Vicks is a well-known brand selling over-the-counter medications. A good percentage of its products are highly reputed by customers and recommended by doctors and pediatricians.
Here, we are going to review the digital thermometer since it has helped many moms take their baby’s temperature much faster. Its advanced technology gives this thermometer a high accuracy level, the battery lasts up to 300 measurements, and it can be used in multiple ways.
I decided to purchase this thermometer and try it because it had a high reputation on the market. So, let me explain how to use Vicks thermometer and my experience with it.
How to Use Vicks Thermometer
- Press the blue button in the middle to turn the thermometer on. It is also the only button on the Vicks thermometer and is used to turn the device on and off.
- A few seconds after pressing the button, you should wait until the display says it is ready for use.
- You can measure the temperature orally, axillary, and rectally.
- Turn the device off and clean it thoroughly after use.
There are three ways to use the Vicks thermometer based on the baby’s age. When I bought it, my baby was 9 months old. In children under the age of 3, it is recommended to measure the body temperature rectally or axillary.
I used it axillary since my baby was calm and did not reject the thermometer. The first thing I liked the most about Vicks digital thermometer was its fast and accurate measurement. The device beeps when it reaches the peak temperature, and it usually takes no more than 10 seconds.
After use, I turn off the device and clean the tip with water and rubbing alcohol. In case you forget to turn the device off, it turns off automatically after one minute. This is an excellent feature since it is not going to drain the battery.
Three ways to use the Fever InSight Vicks digital thermometer
Orally
Oral temperature measuring is recommended in adults and children older than 5 years. For better safety and hygiene, I used thermometer probe covers (you can find them in pharmacies) and threw the cover after each use. This has helped me prevent germ spread between the family members.
If you opt for this method, you should place the thermometer under the tongue for accurate measures. Also, the mouth should be closed until the digital thermometer measures the peak temperature.
As I mentioned before, the thermometer will beep and stop flashing when it reaches the temperature. When you remove the thermometer from the mouth, it will not change the temperature until you restart it.
Dispose of the cover and clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol to eliminate possible bacteria and germs from its surface.
Axillary
Axillary thermometer use is the standard, under-arm temperature measuring method. This method is good for babies and toddlers.
When I used the Vicks digital thermometer axillary, I wiped my baby’s armpit with a wet towel before placing the thermometer. Then, I placed the thermometer with the tip touching the skin, right at the crease spot.
Because my daughter was still a baby, I kept her hand beside her body until the thermometer measured her body temperature. For the most accurate measures, it is important not to let air enter between the skin and the thermometer tip.
After 9 to 11 seconds, the thermometer beeps, and you can remove it from under the armpit. The temperature measured axillary may show up to 1°C higher than the one taken orally.
Rectally
This method is commonly used to measure the body temperature of infants and babies, where it is difficult to measure the temperature orally or axillary. I used this method once when my daughter was so upset.
In all cases, I put a thermometer probe cover on the thermometer tip. It is essential for maintaining hygiene since this device can be used in multiple ways and by all family members.
When measuring rectal temperature, it is good to lubricate the thermometer tip (it is also mentioned in the manual).
The best position is to place the baby with its stomach on your knee while its legs hang down. You can also place the baby on a bed instead of your knee and hold their legs over their stomach. The thermometer should be placed no more than ½ inch in the rectum.
Do not force if the baby resists.
This temperature measuring method may show a 1°C higher body temperature than the oral method.
In the end, I disposed of the thermometer probe cover and cleaned the device with rubbing alcohol.
Also read: How To Dress A Baby For Sleep In A 70 Degree Room
How to change the temperature unit on Vicks thermometer
You may also wonder how to change the temperature unit on the thermometer since there is only one button on the device. The only button is to turn the device on and off and change the temperature unit if you press and hold it for a few seconds.
I was facing difficulties measuring the body temperature in Fahrenheit, so I needed to find a way to switch it to Celsius.
It is actually so simple because you only need to press and hold the power button while the device is off.
So, press and hold the button for a few seconds or until an “M” letter disappears from the screen. Then, release the button and shortly press it to switch the unit. You can set it from Fahrenheit to Celsius and the opposite.
After three seconds, the thermometer accepts the command and is ready to measure the temperature in the set unit.
Conclusion
I hope my experience has helped you learn how to use Vicks thermometer accurately. I also recommend using thermometer probe covers to maintain the hygiene of the digital thermometer since it can be used in multiple ways.
I give it 10 out of 10 because it fascinated me with its speed and accuracy.
