The Heat Is on: the Best Baby Thermometers for Your Needs
It’s natural to be concerned about your child’s health—but a global pandemic can send that worry into overdrive. A fever (any temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) is often considered the first sign of illness, so monitoring your child’s temperature is critical to keeping tabs on their well-being. Since a hand-to-the-forehead isn’t necessarily known for its scientific accuracy, it’s important to have a baby thermometer you can trust—but choosing one can be overwhelming. With so many different types of thermometers—oral, rectal, infrared, mult-iuse—it’s not easy to find the right one for baby’s needs. Don’t sweat it, we’re to help you find the best baby thermometer for your family. But, before you start browsing, read on for a breakdown of the different types of baby thermometers—plus, important safety tips to keep top of mind.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are three main types of digital thermometers to consider: multi-use, temporal artery (also known as forehead) and tympanic (also known as ear). The AAP recommends taking baby’s temperature rectally for the first three years, as it’s the most accurate method. Forehead thermometers are the next most accurate, followed by oral and ear. It’s most difficult to receive an accurate reading from the armpit. Here’s a deeper dive into the pros and cons of each.
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Multi-use thermometers. While a digital multi-use thermometer has the ability to take rectal, oral or armpit temperatures, you should designate it for one selected area of the body for hygiene purposes. According to the AAP, oral use isn’t recommended until a child is at least 4 years old. And, for accuracy’s sake, most pediatricians suggest taking rectal temps for babies and toddlers up to age 3. These thermometers typically take several seconds to record a temperature reading (making them one of the slower options), and they can be intimidating for parents to use—but when it comes to accuracy and affordability, these reign supreme.
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Temporal artery thermometers. A baby forehead thermometer (temporal artery thermometer) works by using infrared sensors to measure heat coming off of the blood vessel that runs across the temporal artery (forehead). These options can be used for all ages, and are favored by many for their quickness and ease-of-use. Most require just a quick swipe across the forehead or are no-contact, making them a hygienic and easy-to-clean option. However, it’s important to note that forehead thermometers can be affected by sunlight and air temperature, which can potentially mean inaccurate temperature readings.
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Tympanic thermometers. Baby ear thermometers (tympanic thermometers) work by measuring infrared heat waves coming off of the eardrum. They can be used on babies older than 6 months (younger babies’ ear canals are too narrow). To get an accurate reading, this type of thermometer must be placed correctly in a child’s ear canal. While easier to use than multi-use thermometers, ear thermometers can be affected by small ear canals, ear wax and cold air temperatures, making them less reliable than other methods.
No matter which type of thermometer you choose, it’s important to make sure you are using it correctly and safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
• Never use a mercury thermometer. The thin glass thermometers from your childhood pose a major health risk. The glass can break, and the mercury inside is highly poisonous. Always use a digital thermometer instead.
• Avoid pacifier thermometers. Pacifier options are not the most accurate baby thermometers, and they can take a long time—sometimes three to five minutes—to measure baby’s temperature. Also, poorly made pacifier thermometers can pose a choking hazard to baby.
• Use oral thermometers for older kids only. Oral thermometers are most suitable for children who at least 4 years old, and can keep the device firmly in their mouths.
• Keep your baby thermometer clean. Whether you choose an ear thermometer, a forehead thermometer or a rectal thermometer for baby, keep it clean. You don’t want your baby thermometer to reintroduce germs to your little one after they recover from an illness.
• Read instructions first. For the most accurate measurements, read the instructions carefully before using a new thermometer to check baby’s temperature.
• Don’t leave baby alone. Never leave baby unattended while you’re checking their temperature.
Wondering if you need a specific baby thermometer, or if you can use the same one for the whole family? It depends. Most baby thermometers can also be used on adults, but the reverse isn’t always true. Baby multi-use and ear thermometers can sometimes be designed with smaller and narrower tips to accommodate a baby’s smaller features, both for comfort and accuracy purposes. Options designed specifically for older children and adults may be too large for babies and toddlers. The safest way to determine who can use a specific thermometer is to check the age range noted on the instructions—and always make sure to clean it between uses and users.
There are a few more things to consider before adding a new baby thermometer to your medicine cabinet: First, check how long it takes to get a temperature reading from a specific thermometer (seconds make a big difference when dealing with a little one!). Look for an easy-to-read, LED display (and one that lights up for nighttime temperature takings). Be sure to check whether the thermometer is waterproof before cleaning (water damage can affect accuracy). And, finally, whether it’s a multi-use, forehead, or ear thermometer for baby, make sure it’s FDA approved.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our favorite options across every category. Here are the best baby thermometers to suit your needs.
Best Baby Rectal Thermometer: FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer
As scary as it sounds, taking a rectal temperature provides the most accurate reading—especially in young children. Basically, a rectal reading is considered the gold standard among pediatricians. Making the process quick and painless for parents and baby is the FridaBaby Quick-Read Rectal Thermometer. A stopper design prevents you from inserting the thermometer too far (a common fear!), and readings take only 10 seconds. Plus, the large back-lit display makes temps easy to read (even in the middle of the night). If the best baby thermometer is the most accurate baby thermometer, this one just might be the right pick for you.
Considerations: Some users report that the battery can die quickly and without warning.
Buy it: FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer, $16, BuyBuyBaby.com
Best Baby Forehead Thermometer: Braun 3-in-1 No Touch Thermometer
A thermometer that can do it all? Enter the Braun 3-in-1. Not only does it provide color-coded, age-specific temperature readings from up to one inch away (crucial for those middle-of-the-night readings), this baby thermometer can also be used to check the temp of bath water or food. Plus, all of those readings take only two seconds. It’s no wonder this option is a Best of Baby 2021 winner.
Considerations: To get an accurate reading, the thermometer must be held at the correct spot and distance, which can take some practice.
Buy it: Braun 3-in1- No Touch Thermometer, $55, Target.com
Best Baby Ear Thermometer: Kinsa Smart Ear Thermometer
Temperature readings in one second flat? With the Kinsa Smart Ear Thermometer, that’s a reality. But that’s not even the coolest feature on this tech-savvy thermometer. Bluetooth capability and a free app allow you to keep track of temperatures, symptoms, and medications, and the app provides real-time guidance on next steps to take (giving worried parents one less thing to think about). Another useful feature is the app allows you to check your local illness risk for viruses like the flu and Covid-19—or you can opt out of this feature if you’d prefer your information not be tracked.
Considerations: The ear probe must be cleaned with alcohol (not soap and water). Some users also report that the probe is a bit large for younger children.
Buy it: Kinsa Smart Ear Thermometer, $40, Target.com
Best Baby Underarm Thermometer: VAVA Smart Baby Thermometer
Attempting to hold a thermometer under a wriggly infant or toddler’s armpit can be like wrestling an alligator. But the VAVA Smart Baby Thermometer is attached to a comfortable, silicone patch you can apply to baby’s underarm; this allows for both a secure hold and 24 hours of temperature monitoring. Caregivers are alerted to high temperatures with both beeps and LED lights, making sure you never miss a fever.
Considerations: The thermometer is on the pricier side and is best used for monitoring as opposed to one-time, quick readings.
Buy it: VAVA Smart Baby Thermometer, $80, Vava.com
Best Combo Baby Thermometer: Elera Ear and Forehead Thermometer
Can’t decide whether a forehead or ear thermometer would be best suited for your family? With this combo thermometer from Elera, you don’t have to. The infrared thermometer offers both forehead and ear capabilities, taking temps in just one second. Plus, when in forehead mode, it can also check the temp of the air, foods and liquids. It uses four different color displays to grade temperature level, and has a mute mode that’s perfect for middle-of-the-night temp readings.
Considerations: Some user reviews report discrepancies between ear and forehead readings.
Buy it: Elera Ear and Forehead Thermometer, $20, Amazon.com
Best App-Enabled Baby Thermometer: Withings Thermo Smart Temporal Thermometer
Contactless, accurate, high-tech—what more could you want out of a baby thermometer? The Withings Thermo Smart Temporal Thermometer provides all of that and more, making it easy to see why it’s a previous Best of Baby winner. Sixteen infrared sensors provide an accurate temperature reading instantly, with no contact required (meaning no cleaning necessary between uses). Readings automatically sync with the Thermo app, which in turn provides detailed medical advice and proper medication and dosage info (courtesy of Boston Children’s Hospital). It’s almost like having a nurse on call for your whole family.
Considerations: These features come at a price: The Withings is one of the most expensive thermometers on the market.
Buy it: Withings Thermo Smart Temporal Thermometer, $100, Amazon.com72LQFK3R
Best Affordable Baby Thermometer: Safety 1st Rapid Read 3-in-1 Thermometer
This is a baby thermometer that gets the job done quickly and efficiently. The Safety 1st Rapid Read can be used orally, rectally or under the arm. And it provides temperature readings in just 8 seconds (and beeps when it’s ready). It may be no-frills, but at just $10, the price—and function—can’t be beat.
Considerations: No lighting feature can make it hard to read in the dark.
Buy it: Safety 1st Rapid Read 3-in-1 Thermometer, $10, Target.com
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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