Children can develop extremely high temeperatures very quickly. With one of these, you can accurately monitor the progression of the illness and check that the Calpol / Neurophen is doing its stuff. If the temperature doesn't respond to the medicine, that's a sign to monitor things more closely and get help if the temperature goes too high.

There's a bit of technique required to get consistent readings, but follow the instructions and you'll do fine. Basically you turn it on, place it in the ear, pull back the ear lobe and press the button til it beeps. It's usually worth measuring both ears - any significant difference between the two can mean an ear-infection on one side, or your technique needs checking! The battery seems to last forever so no worries there.

Contrary to Braun's advice, I've found you can re-use the disposable caps quite a few times (it could get very pricey if you didn't). A quick rub with a baby wipe gets them clean, though if you start to get inconsistent readings then try changing the cap.

We have 3 small children and there's no way I'd be without one of these, so very very strongly recommended to any parent.


Excellent product- a must buy for every parent   September 24, 2005
 38 out of 38 found this review helpful

I am a doctor and this is the best electronic item i bought for my child ever. I bought it before he was born and he is now 3 years old and it is still in perfect working condition. Whenever he cries and all the normal things( like a nappy change, feeds etc) have been sorted out we check his temperature and invariably he is running a temperature without us realising it. Everyone who has a small child will know how cranky children become when they are sick. They will not let you use a thermomter ( even the paper one we have in the NHS).

This braun one takes a second and now my son uses it himself in his ear and gives it to me to read!!! I strongly recommend this to evry parent and also for adult use.


Reliable and accurate   March 28, 2005
 41 out of 43 found this review helpful

I am a professional Health Technologist in Intensive Care.
This Braun device, bought for my family use, outperforms the professional brand we use in the NHS.

It is consistently accurate without too much skill (unlike the other unit).
It has repeatable results +/- 0.5C on a series of subsequent tests and is small and easy to carry. (The pro unit is +/- 1.5C)

The biggest advantage is the cost of the disposable ear canal shields. Braun 'shields' can be bought from the high street chemist.

This is an ideal tool for the family with young children.
Fast and easy and the kids don't mind - unlike the old oral thermometers that made me retch as a kid!

Buy this! - Trust me on this people, I'm a scientist.