Baby thermometer - do I need one?

[redexpat]

Afternoon all
Baby thermometers come up on the list of stuff to buy, but they dont look any different to my digital thermometer. Wise MNetters, please tell me:

1. How are they different?
2. Why are they necessary? Surely I can stick my usual one in the baby's armpit and get the same result.

I've looked at some websites and none of them answer these questions. Thanks.

They might be chunkier/marginally easier to hold when dealing with a hot wriggly baby, but nothing that would require getting one if you didn't already have a thermometer.

I don't think I've ever used a thermometer on DD, a hand on her back is usually enough to tell me if she's got a temperature.

We have one that takes your temperature from your ear, which is dead easy to use with a baby and is very quick. Putting a thermometer under a baby's armpit should be just as reliable but will be harder to do. If you've got one already don't bother buying another one just for the small amount of convenience.

Marvellous. Thanks for speedy and informative responses. I love Mumsnet!