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Best thermometers for babies and children in 2026

Where to find the best products to take your child's temperature, tried and tested by parents

Published: April 8, 2026 at 1:45 PM

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Selecting the right thermometer for babies and children can feel especially important when you’re dealing with a poorly little one in the middle of the night. In those high-stress moments, you want something that’s quick, easy to use and simple to read.

There’s a huge range of thermometers on the market, from basic digital options costing just a few pounds to more advanced models priced at £80 or more. To help you find the right one for your family, we’ve researched the options and gathered feedback from parents on the models that are easiest and most useful to use at home.

The NHS has warned against the use of forehead strip-type thermometers, as they can give inaccurate results, but says that a cheap digital thermometer from a supermarket, pharmacy or online is perfectly adequate. We’ve included those alongside more advanced options below, so you can choose the thermometer that best suits your needs.

We have lots more advice on what to do if your baby has a fever, but do note that the NHS urges parents to seek urgent medical advice if their little one is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38C (101F) or more, or is between 3 and 6 months old and has a temperature of 39C (102F) or more.

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Best thermometers for babies and children at a glance

How we chose the best thermometers for babies and children

Our best-buy lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists using a mix of independent reviews, MadeForMums Awards testing, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Every year, hundreds of parents across the UK help us put thousands of products through their paces so we can bring you honest, practical recommendations. For this guide, we looked at how the reading is taken, how quickly results are delivered, how the thermometer is powered, whether extra accessories are needed, and whether readings can be stored for one or multiple users. This isn’t a ranked list from best to worst. Instead, each thermometer here has been selected because it suits a different family need, budget or preference.

Here are the best thermometers for babies and children in 2026

Best thermometer overall

Braun ThermoScan7 Ear Thermometer with Age Precision, £59.99

Best for: Families wanting a fast, reliable all-round thermometer

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Braun ThermoScan7 Ear Thermometer with Age Precision product shot

Why we chose it: This easy-to-use in-ear thermometer combines speed, useful memory storage and age-adjusted fever guidance, making it a strong all-round choice for family use.

I love the product! The display screen on the outside makes it really easy and quick to read results. Instructions of use are very clear and easy to follow. The function of age input and memory makes it really handy. I tested it on my 2 year old who doesn’t like to have anything put in her ear so the speed of reading is crucial. It does an excellent job.

Parent tester Karen

Key SpecsDetailPrice£59.99Best forFamilies wanting a fast, reliable all-round thermometerTypeIn-earBatteries2 AA batteries required (included)Memory9 readingsReading time4 seconds

What we like

What to keep in mind

This thermometer consistently impresses families thanks to its clear display, quick results and practical extra features. Its age-adjustable fever setting is particularly useful if you’re using it across different ages, as it helps you interpret readings quickly whether you have a newborn, toddler or older child.

Available from: Amazon and Boots

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Best thermometers for different needs

Tommee Tippee No Touch Forehead Thermometer, £49.99

Best for: Fuss-free design

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Tommee Tippee No Touch Forehead Thermometer product shot

Why we chose it: Its simple controls, quick no-touch readings and easy-to-read screen make this a strong pick for parents who want minimal faff.

This is reliable, quick to use in a crisis and so simple even my toddler knows how to use it.

Parent tester Gemma, who tested this thermometer with her 2 year old

Key SpecsDetailPrice£49.99Best forFuss-free designTypeNo touchBatteries2x LR44 batteries required (included)Memory25 readingsReading time2 seconds

What we like

What to keep in mind

This is a good option for parents who want a thermometer that feels intuitive straight away, especially when you’re tired or in a rush. It’s also useful if you want a no-touch design for checking a sleeping or wriggly child.

Available from: Boots, John Lewis and Amazon

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Braun Age Precision Digital Stick PRT2000, £20.75

Best for: Using with different ages

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Braun Age Precision Digital Stick PRT2000

Why we chose it: This affordable digital stick thermometer is easy to use across different ages thanks to its age-adjustable fever guidance and flexible design.

It’s been great. It’s now used on baby number two. It’s user friendly. I like that it has a traffic light system so you don’t have to remember temperature ranges (veterinary nurse here so we are generally lower in temp which always confuses me).

Parent tester Naomi

FieldDetailPrice £17Best forUsing with different agesTypeIn ear oral and rectalBatteries1x 3V coin battery (included)MemoryLast reading recallReading time8 seconds

What we like

What to keep in mind

This is a practical buy if you want something simple, versatile and reasonably priced. The slower reading time may not suit every family, but the comfortable flexible tip and straightforward fever guidance make it a reassuring option for family use.

Available from: Boots, Argos, Amazon and Superdrug

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Vital Baby Protect 4 in 1 Contactless Thermometer, £39.99

Best for: Multiple uses

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Vital Baby Protect 4 in 1 Contactless Thermometer product shot

Why we chose it: This versatile model does more than just body temperature, making it a useful everyday family tool.

While this is relatively expensive, it’s also genuinely useful, and much smarter than your average thermometer.

Parent tester Elizabeth

Key SpecsDetailPrice£39.99Best forMultiple usesTypeNo contact and In-earBatteries2 AAA batteries required (included)Memory1 previousReading time2 seconds

What we like

What to keep in mind

If you want one device that can do a bit of everything, this is a handy choice. It’s especially useful for families who like the idea of checking room, bath or bottle temperature as well as taking readings when a child is unwell.

Available from: Kiddies Kingdom

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Braun No Touch and Touch Age Precision Thermometer, £50

Best for: Young families

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Braun No Touch and Touch Age Precision Thermometer

Why we chose it: Its touch and no-touch options, plus helpful night-time features, make this a useful choice for families with babies and young children.

This is so much better (than our previous in-ear thermometer) and our GP said it’s a trustworthy brand. You can also use it to measure bath water temperature which we found useful.

Parent tester Brogan

Key SpecsDetailPrice£49.99 Best forYoung familiesTypeNo touch and ForeheadBatteries2 AAA batteries required (included)Reading time2 seconds

What we like

What to keep in mind

This is a particularly reassuring option for families who regularly need to take temperatures at night or on a sleeping child. The combination of clear guidance and flexible use makes it feel especially parent-friendly.

Available from: John Lewis, Amazon and Argos

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Munchkin Mini Thermometer, £24.99

Best for: Travel

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Munchkin Mini Thermometer tester picture and product shot

Why we chose it: Small, lightweight and quick to read, this is a handy thermometer to keep in your changing bag or hand luggage.

The Munchkin thermometer has a sleek, modern design and is small and compact — it is so handy to put in your backpack when you are out and about or on holiday. The baby was unfazed by the product and happily let me take his temperature.

Parent tester Elena, who tested the thermometer with her 6-month-old son Leonidas (pictured above)

Key SpecsDetailPrice£24.99Best forTravelTypeNo touchBatteriesCR2032 battery (included)Memory20 readingsReading time1 second

What we like

What to keep in mind

This is a good option for families who want something portable without giving up useful features like a lit display and stored readings. It’s most suited to on-the-go use, though some parents may still prefer an in-ear thermometer at home.

Available from: John Lewis and Amazon

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TPZ No Touch Infrared Forehead Thermometer, £16.99

Best for: Value no-touch temperature checks

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TPZ No Touch Infrared Forehead Thermometer

Why we chose it: For a low-priced thermometer, this model offers plenty of practical features, including silent operation and multiple temperature modes.

Key SpecsDetailPrice£16.99 Best forAffordable no-touch readingsTypeNo contactBatteries2 AAA batteries required (not included)Memory32 readingsReading time1 second

What we like

What to keep in mind

This is a practical choice if you want a no-touch thermometer without spending too much. It covers the basics well and adds a few genuinely useful extras that make it especially handy for overnight checks.

Available from: Amazon

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Tommee Tippee Digital 2-in-1 Thermometer, £15

Best for: More comfortable readings

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Tommee Tippee 2-in-1 Thermometer product shot

Why we chose it: Its curved design and flexible waterproof tip help make oral or underarm temperature checks feel a little more comfortable.

Key SpecsDetailPrice£15Best forMore comfortable readingsTypeUnder tongue and underarmBatteries1 CR2 battery required (included)Memory1 previous readingReading time8-15 seconds orally

What we like

What to keep in mind

Type: Under tongue and underarm | Batteries: ‎1 CR2 battery required (included) | Memory: 1 previous reading | Readings: 8-15 seconds orally

This will appeal most to parents who prefer a more traditional thermometer style and don’t mind waiting a little longer for the result. It’s also a neat option for travel thanks to its compact shape.

Available from: Boots, Amazon, John Lewis and Superdrug

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iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer, £59.99

Best for: Night-time readings

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iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer

Why we chose it: Quiet operation, a clear display and fast results make this a particularly useful thermometer for checking temperature overnight.

Key SpecsDetailPrice£59.99Best forNight-time readingsTypeNo touchBatteries2 AAA batteries required (included)Reading time1 second

What we like

What to keep in mind

This is a strong pick if your priority is taking readings with as little disruption as possible. It’s especially handy for babies and children who wake easily, and it looks and feels a bit more streamlined than many no-contact models.

Available from: Amazon

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Key specs: How the best thermometers compare

ProductBest forPriceTypeBatteriesMemoryReading timeBraun ThermoScan7 Ear Thermometer with Age PrecisionFamilies wanting a fast reliable all-round thermometer£59.99In-ear2 AA batteries required included9 readings4 secondsTommee Tippee No Touch Forehead ThermometerFuss-free design£49.99No touch2x LR44 batteries required included25 readings2 secondsBraun Age Precision Digital Stick PRT2000Using with different ages £17In ear oral and rectal1x 3V coin battery includedLast reading recall8 secondsBraun No Touch and Touch Age Precision ThermometerYoung families£49.99 No touch and Forehead2 AAA batteries required includedUnknown2 secondsMunchkin Mini ThermometerTravel£24.99No touchCR2032 battery included20 readings1 secondTPZ No Touch Infrared Forehead ThermometerAffordable no-touch readings£16.99 No contact2 AAA batteries required not included32 readings1 secondTommee Tippee Digital 2-in-1 ThermometerMore comfortable readings£15Under tongue and underarm1 CR2 battery required included1 previous reading8-15 seconds orallyiHealth No-Touch Forehead ThermometerNight-time readings£59.99No touch2 AAA batteries required includedUnknown1 secondVital Baby Protect 4 in 1 Contactless ThermometerMultiple uses£39.99No contact and In-ear2 AAA batteries required included1 previous2 seconds

What to look for when choosing a thermometer for your family

How the reading is taken

Thermometers can measure body temperature via the forehead, ear, under the tongue, armpit or rectally. It’s worth thinking about your child’s age, how intrusive they may find each method, and how quickly the thermometer gives a result.

Non-contact forehead thermometers are the least intrusive and can be particularly handy with sleeping children, although they’re not always as accurate as other methods.

Power supply

Digital thermometers need batteries to work, so it’s worth checking which type they use. You may be more likely to already have AA or AAA batteries at home than coin batteries, and in a stressful moment that convenience can make a difference.

Accessories

Most in-ear thermometers need a disposable probe cover for each use. Many come with some included, but you’ll need to factor in replacements once they run out.

Memory and multi-user tracking

A memory function can be really useful if you want to monitor how a temperature changes over time, or if more than one person in the family is unwell. It can save you from having to remember or write down every reading.

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Authors

Janet MartinContributor

Janet is mum to two children aged 6 & 9 and a great-Aunt too. She began writing early, penning her first book aged just 7. She has published 2 books

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