Get Peace Of Mind With The Best Baby Thermometers (2020 Guide)
One of the scariest mom moments I’ve faced was when my son got his first fever.
He was a super healthy child and only had a cold before. At around 13 months old, I noticed he was acting strangely one day during lunch.
After touching his forehead, I began to panic. He was the warmest I’ve ever felt him and he had beads of sweat forming around his brows.
Nervously, I grabbed my thermometer to see just how warm he was. To my horror and dismay, it was reading 95.4 degrees. That couldn’t be right!
By the third swipe, and third inaccurate reading, I tossed it right in the garbage and drove my son to an urgent care center, where he had a 103 degree fever.
Choosing the best baby thermometer is not something to be taken lightly.
Read on to learn about various kinds and how you can choose the best one to keep your little one safe and monitored.
What Is A Baby Thermometer?
A baby thermometer is just like a thermometer you would use, except that it's designed primarily for a little mouth and/or body.
It still functions as your own normally with the added bonus that they're meant to give the most accurate readings based on your baby’s age and stage.
Why You Really Need A Baby Thermometer
Chances are, your infant and toddler cannot communicate very well (or at all yet).
There really is no way of knowing if they are fighting off infection without the use of a thermometer!
Not only is it heartbreaking when your little one can’t tell you they don’t feel well, it’s also very dangerous.
It's strongly advised that if your child runs a fever of 104 degrees, they should be admitted to the hospital for help and monitoring.
Most of the time, fevers can be controlled and reduced with the help of some pain relievers like Motrin or Tylenol at home, but in order to dose some out, you need to be aware if your child is running a higher than normal temperature or not.
Specially Designed For Little Ones
Parents specifically turn to a baby thermometer because they are designed in a way that can be used on other parts of their body, and not necessarily under their tongue since most babies and toddlers for that matter will allow that to occur.
Adult thermometers also won’t work well on babies because you won’t get an accurate read, so you won’t know how serious of a temperature they are running, which puts you and your baby in a dangerous (and sometimes life threatening) situation.
Some thermometers, like baby ear thermometers, are also specially designed to fit in your baby’s small ear canal, so they are only meant to be used on little ones.
7 Things To Look For In A Good Baby Thermometer
With so many thermometers to choose from, it can be difficult deciding on the right one.
This is the problem I faced.
I thought I’d register for the most expensive one (it’s got to be the best, right?), but I did no research, and I ended up not only inconvenienced and stressed, but in a big dilemma.
I wish I had done some research and made sure my thermometer had the following:
#1. It's suitable for your baby’s age. A thermometer is not a one size fits all item, unfortunately. You will need to invest in several over the course of your baby’s developmental stages.
#2. It's accurate. You need to really trust the measurement you are getting. A few degrees make a huge difference and it is absolutely useless if it is not reading correctly. You should get the same reading every single time. Do the three times in a row check to make sure the reading is consistent.
#3. It’s easy to use. Sometimes, you panic when you have to take your child’s temperature, especially if you suspect they are very ill. A thermometer should be very simple to use, and does not require detailed steps or instructions.
#4. It's fast. The quicker the better! Many small children and babies can’t sit still for very long, especially if they are in pain or discomfort, so you should be able to get a reading in eight seconds or less. Anything longer may be inaccurate.
#5. It has a large screen. A large screen is helpful, especially when the temperature flashes on it and doesn’t remain on there long. The last thing you want to do is take the temp again, so opt for something that is easy to see and read (and trust me, your vision gets blurry as you age, so the bigger, the better!). Better yet, it should have a light up screen so you can even take a temperature in the dark.
#6. There's a completion alert. A buzz or a ding is nice to hear so you know that you can check your child’s temp. You may end up with inaccurate results if you leave the thermometer in too long or not long enough. And, when you’re worried or upset (and so is your child), you may not be able to focus and keep track. Let the thermometer do it for you.
#7. It’s easy to clean. For obvious reasons; you want something that is easy to clean because you don’t want any germs or viruses lingering around on anything that goes around your baby. Skip thermometers that have tiny crevices or detailing. The gross stuff will only hang around on it.
Comparing The Different Types Of Baby Thermometers
As you just read, I recommended certain thermometers for certain body parts.
Some are used for the head, while others are taken orally.
Depending on your baby’s age, there is a preferred thermometer that will get you the best results.
Temporal Thermometers
Best for: Children 3 months old and up
Price Range: On the higher end
Also known as forehead thermometers, these guys are the most expensive.
They are pretty high tech, though, using infrared technology to scan and measure the temporal artery temperature on your baby’s forehead. You do not need to touch your baby, but slide it across the general area.
These thermometers are known to be very reliable and should be used on children who are at least three months old and up.
In fact, forehead thermometers are used frequently in hospitals because they are so accurate.
Pros
Accuracy. These thermometers are known to be very reliable and should be used on children who are at least three months old and up. In fact, forehead thermometers are frequently used in hospitals because they are so accurate.
Easy to use. These types of thermometers are extremely easy to use and non-invasive for your little one. They even provide an accurate reading if your baby doesn’t hold still. Think about it, how often does your little one hold still when they don’t have a fever.
Cons
Price. These guys are the most expensive thermometer you will find for your baby. While the technology is amazing, it’s up to you to decide if you need something so fancy.
Needs a dry environment to work. If your baby’s forehead is sweaty or just plain wet, this thermometer may not give you as accurate of a reading. You might need to damp their forehead dry before scanning.
Axillary Thermometers
Best for: Children of any ages
Price Range: On the lower end
These thermometers are best known as underarm thermometers.
Axillary thermometers work by making contact with your baby’s skin to give you a reading.
While it sounds easy enough, unfortunately underarm thermometers are the least accurate way of measuring for a fever.
Pros
Great for screening. Many parents use these thermometers for a preliminary screening. If the screening is overly high, a secondary thermometer can be used. This way you don’t have to give your little one a poke in the rear, every time you take their temperature.
Low cost. You can use just about any thermometer out there for armpit screening. The cost is low, and it is well worth it to have one of these in the house as a backup.
Cons
Inaccurate readings. Underarm thermometers are the least accurate way of measuring for a fever. They can vary an entire 2 degrees or more than an internal thermometer. This could give you the scare of a lifetime in certain instances!
Hard to use. While it may sound easy enough, these types of thermometers can be quite tricky to use. Try holding a possibly sick baby down long enough to get a reading from skin contact. This is especially difficult because to get a more accurate reading, your child’s armpit must be completely dry.
Baby Ear Thermometers
Best for: Children 1 year and up
Price Range: Medium to high
Ear thermometers are one of the most common types of thermometers that are used.
All you have to do place the tip in your child’s ear and you get a fairly accurate temp.
This is best use if your child is a year or older, because younger children’s ear canals may be too narrow to get a good reading.
Pros
Comfortable. This is an extremely non-evasive way to get an accurate read of your baby’s thermometer. Your child will most likely not even know it’s there.
Accurate. Many hospitals use these types of thermometers which are a good indication of how accurate they are.
Provides a quick read. Ear thermometers are one of the fastest ways to check your child’s temperature. Within seconds, you will know if you were worried for no reason, or if in fact, your child does have a fever coming on.
Cons
Needs a clean ear. For a 100% accurate reading, your child’s ear will need to be clean. The reason for this is so that the sensor can properly measure the infrared heat waves in your child’s ear. This can sometimes be a difficult task when your baby is feeling under the weather.
Not great for young children. This is best used if your child is a year or older, because younger children’s ear canals may be too narrow to get a good reading.
Not super easy to use. Well, at least at first. Practice a few times on how to get the thermometer in just the right place before you need to use it. It takes a little getting used to, and you don’t want the added pressure when your baby may be ill.
Oral Thermometers
Best for: Children 4 years and up
Price Range: On the lower end
One of the most accurate reading types, oral thermometers get placed under your child tongue for a few moments.
They are mainly designed to be used on children who are over four years-old and will keep the device firmly in place (and not try to check on it like young toddlers).
Pros
Accurate. Used in both hospitals and schools for an accurate reading you can trust.Cheap. You can find a decent oral thermometer for a reasonable price. If you are on a budget and have toddlers in the house, this may be your best bet.
Quick reading. Much quicker than the oral thermometers of the past. These guys can read your child’s temperature accurately in under a minute.
Cons
Age sensitive. As mentioned, these are mainly designed to be used on children who are over four-years-old, so they can't be used for young babies.
Rectal Thermometers
Best for: Newborns
Price Range: Lower to mid-range
Rectal temperature is the most accurate way to check a baby's body temperature. However, they are uncomfortable to use for all parties involved!
If you have an infant, and you are concerned they have a fever, you should definitely use this method.
Rectal thermometers have a wide base and flexible tip to help parents know how far they should be inserted before checking the reading.
Pros
Rate of accuracy. It’s not the actual thermometer that is better at reading. Instead, it is where you are placing the thermometer. Your baby’s bum temperature is the closest to their core temp.
Low price point. You can find a pretty decent rectal thermometer for a low cost.
Cons
Not great if you have company. You never know when and where your baby’s head will feel a bit warm. You don’t always have time to wait until you are in a private area to make sure they don’t have a fever. A rectal thermometer can make for an awkward moment.
Not great for older kids. Let’s face it. There is a certain age that your child is going to stop letting you put a thermometer up their bum. At least they’re cheap, right?
Pacifier Thermometers
Sometimes you may see a pacifier thermometer.
You may be thinking what a genius way to take a temperature, but unfortunately it has been shown to give nothing but inaccurate readings.
So, although this is a type of thermometer, it should be avoided, as recommended by most doctors.
Best Baby Thermometers
As the name suggests, the Innovo Forehead & Ear Thermometer (click here to check the price on Amazon) is one of the most recommended by doctors and pediatricians for the forehead and ears, mainly because it is so reliable and accurate.
In my opinion, this takes precedent over any other of the bells and whistles it may have, and it's definitely one of the best temporal thermometers for babies.
What's great about it is that it's so quick and easy to use. You just have to press a button to let the device know if you are measuring the temperature on the forehead or in the ears (but recommends that ears should only be done if your child is one or older).
I prefer to measure my son’s temp using Fahrenheit, but you can also do so in Celsius. It can also hold a lot of temperatures because it has a large memory.
You can store up to 20 temps (I never use this feature, but a lot of moms like it) so you have an instant record if you need to call the doctor, or even toss it in your purse and go.
It also has a large screen, so the numbers are easy to read, even in the dark because it glows.
An alarm will sound if your child’s temp is above 99.5 degrees, which is pretty helpful.
It does need triple A batteries to work, and you will receive some initially.
The only thing to watch out for is that you keep it extremely clean.
Innovo discloses that any excess dirt or oil could throw off its measurements. So, clean the sensor regularly with rubbing alcohol.
All in all, a great thermometer for kids.
Best Infrared Forehead Thermometer
#2. HOUSINGLOVES No Touch Forehead Digital Temperature Scanner
If you need a very simple, non-contact, and accurate thermometer for your baby or toddler, the HOUSINGLOVES No Touch Forehead Digital Temperature Scanner (click here to check the price on Amazon) is a good option to keep in mind.
What’s really cool here is that this thermometer uses non-contact infrared tech to take accurate and fast temperature readings. It can be used as a forehead or ear thermometer, and even cooler, it can actually read the temperature from any surface. It can provide you with accurate readings in as little as 1 second. The backlit LCD screen will then display the temperature in both F and C.
#3. iProven
Moms really like the iProven Baby Thermometer (click here to check the price on Amazon) because it is consistent and reliable.
A temporal forehead thermometer with ear thermometer function, it is very easy to take your child’s temperature. The last thing you want to worry about when your baby is sick is if you are getting an accurate reading.
This thermometer is designed with unique calibration technology, which is good enough to be used as a piece of professional medical equipment. In fact, many pediatricians and other medical professionals recommend this item for not just babies, but kids (and even adults) of all ages.
Another great feature of the thermometer is that it only has two buttons-one for the head and one for the ear. The thermometer reads in just one second and it beeps very loudly in case your child is crying. It even has a built in fever alarm and its last 20 readings are able to be pulled up.
It doesn’t require a cap, so it’s immediately ready to be used and it can be stored in a soft bag. If you are taking a reading a reading overnight, the temperature is displayed in a glowing light so you don’t have to turn on any room lights if you want to take a reading if your baby is asleep.
The thermometer comes with a 100 day guarantee where you can get your money back (with no questions asked) if you are unhappy with it for any reason! Customer service is also available if you have any questions or difficulty working the device.
#4. Braun Ear Thermometer
Braun’s Ear Thermometer (click here to check the price on Amazon) is another favorite among a lot of parents.
It makes taking a temperature a pleasant and easy experience for everyone involved. It has a unique pre-warmed tip, which helps comfort, your baby, but also takes an accurate reading every time. It also has a guidance system which gives you the ok by beeping, letting you know that you have it positioned properly.
It has a memory function in case you need to access your last temperatures if you’re calling them into the doctor. It runs on 2 AA batteries and it comes with a protective case for safety and sanitation purposes in between temperature readings. In fact, many doctor’s offices actually use this brand and kind of thermometer. It takes just a few seconds to gain an accurate reading.
And, you know you are getting an accurate temperature because the ear canal is the best place to take a reading. It shares the blood supply of the brain’s temperature control center.
Its tip is soft, flexible, and gentle, which is important if trying to take a temperature from an upset, irritable child.
Parents even remark how easy it is to use if their little ones are sleeping. However, it does not have a lit back screen, which may be the only downfall of the item.
But, if you need to take a temp overnight, you can check it out of the room in a lit area because the result will be stored in the device.
Perfectly portable and highly effective, the Generation Guard Ear and Forehead Thermometer (click here to check the price on Amazon) has received high ratings from its parent users.
It takes a temperature in just one second, which is extremely fast compared to other medical grade thermometers. It has a very sensitive sensor that generates accurate readings and quick ear thermal scans (as well as forehead readings-just switch on a button). It has been FDA approved and it is used in many medical facilities.
You can utilize it in Celsius or Fahrenheit mode, and switch back and forth with ease between either. Parents remark how easy it is to push a button and take an instant scan of their babies or children without waking them as they sleep. There is a built in back list screen, so it also makes it easy to read and use in the dark. It comes with a 30 day guarantee and can be returned with no questions asked for a full refund if you are unsatisfied.
With the push of a button, you are also able to access the last four to five readings. And, because it uses advanced technology, you can just push a button, and aim it between your child’s eyes-there’s no touching involved (which is incredibly helpful if your baby is fussy or cranky).
All in all, it’s a great pick for new parents because it is not only accurate but awesome and easy to use.
#6. Kinsa Smart Digital
The Kinsa Smart Digital Thermometer (click here to check the price on Amazon) is a high-tech thermometer designed to be used in conjunction with your cell phone. How cool? It’s right up your alley if you use your phone for virtually everything.
Use the thermometer part to take an oral, rectal, or underarm reading (check with your pediatrician first to see which method they prefer). Then, simply plug it into your IOS or Android phone! You don’t have to worry about replacing its battery and fumbling around with lots of buttons.
It is light weight, super portable, and extremely durable. It is easy to clean with soap, water, or alcohol swabs. Some think that because it is associated with a cell phone, it won’t be as effective, but quite the contrary!
Many pediatricians recommend this thermometer because it exceeds standards for professional accuracy and it is even cleared by the FDA. The coolest thing about the Kinsa is that once a temperature is taken, real time guidance is offered to help parents decide what to do next from reliable sources (such as the Mayo clinic). You can even use it to track the health history of each family member.
Another added bonus of the Kinsa is that it boasts a bubble popping game to play with your antsy baby or toddler is waiting for the results. Most parents keep one in their diaper bags so they have quick and easy access to a thermometer at all times!
Best Oral & Rectal Thermometer
#7. Generation Guard Rectal
Generation Guard makes another thermometer, this one for rectal and underarm purposes (click here to check the price on Amazon).
Its flexible tip can help you quickly measure temperatures of all members of your family and do so accurately. It has a superior microchip and a highly sensitive dual mode tip that is ideal to be used in the mouth, armpit, or rectum. It is small enough to pack with you on the go, or keep in your car.
It has been not only FDA approved, but European approved as well. It has a large, LCD screen that is easy to read. Its screen does not light up in the dark, but will maintain the number if you step into the light. The thermometer offers a beep-ready feature, but some parents remark that it is difficult to hear (especially if your child is crying).
It takes about ten seconds to get a reading and if you take the temperature back to back, you will not notice any discrepancies, according to happy and satisfied parent users. Parents also love it because there is only one button to push-there is no confusion and it is very cut and dry as to how to utilize it-extensive directions are not required.
It can be cleaned with ease and is kept in an easy to remove, hard case. Parents also remark about the great customer service associated with the product and how they have been able to use it for many years.
#8. HighMex Thermometer
If you are on the hunt for a simple, effective, and accurate thermometer that can be used for babies, kids, and adults alike, the HighMex Thermometer (click here to check the price on Amazon) makes for a good product to consider.
This is an easy to use thermometer that can take accurate temperature readings orally, rectally, and via the armpit. It’s not the quickest thermometer out there, as it takes about 10 seconds to get a reading, but it is accurate, which is the really important part. It also comes with a special feature that tells you if the temperature in question is good or bad.
Unlike the other brands mentioned so far, the Ergalogik Digital Thermometer (click here to check the price on Amazon) is designed to be used as an oral, rectal, or underarm thermometer, but is known as one of the best infant rectal thermometers.
It is priced reasonably, and is also one of the safest of its kind on the market.
Its waterproof design allows it to be cleaned easily and often (which is super important), and it can be used on everyone in your family, and it automatically gives a temperature using Fahrenheit.
It has an easy to read screen with a digital display, which I'm a pretty big fan of.
Much like the others, it shuts off to save the battery and will also beep when your child has a fever. It is accurate within 0.2 degrees (which is accurate enough, in my opinion).
The only downfall to an oral, rectal, or underarm thermometer is that is takes about 30 seconds to read, which can get a bit uncomfortable and lead to inaccuracies if your child is squirming or not holding it under their tongue properly.
It does bend and it has a wide base for safety issues if using it rectally (which is recommended when using it on infants), and it has a clear, protective case to keep it safe and stored properly.
Plus, it’s small and thin enough to pop in your diaper bag or purse if you want to have on one hand.
Batteries and instructions are included, but you pretty much push a button and measure!
It has received nothing but positive reviews and ratings, so if you feel more comfortable using a thermometer like this, this one is your best bet! It's one of the most accurate digital thermometers out there.
Another one of our favorite kids thermometers designed for the forehead and ears, the Paryvara Dual Mode Digital Thermometer (click here to check the price on Amazon) is very good choice as well.
It’s priced similarly to the Innovo and works just as well. After many tests, it is proven to be very high quality, accurate, and reliable. This is because it has special software installed in it, making it ultra-modern, but easy to access.
With a press of a button, you get your child’s temperature in about a second. You decide if you want to measure the forehead or ear, and like the other thermometer, you can do so in Fahrenheit or Celsius. It also has a 20 temp recall.
In order to save the battery, it will automatically shut off after 10 seconds. It too has a backlight for night time readings, a fever alarm (scary but helpful), and batteries includes so you can take up to 3,000 readings.
You can even use it on yourself when you’re feeling under the weather!
I like this brand because it comes with a money back guarantee and a warranty for one year.
Also, because these thermometers seem to collect the most dirt and grime, it is sold with a carrying case that keeps it covered and clean in between use.
But, much like the Innovo, you have to regularly clean it with rubbing alcohol, or anytime its measuring piece looks drab and dull.
And, while this is unnecessary but I figured a fun little detail to include, the carrying pouch is filled with some stickers to distract your toddler or to make them smile when they are feeling down in the dumps!
Wrapping Up
It can be scary when your child gets sick.
But, it’s something you need to be aware of, especially when they cannot verbally tell you how they feel.
Whichever type of thermometer you decide to go with for your family, make sure that it's extremely accurate.
Hopefully, with the help of the information provided here, you can make a better judgment of what you need when it comes to the right thermometer for your baby.
