A thermometer is one of the most essential must-haves in any household. It becomes all the more important if you have a baby. Why? Because the first sign that your baby will show in case of any fever or discomfort is that they’ll cry or scream. By keeping a thermometer at home, you may quickly determine whether there is something wrong with your little one that goes beyond their usual outbursts.
By being able to take their temperature, you may also speed up the process of getting them to the physician easily. Learn about the types of thermometers and how you can choose the best baby thermometer. Additionally, take a look at the best features of the top 5 baby thermometers.
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Best Baby Thermometer: Types Of Thermometer
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following types of thermometers for your growing baby:
Age | Type |
Under 3 months | Rectal |
3 months to 3 years | Rectal, axillary, tympanic |
4 to 5 years | Rectal, oral, axillary, tympanic |
5 years to adult | Oral, axillary, tympanic |
Baby Ear Thermometer
Also known as Tympanic thermometers, you can take the baby’s temperature through the ear canal. As a result, these types of baby thermometers are regarded as safe for babies over the age of six months.
Baby Rectal Thermometer
If your kid is under 3 months old, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests using a rectal (inserted into the anus) alternative.
Baby Temporal Artery Thermometer
Another device that is gaining popularity for usage with newborns and toddlers is a temporal artery (TA) thermometer. Recent research indicates that they may be as accurate as rectal temps in even the tiniest newborns.
Because temperature is recorded by starting in the center of the forehead and moving the probe toward the ear, TA thermometers are also referred to as forehead thermometers.
Baby Axillary Thermometers
Armpit thermometers are less accurate than other types of thermometers. They can, however, offer you a broad notion if you are unable to take your child’s temperature in another manner. These are safe to use for babies and children over the age of three months.
Now there are various brands of thermometers, claiming to be the best baby thermometer. So how can you choose the best thermometer for your baby?
How To Choose The Best Baby Thermometer
Apart from the guidelines set by the AAP, the other aspects and criteria to consider while choosing the best baby thermometer are:
- Quick results
- Multi-use design, such as forehead/ear.
- Washability and waterproof construction (especially for rectal thermometers)
- No-touch design, color-coded reading, and multilingual audio functionality
- Food and Drug Administration approval
And to make the thermometer hunt easier for you, we’ve short-listed the 5 best baby thermometers that are at par with the AAP guidelines.
Best Baby Thermometer
So, here are the top 5 baby thermometers for your little one:
- Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer
- iProven Ear and Forehead Thermometer
- Kinsa QuickCare Digital Baby Thermometer
- Metene Infrared Forehead and Ear
- Safety 1st Rapid Read 3-in-1 Baby Thermometer
Let’s learn about the best features of each of the best baby thermometers.
Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer ($30)
- Simple swipe over the brow
- Lighted display
- Indication beeps
- Proved accuracy
- 9-volt battery
iProven Ear and Forehead Thermometer ($29)
- Two recording choices — ear and forehead
- Provides readings in less than a second
- Has a fever alert
- A lighted display
- Temperature color guide
- Storing 20 readings
- Money-back guarantee (100 days)
Kinsa QuickCare Digital Baby Thermometer ($24.99)
- Operate via phone app
- Three recording choices — ear, rectum, and forehead
- All in one information tracker concerning the baby’s fever, such as the date, fluctuating temperatures, emotions, and overall behavior
- Provides readings in less than 8 second
- Provides guidance and recommendations based on the baby’s entered age
Metene Infrared Forehead and Ear ($54.99)
- Great accuracy
- Takes temperature readings without physical contact
- Big, illuminated numbers for easy viewing
- Indicates fever with color coding and sound alerts
Safety 1st Rapid Read 3-in-1 Baby Thermometer ($9.99)
- Suited for children under the age of three
- It may be used orally, under the arm, or rectally
- Easy-to-use mechanism
- Provides readings in less than 8 seconds
- Alerts you with a beep
Final Thoughts
That’s everything you need to know about choosing the best baby thermometer.
However, if you’re still in doubt when selecting a thermometer, keep your baby’s age in mind above everything else. In your baby’s first few years, there is a lot to learn. Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out (along with everything else) and be a pro in no time.
FAQs: Best Baby Thermometer
- What is a temporal artery thermometer?
Recent research indicates that a temporal artery (TA) thermometer may be as accurate as rectal temps in even the tiniest newborns. Because temperature is recorded by starting in the center of the forehead and moving the probe toward the ear, TA thermometers are also referred to as forehead thermometers.
- What exactly is a pacifier baby thermometer?
Pacifier thermometers are designed like baby pacifiers, however, they should not be used as infant thermometers. This is because, in order for it to operate and provide an accurate reading, the infant must keep the pacifier steady for at least 3 minutes.
- Which is the best baby thermometer?
Here are the top 5 baby thermometers for your little one:
- Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer
- iProven Ear and Forehead Thermometer
- Kinsa QuickCare Digital Baby Thermometer
- Metene Infrared Forehead and Ear
- Safety 1st Rapid Read 3-in-1 Baby Thermometer