Baby thermometers are designed specifically for infants and often have a more rounded shape and shorter length, making them more comfortable to use on delicate skin. They typically feature a digital display for easy temperature readings.
Accuracy is key when it comes to measuring your baby’s temperature, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a rectal thermometer for babies under three months old. For infants and children between 3 months and 3 years old, the AAP suggests using rectal, underarm, or in-ear thermometers for the most accurate readings (1).
Here are the best baby thermometers for your needs.
Our Top Picks
- Best Budget Baby Thermometer: IPROVEN® Rectal and Oral Digital Thermometer
- Best No-Contact Baby Thermometer: iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
- Best Rectal Baby Thermometer: Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer
- Best Ear Baby Thermometer: Braun Digital Ear Thermometer
- Best Forehead Baby Thermometer: GoodBaby Forehead Thermometer
- Best Ear And Forehead Baby Thermometer: iProven Thermometer for Forehead and Ear
- Best Underarm Baby Thermometer: Easy@Home Digital Thermometer
- Best Smart Baby Thermometer: Kinsa Smart Thermometer
- Best Baby Thermometer For Families: Amplim Touchless Temporal Thermometer
- Best Travel Baby Thermometer: American Red Cross Digital Thermometer
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Thermometers Picks
IPROVEN® Rectal and Oral Digital Thermometer – Best Budget Baby Thermometer
- Materials feel good
- Fairly easy to use
- Accurate
- Flexible tip
- The screen doesn’t light up
One of the things we adore about this thermometer is its speed. In just 10 seconds, you can get an accurate reading of your baby’s temperature. Plus, the tip of the thermometer is supple and flexible, making it as comfortable as possible for you or your child.
It has a fever alert, so you’ll know right away if your baby’s temperature is getting too high. And if they’re feeling under the weather, the smiling indications will let you know that they’re on the road to recovery.
The best part? The whole family can use this thermometer, from the little ones to the grown-ups. And because it has a waterproof tip, it’s easy to clean before and after each use, making it safe to pass around the family.
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer – Best No-Contact Baby Thermometer
- Very easy to use
- It’s external, so no open mouth or rectum
- Quiet, no reading out loud
- Sleek looking
- The instructions are a bit tiny to read
This thermometer has an integrated infrared temperature sensor that can measure body temperature up to 1.18 inches away from the middle of the forehead without making any contact. This means that you can take your child’s temperature without disturbing them while they’re sleeping.
The iHealth PT3 thermometer is also incredibly accurate. Its ultra-sensitive infrared sensor gathers over 100 data points per second, and ambient and distance sensors take other factors into consideration to ensure maximum precision every time you use it.
What’s more, the thermometer is incredibly easy to use. Even in complete darkness, the extra-large LED display shows the temperature in just one second.
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer – Best Rectal Baby Thermometer
- Easy to read
- Backlit display
- Sized to not hurt your baby
- Accurate
- The shape is a bit awkward to clean
This infant thermometer is designed to make measuring your baby’s rectal temperature as pleasant and safe as possible, thanks to its small, flexible tip. Plus, the huge digital display ensures that you can tell right away if your baby has a fever, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to take action quickly.
But the Vicks digital thermometer isn’t just for babies – it’s suitable for people of all ages. Whether you or your child is feeling under the weather, this thermometer provides a rapid, precise reading that can help you determine whether or not you have a fever.
Braun Digital Ear Thermometer – Best Ear Baby Thermometer
- Remembers the last recorded measurement
- Easily switches between Fahrenheit and Celsius by holding down the power button on the startup
- Includes 21 lens covers, which are replaceable covers that cover the tip of the device (20 in box + 1 on device)
- Uses regular AA batteries
- The screen is not backlit
One of the key features that set the Braun Thermometer apart from other children’s thermometers is its pre-warmed tip. Unlike other ear thermometers that can give lower temperature readings due to a chilly tip in the ear, Braun’s innovative design ensures that you get precise temperature readings every time – perfect for monitoring newborns and children.
But the Braun isn’t just for kids – it’s also an excellent choice for adults thanks to its unique design and simple settings.
GoodBaby Forehead Thermometer – Best Forehead Baby Thermometer
- Fits in your hand well
- Lightweight and protective travel bag
- Fast reads
- The bright screen is easy to read.
- Make sure to let the device get to room temperature after shipping or travel
With just the push of a button, taking your baby’s temperature is as easy as pointing the thermometer to their forehead and waiting for the results. Plus, it displays readings in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, making it a versatile tool for any household.
And it’s not just for people – this thermometer can also take the temperature of spaces, making it a multi-purpose tool for your family’s health and safety. Additionally, it’s been clinically tested and found to be quick and completely dependable, with a very narrow error margin that makes it perfect for forehead readings.
iProven Thermometer for Forehead and Ear – Best Ear And Forehead Baby Thermometer
- Easy-to-read instructions
- The display is easy to read
- It’s easy to hold
- The forehead reading is extremely accurate
- Removing the cap to get into ear mode is a little tight. After using the thermometer over time it may loosen up
Thanks to its precise infrared sensor, this thermometer can measure the radiation emitted by your baby’s eardrum or forehead, providing an exact indication of their body temperature. You won’t have to wait long to find out if your baby has a fever as this thermometer delivers quick and accurate readings in 1-3 seconds.
The fever alert is impossible to miss, as the thermometer will emit three rapid beeps and display a red warning light to give you the heads up. This feature is particularly helpful for those late-night temperature checks when your baby’s health is your top priority.
Easy@Home Digital Thermometer – Best Underarm Baby Thermometer
- Fast readings, and reasonably consistent
- Display is backlit
- Uses a CR2032 cell, easier to find in stores than some of the tiny hearing aid batteries others may use
- Has a memory feature. Remembers the last 30 readings, so you can easily compare
- No case or slipcover is included
This underarm baby thermometer got a sensitive probe tip that can measure temperature in just 8 seconds, with precision up to 0.2°F and a range of 89.6°F–109.2°F.
With its memory function, you can store up to 30 recent temperature readings for easy tracking. Its waterproof tip makes cleaning a breeze, and it comes with a fever alert, auto shut-off, and a switch to easily toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius. Plus, its long-life battery ensures that it’s always ready when you need it.
Kinsa Smart Thermometer – Best Smart Baby Thermometer
- The app is very useful for keeping track of the temperature
- Reads really quickly
- The app gives you tips when it recognizes a high fever and certain symptoms
- It’s small and flexible and is comfortable in the mouth
- The button is awkward to press while it’s in a mouth
This smart baby thermometer provides quick and accurate temperature readings in just 8 seconds or less with the help of its expertly crafted probe. And the QuickCare is versatile as it can be used orally, rectally, or under the arm and has an adjustable comfort tip, ensuring maximum ease and comfort during use.
What sets this thermometer apart from other digital thermometers is its Bluetooth connectivity feature, allowing it to link to your smartphone. The app enables you to keep track of your family’s health history by storing each member’s prescriptions, symptoms, and temperatures.
Amplim Touchless Temporal Thermometer – Best Baby Thermometer For Families
- Accurate
- The readout is bright and clear
- The no-touch is a must in order to check temps when the person is sleeping so as not to disturb them
- Easy to disinfect
- You need to hold it near the forehead a little longer than other similar thermometers
You’ll appreciate how simple, sanitary, and convenient this contact-free IR thermometer is compared to rectal, oral, ear, armpit, and other thermometers. It has a large LED screen that displays digital measurements, and it makes an audible fever alert sound when the temperature exceeds 100.4° F.
With 32 previous readings of memory storage, Celsius or Fahrenheit settings, the ability to read temperatures at night, auto-off, and energy efficiency, this touchless thermometer has everything you need. Additionally, it has a sleek, contemporary design that distinguishes it from other “gun” thermometers.
American Red Cross Digital Thermometer – Best Travel Baby Thermometer
- It’s fast
- It has a backlight for nighttime use
- Affordable
- The tip is flexible
- Doesn’t work under the tongue very well, but accurate enough under the arm
When your little one is feeling under the weather, you want to make sure you have a reliable thermometer on hand, and the American Red Cross 10-second digital thermometer is a great option. It’s fast and accurate, taking less than 10 seconds to give you a precise temperature reading that you can trust.
This versatile thermometer can be used orally, under the arm, or rectally, depending on your baby’s age and needs. The flexible tip and included storage cover ensure your baby’s comfort and hygiene while using the thermometer. Plus, the protective cover helps keep the thermometer clean and ready for use between readings.
How To Choose The Best Baby Thermometer?
- Ease of Use: Because babies move around a lot, it’s important to pick a thermometer that is simple to use for both you and your baby. The majority of electronic thermometers have features that make using them simpler for the user, such as a beeping sound once the temperature is taken.
- Accuracy: You need to be sure that the temperature you’re taking is accurate when trying to determine whether your child has a fever. Pick a thermometer that is considered accurate by medical professionals.
- Response Time: Babies don’t have a lot of tolerance for pushing and prodding. Select a thermometer that will only take a few seconds of fiddling. Holding them down for the whole one-minute reading will just increase your chance of making a mistake and getting an incorrect reading.
- Backlit Display: This feature is crucial for seeing the thermometer’s reading in the early morning hours when you’re cuddling your sick child.
Types of Baby Thermometers
- Digital Thermometers: A digital thermometer features a digital readout on one end and an electronic sensor on the other. Digital thermometers can be used orally, rectally, and axillary (under the arm).
- Ear thermometers: Tympanic thermometers, often known as ear thermometers, are quick and typically pleasant devices that can be used on infants six months of age and older to measure the temperature within the ear.
- Temporal Artery Thermometers: This sort of thermometer, sometimes referred to as a “forehead thermometer,” detects the temporal artery in the forehead to measure the infrared heat that radiates from the head. Any child older than six months can have their temperature taken in this simple, quick, and non-invasive approach.
- No-Contact Thermometers: These thermometers use infrared technology to measure temperatures on the forehead or ear (2).
Do You Need A Baby Thermometer?
There are many reasons you might need a baby thermometer. Maybe your infant is sick and you want to check their temperature to see if they have a fever. Maybe you’re going on a long car trip with your baby and you want to be able to check their temperature in case they get sick. Or maybe you just want to have a thermometer on hand in case your baby falls ill.
Whatever the reason, there are many different types of baby thermometers to choose from. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a baby thermometer:
- Accuracy: To measure your baby’s temperature accurately, you’ll need an accurate thermometer.
- Ease of use: To quickly and simply take your baby’s temperature, you’ll need a thermometer that is easy to use.
- Price: Given the wide variety of infant thermometers available, you should pick one that is within your budget.
Is Forehead Thermometer Good For Babies?
While there is some disagreement about whether forehead thermometers are more reliable than rectal thermometers for newborns, they are usually regarded as a suitable alternative. Forehead thermometers are less invasive than rectal thermometers, and many parents find them easier to use.
Which Type Of Thermometer Is The Most Accurate?
The most accurate way to measure body temperature is with a digital thermometer. It is important to know that rectal thermometers provide the most accurate reading, especially for those 3 months and younger (3). There are several varieties, including oral, rectal, and forehead thermometers. Multifunctional thermometers are usually more expensive than digital thermometers with only one function, but they have the benefit of being able to measure temperature in a variety of locations. This might be useful if you’re unsure of which approach is best for your kid or if you want the freedom to try other approaches.
What Is A Baby’s Normal Temperature?
The typical body temperature of a newborn might change based on age, level of activity, and time of day. A newborn’s temperature should typically range from 97.5 to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit (4).
What To Call Your Doctor If Your Baby Has A Fever?
Take your child’s temperature as soon as you notice a fever in them. They can have their temperature taken orally, rectally, or at the axilla (under the arm). A baby’s normal body temperature is about 97.9F (36.6C).
There is no reason to be concerned if your kid has a low-grade fever (less than 102F/39C) and is acting normally. They may continue eating and sleeping as normal. To assist in lowering the fever, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen (5). You can also give them a lukewarm bath or use a cool compress on their forehead.
You should call your doctor if your kid has a high temperature (over 102F/39C) but is otherwise acting normally. You should take them to the emergency department if they are acting irritable or sick.
