As you would expect, the best infant thermometer uses some of the latest technology to improve comfort and accuracy in diagnosing a fever. The latest Temporal Artery Thermometers were released back in 2024.
They and the infrared ear thermometers allow an infant’s temperature to be taken without physically touching your baby. We can now take their temperature while sleeping.
Infant Thermometer
An infant thermometer is a device used to measure the body temperature of babies and infants. It is designed to be safe, accurate, and easy to use on young children. There are several types of infant thermometers available on the market:
Digital Thermometers
These are the most common types of infant thermometers. They use electronic sensors to measure body temperature and display the reading on a digital screen. Digital thermometers can be used orally, rectally, or under the armpit (axillary). Some models also offer ear or forehead measurement options.
Ear Thermometers
Also known as tympanic thermometers, these devices use infrared technology to measure the temperature inside the ear canal. Ear thermometers are quick and convenient, but they require proper positioning for accurate readings, especially in infants with small ear canals.
Forehead Thermometers
These thermometers measure the temperature by scanning the forehead using infrared sensors. They are non-contact devices that provide quick readings. Forehead thermometers are often used for screening purposes, but they may not be as accurate as other types of thermometers.
Pacifier Thermometers
These thermometers are shaped like pacifiers and are designed for infants to suck on. They have a temperature sensor embedded in the nipple portion, and the reading is displayed on a digital screen. Pacifier thermometers are less invasive but may not provide as accurate results as rectal or oral thermometers.
When using an infant thermometer, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage, cleaning, and maintenance. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby’s temperature or health.
The Top 5 Best Infant Thermometers for 2024
1. Best Infant Thermometer for Placement
Though this unit didn’t make it to our portable blood pressure monitor it still has some quality. Let’s have a look!
There are five places to take a body temperature measurement of an infant:
1. Rectal
2. Ear
3. Forehead
4. Armpit
5. Oral
2. Rectal Thermometers
The younger the best infant thermometer, 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.
1. Best For babies under 6 months old
2. Con: it’s comfortable.
3. 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?
3. Best Infant Thermometer for Ear
Many doctors have moved on to the baby’s ear thermometer. It’s the second most accurate method, is quick, with little fuss.
Digital Ear thermometers use an infrared beam to check the child’s 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. Some infants complain when the tip of the thermometer is shoved into their ears, so it’s not for every child.
1. Best For Infants over 6 months old
2. Con: The ear canal needs to be big enough to get a temperature measurement, which makes it mainly for older babies
3. Benefit: Accurate and quick. One of the easiest methods to get a temperature measurement
4. 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.
Though this unit didn’t make it to our bp monitor it still has some quality. Let’s have a look! A temporal artery thermometer is a type of thermometer that uses infrared technology to scan an infant’s forehead and get a fast, precise temperature reading. You don’t even need to touch your infant’s head. Just swipe from a few inches away for a temperature reading.
5. Armpit Thermometers
The armpit is one of the easiest places to take a temperature. But the armpit Best infant thermometer is also one of the least accurate methods to take a temperature measurement.
6. Oral Thermometers
Taking a temperature measurement orally is one of the oldest and most 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.
Choosing What’s Right for You
Remember that the rectal thermometers can be used on newborns, but you’ll need to wait until at least six months of age to use the forehead or ear thermometer and until four years old to use a thermometer in the mouth or under the arm.
The right thermometer for you and your family is the one you will feel comfortable using during what can sometimes be a worrisome time. Armed with a thermometer and a good pediatrician, you can rest assured that your baby will get the care they need when they need it.
Buying Guidelines
Features
As simple as digital thermometers are, some have bells and whistles that you might find convenient, such as soft or curved tips, or beeps that tell you when they’re in the right spot or when they’ve finished measuring the temperature.
Response Time
A readout from a digital stick thermometer may take from 10 seconds to more than 80 seconds, depending on the model. Infrared thermometer readouts take just 1 to 3 seconds, but may not be any more accurate than an inexpensive digital stick thermometer.
Safety
Some models come with probe covers, protective case covers, and other accessories that may pose a choking hazard for children. If the model you buy includes small parts, keep them out of the hands of unsupervised children.
Extras
If you’re purchasing an inexpensive digital stick thermometer, consider purchasing two: one to take oral temperatures and another to take rectal temperatures.
That way you won’t have to worry about keeping disposable thermometer covers on hand. Label each one with a permanent marker for its particular use.
(FAQs)
Q. What is the most accurate thermometer for infants?
A. Rectal thermometers are the most accurate for infants, according to the AAP. Many parents find axillary thermometers or ear and forehead thermometers easier to use on their children
But for the most accurate results, you should ideally follow up with a rectal reading, especially when taking a young baby’s temperature.
Q. What is the best way to check an infant’s temperature?
A. Lie your baby on his or her belly on a firm surface. Hold your baby still by gently pressing the palm of your hand against the baby’s back just above the buttocks.
Together with your other hand, gently insert the thermometer one-half inch into the rectum. don’t push it in any longer.
Q. What is considered a fever in newborns?
Answer: A fever is formally defined by most medical care providers as a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) and better.
Your baby makes a fever to repel germs. The system increases the blood heat to assist get obviating germs without causing harm to your child.
Final Words
An infant thermometer is an essential tool for parents and caregivers to monitor the temperature of infants accurately. It allows for quick and reliable temperature measurements, helping to detect fever or potential illness in babies. There are various types of infant thermometers available, including digital thermometers, ear thermometers, forehead thermometers, and pacifier thermometers.
Digital thermometers are the most commonly used type for infants. They are easy to use and provide accurate readings when used correctly. Ear thermometers use infrared technology to measure the temperature inside the ear canal, while forehead thermometers use infrared sensors to measure the temperature on the forehead. Pacifier thermometers are designed to resemble pacifiers and can measure the baby’s temperature while they suck on it.
