Best thermometers for babies and children in 2026

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.

Best thermometers for babies and children at a glance

• Best thermometer overall: Braun ThermoScan7 Ear Thermometer with Age Precision, £59.99 £49.99 at Boots (Save £10 or 17%)
• Best thermometer for fuss-free design: Tommee Tippee No Touch Forehead Thermometer, £49.99 £29.99 at Boots (Save £20 or 40%)
• Best thermometer for using with different ages: Braun Age Precision Digital Stick PRT2000, £16.99 £12.99 at Amazon (Save £4 or 24%)
• Best thermometer for multiple uses: Vital Baby Protect 4 in 1 Contactless Thermometer, £39.99 at Kiddies Kingdom
• Best thermometer for young families: Braun No Touch and Touch Age Precision Thermometer, £49.99 £29.99 at Amazon (Save £20 or 40%)
• Best thermometer for travel: Munchkin Mini Thermometer, £24.99 £18.39 at Amazon (Save £6.60 or 26%)
• Best value no-touch thermometer: TPZ No Touch Infrared Forehead Thermometer, £16.99 at Amazon
• Best thermometer for more comfortable readings: Tommee Tippee Digital 2-in-1 Thermometer, £14.99 £9.25 at Amazon (Save £5.74 or 38%)
• Best thermometer for night-time readings: iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer, £59.99 at Amazon

• Jump to the best thermometer overall
• Jump to the full list
• Jump to what to look for when choosing a thermometer

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

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.

What we like

• Pre-warmed tip helps support accuracy
• Colour-coded fever guidance is quick to read at a glance
• Memory stores the last 9 readings
• Nightlight is handy for checks in the dark
• Includes 21 Braun Hygiene Caps

What to keep in mind

• One of the pricier options in this round-up
• In-ear design may not suit every child

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

Best thermometers for different needs

Tommee Tippee No Touch Forehead Thermometer, £49.99

Best for: Fuss-free design

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.

What we like

• Simple two-button design
• Comfortable to hold
• Large display with easy-to-read temperature reading
• Fast results in 2 seconds
• Includes a surface temperature mode for things like milk bottles

What to keep in mind

• Fever alert and beeps can’t be silenced
• You need to be within 4cm to take a reading

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

Braun Age Precision Digital Stick PRT2000, £20.75

Best for: Using with different ages

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).

What we like

• Large age adjustment button makes it easy to switch between siblings
• Flexible stem is more comfortable than rigid alternatives
• Good value from a well-known brand
• Colour-coded display is quick to interpret

What to keep in mind

• One of the longest reading times in this guide
• Needs cleaning between uses if shared

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

Vital Baby Protect 4 in 1 Contactless Thermometer, £39.99

Best for: Multiple uses

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.

What we like

• Checks head and ear temperature
• Can also measure liquid and room temperature
• Easy-to-read colour-coded display
• Compact, sturdy build
• Ready to use straight from the box

What to keep in mind

• Stores only 1 previous reading
• Not the cheapest option

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

Braun No Touch and Touch Age Precision Thermometer, £50

Best for: Young families

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.

What we like

• Can be used in touch or no-touch mode
• Silent mode is useful at night
• Backlit display, aiming light and on-screen guidance all help in low light
• Colour-coded readings are guided by age
• Well-built and versatile

What to keep in mind

• No memory function

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

Munchkin Mini Thermometer, £24.99

Best for: Travel

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.

What we like

• Very compact and easy to carry
• Comes with a carry case
• Light-up display is useful in the dark
• Stores up to 20 readings
• Fast 1-second reading time

What to keep in mind

• Needs to be less than 3cm from the forehead
• Can take a little practice to get consistently accurate readings

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

TPZ No Touch Infrared Forehead Thermometer, £16.99

Best for: Value no-touch temperature checks

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

What we like

• Good value for money
• Measures body, liquid and room temperature
• Mute function is useful for sleeping children
• Backlit display and fast 1-second readings
• Stores up to 32 readings

What to keep in mind

• Batteries are not included
• The number of buttons may feel a bit overwhelming at first

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

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

Best for: More comfortable readings

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

What we like

• Curved underside is designed for comfort
• Flexible, waterproof tip
• Compact and lightweight
• Large display is easy to read
• Good value from a trusted brand

What to keep in mind

• Readings can feel slow, especially with a wriggly child
• Underarm readings may require at least 60 seconds for accuracy

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

iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer, £59.99

Best for: Night-time readings

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

What we like

• LED display can be used in total darkness
• Vibrating feedback means near-silent operation
• Fast 1-second readings
• Distance sensor helps with positioning
• Sleek design that feels less bulky than some alternatives

What to keep in mind

• Needs to be less than 2cm from the forehead
• Pricey

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

Key specs: How the best thermometers compare

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.

Read more

• What causes a fever in babies and toddlers
• What should I do if my child has a fever on holiday?
• Best sterilisers tried and tested