Best Thermometer for Baby Informative Reviews To Help You

An accurate thermometer is an essential tool for everyone with a baby. If you are a parent, you probably know the importance of using one before you can rush your little one to the hospital. It will give you an accurate temperature reading that will guide your next course of action.

If you have babies, you know that temperature is a tricky subject which if not attended to might lead to serious trouble. Sometimes, when the child temperature is known, it is easy for parents to deal with chilly bedrooms or a worrying fever that keeps everyone up at night. When it comes to choosing thermometers, you will be spoil for choice ranging from a simple bath to the clinical grade thermometers. Also, they come in different shapes and can be used either orally, rectally, auxiliary, on the forehead, or ear canal.

Wondering how to choose the best thermometer for your baby? What are some of the best baby thermometers in their market and their best features? Read the article below to learn more!

The warmth on your baby’s forehead alerts you there is a problem, but it does not tell the actual story. It is therefore important to ensure you invest in the right thermometer. Some thermometers might give inconsistent results causing panic and worry for no reason.

What factors should you consider while buying the best thermometer for baby?

#1. Understand the different types of the thermometers

There are two major classifications of baby thermometers:

a) Digital stick thermometers

They replaced the old mercury thermometers and are the most commonly used. These thermometers come with an LCD display and an easy to press the start button. Some will have an audible peep or any other signal indicating the reading is complete. Also, they may have a flexible-tip or rigid tip and rely on batteries to function. They can be used orally, rectally, or auxiliary.

b) Infrared thermometers

They measure the heat produced by the body and take a few seconds to display the reading. They are slightly expensive compared to the digital thermometers and offer more accurate and reliable readings.

The infrared thermometers measure the body temperature using the ear canal and forehead. Using a cold probe tip will give a cooler reading and vice versa. Using a pre-warmed tip for effective results is important.

With the non-contact infrared thermometers, you are required to hold the thermometer an inch or two away from the patient’s forehead. Press the button to display the red light on the forehead and wait for the results to be displayed.

The specific thermometer types include, but are not limited to:

The rectal thermometer offers the most accurate and consistent results and is suitable for the newborns. However, they require one to be patient and the baby needs to be awake to get the temperature.

The multi use thermometer has a sensor that reads the body temperature. It is placed in the mouth, rectally, or under the arm and it gives accurate results.

Temporal-artery thermometer or the forehead thermometers use infrared rays to measure the temporal artery temperature. A quick swipe across the forehead gives the body temperature reading. It is safe, comfortable, and easy to use for babies of any age.

Tympanic/ear thermometer uses infrared rays to measure the ear canal’s temperature. It is safe to use, although it is a bit trickier compared to other thermometers.

#2. Age appropriate thermometer

What thermometer is best suited for your child? Multi-use and rectal thermometers are ideal for children of all ages as they give the most accurate readings.

#3. What technique works for your child?

Kids around two years of age are mobile and will most likely protest a rectal thermometer. Using such a thermometer may result in an injury or give an inaccurate reading. For the squirmy children, using an ear or rectal thermometer might be difficult leaving the temporal-artery thermometer the best option.

#4. Accuracy and consistency

If your thermometer does not give accurate results, you might as well use a stick to take your baby’s temperature. Invest in a thermometer that gives accurate results all the times.

You want a thermometer that gives you perfectly accurate results every single time to make the right decisions after reading the temperature. Having an inconsistent reading might lead to a misdiagnosis.

#5. Easy to use and clean

Every parent wants to check their infant’s temperature in seconds without fumbling. Also, you need an easy-to-clean thermometer as it comes into contact with the baby’s skin.

#6. Features

Look out for features such a large screen for easy reading, a completion alert, back-lit display,in-built memory, and a temperature warning indicator for too high or too low temperature.

#7. Response time

How long does it take to show the results? Some thermometers take as little as 3 seconds while other might take long. High-quality baby thermometers should take less time with minimal disturbance and display accurate results.

As per the review of the best baby thermometers above, you will notice there is a wide array of high-quality thermometer brands. As a matter of fact, most people tend to make purchases based on brand followed by the specifications of individual thermometers.

Some manufacturers will have basic features on their thermometers while others will employ the latest technology and have advanced features that the make the baby thermometer more functional. Here are some of the leading baby thermometer brands available. It is important to note that some of the features are common across individual thermometer brands.

Braun is known for its high-quality, easy-to-use, and accurate thermometers.

The Braun thermometers are designed to take the child’s body temperature most easily and conveniently. They are dual functional thermometers that use forehead or ear. They are used mainly by pediatricians thanks to their amazing features.

The Braun ear thermometers measure the infrared heat produced by the eardrum and its surrounding tissues. The ear gives the accurate body temperature since the eardrum shares ablood supply with the temperature control center from the brain. When body temperature rises, it is detected in the ear.

The Braun forehead thermometers are no-invasive and give results in seconds. Gently place the thermometer on the forehead, wait for the beep sound, and the reading to show on the back-lit screen. It is the perfect way to get a child’s temperature without disturbing them.

The Braun thermometers have a pre-warmed tip for improved accuracy and use. It also has a unique guidance system that gives precise results. It utilizes the infrared technology that is non-invasive and gives the results in seconds. Other features of the Braun thermometer include memory recall function and a disposable lens. It also has a patented positioning system that confirms it is in good position while in the ear.

#2. QQCute Thermometer Brands

QQCute is a professional health product company that specializes in manufacturing and designing health products such as digital thermometers. All products are high-quality and meet the required technical standards.

The QQCute thermometers are convenient, safe, and easy to use on all children across all ages. There are digital forehead and ear thermometers that give instant and accurate temperature readings. Also, the thermometers can be used by adults in equal convenience.

The thermometers are designed for home use and utilize the latest technology to give accurate readings. You can use it on a sleeping child without causing any disturbance. It has a memory retention function of up to the last 20 readings. Other features include the back-light display for easy reading even in dim light, an auto-off button, and a fever alarm indicator. It is clinically tested and approved making it safe to use.

#3. Exergen Thermometer Brands

The Exergen thermometer brands manufacturers design and manufacture the best hospital grade, professional and home use thermometers. It utilizes the advanced infrared technology that is non-invasive and offers accurate results in seconds.

The Exergen thermometers use the temporal artery blood to determine the body temperature. An increase in body pressure is automatically detected. It can be used on newborns, infants, children, and adults. It is fast and easy to use without causing any disturbance even to a sleeping child. Simply place the thermometer gently on the forehead and wait for the reading.

#4. Metene Thermometer Brands

The Metene thermometer brands are digital non-contact thermometers that utilize the advanced infrared technology. It measures the temperature using the forehead and has an easy to read LCD screen with a back-light.

The Metene thermometer brands are FDA and CE approved making them to use on babies. You do not need to touch the baby’s forehead to get the reading. Hold the thermometer close to the baby’s forehead and the temperature reading show instantly.

The thermometer can be used by babies, toddlers, and adults alike. The digital thermometer has a superior microchip and highly sensitive sensor that accurately captures the temperature of people, room, as well as objects.

Users can alternate between Celsius and Fahrenheit readings at the click of a button. Before using the thermometer for the first time, let it sit still for about 30 minutes so that it picks the temperature of the current environment. However, you will experience a normal error and accuracy range of 0.3 degrees Celsius or 0.6 F.

#5. Innovo Thermometer Brands

Innovois known to design high-end thermometers with advanced features that utilize the latest infra-red scanning technology. They are extremely reliable, accurate, and have received the FDA and CE approval.

The Innovo thermometer brands are digital and non-contact thermometers with a dual mode of operation. It measures temperature using the forehead or ear. The ear technique is best suited for children below one year.

To use the ear function, press F2 and F1 for the forehead function. Wait for a few seconds before it changes to the preferred mode. Measure the forehead temperature by removing the sensor cover and placing it close the forehead. Results will be displayed in seconds. However, a sweaty forehead might not give the accurate results.

For the ear measurement, remove the sensor cover and slowly insert into the child’s ear canal. The temperature probe should be aligned with the eardrum for accurate results and to minimize any potential risks. To avoid inaccurate temperature reading, the temperature sensor should have no dirt and use the thermometer in an environment with no strong air draft.

The Innovo thermometer brands have a 20 reading memory recall function and alternates between Celsius and Fahrenheit readings. It also has a visual and auditory alarm that alerts you when temperatures exceed 99.5 F/37.5 C.

#6. VitalTemp Non-Contact Thermometer Brand

The VitalTemp Non-Contact thermometers are compact and easy to use. They are non-invasive and convenient making it ideal to use on children. It utilizes the infrared rays’ technology that gives accurate results and the manufacturer offers a life time guarantee.It has amazing features such as back-lit LCD display and memory retention. Users have the option to select their preferred modes and measurement units.

#7. iProvenThermometer Brand

The iProven thermometer brand is a professional, clinically certified, and approved thermometer which offers reliable and accurate results. You can easily switch from ear to forehead readings and requires no probe covers. It delivers results in seconds and its large and back-lit display makes it easy to read even in dim light. It is lightweight and can be easily carried even as you travel.

#8. Clinical Thermometer Temperature (Underarm, Axillary, Orally) thermometer brands

The Clinical Thermometer temperature thermometer brands are the most used and inexpensive digital thermometers which are easy to read and monitor fever. They replaced the traditional mercury thermometer making them safe to use on babies and children.

Place the thermometer under the armpit, wait for the beep sound, and your results will display. You can also use it orally or rectally. It measures body temperature four times faster compared to the traditional mercury thermometers. It is a superior microchip and a highly sensitive dual tip that alternated between Fahrenheit and Celsius readings.

The thermometer brand is made from high-quality material that FDA and European approved. It is safer than mercury which is considered a potentially dangerous metal. The brand’s manufacturer paid special attention to the thermometer’s design. It is safe and comfortable to use on your child without causing any harm. You do not have to worry about saving power as this brand of thermometer has an off-automatic shut that conserves the battery. It has a clear protective case for easy storage and extra protection. It is water-proof and has a flexible for easy cleaning which helps stop the spread of germs. The large and easy-read LCD display makes the readings possible even in limited light.

#9. Summer Infant Thermometer Brands

The Summer Infant Thermometer brand is specially designed and manufactured for infants and newborns. The complete package comes with an ear thermometer that takes fast and accurate readings. It is baby-friendly, easy, and safe to use on the babies.

The thermometer has a glow feature that indicates if the baby has a fever or not. It also comes with an additional oral thermometer as a convenient bonus.Other features that the thermometer brand ideal for children includes the memory recall feature of the last 12 readings. It has the Fahrenheit and Celsius option. The pediatric tip for infants and a toddler tip makes it is easy to use without causing disturbance to the baby. It also has a glow feature that shows when body temperature exceeds the normal limit.

Aside from that, the package comes with a complete nursery kit that has a myriad of hygiene and other supplies an infant might need. It includes a soft hair brush, baby monitor and teether among others at an affordable cost. Use the thermometer according to the manufacturer’s specifications for reliable and accurate results. Also, use the right thermometer for the right job.

For starters, it might not be appropriate for the baby because of the age. For instance, an oral thermometer would not be suitable for newborns since they cannot hold it under their tongue. An ear thermometer would not be ideal for someone with an ear infection.

A thermometer may appear straightforward but it will not give you the accurate results if used incorrectly. Read the manual for instructions regardless of how simple it might appear to be used.

We all know what to look out for a while buying the best baby thermometer. However, very few pay attention to the safety concerns. What are some of the baby thermometer safety concerns to consider?

Here are a few helpful tips:

#1. Say NO to mercury thermometers

It is common knowledge that mercury is dangerous. Mercury is toxic and targets the brain which may cause potential damage to the child’s cognitive thinking, memory, motor, and language development.

Mercury has been replaced by the digital versions that lack the potentially dangerous metal. If you are holding onto any mercury thermometer, it is advisable to get rid of it. While at it, do not throw it in the trash can as mercury is considered a hazardous waste.

#2. Cleaning the thermometer

Whatever body part the thermometer touches, be it the forehead, underarms, or mouth, it is important to clean the thermometer first. Regular cleaning kills all germs and stops bacteria from reproducing. Failure to clean the thermometer might cause the child to be sick. Use rubbing alcohol, soap and lukewarm water.

#3. Strictly adhere to the instructions

Read the instructions that come with the thermometer. Follow the instructions on the manual for accurate and reliable results.

#4. Different thermometers for different uses

For instance, if you use a digital thermometer to get a rectal temperature reading, do not use it in the mouth. Label your thermometers to avoid confusion. Have different thermometers for different locations to avoid spreading bacteria and germs that cause diseases. Your child’s health is paramount.

#5. Child’s safety

To ensure your child’s safety, do not leave your child unattended as you take their temperature. Ensure the thermometer stays in place, especially for the rectal ones, to avoid potential injuries. Also, do not use an ear thermometer on a child who can keep still or it may cause damage to their ear canal.

Most thermometers will come with protective cover cases, probe covers, and other accessories that might be potential hazards for the kids. Store the thermometer away from unsupervised kids including small parts that might choke them.

#6. Choose the age-appropriate thermometer

#7. Avoid pacifier thermometers

The pacifier thermometers take a long time to measure the temperature. Also, they are a choking hazard to the baby and do not give very accurate readings.

#8. Oral thermometers and older kids

Older kids can use oral thermometers since they can keep still as you take their temperature. The kids are big enough to hold the device firmly in the mouth till a reading is captured.

#9. Pay special attention to the features

Different thermometers have different features. Choose a thermometer with features that suit your needs. For instance, thermometers with soft tips cannot be used rectally. Ease and comfort of use should be the guiding factor.

How do you ensure you are taking temperature the right way? It is important to note that different techniques will offer different results. Whatever the method you choose (be it oral, rectal, or under the armpits), ensure you do it correctly or you will get inaccurate readings.

Choose a temperature taking method that you are comfortable with and use it every time. It is important to be consistent when taking the temperature. Using different thermometers and techniques will only confuse you.

Follow the directions that come with your preferred thermometer. If your thermometer uses batteries and shows inconsistent readings, it might be time to change the batteries.

If that trick does not work, get a new a thermometer which shows an accurate and reliable reading.

If you are using an ear thermometer, ensure the temperature team should be warm. Using a cold tip will give cooler results. Pre-warming the tip gives accurate results.

Always position the ear thermometer when it is aligned to the ear canal. It gives an accurate reading and helps prevent potential injuries.