Introduction

When you or someone in your family gets sick, your doctor will want to know if there's a fever. To find a fever by taking a temperature, you'll need a good thermometer. But which thermometer should you buy? A trip to the drugstore reveals a wide variety of models. Prices range widely, too—from about $2 to about $70.

Surprisingly, the most expensive thermometer is not necessarily the best. Depending on the ages of your family members, you may choose to buy a few different models. Glass thermometers and digital thermometers can be used for oral, rectal or armpit readings. And ear thermometers, forehead strips and fever pacifiers for infants are available as alternative methods for taking a temperature. You needn't spend more than $5 or $10 to get a correct temperature reading for everyone in your family.

Follow your doctor's suggestions about how to take a baby's or child's temperature. Because rectal temperatures usually read one to two degrees higher than armpit temperatures, be sure to tell your doctor which method you used.