How to Choose a Baby Monitor.What Should I Look for when Buying a Baby Monitor?

Themarketfront.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

How to choose a baby monitor.

Every parent goes into panic and uncertainty after leaning their newborn babies to sleep. Its curiosity, love, and parent instincts. While you can’t always be watching your baby 24/7, it’s good that you get a baby monitor that serves as a second eye that watches over your baby when you are out there doing other household chores. Finding the best baby monitor will take off the anxiety of how the baby is doing in their room and help you get better rest.

Types of Baby Monitors

When it comes to baby video monitors, what works best for one baby might not as work well with your little one. For that reason, baby video monitors are made differently to suit the needs of different parents. Below are the different types of baby monitors that you will find on the market today.

Audio Monitors.

Audio monitors contain sensors that detect sound and transmit it to the parent monitor. These devices include a light-up element that notifies you when the baby starts to cry, even if the system is mute. The best audio monitor is one that focuses on the baby’s cries and coos, and also reduces background noise, such as that from an air conditioner as much as possible. Some audio monitors have temperature sensors that monitor the baby’s room conditions and an LCD screen that displays the readings. Audio baby monitors are relatively affordable however, price increases with advanced features.

Video monitors.

A video baby monitor will not only provide audio but will also provide a live feed of the baby via a camera. With a small camera mounted on the wall, you get to monitor the baby as well as hear him/her. Many video monitors have touch screen features that you can zoom in on or tilt the camera. With a video monitor, you get to connect multiple cameras that feed into one handset allowing you to have an eye on the baby from different rooms in your house. These devices also allow connection with smartphones and other mobile devices. However, their price tag is relatively higher as a result of the additional advancements.

Wireless network monitors.

These are digital baby monitors that connect to your existing wireless network, enabling you to use your personal computer, tablet, or smartphone as the receiver. With such a device, you get a notification on the connected device about any change in movement or noise in the baby’s room.

Movement Monitor.

A movement monitor lets parents or nannies know if the baby hasn’t moved in his/her crib for longer than 20 seconds. These devices include a motion-sensitive pad that slips under the baby’s mattress and it is sensitive enough to detect any baby movements.

How to Choose a Baby Monitor / Factors to Consider

While baby monitors are important devices to have if you have a baby, here are some of the important factors to look out for when comparing different baby monitors.

  1. Range

The range of a baby monitor directly indicated how far you can travel with the parent unit and still be in a position to receive an accurate signal. If you mainly use the baby monitor indoors, a good video monitor should be able to provide you with accurate signal 80 meters away from the baby unit. On a poor monitor, you won’t get further than 20 meters.

  1. Sound and video interference filters

The clarity of the sound or video image coming from the baby’s room to the various handsets connected should be as clear as possible. Ambient and background noise are not only distracting but also annoying when picked up and amplified by a baby monitor. Look for a baby video monitor that includes a sound activation feature that will filter out such noise.

  1. Multiple devices connectivity

The more eyes and ears you have on your baby, the better. While the monitor inside the baby’s room will be stationary, you will want a receiver that can be moved from one point of the house to the other. This means that if you are not in the bedroom, you can take it with you to the living room or kitchen. Better baby video monitors come with multiple screens that can be put in separate rooms to help you monitor the baby beyond the nursery

  1. DECT technology

Baby video monitors using DECT technology use a low-frequency band which is exclusive for voice-only communication unlike the 2.4GHz frequency band, commonly used by other home devices such as phones, video game controls d Bluetooth devices. DECT technology ensures the clearest sound coming from the monitor to the handset. This technology also allows you to choose between several frequency channels, therefore you can choose the best signal available

  1. Indicators

The best baby video monitor includes motion and sound sensors that detect when the baby wakes up and makes noise. The parent gets to know immediately when the baby wakes up. Once sound or motion is detected, the baby monitor screen display sends an alert that automatically notifies the parent to check on their baby.

  1. Night vision technology

When it is bedtime, you will want to have a clear view of your little one in the dark. The best baby video monitor should have a night vision technology that enables you to see your baby in a grayscale view from the monitor’s display screen. Look for a baby monitor that automatically enables night vision when lights go off in case you forget to enable the feature. Some models will also allow you to control the brightness on your screen as well.

  1. Battery

You will want a device with a longer-lasting battery that is easily recharged. Baby monitors either have corded or cordless usage. Those with rechargeable batteries provide portability while the AC connection counterparts limit movement. Go for the monitor that offers either capability or at least 7 hours on rechargeable batteries.

Advantages of Baby Monitors

  1. Safety and security for your baby. With a video monitor, you can see when the baby is trying to get out of the crib, therefore prevent future falls.
  2. Baby monitors keep track of the baby’s sleeping pattern.
  3. With a baby monitor, parents and caregivers can take on regular household duties.
  4. A baby monitor may help train your child to sleep.
  5. With a video monitor, you get to know which is the right time to get into the nursery and avoid waking the baby up.

Conclusion

Taking care of your baby and family comes with other chores not just watching the baby. With a baby monitor, you get to keep a close eye to your baby while still being able to do other household chores. Get a baby monitor and watch it serve you by being your third eye as you go about your daily chores.

See Also: Choosing a Baby Carrier, Types of Baby Carriers