Science does not stand still, more and more products are offered for our convenience. One of the relatively recent inventions for children is a digital nipple thermometer. Should I take a closer look at this invention, what factors to consider when buying, and what pros and cons consumers highlight - all this you will find in our article.
Thermometer-nipple: what is it?
This is a common nipple in which a temperature sensor is integrated . To start the measurement, as well as to turn it off, just press the button near the display.
In what cases may such a device be required?
A digital nipple thermometer is, first of all, an ordinary thermometer, only with a childish focus. And there are many cases when it is necessary to measure a child’s temperature:
- Measurements during the period of illness to determine the type, dose and feasibility of an antipyretic.
- Measurements during the period of teething, also to determine the need to reduce the temperature by external means (drugs, compresses, rubdowns, etc.).
- Body temperature control before vaccination.
- Monitoring the condition of the child after vaccinations, droppers, and other injections.
Rationality of purchase
Most often, the thermometer nipple becomes an unexpected gift for young parents, and they don’t have to choose “buy or not buy”, because happy friends or relatives have already made it for them.
However, if you yourself are thinking about buying, you need to remember two factors:
- Not all babies generally like nipples; thermometers in this form will not please the child either. Therefore, to measure the temperature with such a device, respectively, will not work.
- Even if your baby favors nipples, the purchase will not last you long, the maximum is a year and a half. Of which you can use the device unhindered only for six months. After this age, the baby sleeps less often, and during wakefulness may be reluctant to open his mouth.
Some parents believe that a thermometer-nipple (electronic) is an absolutely useless device, while others thank the creators for this invention. In any case, the choice is made by the parents themselves and the baby.
Advantages of Nipple-shaped Thermometers
The most important plus is ease of use among the smallest! Of course, this applies only to those children who are favorable to this device.
Measurement accuracy is a second significant plus. The error of the instruments is not more than one tenth of a degree, which is quite enough for an exact answer to the question - does the child have a fever or not.
The measurement speed is an average of one to two minutes, and the temperature is measured. With mercury thermometers in this regard, nipples-thermometers, of course, are not comparable.
Most devices have a soft backlight, thanks to which you can read the measurement results even at night.
Also, in most instruments, the result of the last measurement is saved. This is a very convenient function when the latter was performed at night, and by morning the meaning was completely forgotten. Also, this function can come in handy if you accidentally clicked on the power button, forgetting to see the result.
The thermometer in the form of a pacifier does not contain any substances harmful or dangerous to the child, and guarantees absolute safety of use. This compares it favorably with old mercury thermometers. And although modern thermometers no longer contain mercury, they are still made of glass and have a sharp tip, which is unacceptable for use in young children.
Cons thermometers in the form of a nipple
The most important minus is that you will have to take the pacifier shortly after measurement, using it as a dummy is unacceptable. Otherwise, the measuring sensor will quickly fail. This disadvantage gives a lot of inconvenience to parents, it is especially difficult to remove the nipple from a child who already has front teeth.
Do not use the teat pacifier for half an hour after eating. This is due to the fact that when chewing or sucking, the temperature in the mouth rises.
During temperature measurement, the child’s mouth should be tightly closed, since when air enters the mouth “from outside”, the temperature in the mouth decreases. This minus is very significant, because it excludes the possibility of using nipples-thermometers with a stuffed nose, when the baby just can not help but breathe through his mouth.
Another disadvantage is that such a thermometer requires special storage conditions, and even after use it is necessary to rinse the device.
Compared to conventional nipples, thermometer nipples are significantly heavier. The cheapest models have plastic “wings” rather than silicone ones, which makes the use of the device inconvenient - the nose can interfere.
On some models, a beep will sound after measurement. Quiet squeaking is quite capable of waking the baby at night.
And the last minus, understandable to everyone, is the short term of using such a thermometer. In the best case, three years, on average no more than a year. Plus, there is a high probability that the child will not want to use the device at all.
Nipples-thermometers: consumer reviews
If you decide that you, or rather your baby, need a nipple thermometer, customer reviews will help determine the specific model and the need for a purchase in general.
Some users are delighted with the nipples and believe that the speed measurement of the temperature is a big plus. Also note the long battery life, about 2 years. Another positive point is satisfied with young mothers - this is the backlight, which is especially convenient at night. Also at temperatures above 38 degrees, the display glows red.
But, like any product, such nipples have negative reviews. Some customers claim that the time taken to measure the temperature does not match what is stated in the product description. They say that it is necessary to hold the pacifier for about 5 minutes, and not one. There are also problems with the accuracy of measurement, since the baby sometimes opens his mouth, and the error can be about 1.5 degrees, which is very inconvenient. This device is not suitable for measuring temperature during a runny nose, many mothers complain that during teething (when the nose is stuffed up) with such a device, it will not be possible to determine the condition of the baby.
Nipple thermometer: is it harmful?
Thermometers in the form of nipples are absolutely safe, because they do not contain mercury, glass and other harmful substances, their case is waterproof. Naturally, you should make a purchase in medical equipment stores, or in pharmacies. In no case should you order such a device through Chinese sites, no one there can guarantee the environmental friendliness of latex and the safety of plastic.
In conclusion, I want to say: if your baby is still very small and recognizes nipples, thermometers in this form can be a real salvation if you need frequent temperature measurements. Health to you and your children!