How to Choose a Baby Monitor

How to choose a baby monitor comes down to the level of assurance parents want. The nature of parents wishing for the certainty of their child's well being means that baby monitors have been in development for over 75 years. Consequently, the best way to choose a monitor for your little one is not necessarily a question of which one is safest. All approved baby monitors are designed so that your child's safety is paramount. 

But, with such a wide range of baby monitors now on the market. The question is now, which particular features are you looking for in a baby monitor? This article is here to set out the points of each type of monitor. Then you as a parent can make an informed and comfortable choice about which monitor best suits you.

First, let us discuss why parents might want a monitor in the first place. Very simply, parents want to know if their baby needs attention or is in danger. Parents spend most of their day watching over their baby to support their development. A baby monitor means that once your child is nodding off to sleep, you can have the assurance that should your child need you, you will be alerted in some form, without needing to be in the room. Some all-important rest time for you hard-working parents!

The bond between parent and young infant cannot be downplayed. Choosing a baby monitor can be daunting. Therefore, the best option is what you are happiest with. We will now run you through the options.

Audio Monitors

Audio monitors are made up of two parts. A base unit in your child’s room and the receiver for the parent. The receiver works like a walkie-talkie. Yes, the ones we all used to play with as children. The receiver will be lightweight. This means you can easily take it around the house with you whilst remaining connected to your baby. You do not have to stay in one position.

Audio baby monitors detect any sounds and movements coming from your child and will alert you instantly. The receiver will alert you through methods such as noise, flashing and vibration. This means you will not have to stress whether the receiver has done anything every 20 seconds. We recommend purchasing an audio monitor that comes with a frequency of at least 900 MHz for excellent clarity and limited interference. After all, you want to be tending to your child, not a creaky floorboard or an air conditioning unit.

Of course, check the range of the audio baby monitor you are purchasing. If you are living in a smaller building, there should be no issue. But, with larger houses, this is something to bear in mind. One attractive feature you can look for in audio baby monitors now is two-way communication. Meaning you can get an added sense of connection with your child. Another excellent characteristic to look for is a lullaby function and night light. Creating a more nurturing environment for your child without you in the room.

Video Monitors

A video baby monitor is an excellent choice if you would like the extra reassurance of your baby's wellbeing. Video monitors can sometimes be called 'baby cams', so do not let that confuse you.

A video baby monitor still has the same key parts as an audio monitor, the base unit and the receiver. But, there is a key difference, as the name suggests. Video baby monitors have an LCD screen that records your baby. You can then see your baby movement at any time on your receiver. Do not worry if you leave your child in a darker room. The LCD screen comes with infrared night vision, which means you can see your baby no matter how dark it gets. This is highly convenient for parents who require maximum reassurance. You can see your child in their room at night whilst in your own bed. More resting time!

Like audio baby monitors, video monitors can also come with some desired features like built-in lullabies and nightlights. A different capability of some video monitors is that you can connect them to your smartphone, tablet or computer via WI-FI. This means you do not have to remember to bring the receiver with you all the time. How convenient! Speedy and less clutter.

If you use nannies or babysitters to look after your child, video baby monitors might also be the way forward. Some models save images and videos directly to a hard drive. Making your home more secure. Like with audio baby monitors, two-way communication is also possible. Which is very easy when using your smartphone. 

Smart Wi-Fi Video Monitors

A smart WI-FI video monitor is brilliant for maximum reassurance. This baby monitor performs the tasks of a video baby monitor and much more. With a smart monitor, you can monitor your child directly from your smartphone or tablet via an app.

Smart monitors are usually more pricey than other options. But, there are reasons why parents are moving away from traditional baby monitors. One huge benefit is that there is no limit on range. All you need is a good WI-Fi signal, and you can connect with your baby. Any time, any place! Parents can check on their baby and say goodnight when late home. Great for parents stuck at work!

Some high-tech smart WI-FI baby monitors can track your child's sleeping patterns and breathing. As well as checking the room temperature and humidity of the room. Helping to secure maximum comfort for your child.

For new and very nervous parents, a real mind-easer is a monitor that measures your baby's heart rate and oxygen levels. Giving you notifications for anything irregular. Of course, anything you do not want to be tracked can be turned off.

Making an Informed Choice Based on Your Needs

So, before making a decision on which type of baby monitor to buy, consider your needs. Your house type, lifestyle, and required levels of assurance, WI-FI connection are all relevant. It is reasonable that some parents become more nervous with more features. Every parent is different.

Think about the features outlined above and ensure you invest in the right baby monitor for you.

At Hello Baby, we offer a variety of reliable baby monitor brands including BT and Motorola.