D.,
My hubby is a nurse and we use a temporal scanner thermometer. It scans the temporal artery in an instant. Children's hospital, and most others, use this type exclusively now...and all EMS personnel use it. The models that are "hospital grade" can run $150-$300, but you can also buy less expensive versions at Target, WalMart, or Walgreens...or online. We paid about $50 for ours and it works great. The temporal area is one of the most accurate areas to get the temp because it measures the blood after only a short time out of the heart. Axillary therm (under arm) are worthless...and inaccurate by a full degree or more. Rectal is not a great way to go as the kiddo gets older. This is easier than all and most accurate. One swipe of the forehead and 4 seconds later you get a reading. Hope that helps!