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Reference Digital electronic thermometers Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window are accurate, easy to read, and durable. Temperature strips are very convenient and safe but are not as accurate as digital thermometers and should only be used to measure armpit (axillary) temperature. They are inaccurate when used on the forehead. Thermometers that measure the temperature in the ear are fast, easy to use, and quite accurate, but they are expensive.

Glass thermometers that contain mercury are no longer recommended because of safety concerns. If you have one in your home, consider replacing it with a digital thermometer. You can contact your local recycling center to see if they dispose of thermometers that contain mercury.

Reference Rectal thermometers Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window are helpful for children younger than 6 or anyone who cannot hold an oral thermometer in his or her mouth. For more information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Reference Body Temperature.

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