Choosing A Baby Monitor
It is very easy to worry about your baby. How can you know what he is doing when you are in a differrent room?
And jobs still need doing even if you have just given birth. Is he sleeping all right? Has he fallen over? If you
are worried about this sort of thing, and it would be surprising if you aren't, you need a Baby Monitor or
listening device.
A Baby Listening Device allows you to check on your child’s safety even when you are doing other things away
from him or outside his nursery. A Baby Safety Monitor can save you a lot of time and worry. It gives you
the peace of mind to know that your toddler is safe even when you're not close to him.
But what sort of Safety Monitor should you buy? There are so many different types, and brands, available that it
can be difficult to make a decision. This article will help you to identify what is available so that you know what
sort of things to consider before you decide what monitor to buy.
Broadly speaking, there are three types of baby monitors available: audio baby monitor, video baby monitor or a
sensory baby monitor.
Audio monitors
An audio monitor will allow you to hear what your child is doing; crying for instance. They pick up sounds.
There are two types of audio monitor: analog and digital.
Analogue monitors are less expensive but are generally still reliable. An Analog monitor uses FM
radio frequency signals to transmit the sound. The biggest problem with analogue baby listening devices is that
other receivers can pick up the same signal that is transmitted by your monitor - your neighbours might be able to
hear what is going on in your house!!
Digital baby monitors are a bit more expensive to buy but they provide more privacy and generally
have a wider range of reception. Digital baby listening devices are also less susceptible to static which
means they give a better sound - so that you can hear your baby crying much more clearly!!
Video Baby monitors
Video baby monitors combine both sound and video which allows you to both see and hear your child. They use
a small camera that can be mounted on the wall, or even the cot itself. The camera then transmits
pictures to a TV or other Lcd device.
Video monitors are usually portable and usually come with multiple cameras; some even have night
vision.
Sensory monitors
Sensory baby monitors detect a baby’s movements - even while they are sleeping. A sensory monitor
fits under the baby's mattress and warns you when the baby stops moving, or is absolutely still for 20
seconds or so.
Some baby sensory models also have audio monitors attached. You, the parent carry a portable unit that
receives an alarm and then allows you to hear what your baby is doing.
Things to consider before buying
Different monitors suit different families. What is right for one household may not be right for another. You
should consider the size of your home and your proximity to neighbours - if you live in a terraced house an anlogue
listening device may not be suitable.
A simple baby monitor may be appropriate for a smaller house, but a more sophisticated video monitoring
system may be required for a larger house.
Your lifestyle and the type of work that you do are also relevant, especially if your work means
that you to be a long way from your baby’s nursery. You will need a monitor that has a
longer range, and is portable.
Whatever type of monitoring device you choose, it is important that it is of good quality so that there is
clarity of sound and video - otherwise you will not be able to monitor your child properly. Your childs safety may
be at stake.
Articles about Baby Monitors
| 