This was a first for me with this thermometer. I'm old school and used the old mercury kind. So I took a chance and bought this one that is digital and can be used on the forehead. It wasn't long after I received it that I used it on my son who became sick. I love it!! I got a fast reading and also tried the forehead way to do it. I didnt struggle to read it because it's digital and numbers are clear and large enough for me to read without reading glasses which was a big plus. No more mercury thermoneter for me!!