Best Kid’s Thermometers – Guide & Reviews
As a parent, there is nothing worse than knowing that your child is sick. Whether it’s a fever or a tummy-ache, your child’s health and safety are your number one concern. Being able to comfort your child and help them recover is something every parent wants, so it’s important to know what you can do when this inevitability happens.
To that end, today I’ll be looking at children’s thermometers, which can be the first step towards helping your child get better. I’ll show you what to look for when considering a thermometer, and I’ll show you some of the best options available today.
How To Find The Best Kid’s Thermometers
When looking at thermometers, there are a wide array of choices: digital, analog, rectal, oral. The possibilities can be overwhelming. Here are the considerations you need to think about when making the choice for your child.
Age
Because of the way children develop, some thermometers are rated for only children of certain ages. Some devices work best with infants and toddlers, other devices, work with older children and adults.
When looking at a thermometer, check the age range to make sure your child falls within. However, this does come with a catch. While it may be tempting to buy a specialized thermometer for infants.
once your child has grown into a toddler, then the thermometer may not work as well. Keep in mind not only the immediate uses for the device, but it’s longevity as your child ages.
Price
Some thermometers are only a few dollars, whereas high-end thermometers can cost over a hundred bucks. While pricier models may be more accurate, you need to ask yourself if a top-tier model is right for you.
We all want the best for our children, but because a thermometer is a means to an end, it may not be worth it to spring for an expensive device.That being said, however, cheap thermometers may not have accurate readings or break easily, so you want to find a device that is both cost-effective and durable.
Method
There are several ways a thermometer can read your child’s temperature. Here are the basic types of thermometer, and how they work:
Multi-use
As the name suggests, these thermometers work in a variety of applications, from under the armpit to in the mouth. Versatility can be a major advantage, depending on your child’s squeamishness.
Rectal
These devices read the temperature of your child rectally, making them accurate, if a little bit gross. I would highly recommend that you only use this type of device on infants, as toddlers and small children may not sit still long enough to get a reading.
Oral
The image of a sick kid with a thermometer sticking out of his or her mouth and an ice pack on the head is common, as is this type of device. By placing the meter under the tongue, you can get an accurate reading. However, some kids may not like having a device in their mouth, so proceed with caution.
Temporal Artery
As technology progresses, so do thermometers. These days, you can get an accurate reading by waving a device over your child’s forehead. These meters are more expensive, but they work well with fidgety kids and will last a long time.
Axillary
The name refers to the fact that you stick this type of thermometer under your child’s armpit. As far as invasive devices go, the axillary thermometer is probably the least annoying.
Ear
As the name would suggest, this meter works by sticking into your child’s ear. While this can provide an accurate reading, make sure your child stays still long enough to get a reading.
Other Considerations
When checking your child’s temperature, be careful to get an accurate reading. After a bath, for example, your kid’s temp will be hotter than normal, so keep that in mind. Also, if you want to ensure that your device is as accurate as possible, you can test it by sticking the meter into ice water. If the device reads 32 degrees (or 0 for Celsius), then it is accurate.
Recommended Best Kid’s Thermometers
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As far as thermometers go, the easiest way to take your child’s temperature is via an infrared scanner. It’s quick, it’s convenient, and you can get an accurate reading in seconds without sticking anything into any orifice.
The Dr Madre thermometer is also handy because it talks to you. The meter is programmable to English or Spanish, making this thermometer a top choice.
However, this technology does come at a price, with this device coming it at just over seventy dollars. Still, this digital infrared thermometer can make taking your child’s temperature a breeze.
Feature at a glance
- Infrared scanning means no sticking a device into the mouth or ear
- Scans fast, with accurate reading in seconds
- Talks to you in English or Spanish
- Two-year replacement warranty
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Innovo is a high-quality brand that is always at the forefront of new commercial technology. This commitment to excellence is shown in the Dual Mode infrared thermometer, which can take readings either via the forehead or the ear.
Either way, it scans without having to touch your child, making it quick and painless. The Innovo has a sleek, ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold and even easier to use. However, like with best infrared thermometers for baby, this device comes at a high price.
Feature at a glance
- Easy to read
- Sleek design
- Dual mode helps ensure accurate readings
- Can store readings for future reference
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Continuing with infrared scanners, the iProven DMT thermometer is another high-quality, easy-to-use device that takes your child’s temperature via the forehead, or in the ear. Like the Innovo, the iProven has a very sleek and ergonomic design, making it very easy to use.
This device is also backed by a 60-day hassle free return policy, which is something I always like to have in a product.
Feature at a glance
- Ergonomic design
- Clear, consistent readings
- Durable construction
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Moving on from infrared scanners, the Generation Guard Digital Thermometer is a multi-use device, that can accurately read your child’s temperature orally, rectally, or under the armpit.
The versatility of this generation guard thermometer makes it ideal for many parents, as does the fact that it gets a reading super fast. Another nice feature I like is the 30-day money back guarantee.
Feature at a glance
- Fast reading
- Multi-use
- Durable construction
- Easy to read
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Like Innovo, Braun is a company that has made a name for itself as a high-quality manufacturer of commercial hygiene products. The Forehead thermometer is yet another infrared scanner that provides quick, hassle-free readings in seconds.
One feature that I really liked is the fever reading. Depending on your child’s temperature, the screen lights up green, yellow, or red, telling you whether or not your kid has a fever. The best thing about the Braun thermometer is that, even though it is high-tech, it is much less costly than similar devices like the Innovo.
Unfortunately, though, this meter is not returnable, so that is a bit of a downside.
Feature at a glance
- Fast, accurate scanning
- Easy to use
- Hassle-free scanning
- Fever Reading lights up red if child has a fever
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Another winner from Braun, the Ear Thermometer has a nice array of features that make it much better than other, similar devices. One of the biggest benefits is the fact that the tip is pre-warmed, so it makes taking your child’s temperature that much easier.
Additionally, the meter comes with a guidance system, so you never have to guess if it’s in correctly. Finally, the device comes with 21 filters and a protective case to help it last longer.
Feature at a glance
- Guidance system to ensure accuracy
- Pre-warmed tip
- Comes with 21 filters and protective case
- Memory function recalls the last temperature
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Keeping with temporal artery thermometers, the ReMEDies Forehead thermometer is very similar to other models, in that it has a nice, easy-to-read display, it reads very fast (in seconds), and it doesn’t require skin contact to get a reading.
The main difference between the ReMEDies thermometer though is that it has a fever reading, similar to the Braun device. It also has three settings, so you can measure the ambient temperature to ensure that your reading is accurate.
Feature at a glance
- Easy-to-use
- Fast results
- Fever indicator lights up to tell you if your child has a fever
- Three measurement settings
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The MeasuPro thermometer is a highly reliable non-touch infrared scanner, but what sets it apart from other devices is the fact that this meter comes with a guiding system to ensure quick accuracy.
Like the Braun and the ReMEDies, this device also has a fever reading, which is always a nice feature. The other major difference between this thermometer and other devices is the fact that you can use it as a non-touch device, or you can hold it to the skin for a more accurate reading.
With most scanners, you have to keep it relatively close, and sometimes the reading can shift. However, with the ability to take the thermometer and hold it on the skin, you can ensure a better reading.
Feature at a glance
- LED guidance system
- Two settings: non-touch or skin touch for improved accuracy
- Fever reading
- Easy-to-use and read
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This is a high-quality, multi-use thermometer that is suitable for oral, rectal, or armpit readings.The best features of the ErgaLogik is that it has a flexible design, it is easy to clean, and it has a nice, large, easy-to-read display
The device also works for all ages, from children to adults, making it very versatile.
Feature at a glance
- Flexible tip
- Easy-to-read
- Multi-use versatility
- Easy to clean
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We finally reach the end of the list with the Easy@Home digital infrared scanning thermometer. This device is similar to other models on this list, with fast readings, easy-to-use functionality, and a protective carrying case for storage.
Additionally, this meter comes with a fever reading, which is always great. The major difference, however, is that this device comes with a lifetime no-hassle return guarantee.
As far as benefits go, a lifetime guarantee is probably my favorite, as it shows the commitment to excellence from the company.
Feature at a glance
- Easy-to-use
- Sleek, ergonomic design
- Lifetime warranty
- Fever reading
- Adjustable settings
Final Verdict
When it comes to your children’s health, you want to ensure that you use the best products available. Whether it is an infrared scanner or a multi-use device, the best kid thermometer ensures that you can quickly find out if your child is running a fever. The sooner you catch an illness, the easier it can be to treat.
Out of all the devices listed, my favorite is either the Easy@Home thermometer or the Braun Ear Thermometer. When it comes to accuracy, I find that physical contact is always best, but you can’t beat Easy@Home’s lifetime guarantee.
