TOP 7 Best Thermometers for Children

A baby thermometer is a real lifesaver for parents. This item should be present in every home where kids live. It allows you to measure the temperature and keep it under control, thereby monitoring the child’s health. Thanks to such a thing, parents will quickly be able to recognize the presence of an infection in their child’s body, since an increase in body temperature indicates a protective reaction to it. Our experts have compiled a rating of the best children's thermometers (thermometers) without mercury.

Which company is better to choose a thermometer for a child?

When compiling a rating of the best thermometers for children, we paid attention not only to the opinions of experts, but also to the reputation of manufacturing companies. The thermometer must be safe for the baby, and the measurement results must be as accurate as possible. Devices from all of the following companies have successfully passed numerous tests and have a high customer rating:

Xiaomi is a Chinese company founded in 2010. The manufacturer is famous for its “smart” devices of consistently high quality. Each gadget of the Chinese company meets the needs of a modern person through the use of advanced technologies and the latest software. Based on the wishes of its customers, the company is constantly expanding its range of products, among which you can find non-contact children's thermometers.
Medisana is a German company that has been producing high-quality products to maintain health for 30 years. All products undergo a multi-stage testing system, so the accuracy of temperature measurements in their thermometers is beyond doubt, and German build quality guarantees the durability of each device.
CS Medica - the company is the exclusive distributor of Japanese medical equipment, which for 25 years has enjoyed unprecedented popularity among the residents of our country. The company produces modern equipment used for the control, prevention and treatment of diseases that are the “scourge” of the modern lifestyle.
B. Well is a well-known Swiss company that produces modern medical products that take into account the needs of each family member. Their devices are very easy to use. You will not need any special knowledge or special training. The quality of each gadget is confirmed by international and European certificates.
The Hartmann Group is a multinational healthcare company that is not afraid to challenge outdated ideas about treatment methods. The manufacturer cooperates with professional doctors. Thanks to this, consumers receive effective medical gadgets without spending exorbitant sums on them.
Turbo Smart - initially the company specialized exclusively in the production of game consoles and children's tablet computers. A little later, it began producing smartphones and high-precision thermometers. All of their devices can be purchased in large retail stores throughout Russia, as well as in many pharmacies.
Maman is a Russian children's goods company established in 2011. The manufacturer is rightfully considered one of the market leaders due to its careful concentration on highly targeted products. The company is picky about the line of products they produce, collaborating with German and Japanese enterprises.

These companies produce both budget and more expensive models equipped with many additional functions. Almost all reviews about these companies are positive, which further reinforces confidence in the devices they produce.

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Rating of the best thermometers for children

When choosing the best thermometers for children, we conducted in-depth market monitoring, read the opinions of eminent pediatricians and customer reviews posted on popular online forums. The TOP included non-contact, infrared and electronic thermometers that meet all safety requirements.

When selecting nominees, we paid attention to the following parameters:

Convenience;
Price;
Appearance;
Measurement error;
Safety for the child;
The authority of the manufacturer;
Time spent measuring temperature;
Is it suitable for newborns;
Availability of memory log.

The most budget model in our rating is the Hartmann electronic thermometer, the most expensive is the infrared CS Medica KIDS CS-88. The comprehensive description below will help you decide what type of thermometer you need.

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The best non-contact thermometers for children

A non-contact thermometer is a smart device that measures temperature without direct contact with the body. This is especially true when there are very young children in the family. The device does not contain mercury, because its evaporation if the integrity of the thermometer body is damaged can be dangerous for a fragile young organism. After reviewing the technical characteristics of 20 non-contact thermometers, we chose two models.

Xiaomi NUN4003CN

The list of the best thermometers for children opens with a device produced by the Chinese brand Xiaomi. The thermometer measures body temperature in just 1 second; you just need to point the device at your forehead and wait for the information to appear on the display. The accuracy of the readings is 0.1 degrees. It has its own unique data reading algorithm, which directly affects the speed of displaying the result.

The device is equipped with a built-in distance sensor and an element that controls the ambient temperature. The latter is necessary to reduce the error. To start measuring, you need to place the device 3 cm from the child's body. If the distance exceeds this indicator, the thermometer will emit a sound signal.

Advantages

100% safety;
Hygiene;
Accuracy of readings;
Quiet operation;
Easy and intuitive controls.

Flaws

Unstable operation with “dying” batteries.

A good device that allows you to measure a child’s body temperature, even if he is sleeping. According to reviews, the thermometer measures temperature through both clothing and a blanket.

Medisana FTN

The Medisana FTN device can discreetly measure body temperature, which is especially important if you have a very small child. The absence of direct contact with the skin makes the thermometer safer, and the hygiene of the entire process also improves. The thermometer can measure not only the temperature of the human body, but also water, air or food. The thermometer readings are easily read from the color LCD screen. You can save 30 measurement results in the device’s memory, which allows you to see the baby’s temperature over time.

Advantages

Accuracy of measurements;
Ease of use;
Screen backlight;
Availability of built-in memory.

Flaws

High price.

This device was included in the rating of the best thermometers for children due to its versatility and modernity. However, the high price of the device may scare off potential buyers.

What temperature is considered optimal?

By about one year old, an infant’s body temperature will reach a normal temperature of 36.6°, and before that, 36–37–37.5° is considered normal. Moreover, it varies depending on the location of measurement: from 36° - in the armpit, 37° - in the mouth, to 38° - in the butt.

In order not to confuse normal temperature with elevated, painful one, you need to find out the optimal body temperature of the newborn. To do this, measure the baby’s temperature three times a day for a certain period - morning, afternoon and evening. Preferably at the same time, each time with one thermometer and in one way, for example, in the armpit. A stable average temperature is considered optimal.

The best infrared thermometers for children

An infrared thermometer measures body temperature by reading fluctuations in infrared radiation from a person. This data is subsequently converted into a digital value and displayed on the thermometer display. The safety of such devices is at a high level, but the accuracy of measurements sometimes fails. We paid special attention to the last factor when choosing the best children's thermometers of this type for our TOP. Of the 15 models, only two had bright indicators.

CS Medica KIDS CS-88

According to the manufacturer, the maximum permissible error of the device is 0.2 degrees. Although, judging by the reviews, the spread may be wider and this is the only drawback of this thermometer. The thermometer can measure not only body temperature, but also water and food. It takes 1 second to get the result. The display of the device is equipped with backlight, thanks to which you can measure the temperature of a sick baby even at night, without fear of disturbing him. The result is stored in memory.

Advantages

Availability of a measurement log;
Ease of operation;
Compactness;
Ease;
Auto power off.

Flaws

Error in temperature measurement.

This thermometer has many more advantages than disadvantages. As for accuracy, most often the indicators are displayed within the stated error.

B.Well WF-1000

An equally interesting model is B.Well WF-1000. It can be used to measure body temperature through the ear or directly to the forehead in just 1 second. The device turns off automatically, and the result is stored in a separate memory cell. The thermometer is very light, weighing only 100 g. The device fits naturally in the hand. The result is displayed on the display, it is easy to read even for a person with poor vision. The beginning and end of the process is accompanied by a characteristic sound signal.

Advantages

Budget cost;
Well readable result;
Easy;
Small sizes.

Flaws

Temperature measurement error;
Difficult to understand the instructions.

This is a good device in its price category, which rightfully deserves one of the first places in the list of the best children's thermometers. Its functionality is in no way inferior to its competitors, but the accuracy of the readings can be far from the truth.

Types of thermometers for infants

In Soviet times, there was only one type of thermometer, and there was no choice. Today's moms and dads are lucky. They can purchase a convenient, safe device that can easily determine the temperature.

Of all the proposed options, we can note: mercury, non-contact, electronic, dummy thermometer. Parents decide which one is better.

Mercury thermometer

A proven, faithful assistant that accurately determines temperature, familiar to everyone for a long time. It looks like a glass flask with a scale inside and 2 grams of mercury in the capillary.

Mercury thermometer. Photo

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include:

unlimited period of use with careful handling;
accessible and cheap;
easily disinfected by washing with soap and rubbing with alcohol (except by boiling);
determines the temperature accurately, with minimal errors while observing the time regime;
universal. Makes it possible to take measurements in various ways: in the mouth, anus, armpit.

The disadvantages include:

duration of the process. It is unlikely that a sick baby will lie quietly, waiting for the mercury to begin to rise. The child will begin to worry, spin, cry and the readings will become inaccurate;
any careless handling can lead to crushing of the thermometer glass, cuts from fragments, leakage of toxic mercury and inhalation of its vapors. For a baby, the tiny amount in the thermometer is enough to cause poisoning.

How to use

The mercury thermometer is easy to use. Before measuring the temperature, it must be wiped with alcohol, shaken so that the column drops below 36.6 degrees, and fixed under the child’s armpit. Other methods of determining the temperature of a newborn are not suitable. You need to wait 5-7 minutes.

Electronic thermometer

It is also called digital. Despite the complex design, it is easy to use. The waterproof, shock-resistant case is equipped with a temperature sensor. The results are then displayed on the screen. Electronic thermometers are equipped with additional functions; they beep when the measurement time is over and remember the value of the last results. There are children's models in the form of animals or characters from fairy tales, which make the unpleasant process of measuring easier for parents.

Electronic thermometer. Photo

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include:

safe compared to mercury. There is no glass or toxic mercury in it;
Possibility of measurement in different ways - armpit, oral, rectal. For this purpose, some thermometers have special flexible attachments;
speed of measurement. Maximum 1.5 min. (especially important in the case of a newborn);
There is no need to wait until the measurement time ends. He himself will give a signal when he determines the temperature;
values are easy to read from the digital screen;
relatively affordable price;
the display has a backlight, thanks to which you do not need to turn on the light in the middle of the night to see the result;
automatic shutdown;
has a small memory, which makes it possible to monitor temperature fluctuations throughout the day.

The disadvantages include:

large measurement error - 0.5 downward;
you need to change the batteries once every 3 months, otherwise the veracity of the results will be questionable;
costs more than mercury;
requires reading the instructions before use. Failure to follow the instructions correctly will give the wrong result;
there are models that require you to hold the thermometer under your armpit for a few seconds after turning it off to remember the result;
not all models can be disinfected.

How to use

To measure a newborn's temperature, you should disinfect the device and follow the instructions. Each model has its own subtleties of application. The main condition for all electronic thermometers is contact with the body.

Dummy thermometer

A new product on the thermometer market, it is a type of electronic thermometer. The values are displayed on the display, and a sensor is built into the nipple. As soon as the measurement is completed, it will give a signal. The result is displayed on the backlit indicator. The color signal also shows the change in temperature - red light - high, green - normal.

The thermometer is a dummy. Photo

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include:

convenient to use. If your baby sucks on pacifiers, he won't notice the difference;
safe for newborns - does not contain glass and mercury. The pacifier consists of high-quality latex or silicone;
The display is backlit, making it easier to view results in the dark;
quickly determines temperature (up to 5 minutes).

The disadvantages include:

Before use, you need to study the instructions, otherwise the measurement process will be disrupted and the result will not be accurate;
It is impossible to measure the temperature of a newborn with a stuffy nose, who cries or refuses to suck an unusual pacifier;
For those who practice breastfeeding without a pacifier, this type of thermometer is not suitable;
The lifespan of this device is short-lived - up to 3 years. A child with teething teeth can chew it. When the baby stops sucking pacifiers, it will no longer be possible to use it;
inaccurate measurement with an error of up to 0.3 degrees. The measurements reflect the baby's breathing and sucking intensity;
If a newborn falls asleep while taking the temperature, the squeak of the device signaling the end of the procedure may frighten him.

How to use

The child is given a pacifier and the power button is pressed. The sensor determines the temperature for several minutes. After turning off the thermometer, carefully remove it from the mouth. You cannot use it as a pacifier all the time. The last reading is stored in memory.

Important! When purchasing such a thermometer, parents need to check whether the rubber part is removable. It must be removable for disinfection.

Non-contact thermometer

The latest device that monitors a child’s temperature without touching. The radio signal monitor has two parts: for the baby and for the parents. The first part with a built-in infrared sensor can be attached to a T-shirt, T-shirt or diaper and every 15 seconds. takes readings. Parents have the second part in the form of a receiver equipped with a display. The results of the measurements taken are displayed on it. At elevated temperatures, the sensor beeps, signaling an alarm to parents with light and sound.

Non-contact thermometer. Photo

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages include:

regular measurements that do not cause trouble for parents or worry for the child;
does not require the constant presence of adults, continuously monitors temperature;
safe and easy to use;
at the first alarming changes, it gives a signal;
measurement time 5 seconds;
does not require disinfection;
memory can save up to 30 last measurements;
You can measure not only a person’s temperature, but also the temperature of the air in the room and the water in the bathroom. To do this, it is switched to a special mode.

The disadvantages include:

high cost of the device. Not everyone can purchase a safe and accurate contactless device for their baby;
requires changing batteries;
has measurement errors of 0.1 degrees;
The non-contact thermometer cannot measure rectal and oral temperature.

How to use

Before use, you need to thoroughly study the instructions, since there are different models, and the usage pattern may differ.

After you've read about the types of thermometers, be sure to learn 4 ways to measure a newborn's temperature and why readings can be inaccurate.

The best electronic thermometers for children

An electronic thermometer is the most popular type of thermometer after a mercury thermometer, although the latter’s measurements are still more accurate. These devices are often made in the form of toys and are equipped with a lot of additional features. We tested 30 electronic thermometers, and three models turned out to be the best thermometers for a child.

Hartmann Thermoval Kids

This is a digital clinical thermometer with a flexible tip that allows you to take the temperature of even the most unruly child. The device can be placed in the mouth, in the armpit, or rectally. The device is made only from safe materials that do not affect the health of the child. The device is equipped with a unique high-speed technology, the result appears quickly, which does not in any way affect its accuracy. After completing measurements, the device turns off automatically. The kit includes a protective case, and the thermometer itself is decorated with a funny image.

Advantages

Accuracy of measurements;
Automatic shutdown;
Children's design;
Ease of operation;
Waterproof;
Low cost.

Flaws

Lack of additional functions.

The best simple device to date. For a low cost, you get an accurate device with a cute design that your child will love.

Turbo Smart

When talking about the best thermometers for a child, we cannot fail to mention the Turbo Smart model. The device works in conjunction with a smartphone, and can also be used independently. The thermometer is attached to the baby's shoulder so that the measuring sensor is located in the armpit area. The main feature of this thermometer is synchronization with a smartphone. To do this, you need to install a mobile application with advanced functionality. In the program you can view the history of temperature changes or activate an alarm.

Advantages

Unusual appearance;
Accuracy of measurements;
Ease of operation;
Synchronization with smartphone.

Flaws

The measurement is made only when the sensor is placed under the mouse.

This is an original thermometer that allows you to measure the temperature of a sick child as accurately as possible. The thermometer body is made of durable plastic; the device strap will not chafe.

Maman RT-17

This is the most original thermometer, made in the shape of a swimming duck, chicken or hippopotamus. The device is completely waterproof; it can be used to measure not only body temperature, but also water temperature. Having done this, the thermometer emits a characteristic notification signal, which is convenient for use. Among all the devices in this rating, it performs its task the slowest – in 10-15 seconds, but this is also a good result. Data is displayed on a digital panel and is easy to read.

Advantages

Original appearance;
Selection of execution options;
Easy to read;
Low cost.

Flaws

Long dimension;
The result is not always accurate.

If you are primarily looking for a device to measure water temperature, the Maman RT-17 is your choice. Judging by the reviews, it is rarely used as a thermometer.

Which is the best thermometer to buy for a child?

After reading the rating of the best thermometers for children, you will be able to make the right choice without getting confused in front of the store shelf. We first advise you to arm yourself with the advice of professional pediatricians:

If you are planning to purchase a modern thermometer from a well-known manufacturer, opt for a Xiaomi thermometer.
The most functional of all thermometers presented in the rating is Medisana FTN.
If you specifically need an infrared thermometer, take the CS Medica KIDS CS-88. This device is the most accurate of similar thermometers.
The lightest device is B.Well WF-1000. The device fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, and even a visually impaired person can discern its readings.
The cheapest electronic thermometer is Hartmann. By purchasing it, you will receive a simple device, however, without additional functions.
If you want to monitor readings remotely from your smartphone, purchase the Turbo Smart model.
The Maman RT-17 thermometer has the most original design. It measures water temperature quite accurately, but other indicators are difficult for it.

Be careful when choosing a thermometer for your child if you want to get accurate readings. Modern children's thermometers look like toys. Thanks to this, the process of measuring temperature can be turned into a kind of game. The baby will not be capricious, and you can breathe a sigh of relief.

How to choose a baby thermometer

Small children hardly sit still, so it can be difficult to measure their temperature with a regular thermometer. And children often sleep very lightly, so any manipulation can wake up the child, and it will be difficult for him to fall asleep again. How to choose a suitable model that will facilitate the process of measuring temperature? Here is a list of criteria to rely on:

Child's age. For newborns and infants, an electronic nipple thermometer, rectal, non-contact or in the form of a bracelet, is suitable. The process of using a pacifier thermometer is similar to the natural process of breastfeeding. The rectal thermometer has a flexible tip that prevents injury, and the non-contact device and bracelet need no explanation. The use of pacifiers is contraindicated if nasal breathing is impaired.
Material. Before purchasing, you need to decide on the material - it is highly undesirable to buy thermometers made of glass (mercury). Despite their accuracy, the use of mercury thermometers in children is very dangerous. The device must be made of impact-resistant plastic, there must be no protruding/easily broken parts, or sharp protrusions along the edges of the “seams”. All this can lead to injury to the child or aspiration from a foreign object.
Type. It is difficult for active children to keep their attention on one thing, so when performing any manipulations with such children, you need to attract their attention, and then quickly take a measurement. Contactless models are perfect for these purposes. Conventional models require measurements in 5-10 minutes, but are noticeably more accurate.
Possibility of setting a sound signal (for electronic thermometers). Many digital models suffer from the fact that they do not have a volume control function, which eliminates the possibility of measuring temperature while you sleep. Therefore, preference should be given to thermometers with a quiet sound or the ability to customize it.

Currently, almost all manufacturers of medical equipment have thermometers in their assortment. Preference should be given to the most well-known brands: AND (A&D), Omron, B.Well, Little Doctor. Of course, this is not always an indicator of quality, but popular companies value their reputation, so there is no doubt about the quality of their products.

There is an opinion online that electronic thermometers are not accurate enough, but it is important to understand that after the sound signal we only get an approximate result; for accurate readings it is necessary to continue measuring for another 3-7 minutes.

Another important point is that the principle of measuring temperature is different for mercury and electronic devices, so the values on them may differ slightly. If you consider the indicators of a mercury thermometer to be reference values, it is worth making a control measurement on the devices and taking into account the difference in the next measurements with electronic models.

Useful materials to choose from