10 month old fever, thermometer maybe broken?

[oregonianabroad]

does anyone know if ear thermometers are accurate without a plastic cover thingie on the bit that goes in the ear?

That's a hygiene thing isn't it?

Forehead kissing works for me - doesn't give you a number but you can tell staright away if they're too hot.

they do work without plastic cover.

Feeling the back of the neck is a good gauge too

i want to see if temp is going down if not i'm taking him back to casualty

but don't know if 1st reading (39.6) was even accurate?

If you took the first temp the same way, then you would be comparing "like with like".

Unless you're thinking the thermometer itself is unreliable?

can't explain full story sorry lo is on lap at mo and doesn't want to be put down, has been poorly since yesterday, took him to hospital due to high temp, they sent home with calpol and ibuprofen, we've been giving recommended doses, but every time he has a sleep, temp goes right up again, spoke to HV and she said wait to see if temp goes down again, but now not sure if readings have been accurate since I just noticed that plastic thingie was ancient and worn away (UGH), when I removed it the thermometer won't work unless I trick it into thinking that I have replaced the plastic thingie by pushing the sensor and trying to take temp while holding onto a strugling baby.

Get one of those fever strip things - they're cheap and a lot less invasive and unpleasant for little ones.

AGree with NoBiggy, probably is accurate in telling you if temp is going up/down, even if actual numbers are slightly out.

Poor LO, hope he's better soon - I would take him back if not, could have an ear/throat/wee infection with those sort of temps.

They are more likely to be reading too low than too high ime. If you have got them in the ear channel properly they should be pretty accurate but if they aren't then the reading will be low. If you are getting a reading of 39.6 I would have thought it really was accurate.

We always get different readings depending on which ear I check so I always do both.

In fact, just had to go upstairs for something and thought I would try out my thermometer on my ears and I get the same reading with or without the cover on!

Hope your lo gets better soon. DS2 had a temp for 10 days this time last year and it was horrible so you have my sympathy.