How do I use a digital thermometer?

[BitOfFun]

My mum bought us one like this, but it has got no instructions. I've never used one, digital or otherwise and haven't a clue.

Mouth, underarm, ear or up th bum?

For how long?

[FluffyBunnyGoneBad]

Not up the bum!!

For a baby/toddler under the arm, right into the armpit and hold the arm down, it will beep/stop changing when cooked. For an adult, under the tongue. Have a play with it.

These ones are a tad unreliable though and can be 1-1.5 degrees out. Your best bet is one that goes into the ear.

[LovingTheRain]

With my one, you press the button on and then put it under ( a dry) armpit. ( not over clothes, on the bare skin). Leave there for a couple of minutes, until it beeps. Then it will give you your reading. it can also go under the tongue but have never tried that!

[FluffyBunnyGoneBad]

www.amazon.co.uk/Braun-4520-Thermoscan-Thermometer-66022780/dp/B0001D0LMS?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 we have this, it's very good.

[LovingTheRain]

What fluffy said BoF! Mine usually gives a different, higher reading to the in the ear I use for the DCs.

[BitOfFun]

Thanks everyone

Hmm, I have tried it under my arm, 36.5

Under my tongue, 35.1

Under my arm again 36.7

All in the last few minutes? Odd

Shall I try the bum, just for comparison?

[FluffyBunnyGoneBad]

eww!! 36.5 is the lower end of normal.

[BitOfFun]

36.6 in my ear...

[FluffyBunnyGoneBad]

You're really not supposto stick it in your ear or up your bum.

[BitOfFun]

Down the front of my pants (no holes involved) is 37.2. My hottest part

I'm not going to be able to use this on the kids now, am I?

[PerfectPrefect]

Bit of Fun

With that thermometer the only way to measure core body temp is up the bum...which you shouldn't actually do with that style.

Best use of that style of thermometer is in the armpit, and then add 0.5C (for armpit).

TBH the truely best way is to take a few measurements in whichever orrifice you chose over a few days and use that as a baseline. Doesn't matter if they are all different. You just neeed to know when it changes IYSWIM.

[FluffyBunnyGoneBad]

Erm... probably not. It should be fine with a wash though (not meaning your fanj is dirty or anything )

Best get an ear one. They do often vary depending on which ear you put it in so it's better to use the same ear.