Did you know that research shows that the definition of a fever changes with age?  What can be a normal temperature for a 4 year old can actually be a fever in a newborn baby.

Braun have created a handy thermometer that you can actually adjust for the age of your child to get a much more accurate reading for looking out for nasty fevers. A unique piece of must-have kit for your first aid box!

An infant running a fever can be a scary thing to witness. A high temperature can be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection and can be a warning sign to scary situations such as meningitis and a rapidly rising temperature could lead to febrile convulsions.

It’s a huge worry as a parent to remember exactly what a ‘normal’ temperature is exactly and add in the stress of accurately trying to take the temperature of an upset baby just makes things more difficult. It can take such a long time to get a reading under babys arm, and I personally am too afraid to try and get a totally safe oral reading.

Braun, the number 1 thermometer brand recommended by doctors have worked hard to overcome these problems. The new Thermoscan 7 ear thermometer with age precision is it seems, top dog when it comes to reading a poorly childs temperature.

“An ‘elevated’ temperature indicates that you should monitor your child more closely for further rise or other symptoms. A high temperature should alert you to talk to your doctor or take your child to  healthcare professional to get them checked if you cant get advice promptly. The readings at which these instructions apply vary according to the age of the child, which is why Braun’s new ThermoScan 7 (IRT6520) thermometer, with its age precision technology, can be really useful and a great indicator of the best course of action to take.” – Dr Ranj Singh

Dr Ranj who is a TV favourite in our house with the kiddies, is running a special Q&A session on Monday the 26th of January and Wednesday 28th, 12-1pm on Twitter. Just tweet using @DrRanj and using the hastag #askdrranj to ensure your questions get to him! And don’t forget to follow @braun_therms too!

Firstly this thermometer is so easy to use. With its big easy to read screen, that lights up (so you can use it in the dark if you fear waking a sleeping baby!) You simply select which age range the child falls into; 0-3 months, 3-36 months, and 36+ months. Ensure a clean lens filter is in place, and simply place the thermometer into the ear. A reading will have been taken in a matter of seconds (I even had an accurate reading from my little girl in 1 second with this thermometer). If their temperature is normal the screen shall light up green, if there is reason to be aware because the temperature is a little elevated then the screen will shine amber and if their temperature is high then a warning red screen shall appear.

The thermometer also has a patented pre-warmed tip which ensures accuracy. The tip on other thermometers can often be cold, giving variable and therefore inaccurate readings. The soft speculum tip on the ThermoScan 7 also ensures comfortable use on a child, making the whole experience a little easier for them to handle.

The thermometer comes with new BPA and Latex Free disposable lens filters for hygiene reasons, and these can easy be stored in the case so they re always at hand. It has a super ExacTemp guidance system that makes sure you have safely secured the thermometer into your childs ear, and lights up green when in the correct position, Again insuring the best possible reading.

Brauns ThermoScan 7 works by measuring the infared heat generated by the eardrum and surround tissue in the ear. This is the best way to get an accurate reading of the bodys core temperature as the heat read by the thermometer is created from the blood supply shared by the brain.

You can also store up to 9 previous temperature readings on the thermometer using its memory function, very useful when a childs temperature is rising and you need a note of what previous temperatures were.

Remember, it is totally normal for children to get temperatures, it is natures way of fighting off a baddie in their bodies, but if you are concerned or other symptoms start to develop such as rash, convulsions etc please seek medical advice ASAP. Also, if your child has symptoms such as irritability, weakness, diarrhoea, loss or appetite or changes in activity you should always consult a doctor regardless of temperature reading.

Braun’s ThermoScan 7 Ear Thermometer  IRT6520 is available for the RRP £49.99 and is available at Boots.

I have 2 toddlers and they are constantly falling over, bouncing off of tables, pushing each other over and trapping fingers in cupboards. Its what they do and gaining a great tarmac graze is just a way of reminding us that they are adventurous and brave explorers.

At home we have a well stocked first aid box. I am very hot on the case with my first aid, as I used to work in health care as a HCA. I regularly had to update my training, and even put all of my knowledge into practice many, many times. After having my 2 girls I then trained to be an infant first aid trainer- working towards delivering first aid classes to parents, teachers and playgroups, but unfortunately I never continued to work as one after falling pregnant with baby number 3- due in just 7 weeks!

But, in the car (and even in my changing bag) my first aid stock is running very low indeed. We have a very outdated first aid kit in the car and the most I carry in my changing bag is a few plasters and a gauze. Not good.

I decided that we needed a nice new child friendly first aid pack for when out and about on day excursions and long drives. One that contained the things we could need if a little fall-over-and-cry situation should ever occur.

It is important to stock your first aid kit with the essentials. Plasters in a variety of shapes and sizes are a must, And if you have kiddies try to choose a fun pack of plasters that will lighten their mood. You can easily buy funky multipacks of plasters from supermarkets with their favourite cartoon characters or animals on. A few pods of Saline solution to wash any wounds (and flush eyes if needs be) is also a good idea, along with some gauzes to gently clean any grub out. A gauze can also be used to press against wounds to help slow bleeding. A sterile dressing tape to fix any small dressings in place, Vinyl gloves for infection control are very important when dealing with bodily fluids and make sure that you wash your hands before and after putting them on! A good mix of different sized and shaped bandages, thermometer, alcohol free cleansing wipes, safety pins, eye patches, tweezers and even a chid friendly antiseptic cream are also useful to keep in the pack. Remember when dealing with burns that you shouldn’t apply any creams onto the wound. Keep creams as a relief for simple grazes.

You can easily buy ready prepared first aid kits from many places. I decided to buy one readily made up for children that contained lots of extra room to add my own extra bits in too. This Steroplast first aid kit can be found on the Premier Healthcare & Hygiene LTD website and is created specially for kids. It also has a very useful carry handle and attachment strap so you can easily attach it to your belt or bag- great for days out walking or to the zoo! At just £4.60 it is so affordable ensuring that you never need be without.