When your baby has a fever, every second feels like an eternity. I remember the first time my little one spiked a temperature—I was panicked, fumbling through medicine cabinets, and second-guessing my old thermometer. If you’re a parent, you know that helpless feeling. Having a reliable baby thermometer can make all the difference in those stressful moments.
In 2020, baby thermometers came in various types—infrared, digital, ear, and rectal—each with its own pros and cons. If you’re looking for the best options from that year, here’s a breakdown of the most trusted thermometers that helped parents like you monitor fevers with confidence.
Top Baby Thermometers of 2020
Here are some of the best thermometers for babies that stood out in 2020 based on accuracy, ease of use, and reliability:
Braun ThermoScan 7 Ear Thermometer
Why Parents Loved It:
- Accurate and widely recommended by pediatricians
- Pre-warmed tip for gentle ear readings
- Color-coded fever guidance based on age
Ear thermometers were a popular choice in 2020, and Braun’s ThermoScan 7 was a favorite among parents. I remember a friend swearing by this thermometer after struggling with traditional ones—she loved how the pre-warmed tip prevented temperature fluctuations, giving her peace of mind.
iProven DMT-489 Forehead and Ear Thermometer
Why Parents Loved It:
- Dual-mode (forehead + ear)
- Fast, one-second readings
- Silent mode for nighttime use
This thermometer was a lifesaver for sleep-deprived parents. If you’ve ever tried to take your baby’s temperature without waking them, you know the struggle. With its silent mode and quick readings, the iProven DMT-489 was perfect for those late-night fever checks.
Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer
Why Parents Loved It:
- Flexible tip for comfort
- Budget-friendly
- Waterproof and easy to clean
If you were on a budget in 2020, this thermometer was a go-to. I remember using this on my niece—it took a little longer than infrared options, but the accuracy was worth the wait. Plus, it was easy to clean, which was a big win for parents worried about germs.
Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer
Why Parents Loved It:
- Gentle forehead scanning
- No need for probe covers
- Highly accurate
Forehead thermometers became a favorite in 2020, and the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer was one of the best. I had a cousin who used this on her twins—she loved that she could quickly scan their foreheads while they slept, avoiding any extra fuss.
Kinsa Smart Thermometer
Why Parents Loved It:
- Connects to an app for tracking fevers
- Fast and accurate readings
- Pediatrician-recommended
Tech-savvy parents loved the Kinsa Smart Thermometer. It connected to a smartphone app, allowing you to log symptoms and track fevers over time. A friend of mine found this super helpful when talking to her pediatrician—she could show a full history of her baby’s fever patterns, making doctor visits more productive.
Choosing the Right Baby Thermometer
Every baby is different, and what worked for one parent might not be the best fit for you. Here are some factors to consider when picking a thermometer:
Accuracy Matters
Rectal and ear thermometers were considered the most accurate in 2020, while forehead thermometers offered a balance of convenience and reliability.
Speed is Everything
When your baby is fussy, you don’t want to wait 30 seconds for a reading. Infrared and ear thermometers gave instant results, while traditional digital thermometers took a bit longer.
Ease of Use
A thermometer should be simple to operate, especially in the middle of the night. One-button operation and silent modes were key features parents looked for.
Comfort for Your Baby
Some babies hated ear thermometers, while others barely noticed them. If your little one is sensitive, a forehead or pacifier thermometer might have been a better option.
Cleaning and Hygiene
With babies, hygiene is everything. Thermometers with disposable covers or waterproof designs made cleaning much easier.
The Best Baby Thermometer for You
Looking back at 2020, the best baby thermometer was the one that gave you peace of mind during those stressful moments. Whether it was the accuracy of the Braun ThermoScan 7, the tech features of the Kinsa Smart Thermometer, or the convenience of the Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer, each one had its strengths.
If I could go back and give one piece of advice to new parents, it would be this—don’t wait until your baby has a fever to get a good thermometer. Having one on hand before you need it will save you from a lot of unnecessary stress.