Parents naturally worry that their baby or toddler is safe when they’re out of sight. Baby monitors are now almost a necessity to help ease those concerns.

Baby monitor technology has come on in leaps and bounds with a wide range of monitors available to give you peace of mind when you can’t be by your baby’s side.

But which baby monitor should you choose? Well, that depends on your circumstances. Monitors are available for the home as well as for when you’re out and about. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and advice on baby monitors that will keep your baby or toddler safe and also suit your lifestyle and the type of home you live in.

Baby monitor range - If you live in a small house or want to monitor your baby when they’re a few rooms away then the majority of baby monitors will do the job without any trouble. For those with larger homes or looking for a receiver that can be taken outside to the garden or garage, go for one that has a longer range so you can be sure you’ll hear your baby.

Baby monitor interference - Baby monitors can suffer sound interference from electrical equipment (portable phones etc.) or from other baby monitors in the area that are using the same channel as yours. If you’re concerned about possible interference, go for a monitor that has multiple channels or comes with technology that prevents interference from other sources. The latest digital monitors offer crystal clear sound and video quality and are less prone to interference.

Baby monitor receiver portability - If you’re moving around a lot, you’ll need to carry the monitor’s receiver with you. Many receivers are now ultra portable so as not to weigh you down too much and also come with clips to attach to your belt or clothing. Also check the power source and battery life of the receiver to make sure you don’t run out of power too often. Some receivers have a warning beep when power is getting low.

Audio Monitors / Video Monitors
Baby monitors are available as audio monitors, which allow you to hear the slightest noise made by your little one, or as audio/video monitors which provide both sound and video of your baby. Some baby monitors also offer a two way communication functionality for times when you want to offer a few comforting words to your baby without being in the same room.

Audio Baby Monitors

Video Baby Monitors

Prenatal baby monitors
Baby monitoring can actually begin during the middle of your second trimester (generally from 21-28 weeks) with a prenatal baby monitor. These devices allow you to listen to your baby’s heartbeat using sensors placed on Mum’s stomach that are completely safe and non-invasive. The Summer Infant Deluxe Prenatal Heart Listening System for example comes with two headsets so both Mum, partner or loved one can share the experience of hearing the little one’s heart beating.

Summer Infant Deluxe Prenatal Heart Listening System

Newborn baby monitors
Now your baby’s come into the world, one of your main concerns is keeping them safe while they’re asleep. The latest newborn baby monitor technology allows you to monitor breathing, movement and room temperature and alert you of any irregularities. Sensor pads placed under the baby detect the slightest movement and alert you should no movement be detected after a certain period of time. Ultra sensitive sound detectors can allow you to hear the quietest of cries or breaths from your baby while room temperature indicators let you know about any changes.

AngelCare Movement and Sound Monitor

Multiple child and room baby monitors
Generally, baby monitors will be supplied with an audio or audio/video transmitter (which is placed close to the baby) and one or more audio or audio/video receivers (which are placed in the room with the baby or carried by the parent or carer). Multi-room baby monitors come with the option of more than one audio/video receiver.

If the system you want doesn’t have multi-room transmitters you can buy two separate systems but make sure they don’t interfere with each other by choosing ones that provide multiple channel or interference technology.

Out and about security monitors
Monitors aren’t just for babies, the latest out and about security monitors alert you when your toddler or child has strayed too far and also track the child down should they become lost. Systems such as the Loc8tor Plus are particularly useful when on holiday or for people who have adventurous toddlers. Small tagging monitors can be attached to your toddler should they wander a set distance away from you. And a panic button can alert an adult should the child start to worry they’ve got themselves lost.

Loc8tor Plus