How to choose a baby monitor
Discover everything from top baby monitor features to safety tips and more to help you with choosing a baby monitor for your little one.
When should I buy a baby monitor?
Wondering what the benefits of using a baby monitor are? It helps to give you peace of mind that your little one is safe when you’re not around. You’ll most likely need one when they move into their own room and if they sleep in a different place than where you are in the day.
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Using a baby monitor
- Choose the right monitor for your needs, considering added features, like baby camera monitors and options with tilt and zoom or nightlights.
- Test out your monitor first before you use it to check that everything is working as it should.
- If your monitor is connected to the Internet, be sure to complete any device software updates regularly so that it works in an optimal condition.
Safety tips for using a baby monitor
- Never place the baby unit inside your baby’s cot, bed or playpen. Use wall-mounted baby monitors if you want a clearer view.
- Keep the baby unit, parents unit and any electrical cords out of baby's reach.
- If your monitor that links to the Internet, create strong passwords for both your home network and the monitor. Make sure you go through the default settings and activate all of the available security features.
- Never plug in a monitor where it can get wet or damp.
Top baby monitors
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What is the best baby monitor for you
Although there are many different baby monitors on the market, they can be broken down into three types: audio, video and movement.
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Audio baby monitors
Audio monitors allow you to listen in on your baby when you're not in the room. These will also have a visual representation of the level of volume too, meaning you won't miss any sound, even if the monitor is on mute.
Audio monitors include 2 units: baby and parent. The baby unit should stay in the room that your baby sleeps whereas the parent unit can be both wired and battery-powered, offering more flexibility on where you use it.
Video baby monitors
Video monitors allow you to both see and hear what your baby is up to for greater peace of mind. Some video monitors have smart technology too for flexible viewing wherever and whenever.
They consist of a camera (the baby unit), which needs to be set up in your baby's room, and parent unit which has a screen for easy viewing. Some cameras can be mounted to the wall, whereas others will need to be placed on a flat surface.
Movement baby monitors
Baby monitors with movement sensors can detect your baby's slightest wriggles and will alert you if baby needs you.
Simply slip the sensor pat under baby’s mattress – it never touches them and they won’t know it’s there. This mat will pick up on how much they are moving around and you'll get alerts if they haven't moved for a certain period of time (usually about 20 seconds).
Which features to look for in a baby monitor
From talking to them from wherever you are in the house to keeping a check on the room temperature, explore top baby monitor features to understand what you might need and shop monitors that come with these built-in benefits.
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Smart monitors
Keep an eye on your little one with just a few clicks. A smart monitor lets you have audio and video updates on your phone. With features like zoom-in, talk-back, on-demand recording, and wide-angle - you can ensure your baby's safe and sound at all times.
Signal range
Many baby monitors have a portable parent unit so you can carry it around with you as you go about your day-to-day jobs. But it's important that you still remain within the signal range. If you've got a big house, find a monitor with a long-range. For a flat or small house, shorter ranges should be suitable.
Pan, tilt & zoom
Get the angle of your monitor just right, and keep your baby in sight, without having to go in the room to change it.
Two-way talk
This means you can hear your baby and they can hear you, allowing you to reassure and comfort them from another room.
Infrared night vision
Built in to most video monitors, the feature allows you to easily see your baby even when they're in a dark room.
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Night light
Featured on some monitors, the night light can calm anxious babies and help them drift off to sleep.
Lullabies
Giving you the ability to play songs right from the monitor to soothe your restless baby.
Movement monitors
Many monitors feature LEDs to provide a visual signal when baby needs you, but some also feature a vibration alert to ensure you don't miss a thing.
Temperature display
See the temperature of your baby's room so you know it's just right for your little one.
Battery powered
Battery powered monitors stay on even during power cuts. Before using the device for the first time, you must fully charge it according to the manual otherwise you risk lowering its life.
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Frequently asked questions about baby monitors
What are baby monitors used for?
Parents and families use baby monitors to keep track of their baby's comfort, safety and activity when they are away in another room. Baby monitors help provide details like audio and video of the baby, and general other environmental data of the nursery so parents or caregivers can respond quickly whenever needed.
What age should you have a baby monitor until?
You can use a baby monitor until your baby turns two as it reassures you of baby's activity, crying and sleeping patterns. You could use the monitor to keep a check on your toddler's movements at night until they turn four. Once they start speaking, they can easily call you for help so you may no longer need the monitor.
Are baby monitors a good idea?
Baby monitors provide peace of mine while you're away doing your work in another part of the house. Some monitors provide remote access to parents that travel for work and leave the baby with other caregivers. Additionally, they help you track baby's sleep patterns without disturbing the baby.
Is it better to have a WiFi or non-WiFi baby monitor?
It depends on you. Wi-Fi monitors give you remote access, alerts when the baby's moving, nursery temperature to ensure baby's comfort and also video storage of your baby. But there are disruptions when the internet connection is patchy and easily hackable if you do not set a strong password. Non-Wi-Fi baby monitors on the other hand are simple - plug and play. But they do not allow remote access or video storage on the cloud. They also work withing a range like 100 to 500 meters, depending on the brand. Each type has their advantages and disadvantages so choose one that suits your lifestyle.
Do baby monitors record all the time?
No, baby monitors do not record all the time. Audio monitors do not record or store but only transmit sounds to the parent unit. Video baby monitors without Wi-Fi provide real-time feed. If they have SD card storage, they can record. Smart baby monitors (Wi-Fi) let you choose if you want to record always or only when the baby moves, coos or cries.
What is the difference between a baby monitor and a baby camera?
A baby monitor is a specific device to help parents track baby's sleep, comfort, and safety. It includes two devices - a baby unit (which is a camera or microphone) and a parent unit, which is the receiver. A baby or nursery camera is a home security camera for babies. While some can give you alerts based on baby's motion and sounds, they don't give you the room temperature and play lullabies, which some smart baby monitors can.
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