Medically reviewed by Sarah Gard Lazarus, D.O., pediatric emergency medicine physician
Written by
Esther Carlstone | Oct 15, 2024
BabyCenter selects products based on the research of our editors and the wisdom of parents in the BabyCenter Community. All prices and details are accurate at the time of publication. We may earn a commission from shopping links.
Photo credit:
BabyCenter
- Best baby thermometer overall: FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer
- Best budget thermometer for babies: Safety 1st Rapid Read 3-in-1 Thermometer
- Best thermometer for newborns: Vicks Comfort Flex Digital Thermometer with Fever Insight
- Best forehead thermometer for babies: iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
- Best ear thermometer for babies: Braun ThermoScan 7 Ear Thermometer IRT6520
- Best smart thermometer for babies: Kinsa QuickCare Smart Thermometer
- Best rectal thermometer for babies: Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer
- How I chose the best baby thermometers
- What to look for in a baby thermometer
- Types of baby thermometers
- How to use a baby thermometer
While it may not be the most fun addition to your baby registry, as a mom of three, I can tell you a baby thermometer is one of themost used products that first year (and beyond). A thermometer is an important tool for parents to stock in theirfirst-aid kitOpens a new window, as it’s the only way to confirm if your child’s temperature is entering fever territory. But finding the best baby thermometer may pose a challenge, as there are a number of options, from oral thermometers to rectal thermometers.
When shopping for baby thermometers, you should follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines. For example, the AAP does not recommend parents use ear themometers on babies under 6 months, but it does encourage parents to use rectal thermometersOpens a new window, especially on babies under 3 months old, since this type provides the most accurate readings.
To curate a list of the best baby thermometers, I consulted BabyCenter's community of over 4 million caregivers for recommendations, comparing them against the AAP's advice to ensure they're safe to use.
Keep scrolling to find our favorite thermometer for newborns, the easiest-to-use rectal thermometer, the smart thermometer parents rely on, and more.
Why trust us?
BabyCenter's reviews are created based on parents' real-life experiences using products - experiences of editors and writers who are parents themselves, and also of the millions of parents and pregnant women who make up the BabyCenter Community. Our editorial team uses these insights, as well as feedback from the doctors and other experts on our Medical Advisory Board, to give you accurate and fact-based information, including the pros and cons of different products. That way, you can decide what's best for you and your family.
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Best baby thermometer overall
FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
$17 | AmazonOpens a new window |
$20 | TargetOpens a new window |
$16 | WalmartOpens a new window |
$17 | KohlsOpens a new window |
Highlights
- Reads temp in just 10 seconds
- Waterproof
- Fever alert
- Memory function to remember baby's last temperature
- Comes with storage case
Heads up
- Short battery life
Specs
Thermometer type: Rectal |Type of display: Digital |Power source: 1.35-volt battery (included) |Recommended for: Newborns and up
The AAP recommends taking a baby’s temperature rectally during their first year of life to get the most accurate readings. A lot of new parents, however are wary of taking a baby’s rectal temperature because they're afraid of accidentally hurting their little one. But this product from FridaBaby makes the process a little less daunting.
Not only is the base designed to ensure you get a good grip, but the thermometer has a flexible tip for comfort and a rectal stopper prevents you from inserting the temperature probe too far. Best of all, you don’t have to wait long to get your baby’s temp. It gives you a digital readout in just 10 seconds. Also nice: It comes in a handy storage case.
Community reviews
b
britneyX0
I have this - and still use it for my two year old.
g
girlmommy1415
I use the frida baby thermometer and like it.
Best budget thermometer for babies
Safety 1st Rapid Read 3-in-1 Thermometer
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
$10 | AmazonOpens a new window |
$10 | TargetOpens a new window |
Highlights
- Affordable
- Quick results
- Long-lasting battery
Heads up
- Even though it’s 3-in-1, it can’t be used both orally and rectally
Specs
Thermometer type: Oral, rectal, armpit |Type of display: Digital |Power source: 3 volt battery (included) | Recommended for: Newborns and up
This baby thermometer earns top marks, because it’s budget-friendly, as well as highly versatile — its flexible tip can be used rectally, orally, or under the arm. No matter how you choose to take the reading, you’ll get the news in just eight seconds.
The device beeps and reveals a digital reading on a backlit screen that’s easy to read, even in the middle of the night. It also comes with a storage case to safeguard the thermometer and keep everything around it sanitary.
Community reviews
r
Rachger23
My safety 1st one that I got at target is super fast.
c
cforistser3
So, I started using a cheapo safety first, underarm and it is accurate every time.
Best thermometer for newborns
Vicks Comfort Flex Digital Thermometer with Fever Insight
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
$13 | TargetOpens a new window |
$20 | CVSOpens a new window |
Highlights
- Accurate readings
- Results within 8 seconds
- Color display makes it easy to know when it's a fever
- Can be used orally, rectally, or for underarm use
Heads up
- Not 100% waterproof
Specs
Thermometer type: Rectal |Type of display: Digital |Power source: SR41 or LR41 battery (included) |Recommended for: Newborns and up
This Vicks option makes taking baby's temperature super easy. The color-coded display helps you to easily understand the temperature readings. For example, a green display means your baby has a normal temperature, a yellow display indicates an elevated temperature, and the red display, of course, indicates a high temperature (a.k.a. fever).
I love that it's fast-acting, delivering an accurate reading on a large digital display in 8 seconds. The memory function is nice too: When you turn on the device, it shows the last reading to help you better track your baby’s progress. Sanitation is important when using any thermometer; be sure to sanitize it thoroughly after every use.
Best forehead thermometer for babies
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
$20 | AmazonOpens a new window |
Highlights
- Contactless
- Easy to use
- Large display
Heads up
- Positioning the thermometer correctly can be tricky
Specs
Thermometer type: Forehead | Type of display: Digital |Power source: 2 AAA batteries (included) |Recommended for: Newborns and up
This infrared forehead thermometer is ideal for households with multiple people, since it works on babies, kids, and adults without the risk of cross-contamination. The no-touch device simply glides across your forehead to deliver a temperature reading in seconds.
Parents of babies love it for middle-of-the-night readings, since you can take your baby's temperature without having to wake them. Along with your temperature reading, the iHealth offers one of three visuals to indicate fever or not: a green smile (fever-free), a yellow poker face (possible fever), and a red frowning face (fever).
Best ear thermometer for babies
Braun ThermoScan 7 Ear Thermometer IRT6520
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
$60 | AmazonOpens a new window |
$70 | KohlsOpens a new window |
Highlights
- Readings in just a few seconds
- Adjusts fever guidance based on age
- Night light feature
- Pre-warmed tip
Heads up
- Expensive
- Need to buy disposable filters
Specs
Thermometer type: Ear |Type of display: Digital |Power source: 2 AA batteries (included) |Recommended for: 6 months and up
A versatile thermometer, this digital-read ear thermometer can be used for every member of the family 6 months and up without much cleaning in between. (Just change the lens filter between uses.) A big advantage of this model is the built-in positioning guide.
The system uses a light to check for proper positioning, then beeps to confirm everything is correct. It’s fast and reliable too — you’ll get alerted to an available reading in just a few seconds. Also nice: A color-coded display, adjustable based on the age of the person you’re monitoring, makes it easy to interpret results.
Community reviews
j
J3N121
I have had this one for over 5 years and love it! It's very accurate and is the same brand my dr/ped use.
b
BronzeMedalMom
we have the braun ear one that seems to be accurate with my 3yo/6yo
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Best smart thermometer for babies
Kinsa QuickCare Smart Thermometer
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
$30 | AmazonOpens a new window |
$25 | WalmartOpens a new window |
Highlights
- App tracks history of temperature and symptoms
- App can alert you of illnesses going around your area
- Can be used orally, rectally, or underarm
Heads up
- Must use app to get full benefits
Specs
Thermometer type: Oral, rectal, armpit |Type of display: Digital |Power source: CR2032 battery (included) |Recommended for: Newborns and up
Some parents like the added peace of mind a smart thermometer provides — especially those with compatible smartphone apps. These devices allow you to store temperature readings for each person in the family, which can be particularly helpful if you’re keeping the doctor updated on your child’s health. It’s also nice for parents of multiples, since it can be hard to remember each child’s latest reading off the top of your head.
Beyond the techy features, the usability is similar to other quality thermometers. It has a flexible tip that allows you to take oral, rectal, and underarm readings in eight seconds or less. The battery is long-lasting, too — it works for up to 600 readings. However, while it can be helpful to store temperature readings, there’s no need to take an otherwise healthy child’s temperature every day.
Community reviews
- I have one and it is incredible! It comes with an app so you can track their fevers symptoms and medications.
l
liltlemamaajo
Best rectal thermometer for babies
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer
Photo credit:
Amazon
Buying options:
$15 | WalmartOpens a new window |
Highlights
- Short probe is comfy for baby
- Fast readings
- Highly accurate
Heads up
- Harder to find now than the other Vick's thermometer
As noted earlier, parents are recommended to take their baby’s temperature rectally for the most accurate readings — especially during the first three months of life. The Vick’s Baby Rectal Thermometer is one that’s specifically recommended to new parents by pediatricians and midwives, and one that I personally used on all three of my infants.
While it seems scary at first, the short probe made it easy to use, and my babies were none the wiser. The results appear super fast so you don’t have to worry about keeping your baby in potential discomfort more than they have to be. The ergonomic handle also gives it a distinctive appearance so you don’t have to worry about another caregiver accidentally mixing it up and using it orally when it’s already been used on the other end.
Community reviews
s
SLStevens24
The one I use is the Vicks rectal thermometer because it’s short and prevents hurting baby by going too far in.
s
smley92581
we've always liked this one…
t
Thaibasil
I like that the tip is only as deep as it needs to be.
How I chose the best baby thermometers
The best baby thermometers are fast and easy to use, but it’s important to keep in mind the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation that parents userectal thermometers for accuracy,Opens a new window particularly on infants under 3 months old, and that ear thermometers are not recommended for babies under 6 months, since their ears are too small to get an accurate read.
But this only represents a short window of time, and the AAP does approve of thermometers that take oral, rectal, tympanic, temporal artery, and armpit readings, especially as children get older. With that in mind, I looked for thermometers of each type to give parents more choices.
I also consulted BabyCenter's community of over 4 million caregivers as a source of information. Each parent and child have their own temperature-taking preference, and a thermometer that is great for one family may not be the best for another. I then compare real-parent recommendations against expert advice to ensure they're safe to use based on medical guidelines.
What to look for in a baby thermometer
Of course, accuracy is most important when shopping for a baby thermometer, but that can be hard to assess without using it first. Look at reviews to see what other parents say, and choose the type of thermometer best suited for your child’s age. Some other features to look for include:
-
Ease of use: Is there a clear, easy-to-read digital display? Do you have to read instructions in order to master the technique, or is everything very intuitive? In the middle of the night, you’ll hope for the latter.
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Reading time: Will you have to hold the thermometer in place for more than 10 seconds or will the thermometer spit out a reading in just three seconds? Remember: When it comes to squirmy babies and toddlers, the faster, the better.
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Battery type: What kind of battery is the thermometer powered by, and can it be replaced? For longevity sake, look for a thermometer that can be replaced with an easy-to-find battery like a AA or AAA.
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Replacements:Does it need replacement filters or adhesives? Or does the thermometer operate correctly without any extras?
Types of baby thermometers
You may want to buy a few different thermometers for different situations, for example a rectal thermometer for when your newborn feels warm, a multi use thermometer to go in your first-aid kit, and a forehead thermometer to get a quick read before a school or daycare drop-off.
Here are the various types of thermometers that you can buy:
-
Rectal thermometers: These devices consistently give the most accurate results, which is vital for babies under 3 months. It generally is the most accurate until age 2. However, they may require a bit of waiting, which can make a sick child cranky or force you to wake him up to get a temperature. And a word for the worried: Rectal thermometers are generally designed so that it's impossible to insert them too far.
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Multi use thermometers: These thermometers read body temperature with a sensor that's usually found in a small metal tip at one end. With this type of thermometer, you can take your child's temperature orally, rectally, or under the arm (axillary). These are among the simplest and least expensive of thermometers, and they give highly accurate readings, particularly when used rectally.
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Forehead or temporal-artery thermometers: These use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery; a quick swipe across the forehead reveals temperature. They're safe, convenient, and comfortable, and are now used in many hospitals. In the past, they were recommended only for children 3 months and older, but research suggests they're accurate at any age. For children under 3 months, double-check the reading with a rectal thermometer.
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Ear thermometers or tympanic thermometers: These devices use an infrared ray to measure the temperature inside your child's ear canal. They're generally quick, safe, and not at all uncomfortable. They can be a little trickier to use than other thermometers, though, because they have to be inserted exactly right to get an accurate, consistent reading. They're recommended for children 6 months and older.
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Smart thermometers: Like other smart gadgets, these are designed to interface with phones or other smart devices. Some have a wearable patch that you place on your baby's underarm to read and wirelessly transmit temperature; others involve a thermometer that takes an oral, rectal, underarm, or ear reading and plugs into your phone or uses Wi-Fi to send data. Temperature can be tracked or graphed over time, and data can be easily shared with medical professionals or caregivers.
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Oral thermometers: The AAP says an oral reading is only accurate when done properly — and they can be tricky for kids to keep in their mouths the right way. Because of this, the organization says they’re best for kids at least 4 or 5 years old who can safely hold a thermometer under their tongue for the time required to get an accurate reading.
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How to use a baby thermometer
Rectal thermometers
Taking your baby's temperature rectally will give you the most accurate result. Look for a rectal thermometer with a flexible tip and a wide handle that won't let you insert the thermometer more than an inch. Then, proceed following these rectal thermometer instructionsOpens a new window from the AAP:
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Put a small amount of lubricant, like petroleum jelly, on the end of the thermometer and on your child's bottom.
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Place your child belly down across your lap or on a firm surface, like the floor. Alternatively, you can place your baby on a firm surface on their back with their legs pulled up to their chest.
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Turn the thermometer on and very gently slide it 1/2 inch (for babies less than 6 months old) to 1 inch into their bottom. If there is any resistance, stop and apply more lubricant.
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Hold your child still and leave the thermometer in place until it beeps.
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Gently remove and check the digital reading.
Forehead (or temporal artery) thermometers
These can be used on children of any age. Here’s how to take a forehead temperature:
-
Follow the instructions on the package. This will tell you how and where to slide or aim the sensor to get the most accurate measurement.
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While you take your little one’s temperature, the sensor measures the heat waves coming off the temporal artery, the blood vessel that runs across the forehead just below the skin.
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Read your child's temperature on the display screen.
Ear thermometers
Ear, or tympanic thermometers, can be used on children 6 months of age and older. Infants younger than this have narrow ear canals, so you won’t get an accurate read. Here’s how to take an ear temperature:
-
Follow the instructions on the package for your specific model. But in general, you need to pull the ear back and aim the tip of the ear probe between the opposite eye and ear to get a correct temperature reading.
Take note: Being outdoors on a cold day may cause a low reading, so wait 15 minutes after coming indoors to take your little one’s temperature.
It’s also worth noting: Whichever method you choose, don't take your child's temperature right after a bath, when their body temperature is likely to be temporarily elevated. Wait at least 20 minutes after bath time for an accurate reading. The same is true if your baby's been swaddled.
For more information, see our article on how to take your baby's temperatureOpens a new window.
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Our research
[AAP] 2020. American Academy of Pediatrics. "How to Take Your Child's Temperature." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/How-to-Take-a-Childs-Temperature.aspx [Accessed October 2022]
[AAP] 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics. "Children and Colds." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Children-and-Colds.aspx [Accessed October 2022]
[AAP] 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics. "Fever and Your Baby." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/Fever-and-Your-Baby.aspx [Accessed October 2022]
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Esther Carlstone
Esther Carlstone is a contributing writer at BabyCenter with a focus on shopping topics. She lives in Los Angeles with her three daughters and husband. As a mom of kids with a big age range, she's seen various parenting trends and products come and go and loves diving into the latest and greatest products to help families work smarter, not harder.
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