A baby first aid kit should always include a trusty thermometer. It should be accurate, long-lasting, and safe to use for your little one. The best thermometer for babies and toddlers should also deliver proper results every single time.
All parents dread about the idea of their babies getting sick. In this case, you need proper tools to diagnose what’s wrong with your child. This includes a thermometer that will give proper reading of your little one’s body temperature. It will help you examine if your baby’s condition is improving or if it’s time to go to the hospital. Take note that you should call a doctor on any fever in babies less than 3 months.
Moreover, you have to know that there are different types of thermometers for babies. Each one is used on a specific part of the body. Also, you should check the material of the thermometer as well as its price point.
Although thermometers aren’t the only tool used to diagnose the problem on a baby, it surely helps a lot on the part of the parents. Below, we reviewed five of the best thermometer for newborn babies and toddlers that you can purchase.
1. OCCObaby Digital Thermometer for Babies
If you’re looking for an accurate digital thermometer, the one from OCCObaby is the best to use on infants. It’s made for babies and provides fast readings for just 10 seconds. This is also a very accurate thermometer. Overall, this model is about six times faster than traditional thermometers used on babies.
The OCCObaby thermometer sports a flexible tip for easy use on your baby. It’s also waterproof for easy cleaning. This infrared thermometer is equipped with an auto power-off to save battery power.
This thermometer can be used orally, rectally, and on the armpits. It’s accuracy is clinically-proven and guaranteed to be mercury and glass-free.
You can use this thermometer in Fahrenheit and Celsius settings. We also like that it comes with a large LCD display and a fever alarm to let you know if your baby’s temperature is beyond normal.
This thermometer is backed by a 60-day money-back guarantee. If there’s a flaw or if you’re not happy with the product, you can get your money in full. This is paired with a lifetime warranty, only if you purchased from OCCObaby.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty, money-back warranty
- Waterproof construction
- F and C settings
Cons
- The button is a little hard to push
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2. Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer
If you’re looking for an accurate rectal thermometer, we recommend the one from Vicks Baby. It’s a compact thermometer with a metal pin for fast and accurate readings.
This comes with a large backlit display so you can easily read the temperatures. And since it’s made for babies, the tip is flexible so you can angle it easily for ease of use.
Take note that this rectal thermometer has a 10-second reading. We also like that this thermometer is waterproof and can be washed entirely after each use.
The battery is already included in the package as well as one storage case and an instruction book. Aside from that, this product meets the ASTM E1112 standards so it’s guaranteed to provide accurate results.
Take note that this is made for babies and toddlers only. Using it on adults will prove difficult and you may not get an accurate reading.
Overall, this is a pediatrician-recommended rectal thermometer. It works every time and works better than most armpit thermometers.
Pros
- Flexible metal tip
- Waterproof build
- Large display
Cons
- Not for adult use
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3. Fswatch Forehead Thermometer
Another non-contact thermometer that we recommend is the one from Fswatch. It uses an infrared technology that can detect temperature at a distance of 1.5 to 5 cm. This can be used on your baby while it’s sleeping and it’s also useful for adults.
Moreover, you can switch the setting from F to C, depending on your preferred measurement. This is also fast-reading and you’ll get results for as fast as one second. Also, this is way accurate than a typical mercury thermometer.
What we also like about this digital thermometer is you can store up to 32 readings on its memory. This lets you retrieve the temperature record of your child if need be.
Just like most digital thermometers, this one has a fever warning system. When the reading goes beyond 37.8C (100.04F), the thermometer will produce warning beeps.
This thermometer is also useful at night since you no longer have to turn the lights on. The screen has a backlight for easy reading.
Even if you forget to turn this off, the thermometer is powered by an auto turn off feature.
Pros
- Can be used with the lights off
- Fever indicating system
- Useful for all members of the family
Cons
- Batteries are not included in the package
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4. Mcaron Ear & Forehead Thermometer
If you’re looking for a more advanced ear and forehead thermometer, you should definitely check this one from Mcaron. It works in dual mode, as an ear thermometer and as a forehead thermometer. This also delivers accurate and fast readings in real-time.
We also like that you can store up to 20 readings so you can compare your child’s body temperature. A loud beep will let you know if a reading has been taken. This will usually take just one second. Thanks to its smart chip, this thermometer has a reliable performance and unfailing accuracy.
The high-accuracy temperature probe of this thermometer gives an unfailing reading. We also like that it has a large backlit display with a mute mode if you don’t want to disturb your baby as it sleeps.
Moreover, this Mcaron thermometer is covered by satisfaction guarantee. If you have concerns or questions about the performance of the thermometer, feel free to call Mcaron.
Many parents consider this as the best choice for their babies.
Pros
- Smart chip for excellent performance
- High-accuracy probe
- Colored screen light fever indicator
Cons
- None so far
5. Topffy Forehead Thermometer
If you’re looking for a forehead thermometer, we recommend the Topffy model. This non-contact thermometer has a backlit LCD and a large digital display. It’s also accurate and fast that you’ll have a reading in just one second. The accuracy is between 0.1C and 0.1F.
This has a single button operation for ease of use. Aside from that, this thermometer has no radiation and can be used by the entire family. This also uses an infrared light with a range of 15 to 55 mm.
Moreover, this is a high-capacity thermometer where you can save up to 32 sets of temperature memory. This way, you can compare the temperature changes of your baby.
What we also like about this thermometer is its fever warning. It will beep 6 times in a row if the person’s temperature is higher than 37.8C. Also, if the temperature reading is more than 42.2C, the screen will display the word ‘Hi’ followed by two beeps. The good thing here is you can set the alarm temperature as you wish.
Overall, this temperature is a great choice for instant readings.
Pros
- One-second readings
- Can be used by the entire family
- Adjustable fever warning
Cons
- Batteries are not included in the package
Buying Guide
Choose the right type
Before you purchase a thermometer, you have to check if it’s the best type of thermometer for babies. Unlike one adult’s use, babies and toddlers need a thermometer with the right features. The following are some thermometer types and its functions:
Forehead
Also known as temporal artery thermometers, this is one of the latest models in the market. It uses an infrared technology to measure the temperature on a person’s forehead.
This is very convenient and safe to use since it doesn’t require any physical contact. Many hospitals and clinics now use this thermometer since it will not require repetitive sanitation.
Take note that forehead thermometers are only ideal for babies at least three months old.
Oral
Oral thermometers are safe to use for kids that are at least four years old. Avoid using oral thermometers on babies as it can become a choking hazard. It will also be challenging to get accurate readings with this type of thermometer on a baby.
Ear
Ear thermometers are widely used among babies since it gives an accurate reading. This thermometer has an ear probe that fits inside a child’s ear canal. It’s a little tricky to use, but it’s much safer for babies that are at least six months old.
Axillary
Axillary or armpit thermometers are useful for adults. However, for babies, it may not be as accurate as rectal types. Nevertheless, they can be used for children too.
Rectal
Rectal thermometers are very important thermometers for babies. It’s available in most drugstores, though using it can be challenging when the baby is cranky. Also, most rectal thermometers have flexible tips for easy angling.
Performance and accuracy
No matter what type of thermometer you’re using, you must opt for one with excellent accuracy and performance. An accurate thermometer should yield a 0C reading when submerged on ice water.
Also, if the thermometer is starting to register inaccurate readings, a battery replacement should fix the problem. If not, the thermometer’s chip probably reached its end life.
Safety
Above all, the thermometer you’re going to use should be safe for your baby. Avoid thermometers made of glass or those that contain mercury. Also, no parts should be removable that can cause choking.
When in doubt, it pays to ask the doctor about the safest option for your baby.
Price point
Lastly, look for a thermometer that falls within your preferred price point. You don’t have to spend a fortune on a baby thermometer, but you have to ensure that the one you’re getting is accurate.
Still, you wouldn’t want to buy a very cheap thermometer. Dirt cheap types are likely to be less accurate than other types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are forehead thermometers accurate on newborns?
A: Forehead thermometers are ideal for babies that are at least 3 months old. Younger babies are better checked with a rectal thermometer for more accurate results. You can also ask your child’s pediatrician about the age appropriate-thermometer to use.
Q: What temperature is dangerous for a baby?
A: A temperature above 100.4F or 38C should prompt a call to a doctor if your baby is under three months old. The same temperature should be a cause of a concern of parents of older babies. Your child may have a fever, infection, and other conditions. If the fever persists, you should call a doctor or go to a hospital right away.
Q: What thermometer type is the most accurate?
A: For babies, the most accurate thermometer is the rectal type. Older babies at three months old can be checked with a forehead thermometer. The latter yields accurate results, but only for grown babies.
Q: How will I know if my thermometer is accurate?
A: A quick way to check the accuracy of a thermometer is by using the ice water test. Fill a glass with water and ice. After a few minutes, dip the thermometer an inch into the ice water. Make sure that the tip isn’t touching the glass. If your thermometer is accurate, it will produce a temperature reading of 32F or 0C.
Q: Is armpit temperature on babies accurate?
A: Armpit temperature is the least accurate temperature since it’s taken outside the body. If you want a more accurate temperature reading of your baby’s body temperature, the best option is rectal, oral, and ear checks.
Conclusion
Every parent should have a thermometer handy. It’s important to check the temperature of your baby to know if the little one is having a fever. Above, we reviewed five of the best options, with the one from OCCObaby as the top choice. It provides accurate readings and guaranteed safe for babies.