When you’ve got kids, temperature is a tricky subject – whether it’s a chilly bedroom or a worrying fever. And when it comes to thermometers, you’re spoilt for choice, with options ranging from simple bath thermometers to clinical-grade in-ear apparatus. We’ve gathered the best child thermometers – and also recommended our favourite bath and a room thermometers – so you can get back to arguing about which nursery your little ones should go to.
How to buy the best baby thermometer
Most doctors use a digital in-ear thermometer to take babies’ temperatures. This is because it’s quick and painless, and gives an accurate indication of the child’s body temperature. A new alternative is the infrared thermometer, which can achieve an accurate reading from the child’s forehead with no physical contact. That’s great for when they’re sleeping.
Old-school oral and rectal thermometers are also still available, but they’re harder to use and less pleasant for the child than other methods. Your final option is a cheap and simple armpit thermometer – the NHS recommends these especially for newborns. However, in-ear thermometers can be used on very small babies as long as you’re careful with their delicate ears, and infrared thermometers still work too.
As well as your child’s body temperature, you might want to check the ambient temperature in the bedroom, and the water temperature in the bath. Below you’ll find our favourite multifunction nightlight, which shows the temperature among other things, and a floating bath thermometer that doubles as a toy.
The best baby thermometers to buy
1. Braun Thermoscan 7 (IRT6520): Best buy for long-term use
Price:£37
Braun’s thermometers are endorsed by GPs and pediatricians across Europe, and the Thermoscan 7 shows why. The tip pre-warms to ensure a fast and comfortable reading, and you can dial in age settings for 0-3 months, 3-36 months and 36 months plus – because what’s normal temperature for a four-year-old could be a fever in a newborn. The screen is backlit for easy reading at bedtime. And it comes with 21 disposable tip covers to prevent cross-contamination between children.
Key specs – Batteries: Included; Age settings: 3; Memory: 8 previous readings; Celsius and Fahrenheit: Both; Warranty: 2 years
2. Amir Ear and Forehead Dual-mode Infrared Body Thermometer: Best infrared thermometer
Price:£18
Braun’s infrared thermometer costs £50, but Amir’s model does the same job for just £17.99. To use it, you simply sweep the beam slowly across your child’s forehead: the thermometer takes a number of readings and displays the average. With the cover off, it can also be used as an in-ear thermometer. It holds the 20 previous readings in its memory to let you see how your child’s temperature has changed, and can give readings in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The manufacturers suggest that you can also point it at your baby’s milk bottle to test temperature, but it’s easier to just squirt a bit on your wrist, or trying a sip yourself.
Key specs – Batteries: Included; Age settings: No; Memory: 20 previous readings; Celsius and Fahrenheit: Both; Warranty: 1 year
3. Braun Age Precision Stick Digital Thermometer: Best underarm thermometer
Price:£13
If you want an underarm thermometer, this one’s fantastic value for a surprisingly high-tech product. It’s easy to use: just pop it under the arm and wait for the beep to signal that the thermometer has established a reliable reading. But like the Thermoscan 7, it features Braun’s “Age Precision” function, so you can get an indication of whether your child’s temperature is anything to be worried about at their particular age. It also remembers one previous reading, to give you an indication whether your boy or girl is on the mend. The tip is flexible, making it easier to use, and it’s also BPA free if you’re worried about this controversial chemical. It’s child’s play, yet very reliable – and of course, it can be used as an adult thermometer as well.
Key specs – Batteries: Included; Age settings: 3; Memory: Previous reading only; Celsius and Fahrenheit: Both; Warranty: 2 years
4. “Happy Family” Jungle Animals nursery and room thermometer, duck bath thermometer and monkey forehead thermometer: Best fun buy
Price:£3
The NHS doesn’t recommend this type of fever thermometer, as it measures skin rather than body temperature – but this fun monkey should confirm your suspicions if you think your little one is burning up, and the companion bath and room thermometers both work very well. At this price it’s a great present for a baby shower.
Key specs – Batteries: Not needed; Age settings: None; Memory: None; Celsius and Fahrenheit: Both on forehead thermometer, celsius only on bath and room thermometers; Warranty: 1 year
5. Cozyglo Night Light (Beatrice the Rescue Dog): Best room thermometer
Price:£36
This is a brilliant little addition to your child’s bedroom. Its primary function is as a nightlight, but the digital display loops between the time and the room temperature every 15 seconds, so you can make sure it’s not too hot or cold. It also features a timer, so you can set a time for the light to come on each morning, or set a countdown so it goes off after a certain amount of time at night. A stopwatch also lets you track how long your baby’s been breastfeeding – a frequent concern for first-time parents. A dimmer button on the mains cable allows you to step down the brightness to suit your preference, and there’s also “Papa Penguin” and “Colonel Comfort” models.
Key specs – Batteries: Mains only; Age settings: None; Memory: None; Celsius and Fahrenheit: Both; Warranty: Not stated, but Cozyglo say if there is a fault they will replace the product
6. Mothermed Baby Bath Thermometer: Best bath thermometer
Price:£12
This simple little floating thermometer doesn’t just tell you the temperature – it’s fun to play with. It’s activated by shaking or just placing in the water, and shows a warning if it’s too cold (under 32ºC) or a red LED light if it’s too hot (over 32ºC). It can also be used as a room thermometer and is fully submersible.
Key specs – Batteries: Built-in; Age settings: None; Memory: None; Celsius and Fahrenheit: Celsius only; Warranty: 1 year