The 11 Best Baby Thermometers for Accurate Readings and Peace of Mind

Best Overall

Kinsa Smart Thermometer

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5 /5
• Responsiveness
  5 /5
• Consistency
  4.5 /5
• Ease of Use
  5 /5
• Data Readability
  5 /5

The Kinsa QuickCare Smart Thermometer impressed us with its uncomplicated setup, straightforward use, and consistent readings. Whether utilizing the thermometer with the free app or without, it’s simple to set up straight out of the box (coin battery included). You only have to press one button to turn the thermometer on. It connects via Bluetooth to the Kinsa app, which allows parents and caregivers to log individual profiles, track medication with reminders, receive medical guidance, and more. We love how intuitive the app is to manage each family member’s health chart (with personalized avatars), so you can show results to your doctor if necessary. There’s even an adorable animated elephant on the app to distract children while you take their temperature.

You can use the Kinsa smart thermometer totake your baby’s temperature以下三种方式:口头、直肠给药或手臂。The company says you’ll receive a reading in 8 seconds or less, which we found accurate—we received temperature measurements in approximately 5 to 6 seconds. A light and sound indicator lets you know when the task is complete. One of our favorite features of the Kinsa thermometer is that you don’t need your phone nearby for the temperature to sync to the app. In addition, the large display screen makes it effortless to read numbers and lights up for you to read temps in the middle of the night.

We took our children’s temperatures and our own and found readings consistent with how we felt. The most significant variance was half a degree over multiple reads. The only downside to the Kinsa QuickCare Smart Thermometer is the lack of a storage case. Otherwise, we think the baby thermometer is of great value with its convenient app and the option to forego it altogether. Plus, it’s FSA/HSA eligible and comes with a one-year warranty for defects in quality and materials.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Type:Rectal, armpit, and oral |Display:Digital |Response Time:Up to 8 seconds |Age Recommendation:Newborn and up |Battery Type:Coin (included)}

Best for Quick Results

Dreambaby Non-Contact Fever Alert Infrared Forehead Thermometer

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  4.5 /5
• Responsiveness
  4 /5
• Consistency
  5 /5
• Ease of Use
  4.5 /5
• Data Readability
  4.6 /5

Easy peasy lemon squeezy is the Dreambaby Non-Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer. Install two AAA batteries (included), press the power button to turn the thermometer on, and wait for a single beep to signal it’s ready. There’s the option to set up the date and time, although we needed the instruction manual to understand this feature. Still, you can skip this function and head straight into temperature-taking. Point the infrared thermometer at the forehead and touch the “Start” button for your reading to appear in one second—no contact necessary.

We enjoyed the display screen’s large numbers and three-color LCD backlight to help you identify if a fever is present: Green means a normal temperature, yellow signifies a slightly elevated temperature, and red indicates a high fever. An alert tone lets you know when the reading is ready to view. Unfortunately, there’s no option to silence the beep if you’re trying to get a sleeping baby’s temperature. On the plus side, we collected consistent data both in the lab and at home for weeks with this thermometer.

While the Dreambaby forehead thermometer doesn’t connect to an app, it will store the last 10 temperature readings. The thermometer switches from Fahrenheit to Celcius, but the feature isn’t obvious. We recommend keeping the instructions nearby should you want to take advantage of these useful functions. The thermometer automatically turns off when not in use to help preserve battery power. With all its helpful features and a one-second response time, we think the Dreambaby Infrared Forehead Thermometer's price is worth it and will pay for itself.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Type:Forehead |Display:Digital |Response Time:1 second |Age Recommendation:Newborn and up |Battery Type:2 AAAs (included)}

Best Ear

Braun ThermoScan 7 Digital Ear Thermometer

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5 /5
• Responsiveness
  5 /5
• Consistency
  4 /5
• Ease of Use
  4.2 /5
• Data Readability
  4 /5

An ear thermometer for babies, like the Braun Thermoscan 7, is a lifesaver and a great alternative to the rectal method. In addition, the thermometer allows you to select the user's age group, including newborn to 3 months, 3 to 36 months, and 36 months and up. However, it's important to remember that the AAP doesn't recommend ear thermometers for babies under 6 months old due to their small ear canals that can result in unreliable readings.

We love how fast the Braun thermometer showed us results on the color-coded screen in only a few seconds. Additionally, all readings varied less than one degree each time, so we didn't feel concerned about accuracy.

This Braun thermometer holds up to nine readings but can't differentiate between users. The company includes disposable ear covers for hygiene purposes, making it one less thing on your need-to-buy list.

Price at time of publication: $62

^{Key Specs:
Type:Ear |Display:Digital |Response Time:3 seconds |Age Recommendation:6 months old and up |Battery Type:2 AAs}

Best Value

Tommee Tippee Digital No Touch Forehead Thermometer

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5 /5
• Responsiveness
  5 /5
• Consistency
  5 /5
• Ease of Use
  5 /5
• Data Readability
  4.1 /5

Touchless thermometers can garner a higher cost due to special infrared technology, but the Tommee Tippee Forehead Thermometer is a notable exception. It took us less than two minutes to unbox the thermometer, insert the two included AAA batteries, and press the on-and-off button to activate—no directions needed. We used the thermometer on ourselves and our children and found it straightforward to maneuver for any age. Hold the scanner up to 2 inches from the middle of the forehead to eliminate potential cross-contamination, and push the “Start” button. You’ll obtain a reading on the LCD panel within two seconds. While the screen is not backlit for better visibility at night, we thought the large, easy-to-read numbers make up for it. To indicate a fever, the thermometer sounds off three short beeps followed by one long beep, but you can turn them off thanks to the mute feature.

We were pleasantly surprised when we discovered the thermometer measures more than forehead temps. An infrared mode allows you to measure surface temperatures, like bath water or breast milk. We received consistent readings for weeks with the Tommee Tippee thermometer regardless of measuring forehead or surface temperature. Its memory function is a tad tricky to scroll through, but it stores up to 25 readings so that you can track your child’s temperature over time. For less than $25, this thermometer is budget-friendly with its simple design and consistent measurements.

Price at time of publication: $21

^{Key Specs:
Type:Forehead |Display:Digital |Response Time:2 seconds |Age Recommendation:Newborn and up |Battery Type:2 AAAs (included)}

Best With App

Kinsa QuickScan Non-Contact Smart Forehead Thermometer

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  3.1 /5
• Responsiveness
  4.6 /5
• Consistency
  4.1 /5
• Ease of Use
  3 /5
• Data Readability
  5 /5

If you want a thermometer with a smart app that can help you track your baby’s temperature and determine the best course of action, you’ll love the Kinsa QuickScan Non-Contact Thermometer as much as we did. After you put in the two AAA batteries (included), the thermometer directs you to download and connect to the free Kinsa app. It took us less than a minute to set everything up, but you can also bypass the app and use it like a regular thermometer (although skipping the app wasn’t intuitive—you must double-tap the button in the front every time you want to use it without the app).

We were impressed by how quick this thermometer is: We received temperature readings in three seconds or less after pointing the thermometer at our foreheads, approximately 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4-1.1 inches) away. The app warns you when a fever is present and also provides recommendations on what to do next, such as when to call the doctor or what other symptoms to look for. The app also allows you to create profiles for each family member, store data in Fahrenheit or Celsius scales, track symptoms and medications, and more. During our tests, the readings accurately reflected how we felt and didn’t fluctuate enough to concern us. We believe the $39 price tag is fair for a thermometer with an app capable of tracking readings, prescriptions, and so much more.

Price at time of publication: $39

^{Key Specs:
Type:Forehead |Display:Digital |Response Time:3 seconds |Age Recommendation:Newborn and up |Battery Type:2 AAAs}

Best No Touch

Braun No Touch 3-in-1 Thermometer

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5 /5
• Responsiveness
  4.8 /5
• Consistency
  5 /5
• Ease of Use
  5 /5
• Data Readability
  4 /5

非接触式温度计布劳恩3-in-1没有Touch creates less opportunity to spread germs with a sick kiddo.We appreciate the included batteries and picture instructions for a simple set-up. What we love most about the thermometer is the option to select temperature-taking for various age groups, including newborn to 3 months, 3 to 36 months, and 36 months and up, which helps determine the action that should be taken according to recommendations for the specific age group.

To take your baby’s temperature, aim the thermometer at their forehead using the unique guidance light and push a single button. Readings pop up on the color-coded display in five seconds (the company says two) to inform you if your baby has a fever. There’s also a beeping sound to alert you when the reading is available, but you can silence it for temperature-taking on a sleeping baby. To eliminate second-guessing yourself, red and yellow display colors indicate a low or high fever, while green means you’re good to go.

The Braun thermometer also measures the temperatures of objects or surfaces, like food or bath water. Unfortunately, it does not feature a memory function to save readings, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. Still, the thermometer gave us consistent data that confirmed how we felt, and the most significant temperature variation we received was only half a degree.

Braun has been on the market for over 100 years creating various products, from coffee makers to thermometers. In addition to the thermometer’s simple-to-use design, you also pay for the company’s trusted brand name.

Price at time of publication: $26

^{Key Specs:
Type:Forehead |Display:Digital |Response Time:2 to 5 seconds |Age Recommendation:Newborn and up |Battery Type:2 AAs (included)}

Best Display

Vicks Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5 /5
• Responsiveness
  5 /5
• Consistency
  5 /5
• Ease of Use
  5 /5
• Data Readability
  5 /5

The Vicks Non-Contact Infrared Body Thermometer's LED screen is this device's highlight. To light up the screen, put the two included AAA batteries into the base of the thermometer and you're all set. When you're ready to take your little one's temperature, point the thermometer at their forehead (slightly above and between the eyebrows) and click for an instant reading. We love the LED backlight on the large screen, so you don't have to squint or question numbers. The Vicks thermometer turns green, yellow, or red depending on the temperature reading. High fevers are red, mild fevers turn the screen yellow, and green is good (no fever detected). The thermometer features a happy or frowny face when your temperature is ready to help you avoid additional speculation. Plus, the optional beeping sound lets you take a child's temperature discreetly when necessary.

In addition to the thermometer's user-friendly screen, the consistent readings were also impressive. We never experienced more than a degree difference between temperature records, and they corresponded well with how we felt. While there's no app to store or track health data, the memory recall function stores up to 50 readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius, depending on your preference.

Vicks is likely a name you recognize; you've probably used the company's VapoRub for yourself a time or two (or dozen). When on sale, the Vicks infrared thermometer is an absolute steal, but the $55 list price is also worth the value for stress-free temperature-taking.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Type:Forehead |Display:Digital |Response Time:2 seconds |Age Recommendation:Newborn and up |Battery Type:2 AAAs}

Best Accuracy

Berrcom Non Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  3.8 /5
• Responsiveness
  5 /5
• Consistency
  5 /5
• Ease of Use
  5 /5
• Data Readability
  5 /5

The Berrcom Non-Contact Infrared Forehead Thermometer is all about precision—an essential feature for parents and caregivers looking after a sick baby. While we wish the thermometer had the two necessary AA batteries, the overall setup is effortless. Once you insert the batteries into the bottom of the ergonomic handle, press the trigger button to activate the power. In addition to forehead temperatures, the thermometer measures room and surface temperatures, like the Tommee Tippee Touchless Baby Forehead Thermometer. We used the thermometer on ourselves and a cup of water and gathered consistent readings with approximately one-degree variations. Point the thermometer at the forehead (1 to 2 inches away), click the “Scan” button once, and read your temp immediately. A beeping sound lets you know when the temperature reading is ready for viewing, or you can opt for the mute mode for silent use.

One of our favorite features of the Berrcom thermometer is the multi-color backlit display. A high fever (100.4 or higher) turns the screen red, orange means a low-grade fever is present, and green represents a normal temperature.The thermometer’s memory recall function collects the last 32 temperature measurements in Fahrenheit or Celcius. After 30 seconds of no use, the device automatically shuts off to conserve battery life. The low cost of the infrared baby thermometer is the icing on the cake.

Price at time of publication: $11

^{Key Specs:
Type:Forehead |Display:Digital |Response Time:1 second |Age Recommendation:Newborn and up |Battery Type:2 AAs (not included)}

Best Easy to Read

Disen No-Touch Forehead Thermometer

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  4.5 /5
• Responsiveness
  5 /5
• Consistency
  4.8 /5
• Ease of Use
  5 /5
• Data Readability
  4 /5

The Disen No-Touch Forehead Thermometer is easy to read any hour of the day thanks to its color-coded backlit display with large font. All you need to do to set it up is insert the two included AAA batteries into the back of the thermometer and turn it on. The Disen thermometer’s sleek design features three buttons with corresponding and intuitive symbols, like an X over a microphone for mute and “Mem” for the memory function (32 readings total). The switch from Celsius to Fahrenheit discreetly sits in the battery compartment, away from curious tiny fingers. To use the thermometer, point it at the forehead at least 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4-1.1 inches) away and press the measurement button. You can also use the thermometer to measure the temperatures of a room or object and liquids.

The one-second result time is a real treat when you have asick babyon your hip and no time to waste. We used the thermometer on a child to confirm a fever following a recent vaccine, and the red screen backed how the child was acting (sluggish and tired). The display screen also turns orange for low-grade fevers and green for no fevers. A beeping sound notifies you when a reading is ready, but you can turn it off by pressing the mute button. When the thermometer goes 15 seconds without use, it turns off to save battery energy.

With many useful features for parents and caregivers, like a backlit display screen and fast response time, we find the thermometer’s price fair. In addition, the company offers a 12-month warranty to cover your purchase for any defects. Bonus: The thermometer comes in a storage pouch for additional protection in the medicine cabinet or the diaper bag.

Price at time of publication: $30

^{Key Specs:
Type:Forehead |Display:Digital |Response Time:1 second |Age Recommendation:Newborn and up |Battery Type:2 AAAs (included)}

Best Budget

Boncare Digital Oral Thermometer

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  2 /5
• Responsiveness
  2 /5
• Consistency
  1 /5
• Ease of Use
  3 /5
• Data Readability
  3 /5

The Boncare Digital Thermometer features three modes of use: oral, rectal, and under the arm. We love the simplicity of the single-button use for all three temperature-taking methods, but we did have a little trouble pressing the button to turn it on. In addition, we appreciate the consistent readings for multiple editors in the lab and at home, with no more than a one-degree difference each time. However, taking another measurement with the thermometer still on is unclear to us. The instructions didn’t explain how to do this, so we turned the thermometer off and back on, which resolved it. It also arrives in a nice clear case that opens seamlessly.

While the company boasts a 10-second response time, we sometimes found this inaccurate—we waited between five and 30 seconds for the LCD screen to show temperature readings. Also, the display is not backlit, so you’d be unable to read it in a dark room. On the other hand, the digital screen is a breeze to interpret in Fahrenheit or Celsius, and a single beeping noise alerts you when the reading is ready. The thermometer also stores the last temperature (but only one temperature). Still, the $8 price tag is almost too good to be true (except it’s not).

Price at time of publication: $8

^{Key Specs:
Type:Oral, rectal, and under the arm |Display:Digital |Response Time:5 to 30 seconds |Age Recommendation:Newborn and up |Battery Type:Coin (included)}