier. It does not bother the child at all, the temperature measurement procedure goes unnoticed. It takes no more than two minutes. The signal is quiet, does not scare a sleepy child. The result is identical to that of a mercury thermometer. I checked it more than once. Only the measurement time with the nipple-thermometer is shorter. Therefore, it is more convenient. I trust the nipple 100%! "
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Maryana Lenina, Dmitrovsk: “Even before my daughter was born, I bought a Microlife pacifier-thermometer in advance, because many friends praised her very much. It is convenient in that the background of the display changes. If the temperature is elevated, in addition to the result in numbers, the display will be red, accompanied by frequent beeping, as if it sounds an alarm. If there is no temperature, the display is green. It doesn't need to be shaken like a mercury thermometer. It is equipped with a cap to protect the teat from dirt. The nipple turns off by itself. "
Victoria Koroleva, Rostov-on-Don: “Thermometer nipples are a miracle invention, in my opinion. We have such a teat from Avent, whose products have established themselves as an indicator of quality in the market of goods for children. It is convenient to use a thermometer-pacifier if the child sucks on a regular pacifier. Measures temperature not as fast as we would like. But you can slip it at any time. But I would not believe the readings, because it overstates the temperature. Therefore, I insure myself and usually measure the temperature with two thermometers. "
If you decide to buy a pacifier thermometer, keep a regular thermometer at home just in case. The review allows us to see that such a measuring device in the form of a nipple is not a panacea, it can be wrong. And the battery can run out at the wrong time at the digital thermometer. Take care of your kids. We wish them good health!
