If your baby is unwell, a great way to find out early on is by taking their temperature. Signs of illness can be displayed in drops or rises in any levels that are different to the recommended 36.4C. 

Child thermometers are designed to be highly effective and not invasive for children, allowing parents to get an accurate reading before their little one starts to wriggle around. This is important as a certain period of time is required when taking temperatures to get an accurate reading. These products use electronic heat sensors to take a reading quickly. Some designs will be contactless, and others require direct touch, but all are able to operate rapidly before a baby starts to become restless.

Child thermometers are also not just ideal for looking after a little one but also for checking the temperature of item items associated with care. This could be checking how warm a bath or bottle is. 

When choosing a thermometer for a baby or young child, as long as it is marketed as being suitable with safety considerations mentioned it should be suitable to use. We recommend any form of electronic product as they are more reliable at capturing any changes in body heat even at the earliest signs of illness. 

Features to look for that make life easier include being lightweight in design, featuring a backlight, having the option to record temperatures in different metrics and long-lasting batteries. All of these benefits make it easier to care for a child, whether at home or on the move.

When using a child thermometer, always be sure that the young person has not just had a bath or undertaken any excessive exercises. To get an accurate reading, always wait until your child is sitting as still as possible. For many digital thermometers, a reading can be taken when the probe is a few cm away from the child's head but always be sure to read the instructions for your chosen product. It's also always a good idea to take more than one reading to gain an accurate result.

All child thermometers can simply be wiped clean. The only care instruction that may differ is how the item is operated, as some may be rechargeable, and others require a battery to be installed. Always check the care instructions for advice.