Getting Started with FAM: What kind of thermometer do I need?
To see my most up to date recommendations, check out The Best Basal Body Thermometers for 2023
The one thing you need to know
When looking for a thermometer to purchase, you want to look for a basal body thermometer. You shouldn’t compromise on this. Basal body thermometers, or BBTs for short, read to the 100ths (98.68) rather than 10ths (98.6). This provides the highest accuracy. To learn more about how to get the most out of your basal body temperatures, read my Basal Body Temperature Troubleshooting Guide.
Features to consider:
- Back light – ideal if you’re taking your temperature in the early morning before the sun comes up
- Measurement time – most methods recommend a minimum of 3 minutes, the longer the thermometer stays in your mouth, the more accurate the temperature will be. If you choose a thermometer with a shorter temp time and find that you have unstable temperatures, consider leaving the thermometer in your mouth for 2 minutes before turning it on.
- Memory – Some people find they get more stable temperatures by waking early in the morning (5-6am) to take their temperature and then going back to sleep until their normal wake time. Having a thermometer with a memory allows you to fall back to sleep immediately and enter your temperature when you finally wake for the day.
- Alarm – Taking your temperature at the same time every day is important for accuracy and consistency. If you try to keep your phone away from your bed, then a thermometer with a built in alarm could be ideal.
Thermometers to consider
Up&Up Target Brand BBT
This one is really popular because it’s so affordable and may be found in your local store.
Pros:
- It’s affordable (around $8)
Cons:
- 1 minute temp time
- Possibly only in F
- Possibly no memory
Femometer Vinca Lite
This is my favorite cheapie thermometer because it can temp for 3-5 minutes while most thermometers only temp 30-60 seconds.
Pros:
- It’s affordable (around $10)
- C/F switchable
- 3-5 minute temp time
- 1 temp memory
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a back light
*UPDATE: It appears that this thermometer is now being sold as an upgraded model and reads for as little as 30 seconds and as much as 5 minutes. I would recommend the Vinca II over this model due to the longer temping time.
iProven 113i
This is a good basic thermometer and the best thing about it is that it has a back light!
Pros:
- Fairly priced (around $15)
- C/F switchable
- Back light
- 1 temp memory
Cons:
- Temps for 1 minute
*UPDATE: It appears that this thermometer is now discontinued and the replacement model does not have a backlight. I’m still trying to find a good alternative.
ONETWOTHREE BBT
This model has been known by several names, including iSnow-Med. This is another really popular thermometer, but the probe is a little on the thick side. Ideal for vaginal temping for that reason.
Pros:
- Decently priced (around $20),
- C/F switchable
- Back light
- 2-3 minute temp time
- 60 day memory with date and time
- Built in alarm
- Thicker probe – ideal for vaginal temping
Cons:
- Some users have said the thicker probe is uncomfortable for oral temping,
- It’s also a bit larger than most BBTs in general
*UPDATE: Since Covid, the popular iSnow-Med version appears to have been discontinued.
Femometer Vinca II
This is my personal favorite, you can read my full review here. This thermometer connects by bluetooth to the Femometer app where you can customize the thermometer settings and sync your temps to the Femometer chart (not an app I recommend for charting). It has the temperature readout directly on the thermometer (whereas Vinca I does not) so after you customize your settings you don’t really need to use the app.
Pros:
- C/F switchable
- Back light
- 1-3 minute temp time (Mercury setting for 3 minutes)
- Memory in the app with date and time
- Customizable alarm
- Customizable volume
- Battery level display in app
Cons:
- May be out of budget for some ($40-50)
- Defaults to shorter temp time
Tempdrop
A wearable thermometer that goes on your upper arm near your armpit or in your sleep bra all night. It has a proprietary algorithm that may help you get more stable temperatures. Ideal for people who have an irregular wake schedule, shift work, or are postpartum. You can read my full review of Tempdrop here.
Pros:
- Helps many people chart who wouldn’t be able to with a standard BBT (scenario examples above)
- 99% of users surveyed said they were happy with their experience,
- Temps all night long,
- A large Facebook community,
- Helpful customer service
Cons:
- May be uncomfortable for some people when worn on the arm (especially for larger arms),
- Some people may experience delayed temperature shifts compared to oral temps,
- Frames break easily and while the company continues to replace them for free as they work out the manufacturing issues, it may cause an inconvenience if you don’t have a spare frame to use while you wait for the replacement (spare frames and bands can be purchased if desired)
Purchasing options: Basic package is currently on sale 20% off on Amazon or purchase one of three packages on their website ($159-249) and get $15 off using this link
Other things of note
I don’t recommend other devices such as Ava, Daysy, OvaCue, or any similar device. These use algorithms that involve rhythm method type calculations that may not be accurate. A lot of unintended pregnancies have occurred for women trying to avoid, and a lot of missed opportunities for women trying to conceive. My best recommendation is to learn how to interpret fertility signs and symptoms yourself.
Or Support Small Business
I also have a basic Digital Basal Body Thermometer available for sale. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thermometers have been hard to come by or are delayed in shipping. I wanted to be able to offer another option. They are ready to ship immediately (in the US only) and should arrive in 1-3 business days. Contact me to purchase.
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