The Best Baby Thermometers And How To Use Them

Every parent knows that heart-stopping moment when you suspect your baby might have a fever. Luckily, having a baby thermometer to hand and knowing how to use it can make these kinds of worries vanish, and often makes the difference between a panicked midnight call to your doctor and calm, informed decision-making. 

But that begs the question, which baby thermometer is the best? And how exactly do you use them? That’s exactly what we’ll cover in our guide to finding the best baby thermometer UK families recommend.

When Should You Take a Baby’s Temperature?

Before diving into the different thermometers available, let’s talk about when you should reach for them. If your baby seems tired, grumpy, or out of sorts, has flushed cheeks or feels warmer than usual, your parental instincts will no doubt kick in. Trust these instincts and grab your thermometer – it’s time for a temperature check.

According to the NHS, a high temperature or fever is considered to be 38°C or above. In general, babies’ and toddlers’ body temperatures sit around 36.4°C, although this does vary. 

Some infants are little wrigglers and feel the cold very easily, and others run hot, so a good rule of thumb is to take your baby’s temperature when they’re well to get an idea of their base temperature. It’ll help you remain calm if you ever suspect your baby isn’t feeling too great.

Types of Baby Thermometers

Like their namesakes, baby thermometers come in all shapes and sizes, which can make deciding on the best thermometer for baby monitoring tricky! Let’s quickly run through the most common types of thermometers:

Ear Thermometers

These smart gadgets use infrared heat waves to measure the temperature within the ear canal. They’re quick and generally accurate, but there’s a catch – they’re only suitable for babies over 6 months old. A newborn’s ear canal is very small, and this can cause readings to be inaccurate.

Forehead Thermometers

A favourite among parents, these no-contact thermometers take an infrared reading from the baby’s forehead, allowing you to determine your baby’s temperature with no fuss. These can be used on babies of any age and are generally very accurate.

Traditional Digital Thermometers

Standard digital thermometers are the classic metal-tipped devices that you’re likely familiar with. Don’t underestimate these simple thermometers – they’re quick, affordable, and easy to use and can be used under the armpit, orally or rectally. 

How To Use Baby Thermometers

Using an Ear Thermometer

1. Ensure your little one’s ear canal is clean of any wax
2. Gently pull the ear backwards to help straighten the ear canal
3. Carefully insert the thermometer – don’t force it
4. Hold the thermometer steady, press the button, and wait for the beep
5. Remove the thermometer and read the temperature

Using a Forehead Thermometer

1. Make sure your baby’s forehead is clean and dry
2. Hold the thermometer near their forehead (between 1-3cm)
3. Press the measurement button and wait for the beep
4. Read the temperature

Using a Digital Thermometer

1. Place the thermometer under your baby’s armpit
2. Carefully hold their arm against their body, making sure the thermometer is held in place
3. Wait for the beep (or for as long as the manufacturer’s instructions state, typically around 1 minute)
4. Gently remove the thermometer and read the temperature

Is Ear or Forehead Thermometer More Accurate for Babies?

Each of these thermometers have their pros and cons, but when it comes to accuracy, ear thermometers take the prize. Ear thermometers measure temperature directly from the eardrums, while forehead thermometers measure from the temporal artery (a blood vessel in the forehead).

What that means is that the ear thermometer measures your baby’s temperature from within the body, while the forehead thermometer measures from the surface of the skin. So ear thermometers are particularly accurate when used correctly – although the key term here is “when used correctly.”

Ear thermometers require a clear ear canal and proper positioning to give an accurate reading and should never be used on babies under 6 months, while forehead thermometers can be used from birth, don’t require skin-to-thermometer contact, and are generally easier to use overall. They’re a gem for many parents who just want a quick and hassle-free method of taking their baby’s temperature.

Which Baby Thermometer Should I Buy?

Parents often ask us which is the best thermometer for baby temperature checks, so we’ve tracked down an answer. While there are plenty of options available, the Munchkin Mini Thermometer is considered by many to be the best baby thermometer. It’s inexpensive, easy to use and, best of all, ideal for travelling.

It’s the sort of baby thermometer that should be on your newborn’s essentials checklist and will certainly come in handy when you and your little one are out and about, exploring the world with fresh eyes.

There’s nothing more upsetting than seeing your little one under the weather, but having a baby thermometer you trust can help provide peace of mind during those worrying moments. Interested in learning more about baby essentials, or after some other advice? Head on over to our blog, or give our StrollerCoaster podcast a listen!