In the middle of the night, when your baby is screaming, you need a reliable thermometer that takes quick readings. Accurate readings help you make the right decisions for your baby's health. As a mom of three, I know how stressful it is to worry about fevers, especially during the infant stage. Try these dependable thermometers for quick readings you can trust.
Which Is the Best Thermometer for Baby? Types of Thermometers to Consider
When I became a mom, I quickly realized I needed an accurate way to check my baby's temperature. My oldest got his first fever at around four months of age.
Before my son was born, I didn't have a thermometer. As an adult, I could sense my own body temperature and didn't worry too much about fevers. I simply took some medicine if I needed it and called it good enough.
When looking to purchase a thermometer, I quickly learned about the many types. Here are a few to consider.
Mercury and Alcohol Thermometers vs. Digital Thermometers
While accurate, the mercury thermometers many of us grew up with aren't practical for babies. These thermometers use mercury or alcohol enclosed in a glass tube to indicate temperature. While mercury may be accurate, it's dangerous if the thermometer breaks.
Thankfully today, many digital thermometers are also accurate, and much safer. With a digital thermometer, you don't need to worry about breaking pieces. Plus, digital thermometers can often take readings quickly, while mercury thermometers take several minutes.
How to Measure Your Baby's Temperature
Which method is best for taking your baby's temperature? You can use some thermometers in multiple ways. Others only allow one way.
Rectal Reading: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends using a rectal reading for newborns until they are 3 months old. For this method, you'll insert a digital thermometer in your baby's anus.
Clean the thermometer and add petroleum jelly to the thermometer and your baby's bottom. Position your baby on their back with their legs bent to their belly. Gently insert the thermometer 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Wait for the thermometer to beep and check the reading.
Armpit (Axillary) Reading: With this method, you put the thermometer under your child's arm. Best for older children who can follow instructions, you may need to hold the thermometer in place. Usually, this method takes about a minute to register. This method may not be as accurate as oral and rectal readings.
Oral Reading: To take your child's oral temperature, place the thermometer under your child's tongue.
Ear Canal Thermometers: Some thermometers can take your child's temperature in their ear. For young children and babies, it can be easier to take temperature this way, as it doesn't require your child to hold still as long.
Infrared Thermometers: Infrared thermometers use thermal radiation to quickly take temperatures. The best place to take your child's temperature using an infrared thermometer is their temple or forehead. These thermometers read temperatures in seconds. Unfortunately, they aren't as accurate as other methods.
As a mom, I love using an infrared thermometer on my child's forehead for peace of mind. The reading is quick, easy, and lets me know if I need to monitor my child more closely. If I notice the temperature rising, or that the fever doesn't respond to medicine, I know to try another method.
Pro Tip: Purchase a separate thermometer only for rectal readings.
The Best Baby Thermometers
Here are our top picks for easy-to-use, reliable baby thermometers.
1. Best Thermometer for Newborn Infants: Frida Baby - $16.99
When your baby is young, a rectal reading is the most accurate. Frida makes it easy for new parents to safely take their newborn's temperature. The ten-second reading is quick, meaning less discomfort for you and baby.
Frida's design ensures you don't insert the thermometer too far, making readings easier with squirmy babies.
2. Best Baby Thermometer Overall: Kinsa - $24.99
Looking for a way to easily track your child's fever? Kinsa links to a free app that allows you to track you and your family's temperature over time. This helps notice spikes in temperature, how long your child has had a fever, and how quickly it returns after administering medicine. When you're sleep-deprived and worried about your child, this feature is a game-changer.
The Kinsa allows for oral, underarm, and rectal readings in just 8 seconds. Choose to read degrees in Fahrenheit or Celsius with an easy toggle. Kinsa's thermometer has won multiple awards for its user-friendly features and accuracy.
3. Best No-Fuss Thermometer: Tommee Tippee - $38.89
This no-touch thermometer takes a reading in seconds. Use the infrared thermometer to scan your child's forehead for a quick, no-fuss reading.
One huge advantage Tommee Tippee's thermometer is that you can take your baby's temperature while they sleep. I've done this numerous times with infrared thermometers. Giving peace of mind to parents, you can avoid waking your baby if their fever is under control.
4. Best Multi-Use Thermometer: Vicks - $25
Another great infrared, no touch thermometer option, Vicks' thermometer is great for the whole family. This digital thermometer uses 2 AAA batteries that are easy to change.
Keep this thermometer in your medicine cabinet for your baby, child, and even adults in your house.
Another bonus is you can use this thermometer to measure your baby's bath water. The Mayo Clinic recommends a bath water temperature of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit for babies.
5. Best Thermometer for Kids: Boncare - $7.49
For a no-frills, budget-friendly thermometer, Boncare fits the bill. Use this digital thermometer for rectal, oral, and underarm readings in 10 seconds. Small, this thermometer is perfect for keeping in your diaper bag.
Choosing the Best Thermometer for Your Baby
As a mom, my favorite thermometer is an infrared thermometer. When my children were young, it was easy to check their temperatures on their foreheads without waking them. However, I also liked having a second digital thermometer that I could use orally for better accuracy.
Choosing the best thermometer for your family depends on your needs and the age of your child. Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
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