How to Check Baby’s Temperature | Best Thermometers for Kids

Not all thermometers are created equal

Fevers are something every parent dreads — but often it’s not just the fever, it’s the stress of trying to check your child’s temperature accurately (and sometimes wrestling a squirmy toddler in the process!).

With so many thermometer types available, it can be confusing to know which one is right for your baby. Do you add or subtract a degree? Which reading should you trust?

This guide explains the different types of thermometers for babies and children, their pros and cons, and which is best depending on your child’s age.

Axillary Thermometer (Under the Arm)

Axillary Thermometer

Best for: Newborns and babies under 6 months

✅ Pros

• Cheap and simple to use

• Accurate for body temperature

• Can be used orally in older children

• Suitable from birth (this is what hospitals use after bub is born)

❌ Cons

• Can take up to 30 seconds — tricky for wriggly toddlers who dislike having their arm held still

Tympanic Thermometer (In the Ear)

Tympanic Thermometer

Best for: Babies over 6 months and toddlers

✅ Pros

• Accurate

• Quick and easy to use

❌ Cons

• Expensive

• Not recommended under 6 months (small ear canals can give inaccurate readings)

Temporal Artery Thermometer (Forehead)

Temporal Artery Thermometer

Best for: Quick checks, especially with older children

✅ Pros

• Instant reading

• Can be non-contact — great for checking a sleeping child without waking them

❌ Cons

• Can be inaccurate

• Affected by the environment (room temperature, drafts, sweating, lying on one side, etc.)

• Often expensive

So, Which Thermometer Should Parents Use?

• Under 6 months: The most reliable and recommended option is the axillary (underarm) thermometer.

• Over 6 months: Either a tympanic (ear) thermometer or an axillary thermometer works well.

• Forehead thermometers can be handy for quick checks but shouldn’t be relied on as the only method.

💡 Remember: A fever is defined as 38°C or higher. Don’t just focus on the number — always look at your child’s overall behaviour, comfort, and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right thermometer makes checking your baby’s temperature less stressful and more accurate. For newborns, stick with the simple underarm thermometer. For older babies and toddlers, ear thermometers offer speed and accuracy, while forehead options can be useful for quick checks.

Most importantly, remember that a fever itself isn’t dangerous — it’s how your child looks and feels that matters most. If you’re worried, always check in with your GP.

FAQs: Checking Baby’s Temperature

1. What is the most accurate thermometer for babies?The axillary (underarm) thermometer is the most accurate for newborns and infants under 6 months.

2. Can I use an ear thermometer on my newborn?No. Ear thermometers are not recommended for babies under 6 months as their ear canals are too small, leading to inaccurate results.

3. Do forehead thermometers work for babies?Forehead thermometers can be useful for quick checks but may be inaccurate due to room temperature or sweating. They’re best used alongside another method.

4. What temperature is considered a fever in a child?A fever is defined as a temperature of 38°C or higher. Always look at your child’s overall wellbeing, not just the number.