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Although most fevers in babies are triggered by viral infections and run their course on their own, a fever can also potentially be more serious (especially in the COVID-19 era), so a baby thermometer that gives you an accurate reading is essential.
While you might want to rush and call your pediatrician at the first sign of a fever, there are a few factors to consider first, such as your baby's age and how long the fever has lasted. Generally, you should seek emergency medical attention for babies under 3 months with a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher. But, according to MayoClinic, if a baby older than 3 months has a fever under 102 degrees, you can typically manage the symptoms at home.
“Fevers can seem scary, but they are a natural immune response to infection and most can be safely managed at home,” says Stephanie Lee, M.D., a pediatrician specializing in preventive medicine and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).How we chose the best baby thermometers
The best baby thermometers are easy to use and produce fast, accurate results. To help narrow down your choices, we sought feedback from experts, the AAP and What to Expect staff and community members on which features to look for in baby thermometers. Based on their comments, we ensured that all the thermometers selected met the following criteria: Readability: According to the AAP, you should use digital thermometers, as the readings are straightforward. Additionally, a backlit display can make the thermometer easy to read, especially when checking baby's temperature in a dark nursery. A baby thermometer that reads you the temperature may also be helpful in the middle of the night, if the display is difficult to read, or the caretaker has impaired vision. Mercury-free: Mercury is an environmental toxin and can be especially dangerous if the thermometer were to break. They're harder to find these days in the U.S., although grandparents might have some legacy mercury thermometers in the back of their medicine cabinets, so just be aware. Fast results: Most thermometers deliver results in seconds, but the difference of just a few seconds can mean everything when you're trying to take the temperature of a wriggling, fussy baby. Some thermometers deliver results instantly, while others can take up to 60 seconds, so you'll want to make sure you know the speed of each model if fast results are important to you. Comfort: Comfort is most important when it comes to rectal thermometers so you don't upset baby any more than you have to, especially while she's feeling unwell. Having a feature like a flexible tip can provide more comfort for baby when you insert a rectal thermometer, while some are designed specifically for babies and feature a short probe and stopper to ensure you don't insert it too far. Otherwise, forehead thermometers are the least intrusive for baby, and many can be used without even touching her skin.Ease of use: There are a few features that can make baby thermometers easier to use or more functional than the basic action of taking temperature. For instance, if a rectal thermometer has a wide base, you'll have an easier time gripping the base as you're inserting it. Some thermometers have high-tech features and can connect to an app to remember baby's temperatures so you can track any trends. You might also be interested in multi-use thermometers that can be used on both the ear and forehead. Each of the thermometers on this list has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from What to Expect staff and community members for this criteria.
Readability: According to the AAP, you should use digital thermometers, as the readings are straightforward. Additionally, a backlit display can make the thermometer easy to read, especially when checking baby's temperature in a dark nursery. A baby thermometer that reads you the temperature may also be helpful in the middle of the night, if the display is difficult to read, or the caretaker has impaired vision. Mercury-free: Mercury is an environmental toxin and can be especially dangerous if the thermometer were to break. They're harder to find these days in the U.S., although grandparents might have some legacy mercury thermometers in the back of their medicine cabinets, so just be aware. Fast results: Most thermometers deliver results in seconds, but the difference of just a few seconds can mean everything when you're trying to take the temperature of a wriggling, fussy baby. Some thermometers deliver results instantly, while others can take up to 60 seconds, so you'll want to make sure you know the speed of each model if fast results are important to you. Comfort: Comfort is most important when it comes to rectal thermometers so you don't upset baby any more than you have to, especially while she's feeling unwell. Having a feature like a flexible tip can provide more comfort for baby when you insert a rectal thermometer, while some are designed specifically for babies and feature a short probe and stopper to ensure you don't insert it too far. Otherwise, forehead thermometers are the least intrusive for baby, and many can be used without even touching her skin.Ease of use: There are a few features that can make baby thermometers easier to use or more functional than the basic action of taking temperature. For instance, if a rectal thermometer has a wide base, you'll have an easier time gripping the base as you're inserting it. Some thermometers have high-tech features and can connect to an app to remember baby's temperatures so you can track any trends. You might also be interested in multi-use thermometers that can be used on both the ear and forehead. Each of the thermometers on this list has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from What to Expect staff and community members for this criteria.
Mercury-free: Mercury is an environmental toxin and can be especially dangerous if the thermometer were to break. They're harder to find these days in the U.S., although grandparents might have some legacy mercury thermometers in the back of their medicine cabinets, so just be aware. Fast results: Most thermometers deliver results in seconds, but the difference of just a few seconds can mean everything when you're trying to take the temperature of a wriggling, fussy baby. Some thermometers deliver results instantly, while others can take up to 60 seconds, so you'll want to make sure you know the speed of each model if fast results are important to you. Comfort: Comfort is most important when it comes to rectal thermometers so you don't upset baby any more than you have to, especially while she's feeling unwell. Having a feature like a flexible tip can provide more comfort for baby when you insert a rectal thermometer, while some are designed specifically for babies and feature a short probe and stopper to ensure you don't insert it too far. Otherwise, forehead thermometers are the least intrusive for baby, and many can be used without even touching her skin.Ease of use: There are a few features that can make baby thermometers easier to use or more functional than the basic action of taking temperature. For instance, if a rectal thermometer has a wide base, you'll have an easier time gripping the base as you're inserting it. Some thermometers have high-tech features and can connect to an app to remember baby's temperatures so you can track any trends. You might also be interested in multi-use thermometers that can be used on both the ear and forehead. Each of the thermometers on this list has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from What to Expect staff and community members for this criteria.
Fast results: Most thermometers deliver results in seconds, but the difference of just a few seconds can mean everything when you're trying to take the temperature of a wriggling, fussy baby. Some thermometers deliver results instantly, while others can take up to 60 seconds, so you'll want to make sure you know the speed of each model if fast results are important to you. Comfort: Comfort is most important when it comes to rectal thermometers so you don't upset baby any more than you have to, especially while she's feeling unwell. Having a feature like a flexible tip can provide more comfort for baby when you insert a rectal thermometer, while some are designed specifically for babies and feature a short probe and stopper to ensure you don't insert it too far. Otherwise, forehead thermometers are the least intrusive for baby, and many can be used without even touching her skin.Ease of use: There are a few features that can make baby thermometers easier to use or more functional than the basic action of taking temperature. For instance, if a rectal thermometer has a wide base, you'll have an easier time gripping the base as you're inserting it. Some thermometers have high-tech features and can connect to an app to remember baby's temperatures so you can track any trends. You might also be interested in multi-use thermometers that can be used on both the ear and forehead. Each of the thermometers on this list has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from What to Expect staff and community members for this criteria.
Comfort: Comfort is most important when it comes to rectal thermometers so you don't upset baby any more than you have to, especially while she's feeling unwell. Having a feature like a flexible tip can provide more comfort for baby when you insert a rectal thermometer, while some are designed specifically for babies and feature a short probe and stopper to ensure you don't insert it too far. Otherwise, forehead thermometers are the least intrusive for baby, and many can be used without even touching her skin.Ease of use: There are a few features that can make baby thermometers easier to use or more functional than the basic action of taking temperature. For instance, if a rectal thermometer has a wide base, you'll have an easier time gripping the base as you're inserting it. Some thermometers have high-tech features and can connect to an app to remember baby's temperatures so you can track any trends. You might also be interested in multi-use thermometers that can be used on both the ear and forehead. Each of the thermometers on this list has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from What to Expect staff and community members for this criteria.
Ease of use: There are a few features that can make baby thermometers easier to use or more functional than the basic action of taking temperature. For instance, if a rectal thermometer has a wide base, you'll have an easier time gripping the base as you're inserting it. Some thermometers have high-tech features and can connect to an app to remember baby's temperatures so you can track any trends. You might also be interested in multi-use thermometers that can be used on both the ear and forehead.
Each of the thermometers on this list has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from What to Expect staff and community members for this criteria.
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Yes, it's one of those dreaded rectal thermometers. But, again, pediatricians and the AAP say they're the most accurate — and it's hard to argue with that. The great thing about the Fridababy Rectal Thermometer is that it has a short, flexible probe to make getting your reading easier and a stopper that ensures you won't insert the device too far. The bulb is also large, so you can get a good grip, and the thermometer has a large, backlit digital display that clearly shows you the final temperature in 10 seconds.
Ultimately, the Fridababy Rectal Thermometer takes the spot of best overall baby thermometer because it's not only accurate and makes taking baby's temperature less stressful, but it's also a hit with both What to Expect staff and community members alike. "We used the Fridababy rectal thermometer for the first couple of months," says Alexandra Bisonó, Senior Art Director at What to Expect. "We found it easy to use and loved how quick it was. My daughter didn't seem bothered at all." Jeanne Beacom, Campaign Performance Manager, also uses the Fridababy thermometer and agrees that it makes taking temperatures so much easier.
And as a bonus, it's compact, so you can toss it in your diaper bag when traveling.
Rectal thermometers are the most accurate for babies. It seems scary at first to use one, but the frida baby one is great!
Baby frida rectal thermometer! My baby doesn’t even budge when I take his… As a nurse, the only way I’ll take a temperature.
With the Kinsa QuickCare Thermometer's corresponding app, you can easily track baby's temperature history to help determine if they're getting better or worse. Plus, the app gives personalized guidance based on your child's age, fever or symptoms so you can better care for them. What's even better is that you can also make note of when baby received fever reducer so you won't have to question if you already gave it to her. This way, you can also keep track of whether it helped bring down her fever and how much, which can be especially useful if you need to share with your doctor.
Another plus: The thermometer — which can be used for oral, rectal or armpit readings — gives a reading in just eight seconds. It also has a flexible tip for baby's comfort and a large bulb, so you'll never have to worry about inserting it too far. Of course, remember that if you decide to use it as a rectal thermometer, to only use it in that way after.
Type: Oral, rectal or armpit
I can not recommend the Kinsa thermometer enough! I picked it up last night on my way home because our thermometer stopped working. It is the best! It has a free app that you can use with Bluetooth and it keeps track of the temps and you can add new symptoms and keep track of meds too… You can also set up different profiles to use for multiple people. Although I don’t think we'll be doing that because we do rectal temps but still. It's the best thermometer I've used so far!
Not everyone wants to spend a bundle on a baby thermometer. This option from the American Red Cross doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles, but that helps cut down on what you pay. This baby thermometer can be used orally or rectally and gives a reading in 60 seconds (although shoppers say it's often much faster than that). Plus, it has a flexible tip for baby's comfort, along with a safety stop that prevents you from accidentally going in too far. Many parents praised this thermometer for its accuracy, speed and simplicity, with one caregiver noting that it lasted their family an impressive 14 years.
The large on/off button makes it easy to know exactly what you're doing, even when you're taking your little one's temperature in the middle of the night (which the backlight makes it possible to do). Speaking of, the display is large and easy to read, and it comes with a hard-sided plastic case that makes it ideal for traveling.
Type: Oral, rectal or armpit
Dimensions: 3.63 x 1 x 7.63 inches
Power: GP392 or SR-41 silver oxide battery (included)
Sick babies are already fussy, so this convenient thermometer lets you take a temperature without your child ever noticing — on her forehead or in her ear. It has only two buttons (one for "head” and one for "ear") and delivers an extremely speedy temperature reading in one to two seconds. Many parents attest to its accuracy while appreciating how lightweight it is despite being larger than other types of thermometers. You can also recall the last 20 temperatures to check if baby's fever is improving, so you won’t have to write it down and try remembering. And, unlike rectal thermometers, you can also use this thermometer to check on the whole family. Just remember: Ear and forehead baby thermometers aren't as accurate as rectal thermometers, so you may still want to confirm any readings with a rectal or oral thermometer.
Though we recommend rectal thermometers for most accurate results, this long-lasting option is a favorite of our What to Expect community members, lasting many families for years. Parents love that it uses a color-coded system to tell you which temperatures constitute a fever in both babies, kids and adults. Not confident in your ear temperature-taking abilities? This thermometer has a handy light and beep that confirms you're in the right spot so you can get an accurate reading with ease. It also has disposable caps that you can use on the end, so you can easily move between kids and adults, which will come in handy if the entire family is sick.
"It's great for a quick and easy temperature read. The temp comes up really quickly and clearly," says Shelley Gingrich, What to Expect's Executive Director of Brand Solutions, who uses the Braun ear thermometer. "You use a disposable lens filter, so it's sanitary and you don't have to clean it every time you use it." She adds that the only downsides are needing to purchase additional lens filters and that it tends to read a little higher when tested against other thermometers. Still, it's a great option when your child feels warm and you want to quickly see what it says. Just remember: ear thermometers shouldn't be used on babies younger than 6 months.
Dimensions: 5.7 inches x 1.3 inches x 2.1 inches
Power: Requires 2 AA batteries (included)
"Using it 4 years & has never let us down. Very reliable."
This accurate and reliable HoMedics thermometer is contact-free (just hold it in front of your child's forehead) and gives extremely fast results in two seconds. That's a nice feature when you need to grab a temperature reading while your little one is asleep or if you want a speedy way to take a fussy baby's temperature without having to keep her still while waiting for the reading. It's also super easy to use (it's a one-touch operation) and makes an alarm sound when it detects a high fever. You can also store up to 50 readings on the thermometer — a key feature for any sleep-deprived parent. Similar to other thermometers that store readings, you can use the feature to track trends in baby's temperature, especially to see if their fever changed after taking medicine. And, also comparable to other non-rectal thermometers, parents like being able to use it for the entire family.
We referenced the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines on the baby thermometers.
We consulted multiple pediatricians, including: Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.Stephanie Lee, M.D., a pediatrician at Penn State Health in Reading, Pennsylvania.Ashanti Woods, M.D., a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
We also spoke to the following staff members: Jeanne Beacom, Campaign Performance Manager, parent of a 2-year-oldAlexandra Bisonó, Senior Art Director, parent of a 2-year-oldShelley Gingrich, Executive Director, Brand Solutions, parent of 4-year-old and 1-year-old
Finally, we canvassed What to Expect’s community boards to learn which baby thermometers caregivers liked best and what features they most appreciated.
A rectal thermometer is recommended in order to get the most accurate temperature for babies. “In newborns and kids up to 3 years of age, the AAP recommends rectal thermometers, because research shows they are the most accurate and measure the core body temperature the best,” says Dr. Lee. While you can switch to another thermometer as baby gets older, you should use this type at least until baby is at least 3 months old. This is not only because of their accuracy, but also because other types might be difficult or uncomfortable to use with newborns.
While they're not as accurate as rectal thermometers, they can give you an idea of your child's temperature and, in the case of ones that don't need to touch their skin, can allow you to take a temperature while your baby is sleeping, says Daniel Ganjian, M.D., a pediatrician at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. This is helpful if you have a baby who struggles to keep still. However, it’s best to use a rectal thermometer for babies under 3 months to get the most accurate reading.
There are several different types of baby thermometers out there, and a few factors you'll want to consider when deciding which one to buy.Rectal thermometers: This type of thermometer is inserted into baby’s rectum to get the most accurate temperature reading. Most have a large bulb and small probe so parents don’t have to worry about accidentally inserting it too far. Forehead thermometers: A forehead thermometer is simple to operate: You either run it across your baby's forehead or hold it a short distance above the forehead to get a reading. Parents appreciate using this type of thermometer for its speed and that it isn’t invasive, which is especially appreciated for those with extra squirmy babies.Ear thermometers: This type of thermometer, which is conveniently placed inside your baby's ear, is easier to use than a rectal thermometer, but not as accurate. That said, they provide hassle-free readings and typically deliver results in just a few seconds. Keep in mind that the AAP doesn't recommend using ear thermometers for babies under 6 months, since their ear canals are too small to allow you to get a proper reading.Oral thermometers: Once kids are able to cooperate — usually when they are around 3 or 4 years old — parents can use oral thermometers, which are placed under your child's tongue. "The only downside is that the child has to keep the thermometer under their tongue for around a minute, so if this isn't possible, parents may not get an accurate reading," Dr. Lee says. "However, if used correctly, oral thermometers are accurate and approximate core body temperature well."Axillary thermometers: Also called underarm thermometers, these types of thermometers are placed against the skin in the armpit and generally work best in toddlers who can cooperate and hold the thermometer in place without moving until the thermometer beeps. However, per the AAP, it is the least accurate method of temperature-taking.
One other aspect to keep in mind is that sometimes thermometers are multi-functional — meaning they could work as rectal, oral or armpit readers — but you should never use a thermometer that has been used rectally for anything else. The AAP suggests having multiple thermometers and labeling them "rectal" and "oral" so you can easily tell the difference.
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