Health & safety · Last checked Sep 30, 2026
Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer
Verdict
A cheap stick thermometer that's about as accurate as it gets and works rectally, which pediatricians recommend for young infants.
Rectal / oral / armpitBacklit display~$15
What parents and testers say
Recurring praise
- Highly accurate
- Easy to read
- Cheap
Recurring complaints
- Slower readings
- Needs careful cleaning
Our summary of patterns across the reviews and threads linked below. Not quotes.
Materials & safety check
✓AgeWorks for the rectal readings recommended for young infants
✓RecallsNone found in CPSC data
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
Consider instead: Braun ThermoScan for older babies.
Sources
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