It can be a frightening and stressful experience as a parent when your newborn has a fever. If your baby isn’t acting normal and they feel warm to the touch, it’s time to take the temperature. Parents need quick and accurate temperature readings to measure an infant's temperature, while keeping their baby safe.

Why Forehead Thermometers are Ideal for Babies

They are non-invasive, which causes less discomfort to babies and infants than other methods, including using a rectal or ear thermometer.

With a non-invasive forehead scan thermometer, it’s easy to take your infant’s temperature without disturbing them from sleeping. The last thing you want is a fussy baby!

It's understandable why parents are squeamish about using the rectal method. The use of a rectal thermometer may bring further risks, including an accidental poke of a hole in the rectum, or passing on germs from the stool.

Of course, you should always use a digital thermometer to check your child's temperature, and avoid using a mercury thermometer.

Comparing Accuracy of Temporal Thermometers vs. Infrared No-Touch Devices for Infants: Which Option Is Better?

Accuracy matters when taking the temperature of a newborn or infant. Temporal artery thermometers are proven to be the most accurate way to measure body temperature. This method uses the thermometer to scan the temporal artery, which measures the temperature of the blood flowing through the temporal artery.

While temporal artery thermometers and infrared no-touch thermometers are both non-invasive methods to measure body temperature, they are not the same in terms of the accuracy or reliability of an infant's body temperature.

No touch thermometers are less accurate because they measure the temperature on the skin surface rather than the temperature of the body's core. Conversely, the temporal artery method directly scans the forehead area for the temporal artery, which measures the temperature of the blood flowing through the temporal artery.

There are several studies supporting the accuracy and reliability of temporal thermometers.

How to Take Infant Temperature Using a Temporal Thermometer

Follow the steps below to accurately take the temperature of your newborn or infant: 

• Place the thermometer sensor in the middle of the baby's forehead.
• Press and hold the scan button.
• Slowly move the thermometer across the forehead toward the top of the baby's ear. Make sure the probe always touches the skin of the forehead.
• Stop at the hairline and release the scan button.
• Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

If a baby's temporal artery temperature is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, we recommend calling your baby's healthcare provider.

Introducing Exergen’s Family-Friendly TAT-2000C Thermometer

Knowing your baby’s temperature is for parents. The Exergen’s TAT-2000C Temporal Artery Thermometer gets you safe and accurate temperature readings of a newborn with a simple scan of the forehead.

The TAT-2000C is trusted by thousands of parents of newborns, and a practical baby shower gift that will keep your baby and family safe.