Digital Thermometers

ABOUT
Small children fall sick very often and it is very important for parents to have an accurate temperature incase of an emergency. Parents should be able to respond quickly as an infant’s immune system is still developing and can deteriorate very quickly. Moreover, with an increase in awareness about the toxic risks that glass thermometers carry, parents have switched to digital thermometers. They are easy to read and they prevent any exposure to mercury incase the glass thermometer breaks. For this purpose, digital thermometers are considered safer and faster.

BENEFITS
● Provides accurate temperature: A digital thermometer measures the actual body temperature, and not just at the surface level. The temperature fluctuates if the thermometer is placed on surfaces like armpits or tongue due to rapid movements. A digital thermometer can be placed in the rectum or ear, and uses infrared laser that accurately records the internal temperature.
● Saves time: The use of glass thermometers were time consuming as one had to hold them in
a place for a minute or two, to get a temperature reading. With digital thermometer, you only need a second. No shaking of the device is required. You can simply place it in the ear and the temperature is recorded in no time.
● Comfortable and convenient: Infants don’t like to be nudged and they resist to any unknown objects inserted into their mouth or in the rectum. They feel a sense of fear. A digital ear thermometer is gentle, non-invasive and can be used even when the child is asleep. A child who is unwell is usually restless and tends to wiggle a lot. A digital ear thermometer makes the process fast and smooth for both the user and the child.

LIMITATIONS
● Battery issues: It is difficult to determine how much power is left in a digital thermometer’s battery. It makes it hard to predict when it will die. Sometimes, when it comes time to replace the battery, getting the appropriate one can become a task as the batteries used are specialised and aren’t easily available.
Moreover, when the battery is about to die, the temperature readings Digital Thermometers may be inaccurate.
● Cleaning: When it comes to cleaning a digital thermometer, you have to be careful to not get water in the mechanical system as it will cause the device to malfunction and will be rendered defunct.
● Not suitable for newborns: Digital ear thermometers aren’t recommended for newborns. Ear wax or small curved ear canal can interfere with the accuracy of a reading. Moreover, using a digital themometer rectally can cause an infant discomfort, and oral readings might cause some difficulty
in breathing.

SAFETY MEASURES
● Purchase an age-appropriate thermometer for your child. Rectal thermometers can be used on a child of any age but they are recommended for newborns. Since rectal thermometers can be uncomfortable, look for one with a flexible tip.
● Do not record your child’s temperature right after a bath. There can be seen a rise in temperature after a hot water bath. If you use a multiuse thermometer, designate
it for just one area in order to avoid spreading bacteria.

Electric Steam Steriliser

ABOUT
Sterilising helps to protect your baby against germs and infection. Whether your baby is on formula or you are expressing breastmilk, it is vital to keep the equipment clean and safe. Even if your baby is more than six months old and has started on solid foods, you will have to sterilise his spoons and bowls. There are three main types of sterilisers available in the market—cold water, microwave and electric. We give you a low down on why electric steriliser is an ideal choice.

BENEFITS
● No chemicals: Electric sterilisers work by heating a small quantity of water to generate steam. The steam generated kills off any harmful bacteria, thus ensuring the items are sterilised. There are no chemicals used in the process hence it does  not leave any foul smell or funny  aftertastes.
● Time-saving: All you need to do is fill it up with water, switch on the steriliser and the sterilisation takes about six to fi fteen minutes, depending on the model you’ve purchased. You can keep all the accessories in the steriliser itself and remove it as and when you  require them. The bottles and other equipment stay sterilised for at least 24 hours.
● Large capacity and convenient: The capacity of an electric steriliser is larger than any other steriliser. You can put in a number of bottles and other items together and sterilise them in one go. Electric Steam Steriliser Mr Vohra says, “Steam sterilisation is one of the most effective methods of sterilisation. Chicco has two models i.e. Sterinatural Steam Steriliser 2in1 and 3in1. The advantages are that both the sterilisers are quick and fast, they kill 99.9 per cent household  germs and is practical in use. They can sterilise multiple items together in one go.”

LIMITATIONS
● Expensive in comparison: Electric sterilisers are more expensive than a cold water steriliser. Also, fitting your baby’s bottles into another manufacturer’s steriliser isn’t always guaranteed. It will also require descaling after a few months of use.
● Incovenient when travelling: Mr Vohra says, “While travelling, it may not be convenient to carry along the  steam sterilisers and it may not be easy to find a power source on the way. They cannot be used to sterilise  food items and vegetables given to the babies.”

SAFETY MEASURES
● Make a note of the sterilisation duration. It should have a quick sterilisation cycle so that it’s convenient to use.
● It should have practical adjustments so that you optimise the capacity as per your requirement.
● The steriliser should be made up of BPA-free plastic and should not consume excessive energy. Cheap plastic when heated, leech through your babies formula or milk and can cause endocrine and developmental problems in young children.
● Whenever you buy a new bottle or nipple, sterilise it before giving it to your baby. Just because it is new, it does not mean it’s germ-free. ■

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