The best baby thermometers to measure your temperature at any time
An essential element in every home is a thermometer and, even more so, if there is a baby in the family
Fever is the increase in body temperature in response to illness . The frequency with which it is had and the degrees of temperature are key information when diagnosing a pediatrician. Therefore, we cannot trust only to put the hand in the forehead. You need to know the exact temperature and, for this, it is best to have a thermometer on hand.
- The best baby thermometers to measure your temperature at any time and Instant-Read Thermometers Product
Mercury thermometers were used in the past but, for a few years, the European Union banned these devices for domestic use due to their danger. Mercury thermometers are made of glass and can therefore easily break and release the highly toxic mercury.
If what we want is to take our baby's temperature , it is best to opt for any of the models that exist today. There are many types of thermometers, from digital to gallium, through infrared, pacifier, ear or plastic strips. These are, in our opinion, the best baby thermometers on the market .
Best, Our Pick : HYLOGY Baby Thermometer
63% of Amazon user reviews give it 5 out of 5 stars. Many users emphasize that it can be used both to measure the temperature on the forehead and in the ear. For Saioa the important thing is that "I have taken the temperature while the child slept and he has not even found out." Javier stressed that " it is very easy to use ( even grandma uses to measure the temperature of my son)", while for Mariana the most important thing is that " it is a very accurate thermometer." The thermometer is equipped with technology medical infraredstate-of-the-art and provides accurate instantaneous temperature readings within 1 second. Therefore, it becomes a reliable thermometer that gives you the temperature almost instantly. In addition, by having the mute mode, which guarantees silence, you can measure the baby's temperature without waking him, and it automatically turns off in 30 seconds if there is no operation.
It allows to measure ear temperature (only for children older than three months) and has several modes: frontal (for all people), object temperature (measuring bottle, bath water, food, etc.) or room temperature (room temperature). In addition, the last 20 readings can be stored and recalled , allowing you to reliably track the evolution of the baby's temperature. The LCD screen allows the readings of the measured values to be clearly displayed, making it easier for us to take at night. In addition, it has a two-color backlight and activates the alarm and red screen when there is a fever. It also has a bag that facilitates transport and storage.
Second option: SVMUU multifunctional digital thermometer
With 4.2 out of 5 stars, the main user opinions highlight its precision. As is the case of Pablo, who comments that he makes "quick and fairly precise measurements and, most importantly, being able to control the temperature of a patient without having to wake him up ." Frida, for her part, explains that it is “ quite accurate . The ambient temperature matches and the reading in front is correct too ”.
It is a very accurate thermometer with a range of ± 0.3 ˚C, as it has an exceptional microchip and a high sensitivity sensor. It allows taking the temperature of the forehead, but also that of the ear or that of other objects (milk, food, bath water or the environment). It is an ear thermometer suitable for both the family and the hospital, after powerful clinical trials conducted by medical experts and pediatricians. With CE / FDA / ROHS certificate, it is recommended by the health sector. Hygienic and non-toxic , it is safer than traditional mercury thermometer. Has 20 memory readings to track, fever alarmand color distinction (green temperature within normal and red with fever) and silent mode. The feedback is colored LED and has an automatic shutdown to save energy.
Alternative: DrKea Baby Thermometer
The Drkea Thermometer is a professional and accurate dual-mode fever thermometer for babies, children and adults. It has a 4 out of 5 star rating . Joaquín shows his opinion like this: "It's perfect. It was what I was looking for and it has good value for money."
This infrared thermometer can be placed on the forehead or ear without disturbing the baby. It has a simple configuration . It goes from measuring temperature from ear to forehead to room with a single button and has a clear icon to show you the selected function. Easily switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit by holding down the "MEM" button for 3 seconds.
How to choose a baby thermometer and what to consider before buying one?
When it comes to getting a baby thermometer it is important to take into account several factors that can help us tell by one or the other model.
- Precision. The most important thing about a thermometer is that it measures the temperature correctly. It's no use being very intuitive if the data is wrong.
- Applications. We have to know if we only want the thermometer to measure fever or if we want to know the temperature of food, the water in the bathtub or the environment. Depending on what we need, we must choose one option or another.
- Complexity. The more it facilitates us to measure the baby's temperature, the better. Children get nervous, take it off, cry. If the handling is simple and fast, it will help us to spend these moments with the children in a better way. In addition, if we leave them in the care of other people, it is better that they have at their disposal a device that is easy to use and does not complicate their lives.
- Energy. It is applied in digital thermometers. At the very least, a quality battery should hesitate at least a year.
- Memory. Thermometers that record the results are very useful in children and in illnesses like the flu.
- Price . It depends a lot on the above factors, especially the brand and type. The simplest digital can be around 8 or 10 euros. The 4 in 1, with alarm, silent mode, memory, etc. They can be around 20.
It is also important to pay attention to the type of thermometer , since there are several models.
- Mercury : as we have commented, despite their precision, in the European Union they are prohibited due to their high toxicity both for people and for the environment.
- Gallium: to replace the previous one, another equally reliable material was sought. Gallium is like that, but the drawback is that you have to spend a lot of time with it under the armpit (4 minutes) or in the rectum (2 minutes).
- Digital : they have transducers and electronic circuits that convert temperature variations into digitized numbers. Their electrical resistance varies depending on the voltage obtained, and they can be set in Celsius or Fahrenheit scales. They have LCD screens and also have multiple functions that are very useful.
- Infrared: physical contact with the baby is not necessary, since they are placed about 5 centimeters from your forehead or ear. However, there may be some environmental variation. These are more used in children and the elderly than in adults, so as not to disturb them, for example, while they sleep.
- Pacifier: it is inserted into the baby's mouth. If the child does not use a pacifier, it may not work, because it will be difficult for him to hold it in his mouth and suck.
- By ear: they have a flexible probe to place in the ear canal. Some infrared is used for the forehead and ear, and you just have to wait for the temperature to show on the screen.
- Plastic strap : it is placed on the forehead or on the wrist as a bracelet, but it is not very reliable.
What is a thermometer?
A thermometer is a device used to measure temperature . Galileo Galilei is credited with the creation because he was the first to create the thermoscope (a device that showed changes in temperature).
What is it for and how is a thermometer used?
The main function of a thermometer is to measure temperature . The wide variety that exists is due to the different uses. From the best known, to measure human fever, to those used in industrial production and that must withstand very high temperatures. There are also those used to measure the environment, others for wine or cooking, etc.
Types of baby thermometers
There are some thermometers that are better adapted to the characteristics of a baby. They are not easy to convince and less when they are asleep. Therefore, for babies the most common are:
- Digital forehead thermometers : measured with infrared. Some need skin contact and some don't.
- Ear thermometers - Infrared is directed into the ear canal.
- Pacifier thermometer: Experts cannot agree on whether they are reliable or not.
- Plastic strip thermometers: they change color depending on the temperature, but they are not the most reliable either.
- Digital thermometers: the most common. They are used in both adults and babies. They are placed in the armpit, mouth or rectum and usually take around a minute.
When is a high fever considered?
Low-grade fever is between 37º and 37.5ºC. It is when it is said colloquially that " there are a few tenths ", and it indicates that something is not right. In adults there is usually a fever from 37.5ºC , but in babies and children from 38ºC.
What is the normal temperature for a 0-5 month old child?
The temperature of a person can vary from one to another and changes depending on the time of day it is taken. There are different factors that influence (the temperature of the environment, if you have eaten food, if you have exercised ...) But the normal temperature ranges are from 35.8 to 37.3 ºC . Above, it is considered a low-grade fever. For babies the ranges are exactly the same as for adults.
How do you know if a baby has a fever without a thermometer?
There are symptoms that give very reliable clues to know if the baby has a fever, although at that moment you do not have a thermometer at hand.
- Skin temperature : temperature is felt to the touch. If you put your hand on your forehead you can feel if it is hot. Do not touch the hands or feet because they could be cold, even with a high temperature.
- Flushed skin: 'blushes' sometimes appear on the cheeks. In darker skin it is less noticeable.
- Bright eyes : glassy eyes, as if to cry, is another characteristic.
- Thirsty: due to heat and dehydration.
- Decay: produced by the intrinsic discomfort of fever
- Pains: sometimes it produces headaches or a feeling of heaviness.
- Sensation of cold or heat : it can cause chills or, conversely, a feeling of great heat.
- Respiratory rate: sometimes the respiratory rate also increases.
What is the highest temperature for a baby?
Most doctors and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) agree that normal body temperature for a healthy baby is between 97 and 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit ( 36 and 38 degrees Celsius). If your baby's rectal temperature is above 38 degrees C (100.4 F), he has a fever.
It will depend on the age and condition of the baby to proceed in one way or another. With babies under three months you should see a doctor if you have a fever . You could have an infection, inflammation, or a serious illness. Teething does not usually cause a fever over 38.2 ºC If it is older than 3 months, the important thing is to observe its behavior. If you are in good spirits and drink fluids, it is not necessary to see a doctor. On the contrary, after 24 hours the fever continues or increases, take it to a professional.
The AAP recommends calling the doctor if your child is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 38.3 degrees, or if he is older than 6 months and has a temperature of 39.4 degrees or higher.
How to make the fever go down fast?
Here are some helpful tips to lower a fever:
- Avoid excess clothing: remove some clothing if it is very warm, to avoid more heat.
- Hydrate - Make sure you drink fluids so you don't get dehydrated.
- Regulate the environment: the temperature should not exceed 21 degrees.
- Warm Water Bath - Warm water helps disperse heat. It should not be too cold, since the temperature shock can harm the child.
- Water-damp cloths: refresh the neck and forehead with a cloth dampened with warm water, not cold.
What are the most recommended baby thermometers?
Some brands that we recommend for their value for money and for the opinion of users are Hylogy, SVMUU, Medisana, Drkate, Braun and Beurer . All of them can be found in pharmacies, in specialized baby stores, in department stores or in many online stores. With this quick buying guide, getting a baby thermometer will be easier: analyze your needs, evaluate all the options and buy the best cheap baby thermometer you need.