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Best baby thermometer: accurate digital, bath and room thermometers
When your little one is unwell, a reliable baby thermometer is a must. But how do you know which one to choose? Who better to ask than the biggest online network of parents in the UK? Here are the best baby thermometers for to buy right now as recommended by parents.
By Laura Cooke | Last updated Jun 11, 2024
We should all have a decent baby thermometer in the medicine cabinet for those times when our child's temperature suddenly shoots up, particularly in winter. Unfortunately, it's often something you only think about it once your child is actually poorly. That's why we've created this guide to the best baby thermometers so you can add one to your baby shopping list and ensure that have one to hand when you need it most.
From no-touch scanners to oral thermometers, it's essential that your baby thermometer can accurately measure your child's temperature, provide quick results, is clear to read and is user-friendly. And it's not just about checking your baby's body temperature. You can also get baby bath thermometers and room thermometers too.
Whether you're looking for an in-ear digital thermometer, an oral or armpit design or a bath thermometer for your baby, we've rounded up the best available according to Mumsnet users - after all, who better to rate the best baby thermometers than the UK's largest online network of parents?
We've spent hours collating recommendations via our forums and consolidating those with expert opinions and authentic consumer reviews. Our triple-check process ensures that all our buyer's guides, from the best baby toys to the best baby bouncers, has products that are recommended by parents, trusted by experts and rated by previous customers.
Here are the best baby thermometers to buy in the UK for 2024.
Best baby thermometers at a glance
Best overall baby thermometer: Braun ThermoScan 7 with Age Precision | Buy now
Best budget baby thermometer: Nuby Digital Thermometer | Buy now
Best underarm baby thermometer: Braun Age Precision Digital Stick Thermometer | Buy now
Best oral baby thermometer: Beurer BY11 Digital Oral Stick Thermometer | Buy now
Best in-ear baby thermometer: Kinetik Wellbeing Inner Ear Thermometer | Buy now
Best forehead baby thermometer: Braun Sensian 7 BNT400 Forehead Thermometer | Buy now
Best baby bath thermometer: TensCare Digi Duckling Water Thermometer | Buy now
Best baby room thermometer: Gro Company Groegg2 Room Thermometer | Buy now
Braun ThermoScan 7 with Age Precision
Fever guidance related to age
Easy to operate
Backlit screen is handy for night time use
Can be used for the entire family
Beeps could disturb a sleeping baby
Buttons could do with being backlit (they aren't, but the screen is)
Pricey
RRP: £55 | Type: Digital ear thermometer | Age settings: 0-3m, 3-36m, 36m+ | Memory: 9 memory functions | Celsius and Fahrenheit: Yes | Batteries: Two AA batteries (included)
Tested by parents: Read our full Braun ThermoScan 7 review
The Braun ThermoScan 7 is a reliable ear thermometer from a trusted brand. It's easy to use and is regularly recommended by doctors and parents alike.
Braun thermometers have been a bestseller for several years, trusted by parents for their simple functionality and accuracy. When it comes to accurate readings, the Braun ThermoScan 7 doesn't disappoint. Parent tester, Laura, says, "While my one-year-old's temperature can occasionally differ by a degree of 0.1 between her two ears, generally the readings have been the same when I’ve taken her temperature multiple times back to back."
This latest model comes with age-precision technology to alert you to a fever (the temperature for a fever differs with age). It’s slightly gimmicky, but it does mean that in the middle of the night when you can’t remember when you should start to worry, you only need to input your child’s age.
A simple traffic-light system will then tell you whether to take action or just snuggle them back to sleep. The memory can store your last nine readings (allowing you to see if your child's temperature is rising or falling), and it comes with 21 disposable caps for hygiene purposes. The tip also has a wide-angled probe which means you can use it for the whole family, including newborns.
The backlit screen is handy for reading in a dark nursery, but the buttons aren’t backlit, which is the only thing we’d change about this thermometer. Because you have to input the age before inserting it into the ear, it would be handy to see what you’re doing. It also beeps as it takes a reading (though not too loudly) which might wake a sleeping baby.
Overall, though, you’re getting a lot for your money, and this is a nice design that both parents and professionals rave about. You can’t go far wrong with one of these.
Read next: Looking for more baby essentials? Don't miss our guide to the best baby bath toys
Nuby Digital Thermometer
Budget-friendly
Comes with a handy cover for storage
Auto shut-off feature after seven minutes
Can be used under the armpit, orally or rectally
Basic model - no age settings, fever alert or memory function
Display doesn't light up
Some users report that the battery drains quickly
RRP: £5 | Type: Digital stick thermometer | Age settings: None | Memory: Doesn't recall previous readings | Celsius and Fahrenheit: Celsius only | Batteries: Includes a 1.55V LR41 battery
For those times when your baby is feeling ill and maybe isn't quite so enthusiastic about playtime in the playpen, you might want a simple, traditional thermometer to hand you can grab so you can easily check they're not running a fever.
The Nuby Digital Thermometer doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the Braun ThermoScan 7, but at a mere fraction of the price of the Braun, the Nuby is a great budget buy and is a basic but accurate model. With its bargain price tag, you could always buy a few so you'll always have one to hand quickly too.
It takes a reading in 60 seconds and then the temperature is clearly displayed on the thermometer – it's worth noting, however, the screen isn't backlit so it's not ideal for use in the dark.
Although it doesn't have age settings or a fever alert like other models, reviewers report that it is easy to use and does the job perfectly – exactly what you'd want from the best baby thermometer under £5. Nuby claim the battery should last up to 200 hours (the auto shut-off function helps preserve battery life too), but some users did find the power drained quicker than that.
Read next: The best baby changing mats to buy, as recommended by parents
Braun Age Precision Digital Stick Thermometer
Affordable
Fever alarm system – tells you when your baby is too hot
Could also be used orally or rectally, depending on preference
Not as advanced as the Braun ThermoScan 7
RRP: £15 | Type: Digital stick thermometer | Age settings: 0-3m, 3-36m, 36m+ | Memory: Recalls last reading | Celsius and Fahrenheit: Celsius only | Batteries: One lithium metal battery (included)
Tested by parents: Read our full Braun Age Precision Digital Stick Thermometer review
The tip of Braun's Age Precision Stick Thermometer is BPA-free and pre-warmed, so it doesn’t feel cold to the touch, and it has a flexible tip too so you don’t have to worry about wriggly babies snapping it. Just pop under their armpit and it takes a reading within eight seconds.
This traditional digital stick thermometer is budget-friendly and small enough to fit into a backpack or handbag. It uses Braun’s age precision technology, recognising that a fever is lower for babies than for older children and adults. Simply select your child's age before each use and the thermometer will give a clear temperature reading. A red, yellow or green background will help you interpret the reading – really useful in those panicked moments when you can’t remember how hot is too hot for a newborn.
It also features a fever alarm system to alert you when your child is too hot and can recall the last temperature taken. A good choice for the early days when you might want an armpit thermometer or a spare, it has all of Braun’s design expertise in a small package and at a really good price.
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Beurer BY11 Digital Oral Stick Thermometer
Small and lightweight
Cheery design makes the whole temperature-reading experience less daunting for young children
Comes with protective storage case
Good price
Some users say it can take longer than 10 seconds to gauge a reading
No special features
RRP: £13 | Type: Digital oral/armpit thermometer | Age settings: None | Memory: Yes - recalls last reading | Celsius and Fahrenheit: Yes | Batteries: 1.5V LR41 battery (included)
Tested by parents: Read our full Beurer BY11 Thermometer review
This thermometer from Beurer is ideal for children as it contains no glass, no mercury and has a flexible end. It’s quick and straightforward to use, giving a readout in around 10 seconds (it takes around 20 seconds for an armpit reading), then it beeps and automatically switches itself off.
The adorable dog, frog or monkey design is small and light enough to pop in your handbag or changing bag for any occasion and will also provide young children with a familiar face they’ll be happy to open their mouths for when they’re feeling a bit warm. However, unlike the Braun Digital Thermometer with Age Precision, there are no age settings or coloured-coded lights to help you to interpret the reading. So you’re only really paying the extra money for aesthetics rather than special functional features.
Drawn by the animal design, pet lovers have also been buying this thermometer for their four-legged friends, although nothing suggests it’s suitable for veterinary use! As far as small children are concerned though, with its child-friendly design and the fact it’s so easy to use, this thermometer is on the money.
Read next: The best nappy bins to eliminate smells, as recommended by parents
Kinetik Wellbeing Inner Ear Thermometer
Simple to use
Comes with a travel pouch
20 hygiene covers included
Screen isn't backlit
RRP: £25 | Type: Digital ear thermometer | Age settings: None | Memory: Stores up to 10 previous readings | Celsius and fahrenheit: Yes | Batteries: Two AAA batteries (included)
Tested by parents: Read our full Kinetik Inner Ear Thermometer review
Kinetik's Inner Ear Thermometer is a decent budget digital thermometer developed in association with St John’s Ambulance. If you can’t afford to splurge, this would do the job admirably for a fraction of the cost of most digital ear thermometers.
There’s no backlight as seen on the Braun ThermoScan 7, but it’s simple to use, clear to read and comes with a much more attractive price tag. Just insert into the ear, press the button and wait for the beep to read the temperature. Reviews suggest it’s pretty accurate too.
The only expense we foresee is that it comes with 20 hygiene covers, so you’ll need to buy more of those at some point (around £7 for 20). While there’s nothing ‘wow’ about the Kinetik, at only £25, we really can’t find fault with it.
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Braun Sensian 7 BNT400 Forehead Thermometer with Age Precision
Non-contact - ideal for newborns or infants
Colour-coded temperature reading taken in 2 seconds
Backlit screen - handy at nighttime
Can also be used on milk, baby food and bath water
Silent mode switch
Age Precision® technology for greater accuracy
Can take time to figure out how close you need to position the thermometer to your child’s forehead
Bulkier than other thermometers
RRP: £50 | Type: Non-contact digital forehead thermometer | Age settings: 0 to 3 months, 3 to 36 months, 36 months+ | Memory: Yes | Celsius and Fahrenheit: Yes | Batteries: Two AAA batteries (included)
Tested by parents: Read our full Braun Sensian 7 thermometer review
The Braun Sensian 7 BNT400 Non-Contact Forehead Thermometer with Age Precision takes your baby’s temperature using infrared technology on their forehead (or it can be touched to the forehead to use on yourself) in just a couple of seconds from up to 6cm away.
This handheld thermometer is super simple to use, with a button for ‘on,’ a button to select your child's age (for age-adjustable fever guidance), and another to take their temperature. A guidance system on the unit makes it clear when you have the thermometer in the correct position so you can’t mess up a reading, although it takes a couple of tries at first to get it right.
The Braun Sensian 7 also beeps when ready and the reading is given on a backlit screen, so there are no struggles to see it in the dark. The screen turns green for a normal temperature, amber for elevated and red for high.
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TensCare Digi Duckling
Quick temperature readings
Stays on for an hour so you can see how cool the bath is getting
Appeals to children
Reassuring for new parents
Affordable
Sometimes flips on its side
Some reviewers have reported that the battery suddenly stopped working after only a few uses
RRP: £7 | Type: Water thermometer | Age settings: N/A | Memory: N/A | Celsius and Fahrenheit: Celsius only | Batteries: One CR2 battery required (included)
Tested by parents: Read our full TensCare Digi Duckling review
This sweet little rubber duck from TensCare doubles up as a water thermometer and a great bath toy, and at less than £7, it’s also an absolute bargain.
Many parents say that they quickly get used to checking the temperature of bath water using their hand or elbow, but in those early days, it’s great to have a bit of reassurance which is where this inexpensive but reliable thermometer comes in handy. It will also make a great baby shower gift if you are looking for something practical but cute for a first-time parent.
Simply pop it in the bath and tap it to activate the digital LCD display. It will then show the temperature for an hour before it switches off again. If the water is too hot, a red light will flash, so you can add a bit of cold water until you see the temperature fall on the readout.
While it sometimes flips on its side when floating near a running faucet, parent tester, Laura, rates this bath thermometer for its accuracy and reported consistent temperature readings during testing.
She also found it to be the ideal size for storing in her bathroom cabinet or taking it with her on her travels. She says, "It’s very small and easy to throw into an overnight bag. So far, I’ve taken it with me on overnight stays, weekend breaks and holidays abroad to make sure bathtime is safe wherever we go."
For more essentials for your baby's post-bath routine that have been approved by real parents, our guides to the best baby toothbrush and the best baby nail clippers have got you covered.
Gro Company Groegg2
No batteries required
Doubles as a gentle nightlight
Colours make it easy to interpret readings
Brightness can be adjusted (three levels)
Takes time for correct temperature reading to be displayed
Needs to be plugged in to a USB socket to work, limiting where you put it
Plug not included
RRP: £33 | Type: Digital room thermometer | Age settings: N/A | Memory: N/A | Celsius and Fahrenheit: Celsius only | Batteries: None - USB rechargeable
Tested by parents: Read our full Groegg2 review
A favourite among Mumsnetters, the Groegg2 (an update on the original Groegg) has become an iconic baby product, gently glowing in its various colours in nurseries up and down the country.
It plugs into a USB port, so there is no need for batteries, and then displays the room's temperature clearly on a lit display so you can see it from the door of your baby’s room. It also changes colour as the temperature rises (from blue to yellow and red), so you can see at a glance if the room is too hot or cold.
It even comes with a handy guide to show you which baby sleeping bag weight is recommended for which room temperature, taking the guesswork out of bedtime for you. The soft light also works as a night light, giving your baby’s room a gentle glow and providing just enough light for you to pop in and check on your baby when needed.
While it takes about a minute for the correct room temperature to be displayed, parent tester, Laura, has found it hugely reassuring, particularly during the warmer months. She says, "I’ve found the Groegg2 to be both accurate and consistent when measuring it against the readings of my home’s Hive thermostat system. While there’s usually a difference of 0.2 degrees between the two readings, the results are close enough for me to feel reassured of the Groegg2's accuracy. I used it daily during a heatwave when my daughter was a newborn."
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Why do I need a baby thermometer?
Now more than ever, with COVID-19 still a concern, it’s important to be able to tell exactly how hot your child is. But a baby thermometer is also handy for all those ordinary colds and sniffles your baby will no doubt go through.
It’s also useful for times like teething to be able to tell if they’re just flushed and grumpy or are actually running a temperature.
Babies’ temperatures can rise very quickly and also fall just as fast, and it’s often a good indicator of whether they are on the mend or getting worse. In the unlikely event that your baby is ever seriously ill, you’ll be glad to have a decent baby thermometer on hand if you need to call your doctor to give an idea of symptoms.
What types of baby thermometers are available?
A quality thermometer is an essential tool for any first aid kit and can help you to discover if your child is sick, teething or experiencing a post-vaccination fever.
A digital thermometer is best for babies. The NHS advises that old mercury thermometers are not suitable for babies and that digital versions are more accurate.
They also advise that strip thermometers – the sort you put on a child’s forehead, but not to be confused with the new digital forehead or no-contact thermometers – are not accurate enough for use with children.
Forehead baby thermometer
As the name suggests, these non-contact thermometers allow you to obtain a temperature reading by pointing the device at your child's forehead. A lot of these thermometers can take readings up to 5cm away, so they're ideal if you don't want to disturb your baby – the distance at which to hold the device will vary between models, however, so you must read the instructions before use. Some of these models are multi-tasking too, such as the LPOW No Touch Thermometer, and can measure the temperature of liquids and rooms.
As with any baby thermometer, you need them to stay still while the reading is taken, but these are really quick for taking the temperature of a sleeping child as you’re less likely to wake them.
In-ear baby thermometer
Ear thermometers are simply inserted into the ear, after which you click a button and it gives you a digital reading. Our best overall choice, the Braun Healthcare ThermoScan 7, is this type of thermometer, and it is the type most commonly used by healthcare professionals too.
While they are one of the most popular types of baby thermometers to use, they can sometimes be too large for the ears of very small babies, so do check this before you buy, especially if you have a newborn. You also need to make sure you’ve inserted it exactly as instructed or it may not take an accurate reading.
Armpit/underarm baby thermometer
These are digital versions of old-fashioned glass and mercury thermometers, only safer to use and more accurate. For use on older children, you can put it under their tongue, but you can also use it under the armpit. They can sometimes be used rectally too.
Digital stick thermometers tend to be the cheapest type of thermometer on the market and also the most compact. It’s worth having one just to pop in your bag or take away with you even if you’re investing in a larger, fancier ear or non-contact version.
Baby room thermometer
These thermometers take the temperature of the room so you can ensure it is safe for your baby when they sleep – you should aim for 16 - 20°C, according to The Lullaby Trust. It's essential you get the temperature right as an environment that is too hot can increase the risk of SIDs. The Lullaby Trust has more guidance here on sleep safety and room temperature.
Baby bath thermometer
While many parents will swear by the good old elbow check, a bath thermometer is great for extra reassurance when bathing your little one. Some forehead thermometers can be used to check the temperature of bath water, but for a purpose-designed option we love the TensCare Digi Duckling Water Thermometer – it's disguised as a bath toy and is a real bargain too!
Which type of thermometer is most accurate for babies?
According to medical research, the most accurate way to take a baby’s temperature is rectally, using a stick thermometer. This way the thermometer is measuring the core temperature and is not being influenced by any external or environmental factors.
It’s common for no-touch digital forehead thermometers to be affected by sweat or hair getting in the way, for example, and ear thermometers have to be positioned correctly in the ear canal in order to achieve an accurate temperature reading. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using your thermometer.
How do you take a baby’s temperature?
The NHS advises using a digital thermometer, and recommends an under-armpit reading as the simplest method.
First, for a clear reading, ensure there’s no other reason your child is hot. So check they haven’t been wrapped up in too many blankets and that their room isn’t too hot. You may want to take them into another room first for a few minutes if that’s the case.
Always follow manufacturer instructions down to the letter. If you haven’t inserted an ear thermometer correctly or held a no-touch model close enough, it won’t be accurate. Some of the higher-end models will have features to stop you taking a temperature unless the machine is being used properly.
Once you have a reading, make a note of it. Some models have the ability to store a few readings, which is handy. If you aren’t sure, wait a couple of minutes and take another reading to compare it.
When should you take a baby’s temperature?
If your baby’s forehead or tummy feels hot to the touch, or they are clammy, sweaty or look flushed, you should take their temperature.
What is a normal temperature for a baby?
Around 36.4°C is regarded as a ‘normal’ body temperature for a baby, but it can vary by a few points either side of that.
What temperature is dangerous for a baby?
A high temperature is officially 38°C but, even if it’s lower than that and you have concerns, it’s always worth seeking medical advice.
Doctors would always rather see a baby that turns out to be absolutely fine than not see a baby until things get serious. NHS advice is that you should call your GP or 111 if your baby is:
0-3 months with a temperature of 38°C or above
3-6 months with a temperature of 39°C or above
When should you worry about a baby’s fever?
A fever is a temperature of over 38°C. It’s usually not something to worry about and is a sign that your child’s body is fighting an infection. Usually a temperature comes down in three to four days.
You can help by ensuring your child gets plenty of fluids and checking for signs of dehydration, administering paracetamol suitable for your child’s age (over two months), offering food if they want it and checking on them regularly.
If the temperature persists or there are other symptoms present, call 111 or your GP. If your child has any symptoms of more serious illness (with or without a temperature), such as febrile convulsions, a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure, a blue or grey tinge to their skin or a weak, high-pitched cry, always dial 999 or go straight to A&E.
What other symptoms should I look out for with a fever?
Call 111 if you see:
A bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on your baby’s head) as this is a sign of dehydration
Fewer wet nappies
Diarrhoea and/or vomiting
Call 999 if you see:
Seizures
An unusual rash (particularly one that doesn’t fade under pressure)
Extreme irritability and disliking light
Unresponsiveness or being very hard to rouse
Blueish tinge to their skin
Weak, high pitched crying that sounds unusual to you
How to bring down a baby’s temperature
You can help by ensuring your child gets plenty of fluids and checking for signs of dehydration, administering paracetamol suitable for your child’s age (over two months), offering food if they want it and checking on them regularly.
Recommendations are no longer to give cold baths for a fever, but anything you can do to make your child feel more comfortable will help, so if a cold flannel wiped on her face and hands helps then go for it. Make sure they’re in a room that’s a comfortable temperature too.
How to choose the best baby thermometer for your child
There are a number of things that you should consider before buying a baby thermometer:
Age of your child: Consider whether the thermometer is suitable for your baby’s age. If you have a newborn, check that the thermometer is suitable for them. Some ear thermometers come with tiny ear probes which are suitable for newborns. If you have a slightly older baby who is a bit of a wriggler, you may struggle to keep them still long enough to hold a stick thermometer in their armpit.
Ease of use: When you’re taking a child’s temperature, you want a thermometer that’s easy to use and comes with clear instructions. Hi-tech thermometers that can store dozens of previous readings and flash different colours according to the temperature may prove useful, but if you find them difficult to use, for example you may find it tricky to get the correct angle when using an ear thermometer, then you may prefer a more straightforward stick thermometer.
Display: You need to be able to read and interpret the results of the temperature reading quickly and accurately. A thermometer that has a fever alert, or one that changes colour to indicate that your baby is too hot, are useful features to have. Backlit screens are handy for taking a temperature reading in the dark, without having to turn the light on and risk waking baby up.
Portability: Some forehead thermometers can be a bit bulky, but slimline stick thermometers are lightweight enough to be slipped into changing bags and handbags.
Features: Do you want a thermometer that changes colour, sounds a fever alert and stores dozens of previous readings? Or do you just want a straightforward thermometer to pop under your baby’s armpit and present you with a reading, with no fancy gimmicks attached?
Price: Always set yourself a budget. The thermometers on our list range in price from around £5 all the way up to the £50 mark. There are plenty of good-quality, accurate thermometers at the lower end of this range if you’re looking to save some pennies.
Batteries included? While many thermometers come with batteries included, some don’t. If this is the case, make sure you have the correct ones in the house and save yourself a midnight dash to the nearest 24-hour Tesco.
How to clean a baby thermometer
You can use an alcohol wipe but make sure you let it dry completely and then rinse in water before using it again. The NHS recommends simply cleaning a baby thermometer with soap and water.
Some thermometers may have small plastic parts that you can pop in a baby bottle steriliser, but check yours is suitable for that first. Others have disposable ear covers that you throw away and can buy more of when you need them.
It’s always a good idea to run the thermometer under clean water first. A non-contact thermometer will require less cleaning. Just ensure it’s had a good wipe down between uses, particularly if the whole family is ill.
What is the best baby thermometer in the UK?
The Braun ThermoScan 7 with Age Precision comes highly recommended by UK parents who’ve tried and tested a number of different baby thermometers in their everyday lives. It comes with a range of features to make sure you take the temperature correctly, its traffic light system means it is easy to interpret the results, plus it can be calibrated according to the age of your child.
How we chose the best baby thermometer
Recommendations from real parents
Our expert writers and journalists spend hours researching the very best quality products for our Swears By articles. To unearth the best baby thermometers on the UK market, we consulted expert advice from the NHS and trawled the Mumsnet forums for recommendations from parents on which models they found worked best and why.
Expert guidance
We’ve also consulted trusted medical websites, including the NHS and BMJ, to provide an authoritative voice on thermometers and the best way to take a baby’s temperature, so you can rest assured our article contains safe and reliable medical information.
Authentic customer reviews
Finally, we collated all that information and then looked at other online reviews, like on Which?, to see which thermometers have received the best recommendations and studied parent reviews as well as online best buys.
We looked for thermometers that showed accuracy over repeat readings, were simple to use and had additional features that made parents’ lives easier.
This article is not intended as a countdown of the ‘top nine’ best products, but rather a list of tried-and-tested recommendations so you can be safe in the knowledge that you’re getting honest and reliable advice on choosing an appropriate baby thermometer.
About the author
Laura Cooke spent nearly 19 years writing for local newspapers before going into freelance journalism.
She has written for a range of publications including the i Newspaper, Business Insider and Stylist, and has researched and written a large number of baby product round-ups for Mumsnet - from the best baby thermometers to the best outdoor toys. Laura lives with her husband and two young daughters in the south of England.