Quick, Thermometer Help

[mema]

I have the Exergen thermometer. When I take dcb temp across his forehead to one side, it says 100.3, but when I take it down the other side, it says 99.5:confused:. What am I doing wrong? I'm inclined to agree with the 100.3 because he just isn't himself and is warm. Anyone else have this problem?

[Blackcat31]

I HATE having to take temps. I swear that you can (and do) get different readings no matter how accurately you do it.

If you are worried about him being sick, I would assess him in "over-all" condition. So if he is already "not acting as himself" and has a slightly elevated temp, I would send home and not worry one bit.

After all, we DO know our daycare kids and are pretty intutitive when on is not acting "right".

[MamaBearCanada]

I don't have that one I have a higher end inear one, but mine does say the reading may be higher in one ear than the other & that if possible take the temp on the same side each time. I would go with the higher reading because at least 1/2 their body is running a temp and that's enough for me.

I also take the kids temp a few times when they are well to see what their base temp is as some kids run higher/lower than others and the ones that I have that run low feel miserable at lower end fevers that might not bother other kids.

[SilverSabre25]

I generally take a temp three times, alternating sides, and average the results. I find that the sides are always different.

[mema]

Good to know I'm not the only one who gets different readings. I don't even take my kids temps. I know that if my dd looks sunburned on her face, that she is over 100 and my ds hasn't had a fever in almost 7 years (knocking on wood!).

I sent him home. Of course, when they showed up to get him, he was super excited and a bit bouncy-not sickly. Dcd asked if I was sure he was sick. Yep, fever, not eating, not playing, blank look in the eyes. As soon as I said that, dcb laid on the floor and stopped being so bouncy. Of course, the sibling got left behind. I guess they want to drive back in another 25 minutes one way this afternoon and probably late too.

[CrackerJacks]

I always get different readings as well. Asked my dd pediatrician about it once, he said do it a couple times on each side and err in the side if the higher reading.