The 10 Best Thermometers for Baby and Adults of 2024

Whether you are a first-time parent or caring for your fourth child, you will want to do anything possible that can help the baby feel and get better. Babies will have fever from time to time. One of the things that will tell you that they have a fever is their body temperature increase. Some years ago, parents would use unsafe mercury-filled glass thermometers to check the body temperature of their babies but that should not happen anymore. With technological advancement, thermometers are now in the 21st century.

That does not mean that the process of selecting the baby thermometers of 2020 is straightforward. You should know the features to look for during your shopping. We have created a list of the features, the types and the commonly asked questions about baby thermometers in addition to a list of the leading products in the market. They will all help you select a good thermometer for home use.

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Best Overall: Braun Thermoscan 7 IRT6520 Thermometer

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The Braun Thermoscan 7 IRT6520 Thermometer boasts an adjustable age technology that allows parents to measure the temperature of their children, no matter their age, easily. The baby thermometer comes with a pre-heated tip to make the ears of your baby comfortable when recording the temperature. The device can save up to nine previous readings for comparison when recording the current reading.

This thermometer is practical for the whole family and its built-in precious age technology adds to its uniqueness. With the ExacTemp technology, you will be able to place the thermometer on the ear properly so that you can get accurate temperature readings. The divisions of the color-coded fever alert are according to the age of children.

In addition to the pre-heated tip for ear comfort, the thermometer also comes with an excellent memory to enable it to store nine previous readings for long-time temperature measurement. You can also choose between the Fahrenheit and Celsius readings.

Moreover, the thermometer is easy and fast to use. Its color-coded display is very easy to read due to the backlit display. The product also comes with a case for cleaner storage. Its 21 probe covers will reduce the spread of infections and the extra battery will serve you during emergencies.

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Best Value: GoodBaby Digital Infrared Baby Thermometer

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Most parents find it hard to get accurate temperature readings whenever their little ones fall sick. As a parent, you can be cranky and fidgety but you would not want to sit still. With the GoodBaby Digital Infrared Baby Thermometer, the temperature of your child will not only be easy to read but the results will also be accurate.

The infrared thermometer allows users to read the temperature of their babies accurately and consistently. And because it is touch-free, you will be able to scan the forehead of your child and measure the temperature in your room when necessary.

You can use the thermometer when your baby is sleeping to benefit from the hands-free usage. The infrared laser will register the body temperature without touching the body. After buying this device, temperature reading will be as easy as pointing it on your baby’s forehead and pressing a button. With the backlit display, you do not need a flashlight to read the results in a dark room. This device is ideal for ear and forehead reading.

Related: The 14 Best Forehead Thermometers of 2020

Best Pick: Vicsainteck Ear and Forehead Digital Baby Thermometer

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Technological changes have allowed parents to use effective and safer methods to record the temperature of their babies. Unlike mercury thermometers, digital baby thermometers are effective. The Vocasainteck Ear and Forehead Baby Thermometer allow reading without causing any discomfort to your baby. Most hospitals are also opting for the thermometer due to its low price.

It is recommendable for the whole family. In addition to recording the forehead and ear temperature, you can use it to measure the temperature of objects such as bathwater, milk and the indoor, room or outdoor ambient temperature. The new smart chip, probe and transducer make the results more accurate and reliable.

Best Reliability: Braun ThermoScan 5 IRT6500 Digital Ear Thermometer

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The Braun ThermoScan 5 IRT6500 Digital Ear Thermometer is among the straightforward and easy to use baby thermometers in the market today. The producer supplies it with 21 disposable lens filters to allow safe usage. That means the thermometer will work perfectly for your whole family. Speaking of the performance of this device, you will realize that it is very accurate when measuring the body temperature of your baby. The positioning system guarantees correct placement in your baby’s ear. It will record the last reading and keep it so that you can compare it to the current reading.

Braun ThermoScan 5 IRT6500 Digital Ear Thermometer will light and beep after it has recorded the measurement. The dependable lens filters allow your whole family to use the thermometer and prevent infections from spreading. They also allow recording of reliable temperatures because the earwax does not build upon them. Its large buttons allow easier access to the temperature reading. For a better reading, hold it up near the ear.

Best Mid-Range: Alcedo Baby Thermometer

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When your baby is unwell, the last thing you would want to do is brave out the hassles of taking the temperature, regardless of your age. If you already have a child in your home, you will always ensure that the temperature of the baby’s bathwater and the bottle is at the right level. The Alcedo Baby Thermometer is a simple technological solution that eliminates the guesswork when it comes to determining the body temperature, object temperature and the ambient temperature. The 4-in-1 Smart Ear and Forehead Thermometer are very easy to use and perfect for adults, children and infants in various settings.

With the one-push button design, you can get instant accurate readings. The patented magnetic cover will provide easier operation offers easy operation and delivers enough protection in addition to maintaining the cleanliness of the baby thermometer probe. It is clinically tested for fast, precise and more reliable readings. It will keep records for the last 20 readings for comparison. Choose the silent mode to avoid disturbing your baby at night.

Best Professional: iProven Medical Digital Ear Thermometer

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If you are a first-time parent, recording the temperature of your baby can look trickier than it should be. When your child falls sick, he/she is unlikely to sit stile as you use the rectal thermometer to record the temperature. But with the iProven Medical Digital Ear Thermometer, which comes with Forehead Function, you will have two methods of recording the temperature of your child.

The product is usable with all kids, regardless of their age. To record the temperature, you just need to select one of the two options. With the interchangeable tip, you can choose to use the device as your ear thermometer or a temporal thermometer with the quick change. The easy to read display is backlit to allow reading of the temperature in a dark room without disrupting the sleep of your baby. You can choose the Fahrenheit or the Celsius scale when recording the temperature. The memory recall will record up to 20 temperature readings.

iProven Digital Medical Baby Thermometer

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iProven Digital Medical Baby Thermometer offers a simple but fast rectal and oral temperature measurement that will take between 8 seconds and 10 seconds. The temperature readings are more reliable consistent – the manufacturer promises that the temperature variation is within 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit. So, the results from the thermometer might be the best you will ever come across.

The LCD is small but surprisingly easy to read and functional. In addition to the temperature reading, battery level and scale, the thermometer displays three smiley faces that act as the fever level indicators. The measurement process of temperature is safe and comfortable because of the flexible and soft tip. Your baby can bite the tip to prevent the device from slipping out during the measurement. Moreover, the tip is waterproof something that makes cleaning and disinfecting possible under running water.

iProven Digital Medical Baby Thermometer will start beeping when the battery level falls very low and when it detects fever. The producer does not offer any option of turning off the beep but it is low volume and it will not disturb your baby when sleeping. And even though the distributors advertise it as a rectal and oral thermometer, you can use it as an auxiliary underarm thermometer. Its readings are accurate.

Kinsa Smart Ear Digital Baby Thermometer

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Kinsa Smart Ear Digital Baby Thermometer is among the few baby thermometers that have passed FDA tests and it is ideal for people who want to track the fever and temperature of their babies. The thermometer also comes with a smartphone app to help track the health of your baby easily. To make the process of reading the temperature of your baby easy, Kinsa chose a simple and comfortable design plus single-button use. The connection to your smartphone is easy because you only need to turn on the Bluetooth feature. Most recent smartphone devices are compatible with the thermometer.

The baby thermometer outshines many others when it comes to the connectivity. The dedicated application allows it to provide parents with several ways of ensuring that their kids are feeling good. Its health-tracking feature will help you keep a good health record of your kids covering symptoms, fever and medications you do not need. With the medication reminder, you will manage to take the important steps at night. That will be more helpful when your baby is using two or more meds at different times.

Kinsa Smart Digital Medical Baby Thermometer

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The Kinsa Smart Digital Medical Baby Thermometer provides many features that you are unlikely to find on any other baby thermometer in the market today. Apart from allowing you to connect it to your smartphone after installing the compatible relays, it can perform tests in the mouth, rectal and underarm. The offered smartphone app allows for easy temperature tracking and offers free medical advice. Moreover, the thermometer is accurate and fast.

As we have said, this thermometer can test underarm, mouth and rectal, meaning that it accommodates all people, regardless of their age or size. Its Bluetooth feature allows faster connection to Android smartphones. To get remedies, log in the symptoms of your baby into the Android app and wait for the results. You can use the device as an alarm to get alerts when your toddler or baby is due for treatments. The terrific memory allows you to store 50 previous body temperature readings.

This thermometer provides results in less than 8 seconds meaning that it is fairly quick and easy to understand and use. Even more, it is clinically tested to guarantee accurate readings. With the app, you can make several profiles – one for each member of your family. If you would want to enjoy modern technology, it is the thermometer to go for.

Purple Safety Baby Digital Thermometer

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The Purple Safety Baby Digital Thermometer is among the extremely fast thermometers when it comes to readouts. It displays accurate results within 30 seconds and you can place it in several body parts such as the armpit, under the tongue or rectal. You will have three operation modes designed with a more flexible tip ideal for rectal readings. The fever indicator will beep to warn you when your baby’s temperature is very high.

It will gather results within a few minutes because it employs a fast measuring technique that is simple and reliable. The clear monitor display presents temperature and other important information vividly. After purchasing the baby thermometer, it will come with an additional battery to use when away from home or when there is a need for an immediate check-up. You do not have to worry about it draining the battery because it will switch off automatically whenever you leave it running for 10 minutes. The carrying case will keep it away from bacteria and germs when on the road. Sanitize it before use.

Guide to purchasing the best baby thermometer

Some people do not need any device to assess the body temperature of their babies because they can use the “touch test” effectively. The quick test provides a fast estimation of the body temperature but it does not provide a true fever severity measure. To get the real temperature reading, you will require a good baby thermometer. A baby thermometer should consistently monitor the temperature of your baby because even the slightest change can indicate a serious illness or infection. Here are some of the factors to consider when shopping for a baby thermometer.

Age

Most thermometers in the market today are purposely designed for infants and babies, but you will also get some designed for older children aged between 3 and 5 years. When buying one for ages below 3 years, you should avoid the oral versions. Rectal thermometers are ideal for kids of all ages because they are easy to use and accurate. However, children above four years will complain about discomfort. Oral thermometers will be a good choice for such children.

Accuracy

As we have stated, a slight body temperature change can indicate a serious issue. Therefore, the baby thermometer should not only be easy to use but it should also be accurate. Inaccurate thermometers are known to cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for parents. After getting the appropriate thermometer for your baby’s age, consider the accuracy.

Safety

No one would want to hurt his/her baby when checking the body temperature. Therefore, the safety and design of the thermometer are important. A baby thermometer designed to go into the mouth, rectal or ear requires proper insertion into the body part. After buying any of the types, consult your user manual to be sure that you are getting accurate readings. Safety is important. Remember to clean the thermometer after each use. Again, do not use the thermometer immediately after a hot bath because it will take almost one hour for your baby’s body temperature to stabilize.

Cost

Most baby thermometers are affordable and that is the reason you should always have one. Nothing will look as bad as rushing to an ER or doctor’s room in a panic state only to realize that the temperature level is not as bad as you had assumed through your “touch test”. Do your research when buying a thermometer and consider our top ten selections.

Response time

Any thermometer offering fast readouts is a good choice for your baby. As a parent, you should know that it is hard to keep your baby still for a long time when checking the temperature. Infrared baby thermometers are known to provide the fastest results but they are more expensive.

Extras

High-quality baby thermometers come with several helpful extras. Go for a baby thermometer featuring a large and backlit display for easier temperature reading. Moreover, a thermometer with a fever alert that rings when the temperature is very high will be more helpful. You can buy several baby thermometers and place them in different body parts to be sure that the readings you are getting are the right ones.

Types of baby thermometers

The market provides various types of baby thermometers and you will always find one to match your needs. Your selection will highly depend on the features you need on the thermometer. Any readings above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit are a serious issue that will need urgent attention. Here are a few types of reliable thermometers in the market today.

Ear canal thermometers

When choosing a baby thermometer you should think about the ease of use and preciseness. Ear canal baby thermometers are non-invasive and easy to use. They are also appropriate for babies above 12 months old because babies below that age do not have an ear canal large enough to allow the recording of temperature measurements accurately. The placement of the thermometer is important.

Pacifier thermometers

Pacifier baby thermometers are ideal for young babies but they will not produce accurate results. If possible, you will need to try the other available alternatives.

Axillary/armpit thermometers

Unfortunately, axillary thermometers, also known as armpit thermometers, are the least accurate. Even though you will have something to rely upon, you should buy a better baby thermometer.

Baby thermometer safety

Even though the safety of baby thermometers relates to the criteria you opt for when selecting one, the modern-day thermometers are safer than they used to be in the past. Most thermometers are digital and therefore the risks of touching or ingesting dangerous chemicals are very low. That makes them safer to use. Nevertheless, as a parent, you have to know all the associated dangers and flaws. It is also important you clean your baby thermometer after every use. Remember to read the instructions that come with the product so that you can always get accurate readings.

Glass thermometers

This is the first type of baby thermometers you would want to avoid. The thermometers contain mercury and as you might be aware that mercury is extremely poisonous. Glass is delicate and the delicate substance might crack and shatter, posing a big threat to your baby. Glass thermometers are among the old-school methods that people should replace for good.

Pacifier thermometers

Pacifier thermometers are the other type to avoid for the safety of your baby. The temperature measurement can take between 3-5 minutes, which is a long time. However, the worst thing is that they lack accuracy and pose a choking hazard.

Oral thermometers

Oral thermometers are a good choice for older kids – above four years. However, you should avoid them when shopping for a thermometer to take the temperature of your babies below that age. Older children will sit still and will not try to swallow the thermometer.

How To Use A Baby Thermometer

Do not panic when the display on your baby thermometer starts to skyrocket. Read the manual to know how long it will take the display to stabilize. Some baby thermometers will require you to wait for at least two minutes so that they can return to the normal temperature. Here are the tips you need to observe when using a thermometer to be sure that you are recording the right readings.

Using a rectal thermometer

Insert the rectal thermometer around a half-inch or one inch into the rectum of your baby – not between the cheeks – and wait for it to beep. You can use some lubricant for smooth reading or have someone to distract the baby.

Using underarm thermometers

When using an underarm thermometer, unclothe the baby on one arm. Place the thermometer higher into the armpit. Hold it in place so that the reading can be complete. Ensure that only the skin is touching the tip of your thermometer.

Using temporal artery thermometers

Place the thermometer on the forehead – between the eyes. Press the button if the baby is still and wait for a few seconds. When reading, the device should not be necessarily in contact with the skin of your baby.

Using oral thermometers

Position your baby thermometer under the tongue of your child and ask him/her to hold the mouth closed for the reading to end. The device should not touch the skin.

Using ear thermometers

Stabilize the head of your baby and start pulling the ear upwards and backward. That way, you will open the ear canal. Insert the tip of your device and ensure that it is touching the child’s ear evenly. The tip should be straight and pointing down or up. Press the button and wait for it to beep. Remove it and use a cotton swab along with some alcohol to sanitize the thermometer.

Ear and oral readings are ideal for children between 1 and 3 years, while axillary and rectal readings are suitable for younger babies or new-borns. Buy two or more types of thermometers so that you can always confirm the reading. Whenever you get two different temperature readings, use the average. Avoid taking several readings because even the accurate devices might have variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the normal body temperature?
A: The normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit but that will highly depend on how you record the temperature and the age of the person, the time of the day and what the person has been doing. Generally, a body temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. When taking the temperature with an armpit thermometer, know that anything above 99.3 degrees Fahrenheit indicates a fever.

Q: Which is the best type of baby thermometer to use?
A: No type of thermometer is perfect – you have to base your selections on your requirements. When searching for an affordable and simple thermometer, go for digital stick thermometers. Non-contact thermometers are ideal for people who want to take the readings of their baby’s body temperature without waking them up. When buying a thermometer, keep your goals in mind.

Q: How should I use a baby thermometer?
A: Each model and type of baby thermometer works uniquely. So, read the user manual and familiarize yourself with all instructions before using a new thermometer.

Q: Are forehead thermometers accurate?
A: Forehead thermometers provide readings that are roughly a half or one degree lower than the oral thermometers provide. But because they provide the measurement of heat in the temporal artery in your baby’s forehead, they are the most accurate. Most medical professionals opt for them.

Q: Should I sanitize forehead thermometers?
A: Even though a forehead thermometer will only get into contact with the baby’s forehead, the forehead skin might have germs. To eliminate the chances of passing the germs between your family members, you should wipe down the sensor or probe area of the thermometer with some alcohol after each use. When using non-contact models, you will also need to clean the probe to avoid passing germs in case of accidental contact with the baby’s skin.

Q: Which batteries should I use for my forehead thermometer?
A: The type of battery you need for your forehead thermometer will highly depend on the model you are using. However, most forehead thermometers will require two AAA or AA batteries.

Conclusion

Some years ago, the selection of a baby thermometer was very easy. But during those days, Bluetooth capabilities, infrared technology, wearable thermometers and smart technologies were inexistent. Now, the process can be overwhelming and daunting due to the many options that the market offers. That is the reason we have taken our time to prepare the list of top baby thermometers in the market today and the buying guide. With this guide, you will easily find a state-of-the-art thermometer to match your needs.