Customer Reviews

The First Years Alert Ear Thermometer

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I've owned this thermometer for three years now, and I still love it....even though I ran out of probe covers a long time ago. My husband and I both use it, and it works great on our 3 year old boy. (The beeping of the thermometer makes him giggle, even when he's sick.)

As far as the probe covers go, we've found that it works just fine without them. We use rubbing alcohol to clean off the probe tip in between uses, just as we always did with the old-school mercury thermometers our parents had when we were growing up. Yes, the instruction book for this ear thermometer says that the probe covers help ensure accuracy, but we haven't found that to be a problem. Keep in mind that this thermometer is ONLY for use with babies OVER 6 months old because the ear canals of newborns aren't large enough to accomodate an ear thermometer. Exceptionally accurate temperature measurements are very important for newborns (so use a different type of thermometer - not an ear thermometer), but usually all we really need for older babies, children and adults is a measure of "normal", "a little above normal", or "significantly above normal." In my opinion, if the temperature is over 101, you ought to be calling your pediatrician anyway.

If the probe covers really do matter to you, pull out that instruction manual and READ IT. It specifies that you can use any brand of probe covers and recommends a particular model number of Walgreens brand covers. In my opinion, The First Years company is being VERY helpful with regard to the probe covers - the instruction manual does not say "You must buy ONLY our brand of probe covers." Instead, they make it clear that just about any brand will work (as long as the style is similar) and even specify a brand that is readily available from a particular national drugstore chain.

The factor that DOES significantly affect accuracy is how you hold the thermometer and the ear. The instruction manual includes both descriptions and diagrams that show how to hold the child's (or adult's) ear and insert the probe tip. It's VERY important that you use the right "ear-holding technique". For smaller babies, you pull the back of the ear STRAIGHT BACK and hold it while inserting the probe tip. But for older children and adults, you pull the top of the ear UP and hold it while inserting the probe tip. When I neglect to hold the ear in the proper position, I always get inaccurate results. (I know for a fact that my normal temperature is not 95 degrees, but that's what it reads if I hold my ear incorrectly.) When I hold the ear in the correct position (depending on the age and size of the person whose temperature I'm taking), I get very accurate results.

My guess is that the people who have complained about the accuracy of this thermometer did not read the instructions, because the diagrams in the manual show you quite clearly how to hold the ear and thermometer. Also, some of the reviewers mentioned getting inaccurate results on their young babies (e.g., 3 months old). Remember - this thermometer is NOT for babies under 6 months. It's not intended to be used for newborns, so you shouldn't expect accurate results when you use it on a newborn. Plus, I can't imagine trying to stick the probe tip into the ear of a newborn. That would hurt!

So, my bottom line is that this is a GREAT thermometer, as long as you use it properly. And, the probe covers really aren't a big deal. Get well soon! :)

I purchased this thermometer 18 mos ago and absolutely love it. It is quick and easy to use, and there is no maintenance. As for those who are having trouble finding probe covers, they are sold at Walgreens or any other drugstore. They are not first year brand, but the Walgreens brand works just as well. I hope this helps. Please consider this theremometer, your children will thank you because of the unintrusive, painless readings.

It doesn't take any time at all to get an accurate reading and it's so much easier than having to wait with a thermometer under the arm or under the tongue. I love it!

After your 20 covers you can use this with just about any covers as long as they are similar. You don't have to have their brand.....and you probably couldn't find their brand. After using other brands... realize that you can use this thermometer WITHOUT probe covers. Yes you can. Just be sure to clean the tip with alcohol.

Bought this as a gift for my daughter, who has twin girls! She doesn't have time to use other thermometers. This one is FAST. Works great with the small kids.

Works great on the big kids and adults. I've used the thermometer a couple of times on myself while I was over there babysitting the twins.

I do recommend this product.

When I was looking for a thermometer for my baby girl I wanted something easy so her father could use it and fast because shes one not to stay still very long. I found this one and fell in love with it. I use for it for everyone in my family. Yes, I did have a problem finding the covers but that's not a reason to not to get this thermometer.

i could not get this thing to read the correct temperature on me, much less my baby . . . not too comforting when you're wondering if your baby has a fever or not. no matter what angle i had the thermometer at it always read 96.7, on me and my baby. go for the slightly more expensive forehead scanning thermometer (target doesn't carry it but babies r us does), it's super fast and much more accurate.

This is the only thermometer we use at our house, my husband and I included. It is so easy. Just be sure to hold the top of the ear straight up then insert the probe, this should give you the right angle. As for the probe covers, you can use any generic cover. I bought a package of Walgreens brand covers and they work just as well. They are not the exact same and do look different, but looks and functionality are two separate things. Get over the cover issue and go to Walgreens or any drug store. Please don't let the other reviews scare you. This is a great product.

Not only are probe covers unavailable in retail locations or over Internet, it seems that First Years has discontinued the product. At least the product is not listed or mentioned on their website. We searched for model 4290 - the number imprinted on the bottom of the thermometer. Apparently, they don't see any value in telling customers the product was discontinued. Furthermore, the site is full of broken image links. The thermometer works well but without probe covers, it's not a good investment. You can find equivalent products with readily available probe covers. If the store you're buying the thermometer at doesn't have covers there, find another product with covers available.

Not only are probe covers unavailable in retail locations or over Internet, it seems that First Years has discontinued the product. At least the product is not listed or mentioned on their website. We searched for model 4290 - the number imprinted on the bottom of the thermometer. Apparently, they don't see any value in telling customers the product was discontinued. Furthermore, the site is full of broken image links. The thermometer works well but without probe covers, it's not a good investment. You can find equivalent products with readily available probe covers. If the store you're buying the thermometer at doesn't have covers there, find another product with covers available.

easy to use, disappointed that probe covers aren't easily accessible....called corporate about replacement probe covers, available mail order $3 for pack of 20-not much help for me today. The First Years, attn. Mail Order, 1 Kiddie Dr., Avon, MA 02322. She said any generic 'flexible probe covers' would also work...I'll try that.