Preparing for Flu Season + Thermometer Giveaway

One of my girlfriends carries a thermometer in her diaper bag, taking her kids' temperature at the slightest hint of illness. That's not really my style. I typically gauge potential fevers by touch, confirming with a digital thermometer under their arm if they seem really sick. (I've gotten quite accurate with the touch method, I'll have you know.)

With all the H1N1 flu drama, our preschool and daycare are now much more specific about when children will be allowed through the door and how high a mild fever can be before it keeps them home. Determining that a forehead is "barely warm" won't really cut it. Faced with the prospect of a lot more temperature-taking this winter, I accepted a MomSelect invitation to review the new ReliOn Temple Touch Thermometer.

The good:

• It works fast. Hold the end of the digital thermometer up to a squirmy kid's temple for six seconds and you're done. Much more convenient than the minute-plus I have to hold the thermometer under their arms for an auxiliary temp.
  
• There are little beeps to tell you when to put it up to the temple and when to take it off. And instructions right on the thermometer in case even that's too much to remember.
  
• I tried it on my toddler and myself at a few different points throughout the day. It gave consistent readings for both of us.
• It's only $10, which is about what I spent on our last thermometer.
  

The not as good:

• The beeps are pretty loud, especially when the thermometer is right next to your ear. One of its selling points is supposed to be that you can use it on sleeping kids, but I wouldn't want to risk waking a sleeping sick child. I wish there were a way to mute the beeping.
• You'll still need a thermometer on hand for taking rectal temperatures. At least at our pediatrician's office, that's the reading they request if things are dicey.
  
• It's only available through WalMart or its cousin, Sam's Club (I didn't realize that fact until today).

In addition to the free thermometer to review, I received one to give away. To enter, leave a comment on this post sharing something about autumn you're looking forward to (since the flu isn't the only thing coming). U.S. mailing addresses only. One entry per person, winner to be chosen at random no later than 9/12, void where prohibited. Entries without some means of contact (e.g. email, blog link) are invalid. Contest closes 9/9 midnight PST.