Does your little one seem feverish? Use a reliable thermometer to find out for sure if he’s running a temperature…
If your baby’s temperature is anything over 37 degrees Celsius, you start to feel panicky. Is bubba running a fever, or not?
Before you race down to the doctor, you should first find out what your baby’s exact temperature is. Indeed, a good baby thermometer should be part of any parent’s first-aid arsenal!
That said, with many options in the market ― from simple digital thermometers, to non-contact infra-red ones ― it’s hard to make the call on which to put your money on. We highlight some of the best baby thermometers that should give you peace of mind.
Best ear thermometer: Tommee Tippee Digital Ear Thermometer
PRICE $99.90
FROM ThomsonBaby
WHAT This thermometer is quick, accurate and easy to use. Place the tip in your baby’s ear, press the scan button and the temperature reading will appear within a second on the large LCD display. Comes with eight replacement hygiene covers.
PARENTS SAY This thermometer has lots of parent-friendly features such as a lighted LCD screen of a good size, so you don’t have problems reading the temperature in the middle of the night. It stores nine previous temperature readings, so you can better monitor how your little one is doing. However, some parents reported inaccurate readings ― different temperatures were recorded minutes apart.
Best contactless thermometer: Beurer Non-Contact Clinical Thermometer
PRICE $127.50
FROM Lazada
WHAT Using a sensor, this thermometer captures your peewee’s temperature when it’s held several centimetres from his forehead. You’ll get accurate results in 2 seconds.
PARENTS SAY This thermometer is rather expensive, but it’s a small price to pay, since you don’t have to wake your little one from his slumber, thanks to the contactless function. It also stores 60 previous temperature readings, so that you can keep track of your baby’s recovery.
Best for newborns: Braun ThermoScan 5 Ear Thermometer
PRICE $99.90
FROM Lazada
WHAT The Braun ThermoScan measures the infrared heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissue. The tip is pre-warmed to ensure accuracy and comfort. To maintain hygiene, it comes with 21 disposable probe tips.
PARENTS SAY This device takes slightly longer ― about 5 seconds ― to give a reading. However, many rave about its accuracy. Mum Alicia Ho swears by this thermometer. “The readings are super accurate ― same as at the doctor’s clinic. I lost mine when I was on vacation previously and I bought another one right away. It’s a must-have at home,” she says. Many parents wish that the LCD screen was lit, though, and that it came with more disposable tips.
Most popular with parents: Omron Ear Thermometer
PRICE $105
FROM Shopee
WHAT Suitable for both adults and kids, this device takes temperature readings in 1 second. It has an ergonomic design for easy handling, as well as a fever alarm and beeper when your child’s temperature is higher than normal.
PARENTS SAY Mum Leila Tay says, “This was recommended by my doctor ― the price is reasonable and I find it easy to use. I’ve had it for a number of years and it’s quite durable.”
Best forehead thermometer: Braun No Touch + Forehead Thermometer
PRICE $122.80
FROM Mothercare
WHAT This thermometer can be used in two different ways ― go for the contactless option, or use the forehead touch method. Either way, you get results instantly and accurately.
PARENTS SAY Parents are thrilled by the added frills like the different coloured screens to indicate the severity of the fever. The thermometer’s screen changes from green to yellow to red, depending on the reading. Another plus ― it doesn’t require any probe covers.
Best rectal thermometer: Pigeon digital thermometer
PRICE $11
FROM ThomsonBaby
WHAT A simple thermometer that can be used this rectally, orally, or under the arm, as the soft tip is safe and flexible. It has a fever alarm for temperatures above 37.8 degrees Celsius and comes in a convenient storage case for hygiene purposes.
PARENTS SAY “It’s cheap and gets the job done,” Mum Alicia Ho says. “I have a few of these thermometers as a backup at home, and if I need it at my parent’s place.”
Besides choosing the best infant thermometers, here are some commonly-asked questions about taking your baby’s temperature.
FAQs on taking your baby’s temperature
What should I take note of when I suspect that baby is running a fever?
Many parents may assume that a fever can be diagnosed through touch alone. However, this isn’t an accurate method, so it’s best to take your bub’s temperature with a baby thermometer.
- If your baby is three months and under, and running a body temperature above 38 degrees, do call your paediatrician as soon as possible
- If your baby is vomiting, has diarrhoea or is unusually sleepy or fussy, see your paediatrician too (even if baby is above 3 months)
- Offer extra fluids to your baby as well. Fevers can lead to dehydration if your baby is not drinking well or vomiting due to an illness.
Which type of thermometer is most accurate for babies?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), rectal thermometers are considered the ‘gold standard’ and most accurate for infants.
That said, oral forehead and even contactless thermometers have been found to be very reliable and well-reviewed by parents. Our advice is to pick a thermometer that’s user-friendly and comfortable for your bub. To be safe, you can take a second temperature reading with a rectal thermometer.
Are there certain types of thermometers that are more suitable for different ages?
Some ear thermometers aren’t recommended for infants under 6 months old, as they may not fit well in a small / curved ear canal and must be positioned well for accurate results. As such, it’s important to find the right brand. Reputable ones like Braun make comfortable ear thermometers for infants.
Oral thermometers are typically most accurate in children over 3 years old. Younger children may not be able to close their mouths long enough for an accurate reading.
Naturally, forehead / contactless thermometers are the most versatile, as they’re easily administered and can be used on both infants and children.
Photos: iStock, ThomsonBaby, Beurer, Lazada, Braun, Omron, Shopee, Pigeon, Motherswork
Check out more SmartParents Buyers Guides here!
In case you missed these reads on babies…