4 Best Baby Thermometers

This thermometer might be everything you’ve ever wanted. The built in memory holds 32 recordings which makes it easy to keep track of temperatures during protracted illnesses – or just because you’re organized like that. This is a big plus; another is the contactless readings you receive instantly on the super clear LCD screen. It is on the expensive side, but the benefits make it easy to use – even when trying to read the temperature of newborns.

Type of thermometer: This is a contactless, infrared thermometer that reads the forehead or body. However, there are ear and forehead options available too.

Age recommendation: This works for all ages, from birth onwards.

Power source: You’ll need a AA batteries (included) to operate this baby thermometer.

Reading time: You’ll get an instant reading. (We’ll get to the accuracy of instant in a moment.)

Cleaning instructions: This is contactless, but you know you need to clean it every time you handle it. That’s just best practice for good health. If you order the ear thermometer, you will obviously need to go the extra mile.

Getting an accurate reading: You’ll need to use the instruction guide to ensure you take the reading from the right distance. That’s a little bit of a hassle. But, the closer you are to the “precise” point, the more accurate the reading will be. It may take a bit of finesse to get it right, but you don’t need to touch this thermometer to the body, so you can play with it out of the box.

Smart features: You’ll want to download the Pyle Health app to work the Smart features of this thermometer. It connects via Bluetooth automatically – no need to manually pair the devices. There is a calendar function on the app – and the ability to share with family or doctors. Plus, the last 50 readings are easy to access.

Other features: The thermometer shuts off after 60 seconds of non-use. In case you’re wondering, you change from C to F by holding the “set” button until you see the custom screen. Then tap the “set” button until the F/C option appears.

Will it break the bank? The MSRP is almost $40, but you’ll pay closer to $30 if you can find it on sale. This has a very reasonable price point considering the features it comes with.

This is a basic rectal thermometer (which is the recommended format for infants) and easily the best budget option on the market. There aren’t many bells and whistles, but it does the job well. Wait, we want to clarify that. As long as the battery is fresh, it works amazingly. But, with an old or failing battery, this baby thermometer is difficult to work with. If you’re a new parent or parent-to-be, we suggest getting this early and checking the battery as soon as possible.

Type of thermometer: Rectal

Age recommendation: It’s best for infants between 0 and 3 months of age.

Power source: A watch battery. Some users have reported issues with the included battery. However, you can replace it. That said, you’ll (hopefully) use this thermometer rarely.

Reading time: The manufacturer reports an accurate temperature within 8 seconds. Some users have gotten readings within 3 seconds. But, some also report it taking a little longer.

Cleaning instructions: You’ll need to give this a good clean after every use. It is, after all, a rectal thermometer. Once you’ve cleaned and dried it, you can replace the tip cover so it’s ready to use the next time.

Getting an accurate reading: As much as rectal thermometers creep some people out, they are the most accurate for taking the temperature of children between birth and three months of age. Indeed, they’re likely to be the best for children up to three, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. So, even though this is a basic model, it’s much more accurate than forehead, ear, or oral thermometers.

Smart features: No. But, you didn’t expect any, did you?

Other features: In addition to the over-insertion guard, this rectal thermometer also recalls the last reading. You know, just in case you forgot to write it down for the doc.

Will it break the bank? At less than $6, you really can’t go wrong. You may need to replace the battery, but that shouldn’t break you either.

This is a big step up from the oral thermometers from the past, but it’s not always the best way to check your child’s temperature. If you have an infant, you really do want to follow medical advice and choose a rectal thermometer. But, this does work for children that find pacifiers soothing – as long as they keep it in their mouth. It doesn’t have a lot of features, but it is less than $10.

Type of thermometer: Oral

Age recommendation: It’s probably not the best for small babies, as it’s a large pacifier. And, of course, it’s not the sort of thermometer you can use for years.

Power source: There’s an alkaline battery included, but you can’t change it. You will need to replace it if the battery dies.

Reading time: It’s not the fastest, so you’ll need to be prepared to wait up to a minute. It’s likely to be less, but it’s definitely not instant.

Cleaning instructions: The manufacturer suggests running it under water. We think it’s better if you try to clean and sterilize as you would a bottle. That’s not the easiest, but it’s worth it to protect your child’s health.

Getting an accurate reading: If your child is comfortable with this pacifier in his mouth, you’ll get an accurate reading. But, if your babe is fussy (which isn’t unusual during an illness), it’s not going to be your best friend.

Smart features: None. But, you didn’t expect it, did you?

Other features: You can use this to read temperatures in both F and C, and it switches off automatically to save the battery. Plus, it remembers the last reading. None of these are mind blowing features, but look at the price.

Will it break the bank? This will set you back less than $10. And, it’s the sort of thing that makes many babies comfortable, so you may want to buy it to take with you on vacations.