The first time your baby has a fever can be a scary time for new parents. Don’t panic! “It is important to remember that fever is not disease, but a way the body fights infection,” Dr Charles Shubin, a pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. With so many makes and methods, how can you be sure to find the best baby thermometer? Step one: Ditch the mercury models.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) tells parents to remove all mercury thermometers from their home to prevent accidental exposure or poisoning. You’ll need to purchase a digital unit — here are a few of the top options to consider on your search for the best baby thermometer.
Rectal Thermometers
The AAP recommends taking a rectal temperature in infants and children under 3. “While a digital thermometer can be used orally and under the armpit (axillary), the rectal means is the most accurate method of taking a young child’s temperature,” says Dr. Ashanti W. Woods, an attending pediatrician at Mercy Medical Center. This accuracy comes at a low cost, since rectal thermometers are very affordable. However, some parents are nervous to use one on their child, and it may be uncomfortable for some toddlers. Here are two to try:
- Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer
Featuring a large back-lit LED display (great in the middle of the night!) and readings in just ten seconds, the Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer is a steal. Parents love the accuracy and long battery life. However, this product is not waterproof, so you’ll need to take care when cleaning it after use.
- Safety 1st Gentle Read Rectal Thermometer
The Safety 1st Gentle Read Rectal Thermometer can take your little one’s temperature in only eight seconds — great for a fussy baby! This one has a flexible tip and a replaceable battery, though some parents may want a multi-use thermometer that can be used in more ways.
Regular Digital Thermometers
These thermometers can be used as an initial screening tool for fever under your baby’s arm, but if fever is present, you should retake his temperature rectally. These types of thermometers are available with a rigid or flexible tip. However, unlike rectal-only options, there is a chance of over-insertion with these models. In addition, regular digital thermometers are not as accurate when used under the arm for babies and should not be used orally for infants. Here are two to try:
- IProven Digital Thermometer
The iProven Digital Thermometer can be used for rectal measurement, oral measurement and axillary measurement in the armpit. It is waterproof, and so accurate that it can be used for tracking ovulation. It has a flexible tip, but at $20 these features cost a bit extra.
- Safety 1st Hospital’s Choice 8 Second Digital Thermometer
Like the iProven model, the Safety 1st Hospital’s Choice 8 Second Digital Thermometer can be used rectally, orally or under the arm. This unique design folds up for compact storage, is water resistant and quickly reads temperatures. However, this can only be used on children 6 months and older.
Ear Thermometers
While both doctors agree with the AAP recommendation on rectal thermometers, Dr. Woods says that the use of other methods are rising in popularity. “Ear thermometers are good in that they can give you a relatively quick and accurate reading. However, the reading becomes inaccurate if the child has a narrow ear canal or if there is a significant amount of wax in the ear,” he says. Dr. Shubin adds, “Surface techniques, including ear, are less accurate, but more convenient and comfortable.” Here are some suggestions:
- DigiThermo Digital Thermometer
This Amazon bestseller is fast, with readings in as little as one second. The DigiThermo Digital Thermometer can list the last ten readings and comes with a carrying case, but be sure to position it correctly for accurate readings.
- Braun Ear Thermometer
The pre-warmed tip on the Braun Ear Thermometer makes its readings more reliable, and its visual and audio guidance system lets you know when it’s been positioned correctly. However, you’ll need to change the disposable lens filter before each reading and may need to purchase additional replacements if you run out.
Temporal Thermometers
Dr. Woods says, “Forehead thermometers show some promise in the future given the ease of access to the young one’s face, but more research and more data is needed before a full endorsement from the American Academy of Pediatrics is given.” Most temporal thermometers are very accurate, fast and require little cleaning between uses. However, they are more expensive than other types of thermometers. Here are two to try:
- Innovo Forehead and Ear Thermometer
The Innovo Forehead and Ear Thermometer has fantastic ratings and the reassurance of two methods. It sounds an alarm if there’s a fever, provides instant results and shows the last twenty measurements to help you monitor your child’s fever. However, at $40 it’s one of the most expensive thermometers on this list.
- Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer
This forehead scanner is accurate and affordable, but it may take some practice to perfect your technique with the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer. If you have a wiggly toddler on your hands, you might need to try a few times before you get a usable reading.
Margie Mars is the mother of eight and Oma of three. She writes for several top parenting sites and specializes in Attachment Parenting and Autism. Margie and her family live in Oregon. You can find Margie on Twitter.
*This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be providing medical advice and is not a substitute for such advice. The reader should always consult a health care provider concerning any medical condition or treatment plan. Neither Care.com nor the author assumes any responsibility or liability with respect to use of any information contained herein.
