# Fast-reading baby thermometers

Source: HiveTried, https://hivetried.com/baby/baby-thermometer/fast-reading/
Category: Baby > Baby thermometer. Updated 2026-10-08. Based on 124 counted first-hand reports from Target shopper reviews, Jul 2017 to May 2026.

**Question:** Which baby thermometer gives a fast reading?

**Short answer:** Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer has the best record for speed: 17 of 17 parents said it gave a reading quickly, though that is a smaller group than for Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer. Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer follows at 26 of 33, and Safety 1st Thermometer has the weakest record here at 5 of 15, with 58% of its reviews calling it slow. Fast is not the same as dependable, so read the accuracy complaints below before you pick.

**What stands out:** Speed and trust are separate questions. 42% of Braun reviews mention inconsistent readings and 38% call it inaccurate, and 28% of Vicks reviews call it inaccurate too.

## Ranking (parents who said whether it worked)

| Rank | Product | Fast reading | Share | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer | 17 of 17 | 100% | yes |
| 2 | Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer | 26 of 33 | 79% | yes |
| 3 | Safety 1st Thermometer | 5 of 15 | 33% | no |

Ranked by the lower bound of a 90% Wilson confidence interval, so a product needs a high share and enough reports to rank high. An Amazon link is shown only when at least 60% say it works.

## Product notes

### 1. Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

Every parent who commented on speed (17 of 17) said it gave a reading quickly, and 22% call it easy to use on a baby. Parents are split on trust, with 25% calling it accurate, 38% calling it inaccurate and 42% mentioning inconsistent readings.

- Praised for: Accurate (25%), Easy to use on baby (23%), Doesn't wake baby (8%)
- Complaints: Inconsistent readings (43%), Inaccurate (38%), Too expensive (10%)
- Reports counted: 40

### 2. Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer

The most reviewers weighed in on this rectal thermometer (33), and 26 of 33 said it gave a reading quickly, though 18% call it slow. 28% call it inaccurate and 10% say it broke, against 25% who find it easy to use on a baby.

- Praised for: Easy to use on baby (25%), Accurate (23%), Good value (5%)
- Complaints: Inaccurate (28%), Breaks (10%), Inconsistent readings (5%)
- Reports counted: 40

### 3. Safety 1st Thermometer

Slow is the main complaint, with 58% of reviews calling it slow and 32% calling it inaccurate. Reviews copied from Safety 1st's own site are kinder at 6 of 7, which we show but don't count.

- Praised for: Easy to use on baby (26%), Accurate (21%), Good value (11%)
- Complaints: Inaccurate (32%), Inconsistent readings (26%), Breaks (11%)
- Reports counted: 19

## Questions

**Which baby thermometer gives a quick reading?**

Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer has the best record (17 of 17), followed by Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer (26 of 33). Safety 1st Thermometer has the weakest record here at 5 of 15.

**Are fast thermometers accurate?**

Parents are split. 25% of Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer reviews call it accurate and 38% call it inaccurate, while 22% of Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer reviews call it accurate and 28% call it inaccurate. Speed and accuracy are separate questions, so read the notes on each thermometer.

**Should I choose an ear or a rectal thermometer?**

Ask your pediatrician which type suits your baby's age. In these reviews, 8% of Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer reviews say it didn't wake the baby, and 25% of Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer reviews call that rectal thermometer easy to use on a baby.

**When should I call the pediatrician?**

Call your pediatrician when symptoms are severe, last more than a few days, or come with a fever. A thermometer reading is one piece of information, and the reviews here are other parents' experiences, not medical advice.

## Method

HiveTried counts first-hand reports only, drops reviews written for free products, shows brand-site reviews without counting them, and never accepts payment for placement. Full method: https://hivetried.com/how-we-count/