Parents know all too well how important constantly monitoring their baby’s health is but amid the COVID-19 pandemic, that is even more needed, especially when it comes to their temperature.
A high temperature in infants can be a symptom of many different afflictions, from the common cold to meningitis, to COVID!
As a result, you might want to have a thermometer specifically made for young ones accessible so you can identify a fever as soon as possible and contact your pediatrician for help.
Unfortunately, purchasing a reliable baby thermometer can be a real struggle since there are so many models out there. How do you know which is the best for your specific situation?
As you might be aware, they can allow you to take readings from different parts of the body such as the armpit, the mouth, ear, rectum, or forehead, so this is one feature you should pay attention to and use it to determine which infant thermometer is the one for you.
Each of these types of readings is great in different ways.
For instance, if you want the most accurate reading, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a rectal thermometer, but, of course, that can be inconvenient as it’s not pleasant for anyone involved and will definitely wake your child up and/or make them cry.
If you would like to avoid that, there are plenty of other options out there, some of which we are going to explore in this guide in order to help you determine the right fit for you and your baby.
The most important is that parents never just take their baby’s fever by using a palm to feel their foreheads since that is a really unreliable method that just shows the differences in temperature between your bodies and nothing else.
Make sure you have a baby thermometer in your home to check on your little one and find out immediately if they have a fever.
After all, fevers can sometimes be signs of something more serious than just a seasonal viral infection, so it’s vital to move quickly to ensure their speedy recovery.
Just be cautious and remember that it’s better to call your doctor even if you do not think their state is too bad. Better safe than sorry!
We have mentioned rectal thermometers as being the most accurate, this being the case for newborns and toddlers up to the age of 3, in particular.
Another type is the one used in the armpit; all you need to do is place them in the underarm area and it works the best for toddlers and older kids since they can be more cooperative in holding the thermometer in place for a little while.
The ear and forehead thermometers are self-explanatory as far as the reading spots are concerned, and their strengths lay in how easy they are to use and how fast the reading can be shown.
Finally, oral thermometers are perfect for more cooperative kids around the ages of 3 and 4 since you need to place one end under the tongue for a minute.
That can be really uncomfortable, and your little one may refuse to keep it there, a situation in which you’ll most likely not get a very accurate reading of their temperature.
Other things you should look out for when purchasing a baby thermometer are the following:
- A flexible tip as it can lower the discomfort your baby feels.
- Digital readings since they are more accurate and safe. Mercury is toxic and really dangerous in the case that a classic thermometer breaks so avoid buying those.
- Look for a thermometer with a wider base as it will allow for a better grip when your baby moves around.
- A backlit display can be really useful if you need to read your baby’s temperature at night without waking them up by turning on the light in their nursery.
Now that you know all the basics, here are some of the best infant thermometers on the market!
Fridababy Quick-Read Rectal Thermometer
First on the list is a rectal thermometer, which, as you now know, is the best option if you have a newborn.
This baby thermometer will read your little one’s temperature in only 10 seconds or less which is great since rectal thermometers tend to be more uncomfortable than most
To make sure you don’t insert it too far, it comes with a stopper. It also features a backlit display so you can use it in the dark.
It is latex-free, water-resistant (which makes cleaning easier), and even comes with a memory function that will keep track of your last 10 readings for better monitoring of changes in temperature.
Finally, it even comes with a carry case, so it’s easy to take around with you everywhere!
Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer
This is a forehead reading baby thermometer, so it’s super easy to use as well as quick and painless!
All you need to do is swipe it gently across the forehead to get a reading.
A beep sound will let you know when it’s time to turn it on or off, and it is designed with a lit display.
Amplim 1701 CA1
This model from Amplim is a slender infrared forehead thermometer and one of the highest rated on Amazon, so it’s safe to assume it’s loved by many parents who’ve purchased it for their babies.
And it’s easy to see why! This baby thermometer has a large LCD screen which makes it easy to read as well as a bright two-color backlighting.
When all is well, the display light is green but when high temperature is detected, it becomes red.
And these are not the only indicators as it will also continuously beep whenever a fever is detected.
Previous readings are stored in the memory, and the four buttons make it really easy to access them in order to monitor the changes.
Kinsa QuickCare Smart Stick Thermometer
This is a fast and accurate thermometer that comes with an app that allows for storage.
Of course, this could be both a pro and a con as for some, connecting to an app to see the readings could be a bit inconvenient as opposed to the normal thermometer displays.
However, if you have more than one little one in the household, this is super useful since you are able to keep track of everyone’s fever at the same time.
After all, it’s easy for kids living in the same house to give each other a bug, so you’ll find yourself monitoring all of their recoveries at the same time quite often.
Not only that but the app will also provide you with personalized guides based on the child’s fever, symptoms and even age!
This product also gives a reading in only 8 seconds, comes with a flexible tip and a large bulb to avoid inserting it too far by mistake.
American Red Cross Quick Read Digital Thermometer
This thermometer comes with a hard plastic carrying case and is designed with a big screen and button to make use as easy and straightforward as possible, even in the middle of the night.
It’s simple but efficient and will give you an accurate reading in only about 10 seconds.
It has a flexible tip to make the process more comfortable for your infant.
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
The thermometer from iHealth has really quick readings, displaying your baby’s temperature in a mere second!
Not only that but it is a no-touch forehead thermometer so it’s as comfortable as possible! Your baby won’t even notice you used it, let alone wake up if they’re already sleeping.
Just hold the device an inch away from their forehead, press the button, and wait for the beeping sound.
The LCD screen is bright and has extra-large, easy to read digits, and to further simplify the readings, the results are color-coded as well!
HoMedics Non-Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer
Another no contact device, this one is bigger than most other products, meaning it’s easier to grip.
It is reliable and accurate and will require very little cleaning since it doesn’t actually ever come in contact with the skin.
The results are fast, showing up in about 2 seconds in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Finally, you can save up to 50 readings on the thermometer.
Braun Thermoscan 7
An ear thermometer might be too uncomfortable for some babies but if you think yours won’t mind it, this is one of the best of its kind out there.
It is compact but still heavy enough, giving a sense of high quality as opposed to some other flimsy products.
It fits comfortably and safely in your hand, thanks to its contoured handle.
Upon turning it on, the digital display will show a colorful light show.
To cover the probe tip, this thermometer comes with a pack of 20 lens filters which is recommended to replace after each use.
The readings are very accurate and it only takes you 2 seconds, so even if your baby squirms around, it’s not too difficult to use.
Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer
This product is rather simple but sometimes, that is for the best!
It features a circular LCD screen that allows the display of larger digits despite the thermometer being so small.
The backlighting is welcome as well, allowing you to see the results even in the dark.
The digits are color coded depending on the temperature, going from green, which means normal, yellow for light fever, and red for high fever.
It is a stick thermometer which means that it can be used orally, under the arm and rectally as well, which is perfect if you are uncertain about which is ideal for your situation and want to see how your baby reacts to different methods.
The probe covers are disposable so you do not need to worry about it not being hygienic.
It takes about 10 seconds to get a reading.
Enji Prime Store Digital Thermometer For Adults, Children, Infants, Babies
Another flexible thermometer that can be used orally, in the armpit and rectally, this device is not only great for babies but can be used by the rest of the family as well!
It has Fahrenheit and Celsius modes, large numbers for easier readings and also features a flexible and comfortable tip.
Furthermore, it’s easy to clean too since it’s waterproof.
And if you are still not happy after testing it, this company offers your money back!
The readings take about 10 seconds but depending on the mode, you might actually have to wait for up to 25 seconds.
Kamsay Digital Thermometer Wih Fever Alert
Last but not least, the Kamsay Digital thermometer is a waterproof rectal device that is easy to clean and delivers accurate readings in only about 10 seconds.
For comfort, it is designed with a flexible, soft tip.
It is FDA certified, takes readings in both °F and °C, has a large, backlit display and a fever alarm.
It also comes with a spare battery as well as 1-year warranty.
