Quick answer: The best baby thermometer depends on your child's age and how you will use it. For newborns and sleeping babies, a non-contact infrared forehead thermometer is usually the easiest and least disturbing. Ear thermometers suit older babies and children, and underarm digital thermometers are a simple, low-cost backup. Whatever you choose, accuracy and consistent technique matter most, especially for babies under 3 months.
Walk into any Australian pharmacy or baby store and the thermometer shelf can be overwhelming. Forehead, ear, digital, smart, non-contact, and a price range from around $20 to well over $100. Here is a straightforward guide to the main types, what to look for, and how to choose the right one for your family.
The main types of baby thermometer
Non-contact infrared forehead. You hold it a few centimetres from the forehead and get a reading in about a second, without touching the skin. This is the easiest type to use on a sleeping baby and works for the whole family. Look for a fever alert and adult and child modes.
Ear (tympanic). Quick and accurate in older babies and children when positioned correctly. Some parents find ear placement fiddly on very small babies, and earwax or a poor fit can affect readings.
Digital stick (underarm or oral). Inexpensive and reliable. Underarm is the safe option for babies. It takes a little longer and can read slightly lower than core temperature, but it is a dependable backup.
Smart and app-connected. These log readings to your phone and can be handy for tracking a fever over time, though they cost more and are not necessary for accurate results.
What to look for in a baby thermometer
- Speed. A one-second reading is far easier with a wriggling or sleeping baby.
- Non-contact option. Being able to check without touching the skin is a real advantage at night.
- Fever alert. A clear visual or audible alert when a temperature is high.
- Adult and child modes. So the device grows with your family.
- Clear, backlit display. Easy to read in a dark nursery.
- Easy cleaning. Non-contact forehead modes need no probe covers.
- Memory recall. Handy for tracking whether a fever is rising or settling.
Which type suits which age?
Newborn to 3 months: simplicity and accuracy are everything. A non-contact forehead thermometer is easy and gentle. Remember that any reading of 38°C or above in this age group needs prompt medical attention.
3 to 12 months: a forehead thermometer remains the easiest, with ear mode as a useful second method as your baby grows.
Toddlers and older children: forehead or ear both work well. A device with both, plus a fever alert, covers every situation.
What do baby thermometers cost in Australia?
As a rough guide, simple digital stick thermometers start from around $20. Infrared forehead and ear thermometers from popular brands such as Braun, Vicks, Dreambaby and Oricom typically range from about $40 to $90, and multi-function or smart models can run past $100. Price is not a guarantee of accuracy. Good technique and a quality sensor matter more than the highest price tag.
Why parents choose the Elle TENS infrared thermometer
The Elle TENS infrared thermometer is a dual forehead and ear device built for family life. It gives a non-contact reading in about one second, switches between adult and child modes, includes a fever alert, and even reads bath water and room temperature. It comes from the team behind Elle TENS and the global Babycare TENS family, so it is a natural addition for parents preparing for a new baby. It is also available as a bundle add-on with an Elle TENS labour hire or the Elle TENS Plus.
For the best results from any infrared model, see our guide on how to use a forehead thermometer correctly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of thermometer for a newborn?
A non-contact infrared forehead thermometer is usually best for newborns because it is fast and does not need to touch the skin. For any baby under 3 months, see a doctor promptly if the reading is 38°C or above.
Are forehead thermometers accurate for babies?
Yes, when used correctly on a clean, dry forehead at the right distance. Consistent technique is the key to reliable readings.
Forehead or ear thermometer, which is better?
Forehead is easiest for newborns and sleeping babies. Ear can suit older children. A device with both gives you flexibility.
How much should I spend on a baby thermometer?
You do not need the most expensive model. A reliable infrared forehead thermometer with a fever alert and clear display covers what most families need.
Do I need more than one thermometer?
Many parents keep one main thermometer and use the same method each time. A simple digital backup can be reassuring, but it is not essential.
Sources
Healthdirect Australia, Fever and high temperature in children and babies. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby, Fever in babies. CHOICE, Baby thermometer reviews. Raising Children Network, High temperature or fever in children.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your child, contact your GP, call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or in an emergency call 000.
The easy choice for new parents
Fast, non-contact forehead and ear readings for the whole family, with a fever alert. Bundle and save with an Elle TENS hire or the Elle TENS Plus.
