7 of the best baby thermometers 2024
DO YOU NEED A BABY THERMOMETER?
A thermometer will enable you to easily identify if your baby has a temperature. The NHS recommends the use of a digital thermometer, as they give a fast, accurate reading. There are some that are specially designed for use with children as you can input their age and they can alert you to what is considered a fever for them.
What is a fever?
The NHS advise that you get an urgent GP appointment if your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38˚C or higher. If they are between 3 - 6 months, see your GP urgently if their temperature is 39˚C or higher.
The three main types of digital thermometers:
Stick thermometer. These are placed under the baby’s armpit until the measurement has been taken.
Tympanic thermometer. These are inserted in the baby’s ear and usually give a slightly quicker reading than a stick thermometer. You have to be careful to insert it properly though.
No contact thermometer. These just need to be placed near to your baby’s forehead so are good at taking the temperature of sleeping babies.
THE BEST BABY THERMOMETERS
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 15 January 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. BRAUN IRT3030 ThermoScan 3 Infrared Ear Thermometer
An infrared ear thermometer with an LCD display.
Gives a precise measurement in just 1 second.
Recalls the last reading taken.
Immediately alerts you to a raised temperature with two beeps and a high temperature with four beeps.
Suitable for newborns.
Auto shut off after 60 seconds.
2. Braun Age Precision Stick Digital Thermometer
A digital stick thermometer that is usually used under your baby’s arm.
Gives a reading in 8 seconds.
The thermometer beeps when the reading is complete.
The display changes colour according to the temperature.
Age-adjustable fever alert.
Gentle, flexible tip.
Remembers the last reading.
3. Braun ThermoScan 7 Ear Thermometer with Age Precision
An in-ear thermometer with a pre-warmed tip for gentleness and accuracy.
The probe can be used from newborn and is also suitable for all the family.
Gives a reading in four seconds.
Back-lit display for nighttime use.
Age-adjustable fever alert.
The display changes colour according to the temperature so you can quickly see if the baby has a fever.
Comes with a storage case and a pack of 21 hygienic, disposable probe covers.
There is now also a ThermoScan 7 + which has a night mode with a light and no noises that might wake a child.
4. Braun No Touch Forehead Digital Thermometer with age precision
An award-winning thermometer that can be used on the forehead or contactless and has a proximity sensor so you know how far from the forehead to place it.
Excellent for checking your baby’s temperature when they are sleeping as there is a no sound mode and a backlight to see the screen in the dark.
Gives a very fast 2-second reading.
The screen changes colour according to the temperature so you can easily see if your baby has a fever.
It is available with or without age-precision fever alerts.
5. Boots Non-contact Thermometer
No need to wake or disturb your baby with this non-contact thermometer.
Records the last 60 readings.
An on-screen symbol indicates a high temperature.
Can also be used to measure the temperature of milk, food, bathwater and rooms.
Auto shut off to preserve battery life.
6. Tommee Tippee 2-in-1 Thermometer
This digital stick thermometer can be used under the tongue or armpit.
It beeps when the reading is ready and there is also a fever alert sound.
The temperature is ready in 8 seconds.
It can be in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
7. Nuby Digital Thermometer
This is a great value-for-money, digital stick thermometer.
It can be used orally, rectally or under the armpit.
Gives a temperature reading in 60-90 seconds.
Beeps when the reading is ready.
Battery included with over 200 hours of life and there is auto-shutoff to preserve the battery.
Comes with a protective cover for storage and travel.
MORE OF THE BEST:
Room thermometers • bath thermometers • saline nasal sprays • sterilisers • extra large muslin cloths • Moses baskets, cribs and bedside cribs • baby blankets • prams • Babygros • baby bouncers • changing mats
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