Oblumi Tapp smart thermometer review

Weighing just 22g, the Oblumi Tapp is a tiny device that turns your mobile phone into a thermometer.

According to its creators, it's the smallest, most accurate and versatile thermometer ever made; a big claim for such a little thing.

Dreamed up in 2013, the Tapp reached the market at the end of 2015 and is now selling in 20 countries across the world.

Simply download the free app, plug the little thermometer into your earphone jack, and you can take your child's (or any family members') temperature.

Its capabilities don't stop there though: you can use the app to record your child's temperature history and medication data; to calculate medicine dosage; and has an alarm so you don't forget to administer the medicine.

It’s one of a new breed of thermometers that work via your phone, like the Wishbone (£34.99), although our reviewer was not impressed with its unreliability.

So is the Tapp any better than a traditional thermometer, or did it leave me feeling cold?

You can buy the Oblumi Tapp from John Lewis and Amazon.

Watch 5 things you need to know about the Oblumi Tapp

How does it work?

All you need to do is download the Oblumi Tapp app, follow the instructions and insert the Oblumi Tapp in the earphone jack when told to do so. Once you're all set up you can then use the Tapp to measure your child's temperature on their forehead or ear canal. It can also be used to measure the temperature of liquids.

It uses an infrared sensor to work and can be used with airplane mode on, in case you don't want to have your little one too close to your mobile.

It's got a battery inside, which should last for more than 5000 readings. The app will warn you with a message on your screen if it needs replacing.

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Is there anything you would have liked to have known before you bought it?

It's not suitable for use with newborns in their first 120 days. This is important to know before you go on your mad dash for all your essentials when the baby arrives.

Also, it's for use with iPhone 4 or more recent versions (it requires at least iOS7) or with Android 4.2 mobiles onwards.

What's in the box:

• Oblumi Tapp device, with adaptor lid for forehead
• Protective pouch
• Cleaning wipes
• Instructions

What's the app like?

Is was sceptical at first. I usually use a traditional thermometer from Boots, and foresaw the Oblumi Tapp as a gimmick aimed at tech-loving parents.

I was won over by it though, not because of its size, but because it saves all your data. I've been to the doctors a few times and gone blank when they've asked about temperature records, and then questioned myself at what time I administered medicine: the Tapp lets you skip this worry as it records it all for you.

It's also intuitively designed, really easy to navigate and use.

The only issue I came across is that sometimes I pressed the app's touchscreen buttons to activate the thermometer and it didn't respond, so had to repeat the act one or two more times.

How accurate is the temp?

It gave me the same reading as my old-school thermometer. According to its makers, it is accurate to within 0.15C on body temperature, and within 0.5C on liquids.

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Is it easy to measure your little one's temp?

Yep, really easy. They were intrigued about it working with my phone, so that helped. Also, a forehead temperature is much easier to take than an ear one, and the Tapp allows you to take either.

Does it make a difference where you take your baby's temperature?

Oblumi's advice is to use the forehead from 3 months old and the ear canal from 3 years.

Is it quick to take your baby's temperature?

It takes about 8 seconds for a read out, and it beeps when you're done.

Will it travel well?

It's tiny and has a little travel case to protect it. You'll just have to make sure you keep it somewhere where you won't lose it/have to rummage through your entire suitcase to find it.

Is it worth the money?

It's more expensive than more conventional thermometers, but what I really like is the ability to easily record and keep the history. For this peace of mind alone I think it's worth the money.

MadeForMums verdict:

The Oblumi Tapp won over my Luddite tendencies. It's easy to use, easy to transport and it's record-keeping is really useful.

We’ve got more thermometers here…

• 10 of the best thermometers for babies and children
• 10 of the best room thermometers
• Braun NTF 3000 No Touch Thermometer review

MadeForMums product reviews are independent, honest and provide advice you can have confidence in. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links. However we never allow this to influence our coverage. Our reviews and articles are written by parents who are professional journalists, and we also include feedback from our parent community and industry experts.