We scored 6 thermometers on what they're made of, what parents and testers report, and value. Our top pick is Frida Baby Quick Read Rectal Thermometer, with a Cradle Score of 87.
Highest Cradle Score of the 6 we scored. Rectal readings are the most accurate for babies, and this one makes them less…
Materials & safety score of 80. A cheap stick thermometer that's about as accurate as it gets and works rectally, which…
Parent consensus score of 86. BabyGearLab's Editors' Choice: quick, accurate ear readings with solid build quality.
Value & longevity score of 82. A budget dual-mode thermometer that's accurate if you follow every instruction.
| # | Product and Cradle Score | Materials & safety | Parents | Value | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 87Frida Baby Quick Read Rectal ThermometerAbout $14-16 | 86 | 86 | 90 | Low |
| 2 | 86Vicks SpeedRead Digital ThermometerAbout $15 | 80 | 86 | 96 | Low |
| 3 | 81Braun ThermoScan Ear ThermometerAbout $60 | 78 | 86 | 76 | Low |
| 4 | 70iHealth No-Touch Forehead ThermometerAbout $60 | 70 | 70 | 72 | Low |
| 5 | 70Goodbaby Forehead & Ear ThermometerAbout $20 | 68 | 66 | 82 | Low |
| 6 | 64iProven Forehead & Ear ThermometerAbout $60 | 66 | 62 | 66 | Low |
Scores out of 100. Materials & safety and Parents each count 40%, Value 20%.
Must-have You'll need an accurate thermometer for fevers. Ask your pediatrician which type they recommend for newborns.
Secondhand: Buy new. Buy new for hygiene and accuracy.
Typical use: about 60 months.
The AAP says a rectal reading is the most accurate for babies under 3 months. Forehead and ear thermometers are quicker for older babies; compare speed, accuracy reports and how easy the display is to read at night.
4 have a safety or materials point to know about, noted in the reviews below.
Rectal readings are the most accurate for babies, and this one makes them less nerve-wracking: a short flexible tip with a flared base that limits how far it goes in, a big backlit screen and a reading in about 10 seconds.
A cheap stick thermometer that's about as accurate as it gets and works rectally, which pediatricians recommend for young infants.
BabyGearLab's Editors' Choice: quick, accurate ear readings with solid build quality. Ear thermometers aren't recommended for newborns, so pair it with a rectal one.
Fast, contactless readings on a sleeping baby, but accuracy depends on a clean forehead and a 30-minute room acclimation.
A budget dual-mode thermometer that's accurate if you follow every instruction.
One-button dual-mode readings, but average build quality and strict usage rules.
Frida Baby Quick Read Rectal Thermometer has the highest Cradle Score of the 6 thermometers we scored, at 87 out of 100 (Excellent). Rectal readings are the most accurate for babies, and this one makes them less nerve-wracking: a short flexible tip with a flared base that limits how far it goes in, a big backlit screen and a reading in about 10 seconds.
Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer scores highest on materials and safety among the thermometers we scored.
Frida Baby Quick Read Rectal Thermometer has the strongest parent and tester consensus, based on the praise and complaints that keep coming up in hands-on reviews and parent communities.
Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer (About $15) scores highest on value and longevity among thermometers with a Good or Excellent score.
None of the 6 thermometers on this page has an open recall in our latest check. Always check the CPSC recall database (or NHTSA for car seats) before you buy or use a product.
Each score is 40% materials and safety, 40% parent and tester consensus, and 20% value and longevity. Every product page lists its sources and when we last checked it, and brands cannot pay for placement.
Missing a thermometer? Tell us what to score next.
Request a productSee all health & safety products, or compare any three side by side.