When our daughter was born, there was no manual on how to operate her, and there were no warning lights or alarms to let us know something was wrong with her. She pretty much had one alarm to let us know something was wrong, crying.
Crying is a great warning system, except it, was the same alarm for everything! If she was hurt, gassy, diaper full, or not feeling well. It’s the equivalent of the “Check Engine” light on your car. When it comes on, it can be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or something more sinister such as a failing catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, or even a failing central computer system.
To prevent hours of time wasted chasing the error and thousands of dollars, mechanics, and savvy home mechanics use a “diagnostic reader” to help them decipher the “check engine” alarm.
While there are no diagnostic reader systems that will decipher exactly why the baby is crying, there are tools parents can use to quickly focus in on the problem.
A great baby thermometer is one of these tools. It helps you find normal child temperature as a fever is one of the most dangerous things to a youngster. And there’s nothing scarier than a baby fever.
A good thermometer is the best “Early Warning System” that an infant is getting sick. There are many thermometers on the market, but what really is a “good” or better yet a “great” one? Well, we hope to answer this question and find the best infant thermometer for the best price for you.
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Table of Contents
Will Any Thermometer Work?
A mechanic is only as good as the tools that he owns. The same goes for the type of thermometer you use at home. As parents, we don’t have many tools to help us diagnose our little ones ailments.
And running to the Emergency Room can get pricey very quickly.
A thermometer for baby is one of those items in your mommy toolkit that will probably last you for many years. So invest wisely.
While there are some great ones to find around the $10 range, we’ve found that the best infant thermometers are in the $30 range.
The biggest no-no are mercury thermometers. Yes, they worked great when many of us were kids ourselves. But that was also the era when wearing seat belts (actually lap belts) was optional. It’s the 2010’s, it’s time to ditch the extremely toxic heavy metals and move on to the latest new technology that is safe and toxic-free for our infants.
There are also non-contact thermometer available. But there is some controversary as to their accuracy, so we have left them out of our thermometer review for now.
The #1 thing when it comes to babies, is finding an accurate thermometer.
Which Kind of Infant Thermometer is Best?
The kind of thermometer that is best for you and your infant depends on their age and personality.
If your baby is closer to a newborn; a rectal thermometer could be best.
If your little one is especially fidgety; a temporal artery thermometer might be better. If you’re not sure, there’s some great “Dual” thermometers on our list below in our thermometer review. Fret not, we will help you find a thermometer for baby that is right for your family.
Types of Infant Thermometers
As you would expect, infant thermometers use some of the latest technology to improve comfort and accuracy to diagnose a fever. The latest Temporal Artery Thermometers were released back in 2014. They and the infra-red ear thermometers allow an infant’s temperature to be taken without physically touching your baby. We can now take their temperature while their sleeping.
Another innovation are the 3-in-1 / “Dual” thermometers to provide more options and multiple readings. Let’s discuss some of the more popular kinds available:
Baby Thermometer Placement
There are basically five places to take a body temperature measurement of an infant:
- Rectal
- Ear
- Forehead
- Armpit
- Oral
Rectal Thermometers
The younger the infant, the easier it is to take their temperature measurement using a rectal thermometer. This goes, uh, you know, in the little one’s bottom.
The rectal thermometer is still the “Gold Standard” for newborns. They are the most accurate but can be uncomfortable for infants. Probably the least favorite for parents taking a baby’s temperature, too.
As they get older, this gets to be quite a bit more problematic to take the temperature this way.
- Best For: babies under 6 months old
- Con: it’s uncomfortable.
- Benefit: Very accurate method of reading body temperature
TIP: Many of the newer thermometers are dual-purpose oral & rectal thermometers. Once you use a thermometer rectally, take a sharpie and mark it as such on the thermometer. While you could clean the thermometer thoroughly and use it later as an oral thermometer, we don’t recommend it. Why take the risk?
Ear Thermometers
Many doctors have moved on to the baby ear thermometer. It’s the second most accurate method, is quick, with little fuss.
Digital Ear thermometers use an infra-red beam to check the child temperature inside the ear canal. They work just fine with adults but are not recommended for infants younger than 6 months. Or older if your baby is a bit fidgety like mine…!
They’re one of the best baby ear thermometers to detect a fever.
There are infants that complain when the tip of the thermometer is shoved into their ear, so it’s not for every child.
- Best For: Infants over 6 months old
- Con: The ear canal needs to be big enough to get a temperature measurement, which makes it mainly for older babies.
- Benefit: Accurate and quick. One of the easiest methods to get a temperature measurement.
Forehead Thermometers
The forehead is an easy place to take a temperature measurement. These are commonly referred to as forehead thermometers, but you often see them labeled in stores as temporal artery thermometers.
Temporal artery thermometer is a type of thermometer that uses infra-red technology to scan an infant’s forehead and get a fast, precise temperature reading. You don’t even need to actually touch your infant’s head. Just swipe from a few inches away for a temperature reading.
You can find more information and reviews at our page “Finding the Best Forehead Thermometer for Babies“.
These aren’t as accurate as rectal or ear thermometers, but the convenience makes them so appealing.
- Best For: any age
- Con: Accuracy depends on buying a really good thermometer. As well as practice in taking the temperature. Most people take 3-4 temperature measurements to make sure they get a reliable reading.
- Benefit: Very quick to get a temperature measurement and identify a fever.
Armpit Thermometers
The armpit is one of the easiest places to take a temperature. But the armpit thermometer is also one of the least accurate methods to take a temperature measurement.
- Best For: any age
- Con: not very accurate.
- Benefit: Super easy to take a temperature measurement.
Oral Thermometers
Taking a temperature measurement orally is one of the oldest and proven methods. It’s still used in many doctors offices. But it is also one of the most problematic methods as it takes time to take the temperature, anywhere from 10-60 seconds. And that length of time to keep a probe under the tongue can feel like an eternity to a sick infant.
There is also a more modern version of the traditional oral thermometer called a digital pacifier thermometer. Parents see this as a solution to the lenght of time and placement of the temperature probe in a childs mouth. Using a pacifier thermometer is a very soothing way of taking an infants temperature. However, they are not recommended for newborns. An infant must be able to keep a pacifier in their mouths for 3 – 5 minutes to use one.
- Best For: older kids over 4 years old
- Con: They take a while to get a reading and placement in the mouth can vary accuracy. You also need to make sure it stays sanitary and clean after every temperature measurement.
- Benefit: Tried and proven method probably, very accurate, and probably used by your mom and grandmother
Thermometer Innovations
As time has moved on, technology has allowed multi-use thermometers to come on to the market. Some of the trends that we are seeing are below.
Multi-Use Digital Thermometers
Multi-Use Thermometers usually have a small metal tip which can be used to take an infants temperature orally, under the armpit (auxiliary) or rectally. Good for those who like to double or even triple check (and who doesn’t with kids!).
Forehead and Ear Thermometers
The latest innovation include the dual forehead and ear thermometers such as the iProven look set to be a winning combination for the future.
Best Infant Thermometer
Here is the complete list of this year’s best thermometers we could find. They’re all super popular, have thousands of positive reviews, and have my full confidence.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Touchless  | iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer | 9.7 | Check Price |
| | LPOW Forehead Thermometer | 9.5 | Check Price |
| | Goodbaby Forehead Thermometer Non Contact | 9.1 | Check Price |
| | Hotodeal Infrared Forehead Thermometer, Non-Contact | 8.8 | Check Price |
Best Combo | iProven Combo Ear and Forehead Thermometer | 8.6 | Check Price |
Best Ear | Braun Digital Ear Thermometer, ThermoScan 5 | 8.2 | Check Price |
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
- No Touch Measuring: PT3 Built-in infrared temperature sensor, reads body temperature within 1.18 inches of the center of the forehead without physical contact
- Tri-Point Sensors Accuracy: An ultra-sensitive infrared sensor collects more than 100 data points per second while distance and environmental sensors combine to account for other variables
- Fast, Simple, Clear and Quiet: The intuitive single-button control design thermometer reads the temperature in just 1 second from a clear bright extra-large LED screen, even in total darkness. The quiet vibration alerting ensures there is no buzzing noise and no disturbance.
- Suitable for All Ages: from babies and toddlers to the elderly
The iHealth PT3 is our award winner for Best Touchless. Accuracy, quietness, and ability to read in total darkness is tops on our list when it comes to baby and infant thermometers and this does it all. You can stop reading right now and just buy this one. It’s that good.
LPOW Forehead Thermometer
LPOW Forehead Thermometer
- Accurate and fast: This Infrared forehead thermometer is equipped with exceptional microchip and a sensitivity sensor. Quickly measuring within 1 second
- No touch forehead: Non-contact thermometer is more convenient than standard thermometer and touch thermometer
- 50 readings memory storages: Our thermometer can memory 50 readings to continusly track your family member’s tempreature.
- Multiple measurement modes: Thermometers can not only measure body temperature, but also measure the temperature of objects.
The LPOW forehead thermometer is one of most popular non-touch forehead thermometers on the market. It’s great for kids and adults.
Goodbaby Forehead Thermometer Non Contact
Goodbaby Forehead Thermometer Non Contact
- Fast and Easy Temperatures Readings: Taking your family’s temperature with this digital thermometer is as simple as pointing, and pressing a button
- Multi-Mode Thermometer: The digital thermometer is designed for all ages, adults, infants and elders
- Advanced Technology for Excellent Performance: Ultra Sensitive sensors and the latest smart chip with the optimized algorithm to deliver reliable readings and ensure excellent performance
- You Can Store 35 Temperature Results on It: The thermometer is equipped with an internal memory that can store up to 40 sets of data readings that allows you to keep track of the historical temperature changes for you and your family
- Night Friendly: The display can be used at night without in light
Hotodeal Infrared Forehead Thermometer Non-Contact
Hotodeal Infrared Forehead Thermometer Non-Contact
- Non-contact Measuring: Non-contact infrared technology reads from forehead with no physical contact
- Fast & Accurate:This thermometer equipped with the advanced infrared technology and high precision sensor reads fast, it only takes 1 seconds to read the temperature
- Multifunctional: The temporal thermometer is designed for all ages, adults, babies and elders. In addition to measuring forehead, it can also measure room, object, and liquids temperature
- Intelligent: Automatic memory of 10 sets of measurements, LCD backlight has 3 different colors according to temperature, and abnormal temperature is accompanied by warning sound
iProven DMT-489
iProven DMT-489 Ear and Forehead Thermometer
- Fast, Easy & Accurate: You will know your temperature in just one second
- Ranked as Overall Thermometer of 2020
- Coloured Fever LED Display: This infrared fever thermometer warns you for an elevated temperature with its coloured fever indication and beeping fever alarm
- Made Practical For You: This digital temporal thermometer will automatically shut down after 10 seconds of inactivity. Switch between forehead and ear measurements by removing the cap. it can also measure objects, and liquids without touch
iProven has a winner on their hands here. The DMT-489 is one of the most popular thermometers on the market to accurately get an infant temperature. Mainly to the praise of its customers that it’s easy to use.
It utilizes infrared technology to improve accuracy. Fevers are easy to identify with this thermometer. This is our favorite thermometer review!
It is a type of thermometer that uses a modern design with dual functionality. It can be used as an:
- Ear Thermometer
- Forehead Temporal Thermometer
Pro’s
- Double-Check Measurements: Being a dual-function thermometer has it’s benefits. With one device, you can take an Ear temperature measurement and a forehead measurement. Two different temperature spots help validate the accuracy against each other.
- Easy To Use: It has a large display and 2 big buttons. One button is labeled “Forehead” and the other “Ear”.
- Accurate: Real-world unscientific feedback has been that this is just 0.2 degree’s off (at most) from hospital grade oral thermometers.
- Fast: This is an instant-read thermometer. Basically getting a reading at the click of the button. Forehead measurements only take 3 seconds.
- Case: It comes with a case so you can keep this investment in great condition
- Batteries: It uses standard AAA batteries. Not some special hard-to-find proprietary battery, rechargeable battery that requires an AC Adapter, or a special watch sized battery that are always a pain to find in the store.
- Display: It is illuminated, so you can use it during the day AND during the night, without having to turn on a light and waking up the sick child.
Con’s
- Ear Covers: the unit doesn’t come with disposable ear covers. Some find it OK using it without ear covers for different kids, some prefer to purchase the ear covers separately. Others have found buying some disposable alcohol wipes (much cheaper option) and cleaning the tip of the ear thermometer good enough.
- No Backlight: The display doesn’t come with a backlight. So it’s hard to read in a dark room.
Braun ThermoScan5
Braun Digital Ear Thermometer, ThermoScan 5
- BRAUN EAR THERMOMETER: Braun ThermoScan5 is fast, gentle, easy & accurate
- DIGITAL: Braun’s innovative pre-warmed tip on the ThermoScan 5 ensures accurate temperature readings for infants and kids, unlike other ear thermometers where the cool tip of the thermometer in the ear may result in lower temperatures
- THE MOST USED THERMOMETERS BY PEDIATRICIANS
The Braun ThermoScan5 is an Ear Thermometer. It doesn’t have dual or triple functions but it does one thing extremely well, take temperature measurements from the ear.
Braun is a popular household name associated with quality products. And the Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer is another quality item.
As with other quality thermometer’s, the Braun ThermoScan5 uses infrared technology to get accurate results. It measures the infrared heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissue, to deliver a very accurate temperature measurement.
The Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer has also been noted as a popular model used by many doctor’s offices.
Pro’s
- Easy To Use: The Braun has a guidance system to help you get to the proper position in the ear canal to take the best temperature measurement. This unique positioning system uses a beep and light to confirm proper positioning.
- Accurate: The Braun ThermoScan employs a patented pre-warmed tip. The skin inside the ear canal is very sensitive, and the cold tip of other ear thermometers can cause fluctuations in readings. With the pre-warmed tip, the ThermoScan provides one of the most accurate measurements around.
- Comfort: A flexible tip is used to provide comfort to a wide range of patients.
- Case: It comes with a protective case
- Batteries: It uses standard AA batteries making it very convenient to replace whenever needed
- Lens Filters: It comes with 21 lens filters in the box. More can be purchased here.
Con’s
- Lens Filters: It only comes wiht 21 lens filters
- No Display Backlight: It does not have a backlight for the display. As a result, it is difficult to read in a dark room.
Previous Recommendations
Exergen Tat-2000c
The Exergen temporal artery thermometer model Tat-2000c is a fantastic thermometer. Temporal thermometers are pretty accurate, mainly due to the fact that it measures the carotid artery, which is connected directly to the heart. It provides constant blood flow to allow one to take an accurate measurement and allows quick detection of a fever.
Pro’s
- Easy to Use: To guide you in use, it employs a red light and a gentle beep to provide the feedback on the scan.
- Accurate: It takes about 1,000 scans in a single pass to provide the best temperate measurement
- Batteries: Uses a common single 9v battery. Making it very convenient to replace batteries when needed.
- Backlight: The display has a backlight, so it is easy to see in daylight as well as a dark room
- Popular: The Exergen temporal artery thermometer model Tat-2000c is a very popular thermometer and is one of the top-rated forehead thermometers.
Con’s
- Takes Practice: As with any forehead scanner, it usually takes some practice in getting a smooth pass of the forehead to get an accurate result. Many readers say they do 3 scans to feel confident in the reading from their Exergen temporal artery thermometer.
Generation Guard – Clinical Digital Thermometer
The Clinical Digital Thermometer by Generation Guard is one of the cheapest and most popular thermometers. It’s a traditional oral thermometer often used to replace mercury oral thermometers.
It uses microchip technology to take an oral reading in 15 seconds, 4 times faster than conventional oral thermometers.
It is primarily used orally, but it can be used rectally as well as underarm to identify a fever.
Pro’s
- Price: One of the most inexpensive thermometers on the market with great reviews.
- Comfort: It comes with a soft bendable tip, which is welcomed relief when trying to take an oral temperature.
Con’s
- Batteries: It uses a LR41 watch type battery instead of a common household battery like a AA, AAA or 9v.
- No Backlight: It doesn’t have a backlight, so it is difficult to read in dim or dark baby rooms.
Enji TH-65
The Enji TH-65 is another digital oral and rectal thermometer. It boasts of a super fast 10 second reading time and gets close to an instant-read thermometer. Parents are also much more successful with the quick time which makes it easier to get a rectal temperature.
It is a type of thermometer that is waterproof, mercury free, uses a flexible tip, and has its own plastic case. It is another very popular thermometer used to detect a fever.
It doesn’t come with probe covers, but you can use these to make for a no-clean use cycle.
Pro’s
- Price: One of the most inexpensive thermometers on the market with great reviews.
- Comfort: It also utilizes a flexible tip, making it much more comfortable when taking an oral reading to determine baby body temperature.
Con’s
- Batteries: It uses a LR41 watch type battery instead of a common household battery like a AA, AAA or 9v.
- No Backlight: It doesn’t have a backlight, so it is difficult to read in dim or dark baby rooms.
iProven DT-R1221
The iProven DT-R1221 is a digital oral and rectal thermometer. It’s slogan is, “Frantically Fast, Flawlessly Flexible, Familiarly Functional”. Very quick in identifying a fever or determing an infant temperature.
It is a mid-priced thermometer, but does come with a fantastic 100-100 warranty. Which allows for a hassle-free refund within 100 days.
Pro’s
- Speed: It is extremely fast, taking a temperature measurement as fast as 10 seconds. Which makes it much more successful when getting a rectal temperature.
- Easy To Use: It uses 3 smiley-faces to let you know if the readings indicates: 1) a fever, 2) an elevated baby body temperature, or 3) Good Temperature
Con’s
- Batteries: It uses a LR41 watch type battery instead of a common household battery like a AA, AAA or 9v.
- No Backlight: It doesn’t have a backlight, so it is difficult to read in dim or dark baby rooms.
Do you use any of the thermometers on our list? Or do you have a different choice for the best infant thermometer? Be sure to tell us in the comments section.
