Purflo Starlight colour changing baby room thermometer
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In a fun star shape, the Purflo baby room thermometer shows the temperature of your child’s room digitally and also using colour. Blue means it’s too cold, green is just right, orange means it’s getting too warm and red means it’s too hot. It is rechargeable so you don’t need to always have it plugged in or have a socket near where you would like to place it.
One BabyCentre parent said: “The colours make it easy to see the room temperature - you want to aim for green. It's chargeable, which is great as it can be moved around without a cable.”
What should you consider when buying a baby thermometer?
When your baby’s unwell, a reliable thermometer is a must. You’ll also need one that’s easy to use, as with babies, particularly ones that are feeling poorly, it can be challenging to get an accurate temperature reading.
Petra, mum of three and blogger at A Mum ReviewsOpens a new window suggests looking for a digital thermometer with good user reviews, from a brand and a retailer that you trust.
She says: “Try to find an option that offers quick and accurate readings, is quiet and easy to use, and has a back-lit display so that you can see the temperature reading in the dark. A thermometer that comes with a case can be very handy for travelling or to take the thermometer with you in your changing bag when you are out and about with your baby.”
When should I check my baby’s temperature?
If your baby seems a little under the weather, it’s worth checking if they have a temperature. This can help you work out whether you need to get medical advice. Your baby may have a high temperature if they:
- feel hotter than usual to touch on their back or chest
- feel sweaty or clammy
- have flushed cheeks
A normal temperature in babies and children is about 36.4 degrees C, but this can vary slightly. A high temperature or fever is usually considered to be a temperature of 38 degrees C or above.
How do I take my baby’s temperature?
The NHS advises using a digital thermometer, and recommends an under-armpit reading as the simplest method. To take your child’s temperature with a digital thermometer, hold them comfortably on your knee and put the thermometer in their armpit. Gently and firmly hold their arm against their body to keep the thermometer in place for as long as the instructions say – usually for about 15 seconds. Some thermometers will make a beeping sound when the reading is ready on the display.
If using an in-ear thermometer, it’s important to follow the instructions properly to ensure an accurate reading. Generally, you turn it on and place the probe into the ear canal (the instructions will tell you how far in), where you hold it in place until a beep sound indicates it’s done. Then you can read the temperature reading on the display.
If using a digital head thermometer, you’ll need to position it near the centre of your baby’s forehead (the instructions will tell you how close). Hold the device steady before pressing the button. It will then flash to let you know when the reading is ready. Be sure to follow the instructions, especially regarding the correct distance to take a reading for an accurate result.
Most of the time, a fever won't harm your baby. It's their body's way of fending off an infection. But sometimes, a fever can be sign of something more serious. If you're not sure you've taken your baby's temperature accurately, or you're worried about them, always call a doctor.
Do I need to buy a baby bath and room thermometer?
A bath thermometer can be a handy tool to help you ensure that your baby’s bath water is at a suitable temperature. You don’t want the water to be too hot or too cold and a bath thermometer will give you peace of mind at a glance. The old-fashioned way to test the temperature of a baby’s bath is to dip your elbow into the water – the water should feel the same as your body temperature. A thermometer will be more accurate. The ideal temperature for your baby’s bath water is about 37 degrees C to 38 degrees C, which is around body temperature.
Always mix up the water well to avoid any hot patches and check the temperature before putting your baby in the water.
Along with getting the correct bath water temperature, it is also important to make sure your baby’s room is not too hot or too cold.
Petra says: “A room thermometer will make it easier for you to see what the temperature of your baby’s room is so that you can dress your baby accordingly to keep them comfortable and safe. It’s especially important to keep them at a safe temperature overnight so that they don’t overheat or get too cold. The ideal room temperature for a baby to be comfortable and safe is between 16 degrees C and 20 degrees C. To check if your baby is too hot, feel the back of their neck or their chest to see if their skin is feeling hot or sweaty.”
