We haven’t been having much luck with thermometers lately. First, I misplaced our forehead thermometer. Then our multi-purpose thermometer stopped working. Tired of never having an accurate thermometer, I bought a number of different models at our local Target. I have always thought that pacifier thermometers seemed a bit gimmicky, but since daughter number three actually takes a binky, I decided it was worth a try. Unfortunately, this product didn’t work for us. Although our little one will willingly put it in her mouth, she won’t keep it in long enough to get a reading. Until they develop a model with a faster reading time (this one takes several minutes, it seems), I wouldn’t recommend it, however simple it seems. If you think it will work for you, however, you can purchase one for $12.39 at Amazon.com.

I was imediately intrigued when I saw this Complete Family Thermometer from Safety First, largely because it is styled like the thermometers used in doctors’ offices. I couldn’t make up my mind whether it would be great, or just a gimicky product that looks like something better, but can’t deliver. Since we needed another thermometer in our house anyway, I decided to take a chance and buy it. So far, I have been quite pleased. It comes up with a reading quite quickly, and the readings don’t fluctuate, a problem I have had with ear thermometers especially.

One cool thing about this thermometer is that it comes with three interchangeable tips. You choose the tip based on the function: oral, rectal, or underarm use. The tips store neatly in the back of the thermometer and are easy to change. While some people might find the size a bit bulkier than they are used to, I actually like it because it makes the thermometer easier to keep track of.  Overall, I am quite pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to others. You can purchase one for $38.59 at cvs.com. These were sold out for a while while I was first trying to order one, so they seem to be quite popular.

I bought this innovative thermomenter after my second child was born.  Prior to that we had been through ear thermometers and all manner of under arm thermometers, none of which were particularly accurate and/or easy to use.

The Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer is very easy to use.  You just gently trace it across your child’s head.  It picks up a reading instantly, so you don’t have to sit with a sick and struggling infant or toddler.  Occassionally I have had trouble getting a reading with this thermomenter, but overall I am very pleased with the ease of use and would recommend it.  I think it would also make a great addition to a gift basket for new parents.  It certainly makes life easier.

You can purchase one on sale for $53.96 at Store.BabyCenter.com.

Here’s a thermometer that plays a very important role in your baby’s care and safety. It monitors the temperature by glowing yellow if the room temperature is within recommended guidelines (16-20 degrees Celsius). It’s so easy to forget there’s a thermometer in the room when we moms are so busy cleaning, caring, and picking up after everyone.

Mom’s can’t depend on their own sense of the room’s temperature because what is safe and comfortable for us is different for a newborn. Just imagine passing by your baby’s room and noticing the yellow glow of the Grobag Egg Thermometer giving you peace of mind and re-minding you! Price: $49.99 at cheekymonkey.com.

The idea behind the Grobag Egg thermometer is that room temperature is tied to SIDS, and therefore constantly monitoring room temperature is an important part of insuring your infant’s safety while sleeping.  The egg makes that simple.  The display offers a clear and easy to read digital thermometer that is permanently back-lit so that you can see it at all times.

The egg itself glows with a different color depending on the temperature.  Yellow indicates that the room’s temperature is within recommended guidelines, while a blue reading indicates that the room is too cold, and an orange or red light indicates that the room is too warm.

Parents will appreciate the extra level of precaution and reassurance that this product affords.  It would make a thoughtful gift for this very reason.  You can purchase one for $29.99 at keendistribution.com.