What is the Best Thermometer for Baby Bath Water?
It’s important to make sure your baby’s bath water is the perfect temperature – not too hot or cold.
And the best way to do that is with a bath thermometer. A good bath thermometer will be able to give you an exact reading of the water temperature, so you can make sure your baby is always safe and comfortable.
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In this guide, we will look at the different types of baby bath thermometers that are out there plus our top picks.
Best thermometers for baby baths (quick list)
If you’re just here for the product recommendations and you don’t have time to stay for the deets, here’s a quick list of our favorites:
Best floating bath toy thermometers:
- Famidoc Floating Stingray Thermometer
- Doli Floating Frog Thermometer
- Doli Floating Seal Thermometer
- B&H Floating Duck Baby Bath Thermometer
- Aycorn Crab Floating Bath Thermometer
Best battery-free bath thermometer:
Best multi-mode bath thermometer:
What is a baby bath thermometer and do I need one?
While some parents may not agree that a bath thermometer is a must-have baby item, they are certainly nice to have because they give you that extra peace of mind.
And, let’s face it, we all need a little extra peace of mind when we’re brand new parents! It’s comforting to be extra sure that your baby’s bath water is the perfect temperature.
A bath thermometer is exactly what it sounds like – a thermometer that’s designed to tell you the temperature of your baby’s bath water.
Most experts agree that an ideal bath water temperature should be around 98 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (source).
While you can test the water temperature using your own elbow or wrist, a bath thermometer will give you a more precise reading.
As far as deciding whether or not you need one, that’s ultimately up to you, but they are very nice to have and fantastic for easing your new parent worries.
Different types of baby bath thermometers
With several different types of bath thermometers, how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s take a look.
Floating bath toy thermometer
These are very cute and come in a variety of options ranging from floating duckies to sea creatures and more.
They typically have a temperature display on the top so you can easily see if the water is too hot or cold.
These are nice options for parents because you can keep an eye on the water temperature during the entire bathtime routine rather than having to test it every few minutes.
Bath mat with a too-hot indicator
These bath mats will change color if the water is too hot for your baby. Or, a portion of the mat (maybe a starfish for example if it’s a sea-themed mat) will turn red, indicating the water is too hot.
While these are very cute and can be a nice visual way to know if the water is too hot for your baby, the downside to these is that they don’t give you a specific reading. They are also notorious for being inaccurate.
Plus, they’re also not as fun as the floating bath toy thermometers!
Multi-mode infrared thermometer
A handheld thermometer that has multiple modes can also be used as a bath thermometer.
Usually, these will have three modes: liquids, food, and room.
To use it as a bath thermometer, you would just switch it to liquid mode and hold it close to the water.
The nice thing about these is that you can use them for other things as well like testing your baby’s milk temperature or checking their forehead to see if they have a fever.
Being able to use your thermometer for multiple things is quite convenient.
Oil-based bath thermometer
If you are looking for a bath thermometer that does not require any batteries, an oil-based analog thermometer is your best option.
Analog thermometers used to be made with a mercury-filled glass tube that would rise or fall based on the temperature of the water – Not a fan.
It’s common to use different materials nowadays, but when it comes to your baby you want the safest option.
An oil-based thermometer that is also shatterproof is a safer alternative.
Considerations when choosing a baby bath thermometer
Now that we’ve gone over the different types of bath thermometers, let’s look at what you should consider when choosing one.
Digital vs. analog
The main benefit of digital thermometers is they tend to be more accurate than analog ones. Digital thermometers are also much easier to read (which is also a time saver if we’re being honest).
If you’re looking for accuracy and don’t mind having to change out batteries ever so often, go with a digital thermometer.
If you absolutely do not want a bath thermometer with batteries, we have an option for you below.
Materials
When shopping for baby products, we like to see as non-toxic as possible. Look for thermometers that are made with BPA-free plastic and other non-toxic materials.
If you are shopping for an analog thermometer, look for an oil-based product instead of mercury.
Fahrenheit vs. Celsius
If you are in the US, you’re probably keen on having a bath thermometer that displays Fahrenheit.
This is something to pay attention to while you’re shopping since some products only display in Celsius.
Is it waterproof?
If you are going with a floating bath toy thermometer, you need to be extra sure that it’s completely waterproof (even after the battery has been changed).
It needs to be able to hold up in the water and be able to withstand plenty of splashing and play!
How long does it take to get a reading?
Most digital thermometers will give you an instant reading while others may take a minute or so.
For busy parents, a thermometer that gives you an instant reading is best.
Continuous reading
Some bath thermometers will also give you continuous reading. This is helpful so that you will be able to keep an eye on the temperature while you’re bathing your baby.
If this is something that interests you, make sure the bath thermometer you choose has this feature.
Temperature alarm
Many bath thermometers will also have an alarm that is activated when the water is too hot or too cold.
This can be a helpful feature if you want to be alerted when the water isn’t at the ideal temperature.
The best thermometer for baby bath – Our top picks
Now that we’ve gone over everything you need to know about choosing the best bath thermometer for your baby, let’s take a look at our favorite products.
Best floating bath toy thermometers:
Famidoc Baby Bath Thermometer with Room Thermometer
If you’ve decided to go with a floating bath toy thermometer to keep a check on your baby’s bathwater temperature, we really like the Famidoc floating bath toy thermometers.
Choose between a super adorable stingray toy (available in two colors – blue and purple) and a classic yellow duckie.
These thermometers are very simple to use – just shake to activate. They also shut off automatically after 30 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off and draining the battery unintentionally.
The LCD screen displays the temperature in Fahrenheit, and there’s also a high and low-temperature alarm to help ensure your child’s safety.
Plus, there’s a built-in battery that should last you up to one year – pretty impressive!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Can be a little slow to adjust if you add water (recommends waiting 1 minute) |
| Updates every 5 seconds | |
| Battery lasts up to a year | |
| High and low-temperature alarm | |
| Also a room thermometer | |
| Auto shutoff after 30 minutes | |
| BPA-free plastic | |
| Shake it to wake it |
Doli Yearning Baby Bath Thermometer with Room Temperature
The Doli bath thermometers are also very cute and come in several different animal designs – a cute frog, gray seal, and more.
These thermometers are very simple to use as well. They automatically turn off after about 30 minutes just as the Famidoc thermometers do.
The large LCD display will tell you the bath temperature within 1 second, so you definitely won’t waste any time waiting around. And, you can choose between Fahrenheit or Celsius.
When the temp is too low, the screen will flash blue. When it’s too hot, the screen will flash red.
The battery will last you quite a while, and the bath toy will remain waterproof even after you replace the battery.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof – even after replacing the battery | If it goes to sleep, you have to press a button to wake it. There’s no shake it to wake it feature. |
| Checks the water temperature every second | |
| Battery lasts up to a year | |
| High and low-temperature alarm | |
| Also a room thermometer | |
| Auto shutoff after 30 minutes | |
| BPA-free material |
B&H Floating Baby Bath Thermometer
Every baby needs a classic yellow duckie, right? Why not go ahead and grab the B&H Floating Baby Bath Thermometer instead?
This product is not only a bath toy thermometer, but it’s also a clock.
This could be handy if you’re ever needing to keep a close eye on the time. It’s also a nice feature for storing the toy on the counter or a shelf when it’s not being used as a thermometer.
As far as alarms go, there is a high and low-temperature alarms. The thermometer will flash and beep if the water is too hot or too cold.
Whether you prefer Celsius or Fahrenheit, this little duck has you covered. The batteries are also included, which is a nice bonus.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof (for most) | May start to leak water inside over time |
| Comes with a built-in battery | |
| High and low-temperature alarm | |
| Also displays a clock | |
| Can also read room temperature | |
| BPA-free material |
Aycorn Digital Baby Bath Thermometer Baby
If you like cutesie crabs, this little guy is another great choice for a floating bath toy thermometer.
It’s very similar to the other thermometer toys we’ve talked about – speedy and accurate.
It also features hot and cold temperature warnings. If the bath water is too hot, you will hear a warning alarm, and a red light will appear.
The LCD will update every 5 seconds with the current temperature reading. And, don’t worry about turning it off manually (there’s actually no button for this) because it will automatically shut off after about an hour to conserve the battery life.
Best of all, Aycorn prides itself on being non-toxic. Their products are BPA-free and waterproof tested (winning).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Waterproof tested | No way to turn it off |
| Hot and cold temperature warnings with hot temp alarm | |
| Also a room thermometer | |
| Auto shutoff after an hour | |
| BPA-free and non-toxic |
Best battery-free oil-based bath toy thermometer:
Nuk Oil-Based Bath Thermometer
Now, as far as analog baby bath thermometers go, one clear winner comes to mind and that’s the Nuk Oil-Based Baby Bath thermometer.
With this thermometer, you won’t have to worry about replacing any batteries. Best of all, it’s shatterproof and there are no toxic liquids inside.
The only downside is it only displays in Celsius. If you are used to Fahrenheit, this may or may not be a minor inconvenience.
Another downside is the lack of variety with colors that are available, but does that truly matter?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Oil-based | Only reads in Celsius |
| Shatterproof | You won’t have a continuous read |
| No batteries required |
Best multi-mode baby thermometer:
GoodBaby Multi-Mode Thermometer
The GoodBaby Multi-Mode Thermometer is a good choice if you want a product that can do more than just check the temperature of your baby’s bath water.
This thermometer can also be used to check room temperature, food temperature, and even your baby’s body temperature.
It uses infrared technology, so it’s very speedy and you won’t have to physically touch the bath water or your baby’s skin.
In about 1 second, you will have a temperature that you can read in either Celsius or Fahrenheit – the choice is yours.
So, while you won’t have a continuous reading to glance at as you would with the floating bath toys, this thermometer could be a good choice if you want one product to do it all.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 3 modes: liquid, food, and room | You won’t have a continuous read |
| No contact | |
| Auto shutoff | |
| Alarms when your child has a fever | |
| Screen changes color based on reading |
The best thermometer for baby bath water depends on your preferences.
There are several excellent products that all get the job done, but it basically boils down to the following questions:
Do you want a product that is battery-operated or one that doesn’t require batteries? Do you mind having to manually check the temperature a few times or do you prefer a continuous reading? Is an alarm feature important to you?
These questions, in addition to the other considerations we mentioned above, will help you make the right choice!
