The Best Baby Monitors For Peace Of Mind

Knowing your baby is safe will help you sleep better at night, and since you cannot physically be there every second, a baby monitor is the next best thing. However, choosing the right baby monitor can be a real hassle. There are just so many choices out there that choosing one will have you wondering whether you should have chosen the other.

In this guide, we will help you choose the right baby monitor for your baby, by showing you the major things to look out for.

But first, let’s answer an important question:

Why Do I Need a Baby Monitor?

You don’t need a baby monitor in the first few months if your baby’s crib is in your bedroom or you are co-sleeping. But, as soon as you move your baby to its room, you need one.

The obvious reason is so you can check on your baby and don’t feel guilty or worried if you must leave it alone for a few minutes. If it’s just you at home, a baby monitor will help you monitor your baby while you get other things done. Of course, checking your baby in person is always advisable, but a baby monitor saves you the legwork.

Baby monitors are also good for sleep training. If you are trying to sleep train your baby, it might be hard to ignore them if you hear them crying. But, with a baby monitor, you can confidently gauge if your baby needs you or if it’s just crying for your attention. Babies can be pretty manipulative.

Also, baby monitors can alert you to a situation with your baby before it gets serious, so you can take immediate action.

However, note that baby monitors cannot equate to adult supervision. They are there as an extra set of eyes.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Baby Monitor?

Types of Baby Monitor

There are two basic types of baby monitors:

• Audio-only baby monitors.
• Audio and Video baby monitors.

Audio-only baby monitors are less expensive than video monitors, but they are just as effective. Many parents are opting for audio and video baby monitors, but audio monitors are still very useful. They are great if you are not really tech-savvy and are just fine with hearing your baby. They are also great if the grandparents are babysitting. Grandparents are not exactly tech-savvy and dealing with a baby monitor that comes with many features and accessories may overwhelm them.
Audio and video baby monitors are more expensive, but they bring the major benefit of being able to see your child. Most anxious parents will take seeing their babies on video than only hearing them, and there’s nothing wrong with that. With a video monitor, you can calm your mind by seeing exactly what your baby is doing, and maybe enjoy some reality TV while you are at it.

The Connection Range

A baby monitor with a limited range is not very useful, you might as well sit next to your baby. You need a monitor with a range that’s long enough to let you take out the trash. Baby monitors with Bluetooth connection often have a limited range, which is why many parents opt for monitors with a Wi-Fi connection.

Those allow you to use your Wi-Fi connection to stream audio and video of your baby. The only issue is you’d need unlimited data to do this and, if your Wi-Fi is down or shaky, you’ll lose connection. Also, you would always need to have your phone or tab with you, and that could be inconvenient.

Safety

It’s imperative that you mount the cord over three feet away from the baby’s crib to avoid accidents. A cord that is too close to the crib could lead to strangulation. Even if the monitor is cordless, don’t put it inside the crib or within reach of your baby.

When you want to buy, go for brands that are particular about safety. Some brands have had to recall their baby monitors due to accidents that led to strangulation. So, be on the watch out for vague brands, and brands that have not been tested and reviewed. Most importantly, go for brands that follow the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). One of their requirements states that electrical cords be labeled to remind parents to hang the cord more than three feet away from the crib.

Security

Parents have told horrifying stories of having their baby monitors hacked. And honestly, there’s nothing more terrifying than fearing or discovering that some stranger was talking or watching your child while you slept. This is most likely to happen with a Wi-Fi baby monitor. To avoid this, go for brands that have included wireless encryptions into their systems. That’s done to prevent the likelihood of a hack.

Other things to Consider with Baby Monitors

Digital vs Analog

Analog baby monitors don’t encrypt their transmission, which means you could have a perfect stranger listening in. Digital baby monitors encrypt theirs, which makes them private. They are however more expensive. But the peace of mind and security is so worth it.

Infrared Night Vision

It’s no use having a video baby monitor if you can’t see your baby at night. The best video baby monitors have this feature. With just a little light from a bedside table, the infrared night vision feature will let you see your baby clearly.

FAQs For Best Baby Monitors

Q: How do I choose a baby monitor?
A: Consider a video baby monitor. Also, go for a baby monitor with a long-lasting battery, encrypted transmission, and infrared night vision.

Q: Is it okay to leave a baby monitor on all night?
A: It can serve as a great way to monitor your little one while she sleeps. Also, with the monitor on, you can be easily roused when it’s time to feed your baby.

Q: Are Analog baby monitors safe?
A: Analog baby monitors don’t have encrypted transmission, which means they can be easily hacked. They are also not great for long distances.