You’ve probably seen the rather gut wrenching ad on TV? The woman looking at a picture of presumably her child as the voice over talks about children choking or falling and hitting their heads? Then she stands up, looks at a picture on the dresser, smiles, catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and hauntingly looks the viewer in the eye?  It’s horrible, but attention grabbing.

Diana Hill, Co-founder of The Essential Parent Company says “As a mother, I know that the summer holidays can be a fraught and nerve-wracking time when all of a sudden, you find yourself solely responsible for the safety of your children. Not knowing what to do when your child suffers a serious accident is an all too common problem, but importantly, an entirely preventable one. That’s why I’m delighted that at The Essential Parent Company we have joined forces with St John Ambulance to help and educate adults about the importance of learning first aid for children and babies. Through increased awareness we can enjoy a care-free summer safe in the knowledge that we are ready to act should we need to.”

• Click here to request your free first aid guide from St Johns Ambulance

Amazon are selling this Braun Thermoscan digital thermometer for £19.15, at the moment, instead of it's usual £32.99.

• Click HERE to take a look at the Braun Thermoscan digital thermometer

If you took my temperature now, I s-w-e-a-r it would read 'minus something' - it was -10C when I got up this morning and I'm freezing!

Okay, so I know I'd be in big trouble if my core temperature was a minus number (a very long time dead, in fact) but having a plus temperature that's too high is also more than a little dangerous.

It's always tempting to say, "if you have babies, or young children, in the house then you should really consider having one of these Braun Thermoscan digital thermometers in the first aid cupboard," but, to be honest, even if you live on your own, or don't have kids, you should have a digital thermometer.

The Braun Thermoscan digital thermometer is the medics' digital thermometer of choice and is about as reliable as you're going to get.  It's easy to use, simple to read and is a non-optional piece of first aid kit as far as I'm concerned.

They're not cheap though, so when you come across a good  Braun Thermoscan digital thermometer deal (like this one!) you should consider taking advantage of it, if you don't already have a digital thermometer.

Thanks to shadow1 at HUKD 

A digital thermometer, like this Braun Thermoscan, isn't an optional piece of parenthood kit, as far as I'm concerned, it's necessary and non-negotiable - you can't have children or babies in the house and NOT have something to measure their temperatures with.

• Click HERE to have a look at the Braun Thermoscan Digital Thermometer

It was one of the very first pieces of baby equipment I purchased way back when, and if I had to work out how much it cost me to buy versus how many times its been used then it would work out to be an absolute bargain - if you get my drift.

The Braun Thermoscan digital thermometer is the digital thermometer of GP choice, it's also the one used on the majority of hospitals too so, before my first son was born 17 years ago, this is the digital thermometer that I bought.

This Braun Thermoscan digital thermometer is quick and easy to use and is pretty much as accurate as you're going to get but they're not usually cheap; the usual retail price is around the £40 mark - Amazon's previous price was £39.99 but, at the moment, they're selling them for £24.99 instead.

All the usual Amazon delivery malarkey applies - if you don't want your Braun Thermoscan Electronic Thermometer super quick then choose the SuperSaver delivery option and pay nothing for postage BUT, if you want it to be with you in time for Christmas using SuperSaver delivery then you need to order it by the close of play tomorrow (Sunday 18).

This Vicks Fever Insight Speed Read Thermometer is a bit of a bargain if

a) Amazon leave the price alone for a while or

b) You get there first, if they don't.

The current price is just £3.43, whereas the usual price is £12.99.

• Click HERE to speed over to Amazon

Having a thermometer instantly to hand is necessary when you have babies and children in the house; it's NOT an optional piece of kit.

Temperatures can rise FAST and the implications can be serious.

When my eldest was little, his temperature soared so fast his body shut down and he had a febrile convulsion.  It was the middle of the night, I called out our GP and we were rushed to the hospital so they could rule out, or in, meningitis; it was nothing short of terrifying.

Since then I've been a bit of a temperature 'fan' - the moment anyone complains of not feeling so well they get their temperature measured and I keep a very close eye on them.

There are lots of digital thermometers on the market - please don't use mercury ones - and prices can vary massively.

If you don't want, or aren't in a position, to spend the best part of £50 on a digital thermometer then consider this Vicks Fever Insight Speed Read one instead.

It takes accurate readings within ±0.1°C, features a coloured backlight and displays digital numbers in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.

It takes readings in around eight seconds, which reduces contact time and minimises discomfort, has a memory function so you can track temperature changes and measurements can be taken in three different ways: oral, underarm or rectal.

Thanks to papago14 at HUKD