Problems with ear thermometer

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I have recently bought the TommyTippee ear thermometer. But I can't seem to get a correct reading with it 😕 it wasn't cheap.......

I decided to invest in it because for the past couple of years I've been using "mummy's lips" thermometer 😉 it's great!! It works!! But then you go to the doctor and have no idea what to tell them 😳😖

I do have a digital underarm one and that one is really good but takes sooo long..... I can't be bothered to do it all the time 😒😳 like I said, "mummy's lips" thermometer works fantastically.

An example: today my youngest had a look of fever and "mummy's lips" said low but annoying fever. The ear thermometer would only say 35.8 or 36.1....... I tried several times, in several positions....... I went to grab the trusty underarm one and 38.2 BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP (it doesn't let a sleepy mum miss the kid's fever)

So, any advice? Any tips? Should I just forget about it? 🤷🏻‍♀️

What is mummy's lips?

How old is your child? I find it's hard to get the thermometer in properly for toddlers as their ears are just so small (plus they never stay still).

In my experience (2 children) ear thermometers are shit. I got one in the baby box (Scotland) and its become a family joke how bad it is at reading temperatures.

We've got a braun ear thermometer and it's fab.

I would say if you are getting low temperature readings like that you aren't putting it far enough into DCs ear.

Needs to go as far in as it will but also does it need a new battery as mine registers low when battery running out. I've always had Braun no issues.

The underarm ones are the best. Our ear one has decided everyone is the exact same temperature - 37.1 - regardless of how you use it and despite that never being anyone's actual temperature according to the underarm one or the GP. Stupid bloody thing. It wasn't cheap either!

When you kiss their temple 😉 quick and convenient. Though slightly embarrassing when speaking to the doctor 😳 you can tell the difference between no temperature/low temperature (38.5)/quite hot (40)/omg you're burning!!! (42)

I'll try. Thanks!!

Update:

Yesterday I put the thermometer further in her ear, as suggested, and it gave me a reading of 38!! Yay!! But..... "mummy's lips" weren't convinced and I checked with underarm thermometer and it read 38.8 (she's doing better today 🙂). So I tried to really shove it and it gave the correct reading!! Score!!!

However this isn't filling me with reassurance....... how can I rely on it if I don't know for sure if I have shoved it in or really shoved it in? 🤷🏻‍♀️

I always wanted one but now I don't think I would buy this again or advise someone else to buy it.......