Hey! Are you worried about your baby’s fever? The best thermometer for toddlers is still considered the gold standard, they offer the most reliable and accurate measurement of core body temperature. Roberts explained that rectal thermometers are recommended for use with newborns because “they are most accurate, and it is important to know if a newborn really has a fever.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Thermometer
This top-rated thermometer is our best overall option. The ultra-fast reader takes an accurate ear temperature reading in just one second, making it ideal for parents trying to take temperatures for a finicky, squirmy child.
Unlike the best thermometer for toddlers you probably remember growing up, this thermometer doesn’t require disposable plastic covers that can interfere with fever reading. The BP and Latex-free reader can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth or cotton swab and just a dab of 75 percent alcohol.
Best Budget
If you want a lower-priced option that still provides accurate readings, choose this oral and rectal thermometer from iProven. This small, discreet thermometer provides a fast temperature reading in just 10 seconds, with accuracy within 0.1 °.
While you might remember under-the-tongue thermometers as uncomfortable, this version features a flexible tip that makes it more comfortable than earlier models.
Best Forehead Thermometer
Although this unit didn’t make our list of best wrist blood pressure monitors, it still offers! If you’re looking for a thermometer that provides ultra-accurate readings at the touch of a button, try this top-rated option from ANKOVO.
Reviewers praise its speed and accuracy, and at this price point, it definitely won’t break the bank. In addition to reading temperatures in only one second. This ANOKVO will store up to 20 previous temperature readings, so you can have your fever history available at your fingertips.
Best Thermometer for Toddlers and Kids
If your child is consistently picking up bugs and viruses on the playground, make sure you have a reliable, easy-to-use thermometer on hand, such as this option from Target.
Say goodbye to the discomfort of under-the-tongue, inner ear, or rectal thermometers. Instead, this option measures temperature by capturing heat from the temporal artery through the skin on the forehead.
Best No-Touch
If you need to take temperatures from finicky kids when they’re sleeping, invest in this no-touch option from Braun to make it simple.
Best Multi-Use
When you have a busy household with kids of various ages, you really need a thermometer that will hold up. When they’re not feeling well, try this thermometer with both forehead and ear temperature readings.
Like other digital thermometers, this one displays your temperature in only one second. If you’re unsure which temperature readings should be concerning for your child, this thermometer also has audio and visual fever alerts to let you know when to see a medical professional. A mute function will pause the warning sounds for times when you’re taking a temperature in their sleep.
Best Ear Thermometer
This easy-to-use thermometer is suitable for the whole family – babies, kids, and adults alike. Reviewers praise this thermometer’s accuracy and also call it “embarrassingly easy to use.
This ear thermometer uses disposable lens filters, making it easy to switch between users without cleaning. And also because Braun knows that a buildup of earwax can impact the accuracy of the reading.
How to Shop for a Thermometer
There are Five Basic Types of Digital Thermometers:
Oral thermometers: Oral temperature readings are quick and typically fairly accurate for teenagers over 4 years old. For the most accurate results, your child should breathe through their nose rather than their mouth while the thermometer is in use. This can be hard for kids to do when they’re congested.
Axillary thermometers: Armpit thermometers aren’t usually quite as accurate as other sorts of thermometers.
However, they can give you a general idea if you’re not able to take your child’s temperature another way. These are safe to use for babies and children over 3 months old.
Rectal thermometers: the simplest choice for babies under 3 months, these thermometers are designed to be utilized in the rectum.
They can be a little uncomfortable, but they’re fast and very accurate.
Temporal artery thermometers, sometimes called forehead thermometers, are quick and accurate. They can be a little pricey, but they are easy to use and won’t cause discomfort.
Tympanic Thermometers: Also known as ear thermometers, these are quick to use and typically comfortable. They’re a safe bet for infants and kids over 6 months old.
Keep in mind that there are some drawbacks, though. Earwax buildup or an ear canal that’s small or curved can reduce the accuracy of ear thermometer readings.
Above all other things, consider your baby’s age when choosing a thermometer. You may want to start with a rectal thermometer and then use a forehead or ear thermometer as they grow. Plus, if you ever question a reading, you can use the rectal as a backup.
Other Tips
Again, look only for digital thermometers. Safely dispose of any glass and mercury-containing items you already have. Not only are they harder to use and read, but they may be dangerous if they break.
Comfort and safety features like a flexible tip and a wide base are must-haves when shopping for rectal thermometers. Backlit displays or talking thermometers are good options and will help you see (or hear) readings at night or if you have a vision impairment.
The general price range for consumer thermometers is between $10 and $50. Of course, you can also find extremely expensive medical-grade ones, like this $260 oral probe from Welch Allyn. But you can definitely get a reliable thermometer on the cheap.
If you’re looking for features such as quick readings, memory tracking, or multiple reading modes, you’ll need to pay more (though this doesn’t always translate to better accuracy).
Some experts don’t recommend pacifier thermometers. While they may look like a smart option, they’re not very accurate and may take longer to capture a reading. Some experts also recommend skipping skin temperature strips. They aren’t accurate for babies.
Tips for How to Use a Thermometer
We all may be a little resistant to this, but always read the instructions! How you use your thermometer depends on the type you have in your medicine cabinet. Here are some general guidelines for use by type.
Rectal Thermometers
Wash the thermometer using soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water and let dry. Before inserting into the rectum, lube the top with touch petrolatum or another lubricant.
Gently lay your baby down on their tummy on your lap or another stable surface. Place your palm on their back to hold them in place. Alternatively, you may lay your baby face up with their legs bent toward their chest, resting your free hand on their thighs.
Turn on your thermometer and then insert it about a half-inch to a full inch into the opening of their anus. Hold it in place with two fingers. It may help to cup your hand on your child’s butt.
Then remove the thermometer once you hear it beep, which indicates you’ve successfully taken a reading. Always clean the thermometer before storing it between uses. And consider labelling it so you don’t accidentally use it for oral readings!
Tympanic (in-ear) Thermometers
Make sure your thermometer is clean and, if necessary, use a cover over the end. Gently pull your child’s ear back and place the cone-shaped end in the ear canal. You’ll want to position it as if you’re pointing it at the eye on the other side of his head.
Once in place, turn on the thermometer and wait until you hear a beep, indicating you have a reading. The AAP doesn’t recommend using tympanic thermometers with babies under 3 months old.
Even with babies under 6 months, the ear canal may be just too small to get an accurate reading. You’ll also want to avoid this type if your little one has an earache or has recently bathed or been in the pool.
Temporal Artery (Forehead) Thermometers
Make sure your thermometer sensor is clean and dry.
Place the probe directly in the centre of your baby’s forehead. Press the scan button as you move the thermometer toward one ear.
Release the scan button and skim your baby’s temperature.
Axillary (Underarm) Thermometers
Make sure your thermometer is clean and dry. While this isn’t as important as placing it in the rectum or mouth, it’s still important for maintaining your device.
Turn the thermometer on and place the reading end into the space of your baby’s armpit. Make sure the end is touching your child’s skin, not their clothing.
Hold it in place until you hear a beep that indicates you’ve taken a reading.
Oral Thermometers
Clean your thermometer with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Rinse and let dry.
Turn the thermometer on and insert it into your child’s mouth toward the back under the tongue. You may remove it when you hear a beep that indicates you’ve taken a reading.
(FAQs)
Q. What is the most accurate thermometer for toddlers?
A. Armpit temperatures are usually the least accurate. Rectal temperatures are the simplest to obtain for infants, especially those 3 months or younger, and for children up to age 3. For older children and adults, oral readings are usually accurate as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in situ.
Q. How can I tell if my toddler has a fever without a thermometer?
A. “The commonest way to check if someone has a fever without a thermometer is to feel the forehead or neck with the rear of your hand. Lee says. “Check to ascertain if it feels warmer than usual. Do not use the palm, as it is not as sensitive to temperature changes as the back of the hand is.”
Q. When should I worry about my toddler’s temperature?
A. Always contact a GP or call 111 if: your child has other signs of illness, like a rash, also as heat. Your baby’s temperature is 38 °C or higher if they’re under 3 months old. Your baby’s temperature is 39 °C or higher if they’re 3 to six months old.
Q. How can I tell if my toddler has a fever?
A. Look for these signs that your child may have a fever:
Feels warmer than usual.
Sweating.
Shivering.
Loss of appetite.
General body aches.
Fussiness or irritability.
Final Thoughts
Armpit temperatures are usually the least accurate. Rectal temperatures provide the best readings for infants, especially those 3 months or younger, as well as children up to age 3.
For older children and adults, oral readings are usually accurate as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in place.
Rectal thermometers are still considered the gold standard they offer the most reliable and accurate measurement of core body temperature. Roberts explained that rectal thermometers are recommended for use with newborns because “they are most accurate, and it is important to know if a newborn really has a fever.
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