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- 10 Best Baby Thermometers 2023 | UK Paediatrician Reviewed
10 Best Baby Thermometers 2023 | UK Paediatrician Reviewed
When looking after children, it’s important to be prepared. If they're feeling unwell, having a baby thermometer on hand will give you peace of mind. There are several types of analogue and digital thermometers for babies designed to ensure the best care for your child. From in-ear thermometers to forehead ones, to even no-touch varieties for measuring your baby’s body temperature without causing distress.
You can even find ones to monitor their room and bath, or kits containing different types of thermometers for all kinds of uses. To help you out, we've scoured the internet to rank the top 10 including popular brands such as Braun, NUK and Tommee Tippee available to buy online in the UK from Amazon, eBay, Boots and Argos!
Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician who practices for the NHS and his award-winning private practice. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007. He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012 and later became a college fellow in 2019. In addtion to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Dr Henderson, who is on the speciality register of the General Medical Council, has a keen interest in promoting quality improvement in paediatrics and has presented work both regionally and nationally.
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Table of Contents
- With Specialist Consultation From Paediatrician Dr J Henderson
- How to Choose a Baby Thermometer in the UK
- For Accurate Readings, Prefer In Ear Thermometers, but Stick Thermometers Are Better for Babies Under Three Months Old1
- Babies Are Sensitive to Water Temperature So Use a Bath Thermometer to Keep Them Safe in the Tub2
- Using a Room Thermometer to Maintain a Comfortable Ambient Temperature Will Help Your Baby Sleep3
- Thermometers With Digital Readings Provide More Accurate Results4
- Choose a Thermometer With a Backlit Display to Take Temperature Readings at Night5
- Tips on how to take your baby's temperature
With Specialist Consultation From Paediatrician Dr J Henderson
Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician practising for the NHS, as well as privately. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007.
He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012. In addition to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Check out more about him on his website.
How to Choose a Baby Thermometer in the UK
- Select a Thermometer Type Based on Your Child’s Age
- Go for a Bath Thermometer to Keep Your Baby Comfortable and Safe While Bathing
- Maintain a Comfy Ambient Temperature With a Room Thermometer
- Opt for a Thermometer With Digital Readings for Exact Measurements
- Pick a Thermometer With Backlight for Nighttime Temperature Readings
For Accurate Readings, Prefer In Ear Thermometers, but Stick Thermometers Are Better for Babies Under Three Months Old
Use a No Contact Thermometer to Take Your Baby’s Temperature While They Sleep
These clever devices allow you to obtain a temperature reading without touching your child, an infinitely helpful feature when you don’t want to wake them up! They are easy to use, simply point it at their forehead for a reading measured using infrared technology.
Although not quite as accurate as rectal thermometers, these are simple to use and allow sleeping babies to remain undisturbed. No-touch thermometers can be used on infants as young as 3 months old.
Help your little one to relax with a gentle massage using our best massage oils for babies.
As a paediatrician who frequently sees unwell children, measuring temperature is only a small part of assessing the sick child. High and low temperatures at different ages can result in different ways to investigate and manage infants/children, where disturbing your child is something you may not want to do.
If you are worried about them, you should always check how they respond. Infrared thermometers are generally not recommended for accurate readings, especially if unwell.
Ear Thermometers Give Accurate Readings for Babies Aged 6 Months and Older
Often found in clinical settings, ear thermometers provide a more accurate way of measuring your baby’s temperature and is more suitable for children 6 months or older. To get the most accurate reading, pull your child's ear backwards and aim the tip of the probe between the opposite eye and ear.
Ear thermometers are a go-to for parents as it takes only 2 seconds to get a reading without causing any discomfort, perfect for fussier children. If you are taking a reading outdoors, be mindful that the reading may not be accurate. And if your child has been outside, wait 15 minutes before taking their temperature. An accurate reading is not affected by earwax, ear infections, or ear tubes.
Digital ear thermometers come in a range of prices, but if wanting to obtain an accurate reading of your baby's core temperature - you should consider investing in one of these. There is plenty of medical evidence to support the use of ear thermometers.
For Newborns and Young Babies, Use a Stick Thermometer to Take Oral, Rectal or Underarm Temperature Readings
These types of thermometers can be used to measure temperature rectally, in the armpit or even under the tongue. When used as a rectal thermometer, you'll get the most accurate readings. However, you may only want to use this method for babies under three months old as older babies can be more wriggly.
Look for models with a wide base and flexible tip for comfort and ease of use, and make sure to only use an oral thermometer for older children who can be relied on not to bite the instrument.
Need two hands free while you keep your child close? Check out these baby carriers!
High or low core body temperature in an infant under three months is a red flag medical emergency that must be assessed immediately.
There are many reasons for temperature instability but having an accurate investigative tool for the correct age group is valuable. Armpit and rectal thermometers do just that in this age group and could be a lifesaver.
Babies Are Sensitive to Water Temperature So Use a Bath Thermometer to Keep Them Safe in the Tub
Bath time is lots of fun for everyone, but babies can be sensitive to temperature so it pays to check your baby’s bathwater to ensure that it is within a comfortable range. Fortunately, there are lots of great thermometers to help you keep your child safe and comfortable.
Some models feature warning lights if your baby’s bath is too hot or too cold. Keep an eye out for models that float on or in the bath water to give an accurate reading. You can also find thermometers with cute and interesting designs so that your child has something to play with during bath time.
Using a Room Thermometer to Maintain a Comfortable Ambient Temperature Will Help Your Baby Sleep
It’s hard work being a baby! They spend a lot of time sleeping, so it is vital that their rooms are kept within a comfortable temperature range to help them get the best shut-eye possible.
Room thermometers are a great way of ensuring that your baby’s room stays cosy. Many models include a nightlight feature, with some that change the display lighting to indicate the temperature of the room. A handy feature, particularly for new parents.
Want to know if your baby is sound asleep in the next room? Discover our top picks for baby monitors here!
We love cuddles and wrap up our pride and joys to keep them warm. Don't forget the time of year and environment babies can come to harm from overheating or even becoming too cold sometimes, it can be surprising how little layers they may actually need.
A room thermometer helps guide this and ensure the environment is safe for the infant. Generally, babies who can sleep with their hands above their heads display a comfortable sleeping posture when sleeping on their back.
Thermometers With Digital Readings Provide More Accurate Results
Digital readings take the guesswork out of temperature taking. There is no need to eyeball lines on the thermometer, instead these give you a definitive temperature readout. Most even state the temperature to a tenth or even hundredth of a degree. Look for models that store previous readings to allow you to track your child’s improvement.
Choose a Thermometer With a Backlit Display to Take Temperature Readings at Night
If you’ve finally got your baby settled at long last, disturbing them as you try to take their temperature reading is the last thing you want to do. Many digital thermometers now offer backlit displays, making it much easier to check your baby’s temperature while they’re asleep. You won't need to turn on a light, just make sure you don’t tread on that squeaky toy on your way out of the room!
A convenient tool, you don't want to miss reading a temperature as usual when it isn't. Also, be sure you are aware of what is normal and what is abnormal. An average temperature is about 36.4*C (but can vary slightly). A high temperature is above 38*C. Kids also may feel a lot hotter than normal when you touch the skin of their tummy with your hand.
10 Best Baby Thermometers in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Braun Thermoscan 7 Ear Thermometer | | An Advanced Baby Ear Thermometer Optimised for Safe and Accurate Readings | |
2 | Vital Baby Health and Safety Kit | | Three Piece Starter Kit for New Parents | |
3 | Braun 2-in-1 No-Touch Touch Forehead Thermometer | | Take Temperature Readings Without Disturbing Your Baby While They Sleep | |
4 | Aycorn Digital Baby Bath and Room Thermometer | | A Reliable Floating Thermometer That Wont Flip Over in the Bath | |
5 | The Gro Company Gro-Egg Baby Room Thermometer | | 2-In-1 Night Light and Room Thermometer | |
6 | Braun Digital Age Precision Thermometer｜PRT20000 | | A Precision Thermometer That's Accurate Within 0.1°C | |
7 | Philips Avent Baby Thermometer Room and Bath｜Model SCH480/00 | | Waterproof Thermometer That Measures the Temperature of Your Baby’s Bath and Room | |
8 | Tommee Tippee Digital Ear Thermometer | | In Ear Thermometer With Accurate Results and Fever Alert System | |
9 | Mothermed Baby Bath Thermometer | | Digital Baby Bath Thermometer That Can Be Used to Check Bathwater and Room Temperature |
An Advanced Baby Ear Thermometer Optimised for Safe and Accurate Readings
The Braun Thermoscan uses advanced tech to help you take easier, safer and more accurate readings. Age Precision technology that adapts the results to the age of your baby to you a more faithful guide to what degree their temperature has been raised.
For optimum positioning and safety, ExacTempt Positioning technology makes sure you have the thermometer in just the right place. It also includes a night light, digital colour-coded display and 21 disposable probe covers to keep it hygienic and clean!
Three Piece Starter Kit for New Parents
This three-part set from Vital contains a digital room and bath thermometer, stick thermometer and nasal aspirator. Suitable for use from birth, these tools are all extremely useful for new and experienced parents alike.
The digital stick thermometer can be used under the arm, orally or rectally to measure your baby’s body temperature. Whereas the super cute bear room and bath thermometer can double as a floating bath toy.
Braun2-in-1 No-Touch Touch Forehead Thermometer
Take Temperature Readings Without Disturbing Your Baby While They Sleep
Winner of multiple awards, this thermometer from Braun makes taking your baby’s temperature a breeze. This thermometer can measure temperature within 0.2°C in just two seconds, using either Touch or No-Touch modes.
The colour-coded display makes it easy to note if your child’s temperature is in the “normal” range, with readings measured in both celsius and fahrenheit. You can also use the silent option for when you don’t want to disturb your sleeping child.
AycornDigital Baby Bath and Room Thermometer
A Reliable Floating Thermometer That Wont Flip Over in the Bath
If you’re concerned about baby's safety while they have their bath or sleep in their cot, having a reliable bath and room thermometer can take some of that worry away. Plus, it doubles up as a cute floating toy, making bath time fun for your little one.
The Aycorn Digital Baby Bath and Room Thermometer has a red LED warning light that flashes if your baby’s bath water is too warm and provides accurate readouts on its digital display. Unlike some other floating baby thermometers on the market, the stable design makes it less likely to flip over and misread the temperature.
The Gro CompanyGro-Egg Baby Room Thermometer
2-In-1 Night Light and Room Thermometer
The Gro-Egg is one of the most popular room thermometers, and it’s easy to see why! Featuring a distinctive design, it serves as both a nightlight and room thermometer. The device is mains powered, ensuring you don’t need to constantly change its batteries.
The colour of the light emitted changes, so that you can tell at a glance whether the room is too hot, too cold or just right - A great way to ensure that your child feels comfortable and safe at night.
BraunDigital Age Precision Thermometer ｜ PRT20000
A Precision Thermometer That's Accurate Within 0.1°C
Featuring Braun’s age precision technology as well as a colour-coded LCD display, this thermometer helps you interpret its results reliably. Accurate to within 0.1°C, it has a fever alarm to warn you if your baby’s temperature is too high and it can read out the results for you.
Braun’s range of thermometers offer plenty of great features and this is no exception! This is a great option to have in your first aid kit, offering a simple yet effective thermometer that's suitable for newborns and up.
Philips AventBaby Thermometer Room and Bath ｜ Model SCH480/00
Waterproof Thermometer That Measures the Temperature of Your Baby’s Bath and Room
Philips Avent's cute flower shaped baby room and bath thermometer floats in the bath to monitor water temperature. It's waterproof and safe for your baby to play with, while ensuring that your baby’s environment is as safe and comfortable as possible, .
This baby thermometer is a multifunctional and attractive addition to your child’s room. It even features an upright stand so that its display is easy to read, letting you check your baby’s room temperature with ease.
In Ear Thermometer With Accurate Results and Fever Alert System
Tommee Tippee's Digital Ear Thermometer can take an accurate reading in as little as one second. It boasts a nine-reading memory function and fever alert system to track and identify patterns in your baby’s temperature.
Featuring an extra-small tip that's suitable for tiny ears, with disposable hygiene covers. Although it can be hard to get hold of online, this is a useful baby thermometer that will help you keep track of the whole family’s temperatures.
Digital Baby Bath Thermometer That Can Be Used to Check Bathwater and Room Temperature
This basic floating baby bath thermometer does more than just tell you the temperature. Waterproof and submergible in water, its cute design will give your child something to play with during bath time! Aside from the bath, it can be used as a room thermometer too.
To activate it, you can either shake it or simply put it in the water and it will instantly measure the temperature. If the water is too hot, a red LED light will flash to let you know. It will also flash "cold" on the screen, letting you know if the bath is not warm enough.
Tips on how to take your baby's temperature
Healthy babies and children have a body temperature of 36.4C. Temperatures of 38C or higher are considered high or feverish. If your child's forehead, back, or stomach feels hot to the touch, if they feel clammy or sweaty or have flushed cheeks, they may have a fever. If you suspect that your child's temperature is high, use a thermometer to find out whether you should seek medical advice.
To check your child's temperature with a contact thermometer, place them on your lap and place the thermometer in their armpit. For children under 5 years of age, always take a reading from the armpit. Hold their arm against their body gently yet firmly to keep the thermometer in place for the duration stated on the instruction manual, usually around 15 seconds.
For no-touch thermometers, place the sensor at the center of your baby's forehead, press and hold the scan button. Steadily move the thermometer across the forehead towards the top of their ear, making sure it is always in contact with the skin. Release the scan button when you are at the hairline and the reading will be ready.
Top 5 Baby Thermometers
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- 10 Best Baby Thermometers 2023 | UK Paediatrician Reviewed
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