Vicks Baby Thermometer V934

Bottom Line

Ideal for obtaining rectal temperatures that doctors say are most accurate, the Vicks Baby Thermometer has a short tip, audible alert when the reading is complete -- in about 10 seconds -- and a soft, flexible tip for comfort. For older children, a thermometer that can also be used orally and under-the-arm is more practical, such as the BD Digital Thermometer 524030 (Est. $15) .

Performance

Fast and accurate. Doctors say that rectal temperatures are more accurate than ear or under-the-tongue readings. The Vicks Baby Thermometer is designed for rectal use with a short tip that ensures caregivers cannot insert it too far into a baby's rectum. Owners say it has the bells and whistles necessary for performance without overdoing it.

Reviewers posting feedback to sites such as Amazon.com, ToysRUs.com and Viewpoints.com like the waterproof, hypoallergenic tip and say this thermometer provides accurate readings. One owner posting a review to Amazon.com says, "After six straight nights in the emergency room with our daughter having 104-degree-plus fevers, we asked the nurse if we could check the accuracy of ours when they took her temp. It was exact."

The Vicks Baby Thermometer also offers fast readouts in about 10 seconds, which reviewers say is ideal for squirming babies. Though users find it to be a great thermometer, it can only take rectal temperatures, which may not be appropriate for older children and adults.

Ease of Use

Safety features reduce anxiety. The short ComfortFlex probe tip makes taking a child's rectal temperature easy for both parent and child, owners say. Parents who are otherwise nervous about taking their baby's rectal temperature say the Vicks Baby Thermometer allows them to do so with confidence, obtaining the most accurate reading, which doctors prefer. A simple on/off button activates this thermometer and a series of 10 beeps lets you know the reading is complete.

The Vicks Baby Thermometer is ergonomically designed, with a round handle to fit in the palm. This model is not only popular with reviewers and users, but it has also won design awards. The most commonly cited complaint is that the round handle causes this thermometer to roll when placed on a countertop, which can lead to the contaminated tip coming into contact with surfaces.

This thermometer has a memory function that stores and displays the last reading taken when the unit is turned on. The Vicks Baby Thermometer is recommended for newborns up to age 3 and is backed by a lifetime warranty.