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Using a baby monitor
When should I buy a baby monitor?
A baby monitor helps to give you peace of mind that your little one is safe and sound when you’re not in the room. You’ll most likely need one when they move into their own room – and if they sleep in a different room to where you are in the day.
Safety tips
- Never place the baby unit inside your baby’s cot, bed or playpen.
- Keep the baby unit, parents unit and any electrical cords out of reach of baby.
- If you use a monitor that links to the Internet, be sure to create strong passwords for both your home network and the baby 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.
Which baby monitor to buy?
Although there are many different baby monitors on the market, they can be broken down into three types: audio, video and movement.
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).
Features to look out for
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.
Night light
Featured on some monitors, the night light can calm anxious babies and help them to drift off to sleep.
Lullabies
Giving you the ability to play songs right from the monitor to soothe your restless baby.
Vibration
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
These monitors carry on going, even during a power cut. 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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