Choosing Your First Basal Body Thermometer
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Choosing which basal body thermometer (BBT) to use when you are first charting can be challenging, so we’ve made it an easy decision!
Below, you’ll find a list of the most favored basal body thermometers used among those practicing fertility awareness based methods (FABMs), where each carry unique features. If you currently track your cycle, this guide will help to decipher if you have the most optimal thermometer for your practice.
There is no such thing as a “better” or “worse” basal body thermometer; this is a completely personal preference meant to fit your lifestyle.
Remember:
Before practicing any fertility awareness based method, it is highly suggested to either read the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility
Basal Body Thermometer features to consider
‘Beeping’
Some BBT’s have louder ‘beeps’ than others.
Backlight
Backlights are helpful for those who read their temperature in the dark.
Speed
Some people would like a speedy thermometer, but keep in mind that speedy does not always mean accurate.
Decimal Place
Some thermometers solely read in Celsius (.01), some in Fahrenheit (.1), and some carry the dual option.
Memory
Memory is important for those of you who would choose not to record temperatures immediately on their chart, and would prefer to fall back asleep.
The Most Favored Basal Body Thermometers for fertility charting
Mabis – $9
- ‘Beep’ – Quiet
- Backlight – No
- Speed – 30 seconds – 1 minute
- Decimal place – 1/100th of a degree
- Memory – No
- Celsius or Fahrenheit – Fahrenheit
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iProven – $24
- ‘Beep’ – Quiet
- Backlight – No
- Speed – 1 minute, or 2 minutes for a more accurate reading
- Decimal place – 1/100th of a degree
- Memory – Yes
- Celsius or Fahrenheit – Fahrenheit
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iSnow – $24
- ‘Beep’ – Medium
- Backlight – Yes
- Speed – 3 minutes
- Decimal place – Option of 1/10th or 1/100th of a degree
- Memory – Yes, up to 30 days
- Celsius or Fahrenheit – Both
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Glass (No Mercury) BBT
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Also be sure to check your local grocery store for a Basal Body Thermometer.
Can I use a fever thermometer?
While basal body thermometers are more sensitive than fever thermometers, you can still use a fever thermometer to take your basal temperature. Be sure to only use one thermometer throughout each month for more accurate readings.
Fertility Monitors
A fertility monitor is essentially a basal body thermometer designed to automatically keep a record of your monthly cycles. This means that when you take your daily basal body temperature, the device will interpret if you are fertile or not.
Leave a comment with the BBT that you personally adore.