Thermometers
Frida Baby Quick Read Rectal Thermometer
Our take
Rectal readings are the most accurate for babies, and this one makes them less nerve-wracking: a short flexible tip with a flared base that limits how far it goes in, a big backlit screen and a reading in about 10 seconds.
RectalFlared base~10 sec
Consider instead: Vicks SpeedRead for a cheap multi-use thermometer.
Before you buy
Do you need it?Must-have You'll need an accurate thermometer for fevers. Ask your pediatrician which type they recommend for newborns.
Cost per monthAbout $0.25 a month over a typical 60 months of use. Our estimate; your use may be shorter or longer.
Secondhand?Buy new. Buy new for hygiene and accuracy.
What parents and testers say
Recurring praise
- Short tip limits insertion
- Fast reading
- Backlit screen
Recurring complaints
- Can be hard to grip
- No fever alert
Our summary of patterns across the reviews and threads linked below, not quotes.
Materials & safety check
2 of 2 checks clear.
AccuracyRectal readings are the most reliable for babies under 3 months
RecallsNone found in CPSC thermometer recalls since 2020
When to buy it
Before birth
Have a rectal-capable thermometer ready
Under 3 months
Call the pediatrician for any fever; rectal readings are the standard
Toddler years
Ear or forehead models get easier to use
Other thermometers we scored
See all thermometers →Own this? Tell us how it's going
Reports from parents who've used a product for months are the hardest thing to find. Yours goes only to our team and helps keep this score honest. It isn't published.
Sources
- Babylist: Best baby thermometers (Feb 2026)babylist.com
- CPSC recall database: "thermometer" recalls since 2020saferproducts.gov