Which Baby Monitor Should I Choose?

Baby monitors are often in the top five items parents buy for their new baby, but with such a vast range and so much confusing information, how do you decide which monitor is right for you and your family? The majority of the hundreds of monitors available can be slotted into a few categories and this is where MonitorMyBaby recommends parents start.

Video Monitors

A Video monitor offers parents the chance to see and hear their child whilst in a different room, they are available in colour or black and white and some have the ability to record. Many have the option for additional cameras, allowing parents to monitor multiple rooms. They are suitable for all ages and are often packed with features such as talk back, zoom, night lights and temperature sensors. The majority have digital technology.

Audio Monitors

Audio monitors provide parents with the ability to hear their baby. They are available in analogue or digital and often have many features such as lights sounds, talk back, lullabies and a temperature sensor. Audio monitors are designed for all ages.

Breathing Effort Monitors

Breathing Effort monitors are designed for newborn and young babies. They are available in two main types – portable and non-portable. The portable ones are designed to be fitted to nappies or waistbands and detect breathing effort and movement. Non-portable monitors are designed to be placed under the baby’s mattress to detect movement. Some of the non-portables are medically approved and all Breathing Effort monitors are designed to alarm should breathing stop or become too shallow.

Telephone and Internet Monitors

Telephone and Internet Monitors are ideal if you need a monitor that has a long or unlimited range. The Telephone Monitor is compatible with landlines or mobiles and is designed to ring your chosen number when a noise is detected. The Internet Monitors use Wi-fi to transfer the pictures onto your computer, laptop, Blackberry etc. This means you or your family and friends can securely view your baby from anywhere in the world. These monitors do not carry the same features as more traditional monitors such as lullabies and talk back. These monitors are a parenting aid and do not replace the need to have a responsible adult caring for a child.