As I mentioned in my Taking Your Baby’s Temperature post, the mercury thermometers are the best thermometers. Unfortunately they are toxic and no longer recommended. The digital thermometer has taken over and there are some good ones and there are some very bad ones. Many parents lament to me that their thermometers take vastly different readings from one try to the next. This is hard to avoid, but getting a researched and recommended thermometer can help you feel comfortable knowing your thermometer is in the right range when you are dealing with a sick child.
Some things to look for when looking for a thermometer:
- Flexible tip: This can help baby feel more comfortable as you insert a rectal thermometer
- Wide base: A rectal thermometer with a wide base delivers good grip as you’re inserting it
- Backlit display: This can make the thermometer easy to read when checking baby’s temperature in a dark room
- Talking thermometer: A baby thermometer that reads you the temperature may also be helpful in the middle of the night or, if the display is small and hard to read
- Memory: This high-tech feature can help you keep track of baby’s temperatures so you can track any trends
- Battery type and cover: Electronic thermometers may contain button cell batteries, which can unintentionally be swallowed by small children, so make sure battery covers are secure
Recommended Thermometers
Best Digital Medical Thermometer (Baby and Adult Termometro), Accurate and Fast Readings – Oral and Rectal Thermometer for Children Babies – Simple digital thermometer for rectal or axillary testing
Caroune Ear and Forehead Thermometer, Medical Digital Infrared Temporal Thermometer for Fever, Instant Accurate Reading for Baby Kids and Adults, Blue
Kinsa Smart Thermometer for Fever – Digital Medical Baby, Kid Accurate, Fast, FDA Cleared Thermometer for Oral, Armpit or Rectal Temperature Reading – Great for parents with multiple children – links to an app for storage of temperatures and documentation of fever-reducers as well