Health Monitors (3)

Useful readings at home come from using the right tool consistently, under the same conditions each time.

Thermometers. An infrared thermometer reads either the forehead or the ear. Ear readings track core temperature more closely; forehead readings are easier on a sleeping child. A dual-mode unit like the Puls does both, which helps in a household with mixed ages. Whichever you use, stay with one site — forehead and ear readings are not directly comparable.

Body composition scales. These estimate fat, muscle and water using a small electrical current, so readings shift with hydration. The trend matters more than any single number. Weigh at the same time of day, before eating, on a hard floor rather than carpet.

Kitchen scales. A scale accurate to 1 g is the practical way to control portions or follow a recipe by weight instead of volume, which is far more consistent.

Buy the monitor for the measurement you will genuinely take regularly. An unused device tells you nothing.