14 Best Baby Bath Thermometer in 2023
A baby bath thermometer eliminates the guesswork when it comes to achieving the perfect water temperature for your little one’s bath time. It’s a crucial accessory that ensures your baby’s safety and comfort, making bath time enjoyable and worry-free.
Before becoming a parent, I used to dismiss the idea of filling my home with excessive baby items, considering them unnecessary. While I believed in acquiring essential items for our baby, I wanted to maintain a sense of minimalism and avoid unnecessary clutter.
Prior to experiencing parenthood, I viewed baby bath thermometers as unnecessary gadgets.
However, my perspective changed when we first prepared a bath for our daughter, placed her in her baby bathtub, and witnessed her immediate distress due to the incorrect water temperature, causing her sensitive skin to turn redder than usual.
Although it took several instances of misjudging the bath water temperature and comforting a upset baby, we eventually realized the importance of purchasing a baby bath thermometer.
Related: Best Portable Bathtubs For Adults And Kids
What is a Baby Bath Thermometer?
A baby bath thermometer is a thermometer designed specifically for use in the bath. It is waterproof and can float on the water’s surface. It features either a digital or analog display that indicates the ideal temperature range for your baby’s bath water, which is typically between 95 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
These thermometers are constructed from materials that are safe for babies and suitable for use in water. They often come in attractive designs that resemble fun bath toys, adding an element of enjoyment to bath time.
Since they are waterproof, baby bath thermometers are intended to be used specifically in the bath. However, it is advisable to exercise caution when using them in special baths, such as colloidal oatmeal baths. It is recommended to stick to using them in baths with regular water to ensure accurate temperature readings.
Related: Best Kids Bath Bombs
Getting Bath Temperature Right:
Based on my experience, baby skin is significantly more sensitive than adult skin. Babies are prone to skin conditions like eczema and itchiness, and it can be surprisingly easy to prepare a bath that feels comfortable to parents but turns out to be uncomfortably hot for the little one. This aspect is an important element of bathroom safety.
However, it is equally important to ensure that your baby stays warm enough during bath time. Having shivering babies or toddlers is not enjoyable for anyone involved.
Finding the right water temperature is akin to the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears: it should not be too hot or too cold but just right.
To achieve the optimal temperature consistently and with minimal effort, using an accurate thermometer is beneficial. It allows you to gauge the water temperature precisely every time, without encountering too much hassle.
To illustrate, a collage of two photos can demonstrate the readings of a Mothermed baby bath thermometer. One photo shows the thermometer indicating water that is too cold, with a blue light indicating the temperature. The other photo displays the thermometer indicating water that is too hot, with a red light representing the temperature.
Related: Best Bath Toys For Toddlers
Types of Baby Bath Thermometers
There are several types of thermometers available in the market, and they can be categorized into the following groups:
Floating Bath Toy:
These thermometers serve a dual purpose as they are designed in the shape of animals and can float on water. They typically feature either a digital display that shows the accurate temperature reading or a color-changing area that indicates when the water is too hot. While they are waterproof and submersible, they require special care and cleaning. Examples of this style include the B&H Duck, Mothermed Whale, Turtlemeter, and BBLuv Krab.
Bath and Room Thermometer:
This type of thermometer can be used in both the bath and your baby’s room. It is particularly useful during seasonal changes when you need to determine the appropriate clothing and layering for your baby at night. Good choices for dual-function thermometers are the Mothermed and Famidoc thermometers.
Temperature Color Changing Bath Mat:
Although currently not readily available online, there have been non-slip bath mats in the past that change color when the water becomes too hot. Fisher Price has previously produced this style of bath mat.
Baby Bath and Thermometer 2-in-1:
Certain baby bath tubs come with a built-in thermometer. The Aquascale 3-in-1 is an example of a model that offers this feature.
Digital vs. Analog:
Most bath toy style thermometers require batteries and utilize a digital screen to display the temperature. However, if you prefer a battery-free option, Nuk offers a highly rated thermometer, and the White Hot Ducky indicates only when the water is too hot without showing the actual temperature.
Please note that these descriptions and examples aim to provide an overview of the different thermometer styles available in the market.
Related: Best Baby Shampoos And Body Washes For A Tear-Free Bath
Other Factors to Consider
While considering the style of a baby bath thermometer is important, it is crucial to prioritize its functionality and safety. Here are some tips and factors to consider when choosing among different baby bath thermometers:
Non-Toxic Materials:
Ensure that the thermometer is made from safe materials, such as food-grade plastics like the Mothermed thermometer. It is advisable to avoid products made from PVC, which may contain phthalates, and ABS.
Temperature Display:
Opt for a thermometer with an easy-to-read display. Most thermometers use a digital display, which allows for quick and clear temperature readings. However, there are also analog-style thermometers like the Nuk thermometer that provide a simple glance to determine if the bathwater is too hot or not.
Continuous Reading:
Look for a baby bath thermometer that provides continuous temperature readings while your little one is in the tub. This is particularly useful for longer baths, as it ensures that the water temperature does not cool down excessively over time. The Mothermed thermometer, for example, takes a reading every 5 seconds. If it turns off, a light shake is enough to reactivate it.
Temperature Alarm:
While not essential, having a thermometer with a temperature alarm can be a convenient feature. It alerts you when the water temperature deviates significantly from the ideal range. The Mothermed thermometer, for instance, has a visual alarm with a red light indicating when the water is too hot and a blue light indicating when it is too cold, making it user-friendly.
Fahrenheit vs. Celsius:
Some thermometers display temperature readings in only Fahrenheit or Celsius, while others offer both options. If you have a preference for either unit, make sure to double-check the thermometer’s specifications.
Remember to prioritize the safety, accuracy, and ease of use of the baby bath thermometer when making your decision.
Related: Best Bath Towels And Robes For Babies
Review of 14 Best Baby Bath Thermometer for Babies and Kids
Philips Avent SCH550/21 Bath and Room Thermometer
The Philips bath and room thermometer is a versatile device that allows you to monitor both room and water temperature through its digital display. It is designed to be safe for babies of any age, providing peace of mind to parents. The thermometer can be conveniently placed in your baby’s room or floated in the bath. For a more comprehensive understanding of the product, a video is available with detailed explanations.
Advantages:
- Dual functionality for checking room and water temperature
- Suitable for babies of all ages
- Quick and precise digital display
Disadvantage:
- Lacks a battery save mode
- Relatively higher price point
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b&h Baby Bath Floating Toy Safety Thermometer
The next baby bath thermometer on our lineup is the duck thermometer offered by B&H. This thermometer boasts a delightful design that appeals to babies. Once immersed in water, it promptly begins displaying the temperature starting from zero.
Advantages:
- Enables easy switching between Fahrenheit and Celsius measurements.
- Features a green light or the word “COLD” flashing when the water temperature falls below 35 degrees.
- Indicates high water temperature with a red light.
- Made from BPA-free materials, ensuring safety for your baby.
- Functions as a clock and emits audible beeping sounds.
Disadvantage:
- May exhibit a slight delay in presenting the temperature readings.
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Dreambaby Room and Bath Baby Thermometer
This adorable duck-shaped baby bath thermometer brings a playful touch to your baby’s bath time routine. It meets EN71 standards and is made from BPA-free materials. To conserve battery life, the thermometer automatically shuts off after thirty minutes. For a more comprehensive understanding of this product, you can refer to this video.
Advantages:
- Provides a digital reading that updates every ten seconds.
- Includes a red and green indicator to signal water that is either too hot or too cold.
- Displays the temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
- Features an appealing design.
Disadvantage:
- Lacks a timing function.
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BabyElf Baby Bath Tub Water Thermometer
This adorable infant thermometer is an excellent choice from our selection of top baby bath thermometers. It serves as both an indoor thermometer and a bath thermometer.
Advantages:
- Incorporates an intelligent color warning system with an LED screen
- Functions as a clock
- Includes a countdown timer
- Boasts a long-lasting battery life, lasting at least six months
- Designed without any sharp edges
Disadvantage:
- May require some time to familiarize oneself with the settings.
Related: Best Non-Slip Bath Mats For Babies
Angelcare Baby Bath & Room Thermometer
The Angelcare Happy Seal Baby Bath & Room Thermometer is not only charming but also highly precise. It maintains a steady temperature display and remains buoyant without any risk of toppling over. When placed on a solid surface, the thermometer stands upright, and its auto shut-off feature turns it off after 30 minutes of inactivity. Moreover, it doubles as an enjoyable bath toy, providing prolonged entertainment.
Advantages:
- Suitable size
- Battery-saving mode
- High-temperature alert
- Battery included
Disadvantages:
- Temperature indicators may only flash when submerged in water
- It may take a while to obtain an accurate temperature reading.
Related: Best Baby Bath Mats That Do Not Slip
Ozeri Turtlemeter, Bath Tub Thermometer
The Ozeri turtlemeter stands out as a top choice among bath thermometers. With its unique and appealing design, it’s sure to capture the interest of your little ones. The turtlemeter conveniently indicates the water temperature using three different digital colors, making it user-friendly.
Advantages:
- Fully submersible
- Instant display of water temperature in Fahrenheit
- Impressive design
- Complies with the guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
Disadvantages:
- Requires three batteries for operation
- Somewhat higher in price compared to other options.
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Aycorn Digital Baby Bath Thermometer Baby Safety
The Aycorn Digital Baby Bath Thermometer, resembling an adorable and vibrant crab, is perfectly sized for a baby’s hand. Its LED display allows for continuous and effortless monitoring of the bath water temperature. Simply tap it gently on a solid surface to activate it. Depending on the temperature, the device displays either ‘COLD’ or ‘HOT.’ The thermometer updates every five seconds and includes a sealing ring to secure the battery.
Advantages:
- Non-toxic and free of BPA
- Red light flashes as a warning when the temperature is high
- Adheres to safety specifications in the United States
- Mercury-free
- Waterproof
Disadvantages:
- The auto on/off feature may take up to an hour, potentially draining the battery faster
- Only the Fahrenheit option is available, lacking other temperature unit options.
Mothermed Baby Bath Thermometer Baby Safety
The Acculove bath toy not only serves as an entertaining plaything but also functions as a reliable bath thermometer, ranking it among the top choices for baby bath thermometers in the market. Designed in an adorable fish shape, it is easy for your little one to hold. The thermometer features an LCD screen that provides accurate temperature readings every five seconds.
Advantages:
- Instant activation by shaking
- Free from BPA
- Crafted with a soft environmental material
- Battery life lasts up to a year
Disadvantage:
- Displays temperature only in Fahrenheit (lacking alternative unit options).
Famidoc Baby Bath Thermometer with Room Thermometer
The Famidoc baby bath thermometer is designed to activate automatically upon immersion in water, eliminating the need for any on or off buttons. Simply give it a shake to activate.
Advantages:
- Includes low and high-temperature alarms
- Functions as both a bath and room thermometer
- Constructed with dependable and waterproof materials
- Real-time temperature display in Fahrenheit
- Conserves battery life by automatically shutting down after 30 minutes
Disadvantage:
- Lacks temperature display in Celsius, offering only Fahrenheit readings.
Elepho eFloat Digital Baby Thermometer for Bathtub
The Elepho eFloat Digital Baby Thermometer serves as an engaging toy for babies during bathtime, featuring an appealing design. It is crafted from safe materials and adheres to toy and safety standards. With a convenient blue flash indicating cold temperatures and a red flash for hot temperatures, you can quickly assess the water temperature at a glance. This child-friendly thermometer floats on the water’s surface and updates the temperature every five seconds.
Advantages:
- Measures temperature in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
- Easy-to-read LCD screen
- Automatic shut-off after 30 minutes
- Battery-replacement indicator for convenience
Disadvantages:
- The included battery may have a short lifespan
- The battery may require reinsertion during use.
Aquatopia Baby Bath Thermometer Floating Toy with Digital Audible Alarm
The Aquatopia audible thermometer earns its spot on our list of top baby bath thermometers due to its ingenious hands-free functionality. This thermometer activates automatically when immersed in water and turns off when removed.
Advantages:
- Audible alarm alerts when water is too hot or cold
- Constantly monitors water temperature
- Complies with all safety standards
- Adorable hippo design
- Includes a secure battery compartment for safety
Disadvantage:
- Lacks a clock function, limiting its features.
Munchkin® Duck™ Inflatable Baby Bathtub with White Hot® Heat Alert
This versatile thermometer offers simplicity and convenience. Just add water, and you’re ready to use it.
The thermometer features a hot safety disc that turns white if the water is too hot. By filling the duck tub with a few inches of water, the disc can detect whether the water is too hot for your little one.
Advantages:
- Easy to use, transport, and store.
- Provides a fun experience for kids.
- Offers great safety features.
- Can also be used as a beer cooler (successfully tested!).
Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for newborns (recommended for babies over 6 months).
- Requires bending unless positioned at waist height.
- May require a small air pump for inflation.
NUK Oil Based Bath Thermometer
If you have a preference for an analog bath thermometer, the NUK floating thermometer with cute sea creature designs is a highly regarded choice. This thermometer, made by the renowned baby brand NUK, utilizes rapeseed oil that adjusts its levels to indicate the temperature of the bathwater. The measurements are in Celsius, but the front of the thermometer features a useful range scale indicating what temperatures are too hot, too cold, or just right. Additionally, the thermometer is shatterproof, and even if it accidentally breaks, the brand assures that the oil is harmless.
Advantages:
- Adorable sea creature designs.
- Highly rated by users.
- Utilizes rapeseed oil to accurately indicate bathwater temperature.
- Shatterproof construction for added durability.
Disadvantages:
- Displays temperature only in Celsius.
- Requires familiarity with the range scale to determine the exact temperature.
Doli Yearning Baby Bath Thermometer with Room Temperature
Despite being the most affordable digital thermometer on this list, this purple hippo thermometer offers a range of useful features. It automatically powers on, provides quick temperature readings, and can be used for both bathwater and room temperature. When not submerged in water, simply place it upright on a shelf or table to conveniently read the display. The thermometer is made of BPA-free materials and can be set to display temperatures in Fahrenheit or Celsius. It includes high- and low-temperature indicator lights with corresponding “hot” and “cold” text on the display. Batteries are included, and the thermometer has an automatic shut-off feature after 30 minutes.
Advantages:
- Affordable price.
- Automatic power-on feature.
- Quick temperature readings.
- Dual functionality for bathwater and room temperature.
Disadvantages:
- Limited color options (only available in purple).
- No backlight feature for easy reading in low-light conditions.
How To Choose The Right Baby Bath Thermometer?
When choosing the right baby bath thermometer, consider the following factors:
Accuracy:
Look for a thermometer that provides accurate temperature readings. This ensures that you can trust the readings and maintain a safe bathing temperature for your baby.
Safety:
Opt for a thermometer made from safe and non-toxic materials. Ensure it is free from BPA and other harmful substances. Also, choose a thermometer with rounded edges to prevent any accidental injuries during bath time.
Ease of Use:
Select a thermometer that is easy to use and read. Look for clear and large temperature displays, as well as intuitive controls. A thermometer with an instant and reliable activation mechanism can be convenient.
Temperature Range:
Make sure the thermometer covers the appropriate temperature range for baby baths. It should be able to measure both warm and cold water to ensure your baby’s comfort and safety.
Additional Features:
Consider any additional features that may be beneficial for you, such as alarms for high or low temperatures, memory functions, or dual functionality as a room thermometer. Decide which features are important to you and your baby’s needs.
Durability:
Choose a thermometer that is durable and long-lasting. It should be able to withstand regular use and exposure to water without malfunctioning or deteriorating quickly.
Reviews and Recommendations:
Read reviews and seek recommendations from other parents or trusted sources. Feedback from other users can provide insights into the reliability and performance of different baby bath thermometers.
By considering these factors, you can select a baby bath thermometer that meets your requirements for accuracy, safety, ease of use, and additional features, ensuring a pleasant and safe bathing experience for your little one.
FAQs:
Is it necessary to have a baby bath thermometer?
Having a baby bath thermometer is essential as it allows you to ensure the water temperature is safe for your baby, protecting them from potential burns.
Can I use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of bath water?
No, it is not recommended to use an infrared thermometer to measure bath water temperature. Infrared thermometers can only measure surface temperature and are not suitable for accurately measuring the temperature of water.
What should be the ideal depth of my baby’s bath water?
The ideal depth for your baby’s bath water should be around two inches. Make sure the water level does not exceed their hips, and always ensure you never leave your baby unattended in the bath.
Is a temperature of 102 ℉ too hot for a baby’s bath?
Yes, a temperature of 102 ℉ is too hot for a baby’s bath. The recommended temperature for a baby’s bath water is 100 ℉ (37 °C). You can also use the inside of your elbow to test the water temperature, ensuring it is neither too hot nor too cold.
How can I determine if my baby’s bath water is too cold?
You can use a bath thermometer to check the water temperature accurately. Alternatively, you can also do an elbow test by feeling the water with your elbow to ensure it is not too cold or too hot.
Make bath time a relaxing experience for your child with the help of bath thermometers, which provide accurate water temperature readings. Choose thermometers made from BPA-free materials with a rounded design to ensure they are safe for your baby’s delicate skin. Additionally, you can select thermometers that not only measure water temperature but also provide room temperature readings. For added convenience, consider thermometers with clock displays and countdown timers.
