Buying guide for Best baby bath thermometers
When it’s time to put your baby in the bathtub, it’s common to worry about the temperature of the water. While dipping your elbow in the tub is one way to feel if it’s too hot or too cold, a more accurate temperature reading with a baby bath thermometer can keep your little one safe and comfortable while giving you peace of mind.
By far the most popular type of baby bath thermometer is made to look like a toy and is safe for babies to play with while in the tub. These cute figures also have digital screens that display water temperature readings. Most models work in Fahrenheit and Celsius and produce new readings every few seconds to ensure that the water stays at a safe and comfortable temperature for your baby’s skin. They also deliver alerts with lights, sound or both to let you know when the water temperature needs adjusting.
Baby bath thermometers are waterproof and powered by internal batteries. In addition to taking water temperatures, most models can also take room temperatures. Analog bath water thermometers are also available. They're functional but not as common or popular as the types that resemble cute animal characters.
We researched baby bath thermometers and the features they offer and found that the best choice is the DreamBaby Room and Bath Thermometer, which gives accurate readings every 10 seconds and comes in a cute design your baby will love.
Expert Tip
Bathwater should be kept around 100 degrees.
Dr. Aimee Ketchum
BestReviews
Baby bath thermometers and accessories
This Family Choice Award-winning bath thermometer offers all the features needed to measure that the bathwater is the perfect temperature for delicate skin. It takes temperatures every 10 seconds and flashes alert lights if the water is too hot or too cold. Remove it from the water, and it provides the temperature of the room. Made with BPA-free plastic, the turtle design is cute and appealing to youngsters (it’s also available as a crocodile and a duck). It shuts off after 30 minutes of not being moved to maintain the included battery.
You’ll get temperature readings quickly with this affordable bath thermometer, as it produces water temperature readings every second. It doubles as a room-temperature thermometer, and the adorable seal design is made of BPA-free materials. Other key features include automatic shut-off after 30 minutes, a vivid screen and an alarm with a flashing light if the water temperature gets too high or too low.
This little stingray is fun for kids to play with, and it delivers tub water temperatures every five seconds to monitor optimal comfort and safety. If the water temperature gets too hot or too cold, it sounds an alarm and flashes warning lights. Auto shut-off occurs when not in use for 30 minutes to preserve the battery, which lasts about a year. It measures room temperature as well.
This BPA-free thermometer with a smiling turtle in an innertube is fun for a child to play with during bathtime and does an excellent job taking temperature readings of the water. It sounds an alarm if the water temperature is too high or too low so you can always be sure the water is perfect for your baby’s skin. It takes readings every two seconds for timely results and is also available in frog and crocodile designs.
Bath time isn’t complete without a yellow ducky. In addition to a timeless design, this thermometer from Swiss company B&H is the only one on our list that can also tell you the time, so you can stay on schedule; there’s even a timer you can set, which is handy for toddlers who don’t like getting out of the tub. The thermometer is accurate and flashes and beeps when the water is too cold or too hot; it can also display the air temperature.
This quality baby bath thermometer registers accurate temperatures quickly, features high/low water temperature alerts, shuts off automatically and is made of BPA-free materials. It sports a colorful crab design that grabs kids' attention. When it’s not checking the temperatures of water in a tub, you can stand it up on a dresser to use as a room thermometer.
From bathwater to room temperatures, this handy thermometer earns praise for delivering accurate temperature readings on the easy-to-read screen. Kids love the adorable frog design, while parents appreciate the BPA-free construction. Auto shut-off, temperature alerts and one-second temperature readings are key selling points in its feature set.
This smiling seal has a sweet appearance that appeals to kids. Both a room and water thermometer, it can be placed in an upright position on a flat surface or allowed to float in the water. Hot and cold water temperature indicators keep you informed if the water isn’t suitable for your little one. It takes temperatures every five seconds and has a vivid screen. Auto shut-off protects battery life during use.
Though it may not be as fun to look at as the toy-like models on our list, this classic bath thermometer takes highly accurate temperature readings. It’s simple to use, as it’s made to dip in the bathwater to take temperatures quickly. The display is easy to read and features warm and hot bath indicators. It’s also the most affordable option on our list.
Expert Tip
Always check the water temperature before immersing your baby.
Dr. Aimee Ketchum
BestReviews
What to know before buying a baby bath thermometer
User-friendly designs
Baby bath thermometers with a toy-like appearance are the most popular. Made to float in the water, they're straightforward to use and appealing to youngsters. Available as water-dwelling characters such as stingrays, seals, ducks, crabs, whales, turtles, frogs and more, they're compact and just the right size for little hands to grab and hold.
While most baby bath thermometers fall into this category, classic analog thermometers that are made especially for taking bath water temperatures are available. Although simple and affordable, these models are not intended for kids to play with. While this type of bath thermometer is functional, we focused our research on floating models.
Water temperature readings
When it’s time to put your baby in the bathtub, you want to be sure that the water temperature is comfortable, making prompt temperature readings one of the most important features to look for in a baby bath thermometer. Most models register temperatures quickly once they’re placed in the water and continue to take them every few seconds, so you know when the water temperature rises or falls to uncomfortable or unsafe levels.
Baby bath thermometers have LCD displays with clear numbers that are highly visible. Most quality models have the option of choosing the temperature readings in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Expert Tip
Never leave your baby or toddler unattended in the bath even for a second.
Dr. Aimee Ketchum
BestReviews
Air temperature readings
Many quality baby bath thermometers are like two devices in one, with many doubling as room thermometers. If the model you choose offers this feature, simply set it on a surface, turn it on and it will read the room’s temperature. Some can be placed in an upright position so you can easily read the screen from across the room.
Waterproof
You may wonder how a baby bath thermometer takes temperatures without the water damaging the display. These thermometers are constructed to keep water out of the internal components, so the moisture doesn’t damage them when they're put in the tub.
Batteries
Most baby bath thermometers work with button-cell batteries enclosed in secure compartments so children can’t access them. On average, a battery lasts for about a year of regular use and is easy to change. Additionally, each thermometer typically comes with a battery, so it’s ready to use out of the box.
Auto shut-off
Most bath thermometers for babies have technology that protects the battery. After remaining still for about 30 minutes, they shut off automatically. This is a bonus feature for busy parents who may forget to turn off the thermometer after each use.
Alerts
Not only do baby bath thermometers take temperature readings, they also let you know if the water temperature goes up or down to potentially unsafe readings. Some models simply have lights on the display that turn on to indicate high or low water temperature. However, many thermometers also emit audio alerts such as beeps as a warning.
Expert Tip
Allow toys in the bathtub for extra learning during play.
Dr. Aimee Ketchum
BestReviews
FAQ
Q. How much do baby bath thermometers cost?
A. The majority of bath thermometers are functional, versatile and enticing enough for babies to play with during tub time, and they're also affordable. Most models with cute designs and useful functions cost between $12 and $20. This price usually includes a battery.
Although not as readily available or as versatile, analog bath thermometers are inexpensive and cost between $3 and $10.
Q. Are baby bath thermometers safe?
A. Yes. These unique thermometers are made of BPA-free materials that are safe for babies. They're durable and are made to keep the components and batteries secure in the sealed unit so they never come in contact with little hands or mouths. Keep in mind that this applies to floating character thermometers, not those with a traditional stick-type design.
Q. Should I dry a baby bath thermometer after I take it out of the tub?
A. Yes. It's a good idea and ensures the thermometer’s longevity. After each bath, wipe it down and set it in a dry place so it’s ready to use again.
Q. How do I know when to change the batteries in a baby bath thermometer?
A. When the battery of your baby bath thermometer is running out of power, readings may be slow to register and the screen is likely to look dim or flicker. The thermometer may eventually fail to turn on altogether.
