Why couldn't they have had these when my kids were babies?!?

Have you seen these things??

We don't visit the doctor very often, but during our last visit we saw a nurse whip one of these out and gently slide it across my daughter's forehead. One second and beep! The nurse announced that she had no fever. "Wait..." my husband said. "That thing is a thermometer?"

Actually, no. It comes with a much fancier name than that. It's a "temporal scanner". And it is an incredible invention.

I was tickled pink when I had the opportunity to review an Exergen Temporal Scanner Thermometer through MamaBuzz, as a gift from Exergen.

If you have kids, you want this. Trust me. If you have kids, you already know why, but in case you've somehow managed to have fever-free children up to this point, let me enlighten you as to why you want this....

Have you ever had to take a rectal temperature of a squiggly baby? Anyone? This horrific experience is highlighted with the sheer terror of the baby kicking and thus forcing the thermometer too far and rupturing a bowel. Also, the thermometer needs to be lubricated with petroleum jelly before administering a rectal temperature scan. I have never seen a temperature taken in this manner that did not end with poo. Oddly enough, none of my children ever seemed to mind any of the above situations. But I did. I really did.

Have you ever tried to take a temperature by placing a thermometer under a child's tongue? How about under the tongue of a mouth-breather? How many times did you have to say, "No, sweetie, don't bite it." How many times did you have to check that it was still actually under the tongue? This check always manages to accidentally jab the child under the tongue with a good poke from the thermometer while also managing to prolong the lengthy wait-time for that temperature-reading.

Have you ever tried to take a temperature under the arm? How many times did you google to figure out if you were supposed to ADD a degree or SUBTRACT a degree when taking a temperature under the arm? And were you ever successful in keeping your child still with the thermometer in place?

Have you ever tried to take a temperature in the ear? This one is fast. Blessedly fast. Except that it gives us random readings that range from 89 to 103 and everything in between as we try again and again and again to get an accurate reading. Generally, I take it 10 times and if two matching numbers show up, I shrug and hope that's what the real temperature is.

But now? Now I swipe a piece of sturdy plastic across their forehead and within 2 seconds I have an accurate reading! It is very easy to use. I had difficulty when I first tried it, but my dear husband pointed out that I needed to take the cap off first.

Oh.

Yeah.

I had trouble the second time as well, but I finally realized that I was pressing it against my forehead very firmly. When I saw the picture of it being used on an infant, it dawned on me that no parent would ever ram it against their child's head like I was doing, so I then slid it softly across. I've had accurate readings ever since.

You can probably tell, but I don't read directions well.

What do I love about this thermometer?

*I love that tests have shown the Exergen Scanner to be even more accurate than oral or ear thermometer readings.

*I love that it is comfortable to hold and has just enough weight to it.

*I love that I don't have to disinfect it.

*I love that it automatically shuts off.

*I love that it runs off of an easily replaceable battery.

*I love that it gives no reason for tears...from child or from mom.

There are only two small things that keep it from being the most perfect invention I've ever seen. First, I'm not overly impressed with the cap. The cap is almost clear and is made of a thin plastic. It doesn't attach with a loop or anything; instead, it snaps on and off. When I'm checking a temperature in the middle of the night, I don't want to mess with finding the cap that I set down only to realize that I've stepped on it and cracked the plastic.

My other small thing is really small, but moms will understand. The display screen for the temperature reading is very clear and easy to read....in a lighted room. In the dark, it is not back-lit. You will need to take the temperature and then sneak out of the bedroom to read the display screen. The temperature will continue to show for 30 seconds, which is wonderful. But if it were back-lit, I might complain about that too because it might be too bright and wake up or blind my child. Perhaps a light-up button would be the best choice, like you find on watches. Again, not a big thing to complain about by any means.

After I first saw this amazing invention, I scoured pharmacies for the longest time, but didn't see them anywhere. When I did finally find them, WOW, the price! But finally, they are now down to a reasonable price of a little over $30.00. And even better, here is a $5.00 Rebate Coupon! for the Exergen Temporal Scanners.

And even better than that? I have a giveaway for a free one!

So....who wants an Exergen Temporal Scanner Thermometer?

To enter the drawing, all you need to do is leave a comment telling me either a story of your temperature-taking woes or a reason why you would like one of these. Extra entries will be counted for the really great and woeful tales. Another extra entry can be earned for blogging about this giveaway. You do not need a blogger account to enter, a good story and an email address will be plenty.

The winner will be announced one week from now.

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