Cold and flu season is back again. Adelaide was home from daycare for parts of three days last week with a head cold. Daycare called me mid-morning with the news that she had a low-grade fever, wasn’t feeling well, and needed to be picked up. I brought her home, and all she wanted was to sleep in her own bed. Before her nap, I took her temperature with our iProven DMT-489 thermometer. All I had to do was slide the thermometer across her forehead, and seconds later the thermometer beeped, and the screen flashed red with the temperature 102.9. Baby girl still had a fever, but it was so much easier to take her temperature in seconds rather than under her arm or anywhere else.
A friend of ours told us about the iProven DMT-489 thermometer when Jude was a baby. Before getting this thermometer, we used a digital thermometer and took his temperature under his armpit. Taking the temperature under the armpit revealed accurate temperature readings, but it was a hassle to keep him still while taking his temperature.
After using the iProven DMT-489 thermometer for two years, I want to share the pros and cons that we experienced with this thermometer.
The Pros
Price, accuracy, and good reviews were our top priorities when looking for an ear and forehead thermometer. Here is what we like about the iProven DMT-489 thermometer:
- Currently under $30 as of this writing on Amazon
- Forehead and ear functionality
- Easy to use
- Measurements in Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Digital screen displays temperature that lights up for easier indication at night, which is especially helpful when we take the kids’ temperatures while they’re sleeping
(Green Light = no fever; Red Light = Fever) - Forehead function can be used on anyone at any age
- Automatic power-off when untouched after 10 seconds
- Soft case included for storage
The Cons
Here is what we did not care for about the iProven DMT-489 thermometer:
- Temperature difference of ±0.2˚C / ±0.4˚F is normal
- The ear function does not work for children under 6 months of age.
- Fever alarm can’t be turned off when a fever is detected
- Not waterproof
Consensus
The iProven DMT-489 forehead and ear thermometer is quick and convenient, and you only have to wait one second to see the temperature. The biggest downfall we noticed was the accuracy. We’ve taken the kids’ temperatures twice in a row and have noticed a difference of almost one degree, which is definitely not as accurate of a reading as you’d get with an oral thermometer.
However, when Jude or Adelaide is sick, it is hard to keep a digital thermometer under their arm long enough to get a reading. The iProven DMT-489 gives us the ability to get a quick reading, and gives us a close indication of whether they have a temperature or not.
The iProven DMT-316b is the newer model and is supposed to be more accurate. Being that they are within a few dollars of each other, I would now tend to look at purchasing the iProven DMT-316b.
We do like the soft case that is included for storage. And speaking of storage, if you don’t use a thermometer a lot, it would probably be a good idea to remove the batteries and store them in the soft case to prevent corrosion.
When it comes down to it, we just like the convenience that the iProven DMT-489 forehead and ear thermometer provides. We do have a backup digital thermometer just in case we feel that the readings might be a little off and are wanting a more accurate read.
Do you use an ear and forehead thermometer? If so, what do you like about it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Leave a Reply