Best Baby Thermometer

There are a lot of things new parents have to learn both before and in the process of caring for their babies. One of those things is how to take a baby’s temperature properly. As simple as it may sound, it is important to note that it is a task that requires special attention, knowledge, and the right thermometer. When your baby gets a cold, you may notice an increase in its temperature, and it should not be taken for granted.

According to experts, babies get colds quite often because their immune system is not yet strong enough to fight off the viruses that trigger colds. This means that no matter how carefully you cover your little one, she is bound to get at least several colds in her first 12 months alone.

Keep in mind that any fever at all in a baby who is less than a year old requires the prompt attention of a doctor. In the case of a baby who is more than 3 months but less than 6 months old, it is advisable to consult a doctor if your baby’s temperature reads 102 °F or more or if she develops a fever that persists for more than 24 hours even if it is not up to 102 °F.

Now to the question, how do you know if your baby has a fever? You may feel the difference with your hands, but that is not reliable enough to be sure. The recommended way of checking your baby’s temperature is with the use of a thermometer.

How Did We Pick the Best Baby Thermometer?

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Best Overall

ADC Temple Touch Digital Fever Thermometer

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Why It is Better?

How to Pick the Right Baby Thermometer

There are some important factors we took into consideration before compiling our best baby thermometer list. We are positive that they will help you make the right decision for your little one as to what thermometer is the most suitable.

  • Age range: For babies who are 0 to 3 months old, experts suggest a digital rectal thermometer. From 3 months to 4 years old, you can use a rectal or armpit thermometer. If your child is 4 years old and above, you can use the oral type. Using the proper one for your child’s age will ensure the accuracy of the results and the comfort of your child as well.
  • Type: Gone are the days when glass thermometers were used to check body temperatures. These days, the most convenient of them all is the digital type. It is faster, easier to use, and more durable than any other type on the market. You should only buy a type of thermometer that is suitable for your baby’s age.
  • Consistency: Be sure to get a thermometer that will present you with an accurate reading every time you use it. Once you find this quality, then you can narrow down your other search factors. A lot of times, people may get inconsistent results with an accurate device because of not following the right instructions. For instance, if you use an oral thermometer on a baby while she is eating, you may not get a consistent result.
  • Accuracy: Not only should your thermometer be consistent, but it should also be accurate. Go for brands that are verified and recommended by medical experts.
  • Ease of use: People are rapidly moving towards digital thermometers these days as it is becoming obvious that they are the best and are far easier to use than any other type. If you are technologically challenged, you may want to go for the simplest digital thermometer you can find.
  • Popular brands: If you do your research before shopping, you will observe that a few brands seem to have the upper hand in terms of effectiveness and customer satisfaction. This can serve as a pointer in making the right choice most of the time. Right now, the most popular brands are Mosen, iProven, Summer Infant, and ADC.
  • Speed: You know you have to pay full attention to your little one while reading her temperature. Would you rather sit and wait for long minutes, or would you prefer to get it over with in a matter of seconds? If you prefer the faster thermometers, then you should go for the high-tech ones. There are a good number of digital thermometers that take as little as a couple of seconds to produce accurate and consistent results.
  • Sound: Some thermometers make different sounds to signal the end of a cycle or the possibility of a fever. This is just a small feature to help you stay alert and interpret the readings more easily.

Top 10 Best Baby Thermometers

While there are a lot of them out there, you do not want to pick just any model. You have to be on the lookout for the best thermometer for kids. First of all, note that there are different types of thermometers, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a rectal thermometer only for babies that are under 3 months old.

Older kids within the age range of 3 months to 3 years are advised to use any of the following types.

  • Rectal (inserted in the anus)
  • Tympanic (inserted in the ear)
  • Axillary (placed under the arm)

There is also the TA (temporal artery) thermometer, which is beginning to gain popularity these days. When used properly, it can register accurate readings even for newborns.

Now let us examine the best thermometer for baby, their features, and the pros and cons of each model.

1. ADC Temple Touch Digital Fever Thermometer Review

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4.1/5

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The ADC thermometer is one of those products you can use on your little one without contact, and it takes only 6 seconds to get a reading. This is a suitable option for little ones especially if they tend to be restless and fussy.

This product has many features with functions such as a sound signal at the end of a cycle and an auto shut-off function to preserve battery life. There is also an LED screen on the thermometer, where the results of the readings are displayed.

It makes use of a conductive technology, which allows it to read body temperatures with little or no contact with the subject. Aside from being non-invasive, another benefit of this product is that it reduces the possibility of cross contamination when being used on more than one person at a time.

Public Review Summary

With this thermometer, you need just a few seconds to read your baby's temperature. It is very easy to use and accurate. A lot of nurses recommend this model. Also this thermometer is quite small, and you can take it in your pocket. However, it is still convenient to view the temperature readings.

Our Rating
4.1/5

2. Summer Pacifier Thermometer Review

Our Rating
3.8/5

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The Summer pacifier thermometer has one of the best ideas as baby thermometers are concerned. It is a pacifier and thermometer in one. It is in no way invasive, and it delivers accurate results. In addition to being made from safe materials, the nipple is also orthodontic, which means it is designed to keep your baby’s teeth straight. This is great considering that kids are often predisposed to such dental issues.

You are going to appreciate helpful features like the beep sound it makes at the end of each reading cycle and the glow function designed to signal a fever alert. These features make it easier to use for parents who are big on simplicity. The results are displayed clearly on an LED screen either in Celsius or Fahrenheit as the case may be. There is also a memory feature that recalls the last result.

This product is not just unique and functional; it is also very affordable for parents who are on a budget. However, you should note that the batteries are not replaceable, which is the biggest negative for a lot of users. Also, it comes only in a small size, making it somewhat uncomfortable for older babies to use

Public Review Summary

It is not a typical thermometer. It is shaped like a pacifier and will be quite good for your small baby if she or he does not like typical thermometers. You just press the power button, put it in your kid's mouth, and read the temperature while your kid is happily sucking away. The main drawback is that this thermometer needs some more time to obtain temperature results, and the quality of the materials could be better.

Our Rating
3.8/5

3. iProven Rectal Thermometer for Babies Review

Our Rating
3.8/5

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This rectal thermometer comes highly recommended for infants by experts because it is the best for infants with regard to their age. It takes about 10 seconds to get the job done and to produce an accurate reading.

A feature that adds to the effectiveness of this product is its flexible tip that is designed with safe materials and to be baby proof. This tip, which is soft without any bumps, makes it safer because it has to go inside the rectum. Coming in contact with the inside of the body increases the accuracy of the results for babies because of their inability to control body heat loss. For each purchase, you get a free hard case for extra safety and protection from damage and germs.

Each package comes with a thermometer, batteries, free hard case, and a manual. It is quite simple to use once you have gone through the manual and have come to understand how it functions. A good number of users are impressed with this product. There are a few who had some issues with it, especially issues related to the beep sound, which is not loud enough. Some users also complained of inconsistent readings.

Public Review Summary

This thermometer is quite fast and gives a result in twenty seconds. It seems accurate and comes with a protective plastic holder with a locking top. Also, this thermometer is very easy to use, and a great feature is the smiley face indicator. Like almost all products from this category, it sometimes has problems with showing different temperatures.

Our Rating
3.8/5

4. ANKOVO Thermometer for Fever Digital Medical Infrared Forehead and Ear Review

Our Rating
4.4/5

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There are a lot of reasons why many prefer digital thermometers to analog ones. One such reason is speed. However, the digital types have different degrees of speed in taking temperature readings. Some are faster than others like the Ankovo brand. It is one of the fastest on our list of best baby thermometers owing to its infrared technology, but that is not all. It comes with other interesting features like dual mode operation, a large LED display, a Fahrenheit or Celsius option, and so on.

In every pack, you will find two AAA batteries, a user manual, and a thermometer. Read the instructions in the manual to understand how to use this product. Note that it is important to read the user manual carefully before attempting to use this product, or you may be stuck with inconsistent readings. The makers of this product suggest not using it for self-diagnosis or the treatment of health problems.

Public Review Summary

It is great that the Ankovo thermometer can take both forehead and ear readings. With it, you receive a cool bag, which helps you keep the thermometer safe. You can even use the thermometer in the dark. If the temperature is higher than 99.5, there will be a beep. However, it sometimes has inconsistent readings.

Our Rating
4.4/5

5. Simplife Baby Forehead Thermometer with Ear Function Review

Our Rating
3.8/5

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This product is designed in a way that is appealing to the eyes and fits in your hand comfortably. It is one of the best infant thermometer devices, and it comes with a number of features that make it all the more interesting. There is the high-precision probe, which is the most important part of this gadget. It is made with a smart chip to detect the infrared energy that is emitted from the eardrum or forehead.

There is also the spacious data storage that can store as many as 20 readings. This can help you easily keep track of your readings and present them for analysis when necessary. If it is hard for you to tell when your baby has a fever, this product can simplify that for you with the help of a red backlight indicator and a fever alarm that goes off when a high temperature is detected. The alert can be muted to stop it from disturbing the baby if you intend to use it while she is asleep.

Public Review Summary

This thermometer has an automatic shut-off function, which is very useful. It is really easy to use, offers quick results, and is accurate. Unlike an oral thermometer, it is a lot more sanitary when used as a family thermometer. Sometimes, errors can make it necessary to restart the device or wait before using it.

Our Rating
3.8/5

6. iProven Medical Digital Ear Thermometer DMT-489 Review

Our Rating
4/5

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From our findings, there are not many baby thermometers that weigh as little as 4 ounces in a compact form like the iProven thermometer. This is one of the biggest brands out there with different models, one of which is the DMT-489 Black. This particular model is even more sophisticated, effective, and reliable than all the others of the same brand. This is why people may prefer to go for it despite its high price.

An interesting feature is this product’s ability to take readings in both ear and forehead modes. For ear readings, insert the ear probe slightly into the ear and press the ear button to get your results. For the forehead readings, all you need to do is pop up the infrared lens attachment and press the head button, and you are good to go.

This product is particularly easy to use and is a contender for the best thermometer for kids and adults alike. With a single button press, it is ready to take the reading, which takes not more than a couple of seconds before the results are displayed on the large LCD screen. There is also an automatic fever alarm that goes off when a high temperature is detected, making it even more convenient for users.

Public Review Summary

The screen lights up, and the beep is loud. There is a memory option to store temperature readings as well as a Celsius or Fahrenheit option. Also, it is very easy to use and has simple instructions. Ear and head modes are useful, and you can use the thermometer not only for your baby but also for the whole family. A small number of customers are dissatisfied that there can be slight variations in repeated readings.

Our Rating
4/5

7. Goodbaby Ear Thermometer Review

Our Rating
4.2/5

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This is one of the best infant thermometer devices out there for a number of reasons. It has numerous capabilities, is easy to use, is fast enough to show results after a couple of seconds thanks to the infrared technology, and has an amazing memory recall feature that can go as far back as 35 previous readings.

Aside from all that, it has a double mode where the results can be read in either Celsius or Fahrenheit. There are two buttons on it. One is for sound (on and off), and the other is for scanning. Just a single press of any of these buttons is all you need to carry out any of the functions.

To get the best out of this product, users are advised to study the manual thoroughly before use. You can get some help from a medical expert if need be to make sure you understand how the device works.

Public Review Summary

This no-contact thermometer is a good product. It is very easy to use, and the results are shown quickly. It also can measure the temperature of bottles, air, etc. As usual for this category, some customers are disappointed with its accuracy.

Our Rating
4.2/5

8. Zhiyu Digital Infrared Forehead Thermometer Review

Our Rating
2.7/5

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A lot of the thermometers you see out there are similar in many ways, despite the fact that they are made by different brands. The ability to stand out from the rest is the only thing that can differentiate a product from others. This brand, for instance, took the initiative to make a thermometer that looks like a hair dryer. You can hold it and point it at your baby’s forehead without physical contact to get the reading in less than 2 seconds.

With this product, you can easily detect the temperature of your baby’s bathwater, room, and food. This allows you to ensure the right conditions for your little one at all times. Another interesting feature of this product is its ability to take accurate readings without coming into contact with the body. This feature is possible as a result of the high-tech infrared technology used to design the device. The technology also allows it to take readings in under 2 seconds. The auto functions like the sound and light indicators add to the convenience of this device, making it easy to use.

Public Review Summary

This baby thermometer is great if you are searching for a no-contact option. No-contact thermometers are very useful if your baby dislikes typical ones and always cries when you need to take her temperature. It is especially easy to set up and use. The screen is quite big, and you can easily see the temperature. On the downside, people admit that its accuracy may not be perfect.

Our Rating
2.7/5

9. Metene Baby Thermometer for Fever Review

Our Rating
4.3/5

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This is one of those fancy-looking thermometers with an acrylic cover, sizable LED display, dual measurement mode, and sleek handles. Aside from its appearance, this product is also effective in measuring the temperature of older kids and even adults in addition to babies.

It takes 2 seconds or less to get the results. The intelligent chip is effective and very fast in identifying the temperature of the body instantly. The digital infrared feature is also beneficial, making it easier to use. It has a built-in ambient compensation sensor that detects the temperature of the environment and adjusts body temperature readings accordingly.

This product can be used on the forehead and in the ear to capture accurate readings. Users are advised to read the manual properly and ask questions when necessary before using this product. It is important to test the product upon receiving it to make sure it works as expected.

Public Review Summary

This is an excellent option for you if you are searching for a 2-in-1 (ear and forehead) thermometer. It can switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius. Also, the button is soft and easy to find. Its design is very modern and appealing, but it does have some minor issues with accuracy.

Our Rating
4.3/5

10. Mosen Thermometer Forehead Infrared Thermometer Review

Our Rating
4.3/5

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At the top of our list is the Mosen baby thermometer, which can also be used to measure room temperature and milk. It brings with it a certain level of versatility in the sense that it serves as a tympanic and TA thermometer.

The thermometer comes with a cover and can be used with its cover on to check the thermal reading of your little one’s forehead. Without the cover, it can be used as a tympanic thermometer. It is important to go through the manual carefully to gain verified information on how to use this product.

A complete package of this product comes with a thermometer, a cloth bag, 2 AAA batteries, and a user manual. It is quite easy to use considering the one-button feature. Results are instantaneous, and with the backlight color indicator, you can easily tell the temperature of your baby.

Note that each time there is a significant temperature change in your environment, it is important to make sure the device adjusts to this ambient temperature by leaving it in that environment 15 minutes before use as necessary with even the best baby thermometer devices.

Public Review Summary

This thermometer is really easy to use and has a large screen. It has a 3-color display and the option of shutting off the sound. Another great feature is the ability to store the previous temperature measurements. With this feature, you know if your baby's temperature improves or gets worse. On the other hand, a lot of customers admit that it has problems with accuracy and shows a different temperature reading each time.

Our Rating
4.3/5

Main Kinds of Baby Thermometers

Having a baby thermometer handy is one of the things parents should not take for granted. It is true that you can detect the temperature of your baby by just feeling her forehead with the back of your palm, but that is not reliable. Babies tend to have fevers more often than adults since their immune system is still developing because it is not as strong. Do not worry because you will be using a thermometer more often than you imagined as a new parent.

Before you go ahead and make a purchase, it is important to understand the types of thermometers there are and which ones are suitable for your little ones. According to experts, there are several different types out there, and buyers need to take note of this while shopping. There are 4 basic types that are classified according to where on the body they are used.

  • Oral: This type is most suitable for kids who are a little older like 3 to 4 years of age. At this stage, a child can cooperate and allow parents and caregivers to use oral thermometers on them. The device is placed under the child’s tongue and held there for 60 seconds. Keeping the device in position for that long may be a bit of a problem in some cases, and this would result in inaccurate readings. You may wait until your child is older to use this method on her. It is important to study the user manual and follow the instructions properly to get accurate results.
  • Rectal: This type of thermometer is lubricated with a lubricating gel and gently inserted into the rectum of the baby through the anus. Note that you must inspect and observe to make sure your child does not have a cut of any sort in the anus before using this product. This method of checking a baby’s temperature is highly recommended by medical experts over other methods because its accuracy is best for young infants. While using this device, make sure your little one is laid down on her belly on your lap or across a firm surface. After inserting the thermometer, continue to hold the device until it beeps. Remove it after the beep and record the reading. Wash the thermometer with soap and water, sanitize it with alcohol afterwards, and store in a safe place.
  • Ear and forehead: This type of thermometer brings a level of convenience to reading the temperature of your baby especially when using the forehead mode. This makes it quite suitable for smaller kids who may not cooperate in the process. It is placed on the baby’s forehead or in the ear and held in place for a moment to get the reading. When using the ear mode, make sure the cap is as clean as can be and in place. Then, gently push the probe into the ear, press the measurement button, and hold it still for a couple of seconds or so to get the reading. When using the forehead mode, all you have to do is place it on the center of the forehead and press the measurement button to scan. Make sure your baby’s head is not moving while doing this. This is a great way to get the reading for a baby (and adults), but it is not always as accurate as the rectal types of thermometers. Users should take this into consideration.
  • Axillary: This is probably the most common type of thermometer. It is usually placed against the skin right under the armpit. Typically, this type of thermometer produces results that are interpreted in a different way. The results are typically lower than that of oral, rectum, or ear readings. This is because it is used externally on the body unlike the previously mentioned ones. Normally, the axillary reading falls within the range of 96.6 °F (35.9 °C) and 98 °F (36.7 °C). It is usually a degree lower than readings from the oral method and about two degrees lower than the rectal method. Thermometers come in different forms. There is the digital type (which is the most common these days), the glass type with alcohol inside, and the mercury type with mercury inside. These three are effective in taking temperature readings of your little one, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the use of the digital type of thermometer. The reason for this is quite clear. First, the mercury and alcohol thermometers are both made of glass and can easily break. Second, mercury is dangerous. In addition to choosing a digital thermometer, tympanic thermometers are also a great option for their ease of use. In regard to accuracy, readings taken rectally or orally are more accurate than any other method. As a matter of fact, the AAP recommends the rectal method for children that are younger than 3 years of age.

Important Steps to Take When Using Baby Thermometers

If you are often close to your baby doing things like cradling her, feeding her, and changing her dirty diapers, you will understand that it is quite easy for a lot of parents to notice when a baby is warm. But that alone is not enough to know when the baby has a fever or not. Every caregiver needs one of the best baby thermometer devices to be able to discover the actual temperature readings of a child.

Once you have a proper baby thermometer, the next thing you are going to want to know is how to use a baby thermometer.

  1. The very first thing to do in this regard is to properly study the manual of the product. The emphasis is on “properly.” This will inform you of the manufacturer’s specifications on how to get the best out of their product.
  2. Also, do not wait until your baby is sick to use the device. As a matter of fact, you should try it on your baby when she is not sick so that you will not be confused about how to go about it when it is necessary.
  3. Always clean the device accordingly before and after every use. This is for the sake of hygiene and to reduce the risk of transmission.
  4. Do not use the same product for rectal and oral use. Get different thermometers for that and remember to label them accordingly before use.
  5. Never leave your little one unattended while taking her temperature. This is to ensure that the thermometer stays in place for a proper reading.

If your thermometer is the rectal type, here are some tips on how to use it properly.

  • Clean it properly and turn it on.
  • Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly.
  • Lay your baby on her belly, lift one of her legs high enough to see her anus, then insert the lubricated tip not more than one inch into the rectum.
  • On no occasion is it okay to force the device into the child. Pick another time if she is too fussy and restless. Never try to force it through any resistance.
  • Hold the thermometer in place until the end of the cycle.
  • Remove the thermometer and read the number on the display.

If you are using the oral type, here is how you should use it.

  • Clean it properly and turn it on.
  • Place it in your child’s mouth under her tongue and get her to close her mouth with the device still inside.
  • Remove it at the end of the cycle to see the result.

Note that it is important to wait for 15 minutes or more if your child has been eating before taking her temperature orally.

If your device is the axillary/underarm type, here is how to use it properly.

  • Clean the thermometer and remove your baby’s top layer of clothing.
  • Hold the device tilted at a 45-degree angle and then place the bulb underneath your baby’s armpit.
  • Gently hold her hand to make sure the thermometer stays put until the end of the cycle.
  • Remove it after 3 minutes (or as recommended by manufacturers and experts) and read the results.
  • Clean and store it in a secure place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thermometer for baby? This is a common question people ask in different ways. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about baby thermometers.

Rectal thermometers come highly recommended by experts for babies. This is because it goes into the body to get the actual reading. On another note, babies lose body heat 4 to 5 times faster than adults.

The truth is that there are a number of thermometers that work well for both adults and babies. But for the sake of accuracy and consistency, experts advise parents and caregivers to get a separate thermometer for their little ones and to take their age into consideration when doing so.

In other words, when should you contact a doctor? If your child has a rectal temperature reading of 100.4 °F or 38 °C and higher, that indicates a fever and the need to call a doctor. Note that the exact temperature may vary by age.

The days of mercury thermometers are long gone as we come to the realization that the digital types are faster, more accurate, more convenient, and easier to use.

Conclusion

Despite all that has been said, it is important to carry out your own personal research before investing in a digital thermometer. This will help you narrow your choices in a way that is most suitable for you and your little one. Popular opinion is not always the best. The decision comes down to knowing what you want and what is best for you and your baby. Remember to take into consideration factors like your child’s age, your budget, functionality, and expert recommendations.

Just to be on the safe side, it may help to consult a pediatrician before buying a baby thermometer. The internet is great, but you should take everything you read there with a grain of salt. Consulting a doctor would help you verify your research and further inform you about which product is the best baby thermometer for your child.

It is also necessary to check the thermometer once you get it to make sure it works well even if your child is not sick at the time. There have been a lot of cases where people fail to do this, only to find out later on that the thermometer is not good enough. It may be too late to return it if you wait until your child is sick to use it for the first time.

If you must, you can seek the assistance of a nurse or medical doctor to help you test the thermometer to make sure it is functional. This will also help you confirm what you already know about how to use the product.