A baby monitor transmits video from a camera in your baby’s room to an app on your smartphone or tablet.
Some features built-in lullabies and white noise to help soothe your child and keep them asleep for longer periods of time.
Some other baby monitors use a wearable band or sock to monitor your baby’s breathing pattern and alert you when their oxygen level drops below an established threshold.
Best Types of Monitors
Baby monitors are an invaluable way to keep an eye on your little one, whether you’re at home or away. While they come in various styles and with various useful functions, there are some things you should consider when selecting the best ones for you and your family.
When selecting a video monitor for your baby, video quality, sound clarity and range are paramount. To guarantee you can hear them when they cry or sleep soundly, opt for one with high-definition resolution and night vision capabilities.
Audio-only monitors often come equipped with LED lights that flash different colors when activated, allowing you to see if your baby is breathing or the room’s hue is changing. Some even feature voice activated VOX mode, which only activates the display screen if your little one makes or moves sounds.
Some other baby monitors also feature temperature and movement sensors, helping you ensure the room is a comfortable setting for your baby to rest. Others feature lullabies that play while they sleep to help relax them and promote restful sleep.
Long-range Monitoring – To guarantee reliable sound throughout your house, check that the monitor you select has an impressive range. Some models can reach up to 100 meters, which should be enough for most households. However, if your household is large, opt for a model with at least 500 meters range so audio will sound clear and clear no matter where it is situated in the house.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing a parent unit is its battery life. This will vary depending on the model, but aim for one that offers at least 12 hours without needing charging.
Other essential features to consider are motion detectors, which alert you when your child moves or cries; and apps that permit remote control of the monitor. Some apps also come equipped with health analytics, providing insight into breathing or sleep patterns. While these can be helpful tools, Shapiro cautions that they should never replace certified medical devices – you should still visit your doctor for regular checkups.
Breathing Monitors
Breathing monitors alert you if your baby stops breathing, which can be an alarming occurrence. They are especially beneficial if your baby was born prematurely or has breathing issues and provide peace of mind that their safety is being taken care of.
These devices monitor your baby’s breathing, abdominal motion and sound from a distance. They often feature indicators to let you know when the battery is low or if sensors are malfunctioning.
Some breathe monitors use sensors that clip onto your baby’s clothing or fit beneath a mattress. Others feature sensory pads that slip underneath and trigger an alert if no breathing is detected for 20 seconds.
Many of these devices send data directly to your smartphone, allowing you to check in throughout the night. They may also be used to rouse your baby when no movement is detected or get more detailed reports that can be shared with your doctor.
Some models come equipped with features like night vision, room-temperature monitoring, a two-way radio and time display. Plus, some even offer remote pan and tilt capabilities so you can keep an eye on your infant even when away.
These monitors may be pricey, but the peace of mind that comes from knowing your baby is sleeping safely is worth the expense. Plus, they allow for monitoring other vital signs like heart rate and sleep patterns as well.
They can be a great way to reduce anxiety, but they should never replace the need to follow all safety protocols when sleeping or providing first aid. Furthermore, these methods are not guaranteed successful.
Finally, breath monitors may not be suitable for everyone; so consult your healthcare professional before making a final decision. They can advise you if this type of device is beneficial in your particular case and provide instructions on how to use it effectively.
The ideal baby breath monitors are those that come with medical certificates and demonstrate high reliability. Furthermore, consider choosing one with adjustable transmitting component sensitivity so your little one feels more comfortable while wearing it.
Movement Monitors
Baby movement monitors, also referred to as vitals or breathing monitors, allow you to keep an eye on your child’s movements while they sleep so you can detect any irregularities. Some of these devices even provide stats like breathing rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation and temperature for a more comprehensive overview of your little one’s sleeping patterns.
These sensors can be worn by your baby, clipped to their diaper or placed beneath their crib mattress. They’re designed to detect minute movements like sneezes and deep breathes while they sleep.
When your baby doesn’t move for 20 seconds or longer, an alarm will sound on both parent device or loud audible alarm in your nursery (model dependent). These types of products are ideal for parents who want to monitor their babies’ breathing while sleeping without needing to get up every few minutes to check on them.
They’re an excellent option for families whose babies have suffered severe breathing stops, sleep apnea or near SIDS. However, it should be noted that this is not a replacement for medical-grade monitors and should only be recommended by your doctor or health advisor.
Breathing is essential for a baby’s healthy development and growth, yet it’s common for them to experience long pauses during sleep. Unfortunately, new parents may struggle with tracking this without access to a baby monitor.
The good news is that movement monitors are becoming increasingly accurate and reliable, especially if you opt for one with dual pads. These units usually offer a more sensitive setting and some even offer the option to fine-tune settings if you’re not satisfied with their default setting.
Another advantage is that movement monitoring systems tend to be more cost-effective than their video counterparts, often sold at an attractive price point. For instance, the Nanit Pro WiFi baby monitor offers movement monitoring capabilities as well as more baby-centric features than most competitors at a reasonable cost. Plus, it’s user friendly and uses the internet for connectivity – making it an attractive option for many households.
Split Screen Systems
One of the most popular baby monitor types is a split screen system. These allow users to view two cameras simultaneously on one single screen, making them ideal for families with multiple children. Plus, with no separate system needed and money saved in the process – split screen monitors save you money!
When shopping for a split screen monitor, there are numerous brands and models to choose from. When making your selection, take into account factors like transmission range, image quality, and whether or not it has night vision capabilities. To find the ideal product, consider factors like this:
The Moonybaby 55935 BV-2T is an ideal option for families who want to view more than one camera simultaneously. It supports two cameras and boasts a clear HD screen. Furthermore, its two-way talk feature makes communication with children much simpler for parents.
This baby monitor features night vision, so you can see your infant even in the dark without having to switch on the lights! Plus, its long-life battery and intuitive buttons make it user-friendly.
For instance, you can pan the camera around in all directions and speak to your child through the monitor. Furthermore, you have full control over volume and screen brightness to suit your preferences.
You can keep an eye on your infant’s breathing and temperature with this monitor. It does not have a room humidity sensor or smart sock, but it still makes for a great choice for families who want to ensure their infant is at their comfort level.
Another excellent option is the DBPower 4 Camera Monitor, which has a 3.5-inch control screen that lets you view up to four cameras simultaneously. It connects directly to each camera without wifi or an app and also features an EMF reduction feature which reduces electromagnetic field radiation from your child’s monitor.
Monitors come at a range of price points, so it’s essential to set your budget before beginning the search for a new baby monitor. Doing this helps you avoid becoming distracted by features that you don’t need and find the best split screen monitor within your budget.