When you have kids, and even before that, you love and care for them. So the first time your child is sick, it’s really stressful and you want to understand what’s happening. Most parents aren’t doctors, and so having a reliable thermometer is the first step to know if something is serious. There are so many choices out there that it’s hard to know how to choose the best thermometer for toddlers and Kids.
Although purchasing medical supplies can be nerve-wracking, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best thermometer choices in each category to make your parenting job just a little bit easier.
Are Children at a Higher Risk for Covid-9?
According to the WHO and other relevant organizations and authorities, people who are at a higher risk of succumbing to covid-19 are children and the elderly, as well as people with underlying issues.
The reason is that people in these groups have weak immune systems; hence, their bodies cannot handle the virus.
Concerning the risk of infection, everyone, including kids, are at high risk for covid-19, hence the need to follow the instructions provided for flattening the curve.
What Can Parents Do to Protect their Children?
To protect your kids from the virus, you need to:
- Ensure that you sanitize your hands before touching anything that belongs to your baby or before carrying the baby.
- Make sure that the house and all surfaces that your baby comes into contact with are properly sanitized.
- Ensure that you follow all the regulations set forth because you do not want to be the one to spread the virus to your baby.
- Keep your baby away from social places. Avoid all birthday parties and other social events until the pandemic is under control. Do not allow strangers or relatives to touch your baby before sanitizing or cleaning their hands.
- Look out for any warning signs and report them as soon as you notice any. By doing so, you will keep your baby safe as well as other people around you. Check your baby’s temperature often because a key symptom of the virus is high temperature.
What Types of Baby Thermometers Are There?
Baby thermometers fall into six types. They are:
- Oral thermometers- These are thermometers that are usually inserted in the mouth when reading temperature. Oral temperature readings are typically very quick, and they are very accurate for kids over four years old. They are not quite precise and are not suitable for newborns.
- Axillary thermometers- These thermometers are also referred to as armpit thermometers. They are not the most accurate of thermometers. However, they are not entirely useless because they can give you a general idea of your baby’s temperature. They can be used on kids that are below three months old.
- Rectal thermometers- These thermometers feature a tip that inserted in the rectum when reading temperatures. This is the best thermometer for toddlers who are below three months old. They are also some of the most accurate products in the market. The challenge is that they can be a tad bit uncomfortable. However, they produce results so fast that your baby does not have to suffer the discomfort for a long time.
- Temporal artery thermometers- These thermometers are sometimes referred to as forehead thermometers. They are the fastest and most accurate types of thermometers in the market. This is the best thermometer for toddler. The downside is that they are costly. However, they are very easy to use, and they do not cause any form of discomfort because they do not come into contact with the body.
- Tympanic thermometers- These thermometers are also known as ear thermometers. They provide readings very fast and are usually quite comfortable to use. They are safe for infants and kids over six months old; hence they are the best types of thermometers for toddler. The downside to this type of thermometers is that they can suffer from an earwax buildup, which may result in inaccurate readings. They, therefore, have to be cleaned after each use.
- Digital Thermometer- These are thermometers that come with features like apps and elements. They are suitable for tech-savvy users.
When to Call the Doctor if Your Baby Has a Fever
If your baby is less than three months old, it would be wise to contact a doctor as soon as you notice that they have a fever. However, if your child is older, you do not need to be alarmed immediately. You can call a doctor directly if the fever is coupled with other symptoms like irritability, constant crying, lack of energy, persistent coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and others.
Best Thermometer For Toddlers, Babies and Kids
This is the best baby thermometer in the market and is designed to be a no-touch thermometer. This means that you can check your baby’s temperature by placing it near the forehead and not touching it. This is a great feature because it helps to prevent contamination, which is the main issue with other types. It is also a three-in-one thermometer that allows you to check the baby’s temperature, bathwater, food, and other objects. It is very accurate because it can give you readings in two seconds, and it can be used at a distance of between 0.4 up to 2 inches.
What I love about it:
- The thermometer stores up to 50 readings, hence allowing you to check temperature progress.
- Very easy to use.
- It is clinically accurate to +/- 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Features an intelligent fever indication system.
Something to keep in mind:
- The packaging is not attractive.
The thermometer is small enough to fit inside a purse and features both Celsius and Fahrenheit options, as well as long battery life. This thermometer is the best thermometer for toddlers because of the necessity for an absolutely accurate temperature reading due to the dangers of fevers in young infants.
What I love about it:
The paediatrician recommended a way to take a temperature is with a rectal reading because it is the most accurate way to measure temperature. The Gentle Read rectal thermometer from Safety 1st is an excellent choice. It is one of the best thermometers for toddlers. It features an 8 second read, ensuring that you get results quickly, and an over-insertion guard.
Additionally, it also stores the last temperature so that you can be reminded and aware of any changes in your baby’s temperature over time.
Something to keep in mind:
Rectal thermometers can be difficult to use if your child is frustrated or moving too much, although the over insertion guard can help with that. Also, if your child is sleeping it can be difficult to take temperatures in this manner.
The Exergen offers embedded silver which is naturally antibacterial, eliminating the need for probe covers. This thermometer is also the best thermometer for infants in terms of ease of use and accuracy.
What I love about it:
A forehead thermometer is the best way to check the temperature of a sleeping child, or a child you don’t want to disturb. It is fast, and easy to do. According to a Harvard Medical Study, the Exergen Temporal Artery thermometer is at least as accurate as a rectal thermometer and is easy to learn to use.
Something to keep in mind:
A downside of the forehead temperature reading is that you must be careful that the child’s skin isn’t sweaty as this can affect the reading, and you must learn to find the correct place to take the temperature.
Another simple way to take a temperature is through the ear canal. For smaller children who cannot hold a thermometer in their mouths, the ear canal is the next best place to take a quick temperature.
What I love about it:
The Braun Thermoscan5 Ear thermometer is a simple and accurate device to measure your child’s temperature this way. It takes a one-second reading and features a pre-warmed tip to ensure comfort for your child. For ease of use, this thermometer is the best thermometer for toddlers.
Something to keep in mind:
Taking a temperature by ear is not considered to be the most accurate way to measure temperature, so you may want to have another method in place just in case your child becomes dangerously ill. However, for normal use, the ear canal is just fine.
It takes 2 AA batteries and comes with 21 lens filters to ensure accurate readings.
Best Behind the Ear Thermometer for Toddler:
The Vicks Gentle Touch thermometer is clinically proven to be accurate and features an easy to read display. It takes a reading in 1 second and beeps when the reading is finished. It also has a color-coded screen to give a quick alert to a dangerous fever. Most parents agree that a behind-the-ear thermometer is the best thermometer for toddlers as it can take a reading without waking them up.
What I love about it:
- If you like the ease of the temporal artery thermometer, but want something easier to use, there are thermometers that measure using the carotid artery located just behind the ear. Instead of swiping, you simply touch the thermometer in the correct place. It is naturally protected from temperature fluctuations such as sweat that can affect the temporal readings.
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Best Multi-Use Thermometer for Kids:
It is waterproof, making it very easy to clean and to prevent the spread of illness. Provides an accurate reading in just thirty seconds on an easy to read display. 100% approved by the FDA and comes with one long lasting battery and a clear, protective case. It is automatically calibrated for US temperature readings in Fahrenheit. This is one of the best thermometers for toddlers and older children.
What I love about it:
If you want a multi-use thermometer, an oral thermometer is a good investment. The Ergalogik Digital Baby Thermometer is an oral thermometer style that’s approved for use for oral, rectal, and under the arm temperature recordings, and is approved for adults, children, babies, and even pets.
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Best Smart Thermometer for Kids:
If you’re looking to combine technology with baby equipment might be interested in a smart thermometer. Smart thermometers offer the opportunity to connect to a smart device via Bluetooth in order to record temperature readings or input other pertinent health information. It also makes it easy to share those readings with others such as your pediatrician.
What I love about it:
The Pyle Digital Ear Medical Smart Thermometer offers parents many options. It can switch easily from ear readings to forehead readings. It uses infrared technology to take accurate, fast temperature recordings.
You can download the smartphone app and connect to other Pyle products to keep track of all health data in one place. It is approved for children, babies and adults. Moreover, it displays both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
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Best Thermometer for Newborns:
This is the best thermometer for babies below three months old. It features a compact and ergonomic design. This means that you can carry it with you to different places. It is designed with a short probe that allows for safe rectal measurements. It also comes with a large display with a backlight. This element will enable you to effortlessly read your baby’s temperature regardless of the lighting in the room.
The thermometer features a flexible tip that is guaranteed to be gentle for your baby. Another feature that makes it a popular product is that it is waterproof. This makes it easy to clean, hence it is sanitary to use on a baby. It comes with a long-life battery and an indicator that lets you know when it is time to replace it.
What I love about it:
- Features a waterproof design.
- Easy to use and clean.
- Gentle for your baby.
Something to keep in mind:
- The back light goes off fast.
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To use this app, you first need to download the free SensorPush app. The app then has to be paired with the smart sensors provided with SensorPush. The sensors are compact and very easy to use. They work perfectly on different types of smartphones.
This thermometer will constantly monitor your baby’s temperature, even when you are sleeping or away. This means that when you get back, you will receive an alert that will let you know if there were any issues while you were away. You can download the data via Bluetooth. The sensors feature a wireless range of up to 100 meters under ideal conditions and no obstructions. It is easy to read and can be used to measure both temperature and humidity.
What I love about it:
- Very accurate.
- Stores up to 20 days’ worth of data.
- It can be used to test both temperature and humidity.
Something to keep in mind:
- It is very inconsistent.
Best No-Contact Thermometer:
This non-contact thermometer features infrared technology that reads your baby’s temperature from the forehead. It is, therefore, the best thermometer for babies. It does not require any physical contact. This means that you can use it on your baby and other family members without fear of spreading infections between one user to the other. Moreover, is equipped with advanced infrared technology and high precision sensors that allow accurate and fast readings (1 second).
It is a multi-functional thermometer that can be used by all members of the family. What’s more, it also features a programmed memory of 99 measurement sets and an LED back-light with three different colors that indicate various temperatures. Additionally, it features a battery that is safely stored in a compartment. You, therefore, don’t have to worry about your baby getting harmed with the battery.
What I love about it:
- It is fast and very easy to use.
- All members of the family can use it.
- It provides accurate readings.
Something to keep in mind:
- The battery life is short.
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Best Thermometer for Toddlers with App
This is a multi-functional thermometer that can be used by all members of the family. It can also be used as a basal thermometer for pregnancy. It features an accuracy level of 1/100 because it is highly sensitive, which makes it one of the most accurate and reliable products in the market.
You can use the femometer app to store the data, which you can enter manually. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. The app features a privacy policy that ensures that you do not have to worry about any data breach. It is not as fast as other products on the market. However, it is reliable and easy to use. It also features an LCD display and a waterproof tip.
What I love about it:
- It is made using high-quality antibacterial material.
- Very accurate.
- It is a multi-functional thermometer.
Something to keep in mind:
- It is very slow.
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This thermometer is the most cost-efficient on this list. It features an optimized algorithm that allows you to use it as both an oral and a rectal thermometer. Also, it provides accurate results in a matter of 10 seconds. Additionally, it features a flexible tip that will allow you to conveniently take the baby’s temperature without any challenges.
It is a multipurpose thermometer that can be used on your baby and other members of the family. The thermometer features a waterproof tip that is easy to clean and very hygienic. It has a professional design that can be used by medical professionals and parents at home.
What I love about it:
- Features a waterproof tip that is easy to clean.
- Can be used to measure temperature orally or rectally.
- Very easy to use and accurate.
- It is economical.
Something to keep in mind:
- It is not durable.
What to Look for in a Thermometer?
Below are some of the factors to consider when choosing the best baby thermometer;
- Features- This is the first thing you should consider when selecting the best baby thermometer for your baby and family. Consider a thermometer with features like an LCD screen because it allows for easy reading. Also, look for one whose display features back-light technology. Another feature to look out for is reliability. The accuracy and reliability of the thermometer depend on the type and quality of the sensors. You may also need to check for other features like the quality of the battery, no-touch design, color-coded reading, and beep elements. Some thermometers come with audio features that can be multilingual. The more features the thermometer has, the better it works and the costlier it will be.
- Ease of use- How easy the product is to use depends on the design and the thermometer type. No-touch thermometers are the easiest to use and are the latest models in the market. Other features that impact the ease of use include the LCD screen. A thermometer with an LCD screen with a back-light is easy to use because you can read the results even when it is dark. Technical apps may seem easy to use for some people, but they are a challenge for most people. When choosing the best baby thermometer, look for one that you can use with the least effort and one that you can easily read.
- Accuracy- This is one of the most important elements to consider. Getting an inaccurate thermometer could cost you the health of your child. Look at the customer reviews for any thermometer before you purchase it. While some customers will complain over the slightest issues, you will know if complaints are valid if they are consistent. If you come across any accuracy complaints in the reviews, it would be better to stay away from the product. The reviews are the only place you can get accurate information on the accuracy of a thermometer.
Tips for How to Use a Thermometer
How you use a product depends on the type of thermometer that you have. Below are some tips on how to use the different types of thermometers;
- Oral thermometers- Start by turning it on, then insert it in the mouth towards the back and under the tongue. Wait for the beep, then remove it. Make sure it is clean before using it.
- Rectal thermometer- Before inserting a rectal thermometer in your baby’s rectum, you have to lubricate the end with either petroleum jelly or any other lubricant. Doing so will keep the tip from hurting the baby and minimize the discomfort. Have your baby lay down on his tummy on a stable surface before using it. Make sure to clean using water and soap or to rub thoroughly. Rinse it with warm water and let it dry after every use.
- Tympanic Thermometer- When using this thermometer, all you have to do is insert it gently inside the ear canal. Position it as though you are pointing at the ear on the other side of the head. Once it is in place, you can turn it on and wait for the beep before reading the temperature. Make sure the thermometer is always clean and covered using a cap.
- Temporal artery thermometer- Place the probe of the thermometer directly at the centre of your baby’s head then press the scan button. Using this thermometer is an easy as that.
- Axillary Thermometer- Start by turning the thermometer on, then place it under your baby’s armpit. Make sure the end is directly touching the skin of the baby and not clothing. Hold it in place as you wait for the beep.
- Digital thermometers- read the instructions provided by the manufacturer before using it. Remember to sanitize the thermometer after use and store it well.
How to Take Baby’s Temperature
The Bottom Line
As parents, it is our responsibility to take the best care of our children that we can and that means being prepared for emergencies and finding the best thermometer for toddlers, infants or bigger kids. Having tried all of the above choices on my children, I would recommend either forehead or behind-the-ear thermometers as the most convenient choices for a fussy unwell toddler.
All parents want what’s best for their children, and choosing the right thermometer can be one of the ways that a small amount of preparation can reduce a huge amount of worry and stress.
