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Fevers are a natural immune response to illness. The immune system attempts to fight off illness and infection by increasing body temperature. Although they are a natural (and even helpful) bodily process, fevers can be scary when the little ones are suffering from them. An uncontrolled fever can lead to a febrile seizure, so it’s important to pay close attention to your children's temperatures when they’re under the weather.
An accurate and easy-to-use thermometer is incredibly important if you have children, especially during cold and flu season. Finding the best thermometer for kids depends on your child's age. If your child is younger than three, rectal temperature checks are the most accurate. This is important when there’s a high fever and you need to get a super accurate reading. As a less invasive option, you can get a temporal thermometer. Find our top choices for the best thermometers for kids below.
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The Best Thermometer for Kids - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Thermometer for Kids: GoodBaby Forehead Thermometer
- Best Ear Thermometer for Kids: Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
- Best Temporal Thermometer for Kids: iHealth No-Touch Thermometer
- Best Budget Thermometer for Kids: Boncare Digital Oral Thermometer
- Best Thermometer for Infants: Berrcom Non-Contact Infared Thermometer
- Best Contactless Thermometer for Kids: Goodbaby Touchless Thermometer
Best Overall Thermometer for Kids - Goodbaby Forehead Thermometer
SPECS
- Temperature measuring range: 89.6 F-109.2 F
- Graduation: Fahrenheit or Celsius
- Accuracy: Varies
- Dimensions: 6.69" x 1.93" x 1.89"
The Goodbaby forehead thermometer is a reliable, no-touch thermometer. It works quickly and is easy to use. Simply hold it to your baby or child's head and press the button to get an accurate temperature reading. The brightly lit, digital display is easy to see even in a dark room at night.
This thermometer isn't just for kids; it can also be used for adults, so it is the only thermometer you'll need for your entire family. It also features a color-changing display that helps alert you to any temperature extremes. Green indicates that your child is fever-free, orange indicates a low fever, and red indicates a high fever.
What We Like
- Backlit display is easy to read in the dark
- Fever-indicating light feature
- Easy to use and non-invasive
- Works for people of all ages
What We Don't Like
- Depending on where you hold it, you may not always get the most accurate reading.
- User manual is difficult to read.
BUY: Goodbaby Forehead Thermometer
Best Ear Thermometer for Kids - Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
SPECS
- Temperature measuring range: 89.6 F-109.2 F
- Graduation: Fahrenheit or Celsius
- Accuracy: Varies
- Dimensions: 5.4" x 2.7" x 8.2"
The Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer is an accurate and easy method of checking your child's temperature. Ear thermometers are a great way to get an accurate reading without using a more invasive method like a rectal thermometer. This device incorporates infrared technology to give you a quick, accurate temperature.
The color-coded display helps you to decipher the results easily, and it has an age adjustment feature, making it accurate for anyone in the family. Use the disposable ear covers to keep them sanitary and use them for anyone in your home. The TermoScan even has a pre-warmed tip to ensure an accurate temperature measurement.
What We Like
- Multiple features ensure accuracy
- Can be used by all ages
- Easy-to-read, lit-up display
- Adjustable features for different ages
What We Don't Like
- You have to purchase the disposable covers
- You have to set the age of the user it before you can get a temperature reading
BUY: Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
Best Temporal Thermometer for Kids - iHealth No-Touch Thermometer
SPECS
- Temperature measuring range: 89.6 F-109.2 F
- Graduation: Fahrenheit or Celsius
- Accuracy: Dependent on positioning
- Dimensions: 1.54" x 1.34" x 5.39"
The iHealth No-Touch thermometer is a quiet and simple thermometer that delivers temperature readings without loud beeping noises. You can easily check your children's temperature at night without waking them up. This high-accuracy thermometer delivers a temperature reading within one second and is suitable for all ages.
The bright LED screen is easy to read. Simply hold the thermometer 1.18 inches from the center of the forehead and press the button to get a temperature reading. The ultra-sensitive design helps to ensure accurate temperature readings to keep your child safe and healthy.
What We Like
- Vibration feature allows for nighttime temperature reading without disturbing sleep
- Designed for accuracy
- Works for people of all ages
- Easy to read, backlit display
What We Don't Like
- You may not always get an accurate reading if you don’t hold it in the correct position
- No fever-indicating light or alarm as on some of the other brands
BUY: iHealth No-Touch Thermometer
Best Budget Thermometer for Kids - Boncare Digital Oral Thermometer
SPECS
- Temperature measuring range: 89.6 F-109.2 F
- Graduation: Fahrenheit or Celsius
- Accuracy: High precision
- Dimensions: 4.93" x 0.76" x 0.49"
The Boncare digital thermometer is a perfect, simple thermometer that allows you to check your child's temperature by mouth. Remember that you usually can't do this with children under four, so if your child is younger than four, this isn't a good option for you.
This affordable thermometer features an LCD screen and is easy to use and clean. It’s waterproof, which allows for thorough cleaning. It’s also lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel. The soft silicone tip makes temperature checking comfortable and safe.
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Accurate temperature readings
- Easily cleanable
- Travel-friendly
- Waterproof and durable
What We Don't Like
- Not suitable for children under four
- Takes 10 sec. to deliver a temperature reading, which is longer than some other options
BUY: Boncare Digital Oral Thermometer
Best Thermometer for Infants - Berrcom Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer
SPECS
- Temperature measuring range: 89.6 F-109.2 F
- Graduation: Fahrenheit or Celsius
- Accuracy: Varies
- Dimensions: 5.91" x 3.94" x 1.57"
This forehead thermometer is highly accurate and has convenient features like non-contact reading and memory recall. After getting a temperature reading, you can recall the last 32 readings—great for parents who are closely watching their child's temperature.
The backlit display changes color to notify you of fevers. It will light up green for no fever, orange for a lower fever, and red for a high fever. Easily switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit. This thermometer does beep after readings, but you can use the mute or buzzer mode at night to avoid waking your child.
What We Like
- Contactless design
- Memory recall
- Backlit display
- Mute and buzzer modes
- Versatile and accurate
What We Don't Like
- Bulkier than some of the other options
- May require a calibration process to get accurate readings
BUY: Berrcom Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer
Best Contactless Thermometer - Goodbaby Touchless Thermometer
SPECS
- Temperature measuring range: 89.6 F-109.2 F
- Graduation: Fahrenheit or Celsius
- Accuracy: Dependent on positioning
- Dimensions: 5" x 0.99" x 0.2"
This versatile forehead thermometer can be used to check body and room temperature. It’s easy to use and features a fever alarm to notify you when your child's temperature elevates. It also has an LCD screen that allows for easy nighttime readings. The internal memory makes it a snap to track fevers, storing the most recent 25 readings. This thermometer can be used by individuals of all ages. With its advanced technology, it delivers precise measurements and can easily be switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
What We Like
- Memory recall helps with fever tracking
- Backlit display is easy to see at night
- Fever alarm indicates a fever spike
- No-contact design means everyone in your home can use it without spreading infections
- Silent mode is ideal for nighttime readings
What We Don't Like
- You may have to do multiple temperature checks to get an accurate reading
- Temperature readings disappear quickly, so it can be hard to check your own temperature
BUY: Goodbaby Touchless
What to Look for in a Thermometer for Kids
There are some key factors to consider when shopping for a thermometer for kids. First, is the child's age and the type of thermometer that would be appropriate. For babies, a rectal temperature is usually the most accurate, but there are other, less invasive options. Children four and over can use a regular by-mouth thermometer. Look for one that has an easy-to-read, backlit display.
Note that temporal thermometers are not always the most accurate. Some users find that temperature readings can be all over the place with a forehead thermometer. It’s important to follow the directions closely when using a temporal thermometer and remember that it may require multiple readings to get an accurate measurement.
Temporal thermometers do offer the benefit of being easy to use and non-invasive. They also work well for babies and young children. We recommend using temporal thermometers to keep track of temperature trends (i.e., whether it’s going up or down) and always recheck your child's temperature in the same or similar spot as you used before.
FAQs About Thermometers for Kids
Which type of thermometer is the most accurate?
Overall, digital thermometers are the most accurate way to measure temperature. There are many digital thermometers, including oral, rectal, and temporal. Rectal thermometers are considered the most accurate for infants. Oral thermometers are a very accurate option for older kids but won't work for infants. Temporal thermometers, which are also referred to as forehead thermometers, aren't always the most accurate, but they offer the benefit of convenience, and they are minimally invasive. Ear thermometers offer the best of both. They are more accurate than a temporal thermometer and less invasive than a rectal thermometer. Ear thermometers can also be used for younger children, unlike oral ones.
What thermometers do doctors recommend?
When taking your kid to the doctor's office, you'll likely see either an ear thermometer or a temporal thermometer. If you have an infant running a higher fever, you may want to have a rectal thermometer on hand to ensure accuracy.
How long do fevers last in kids?
On average, fevers should last around three or four days in kids. Most fevers are not a real cause for concern and can easily be treated with over-the-counter medications and home remedies. If your child's temperature reaches 102.2 degrees or lasts longer than four days, you should contact your pediatrician.
Preschool and Kindergarten Lunch | Best Lunchbox for Kids | Healthy Snacks for Kids | Best Water Bottle for Kids | Best Vitamins for Kids | Best Probiotics for Kids | Best Melatonin for Kids | Best Thermometer for Kids | Best Deodorant for Kids | Best Sunscreen for Kids
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