How To Select A Baby Monitor

How To Select A Baby Monitor

Expectant parents should invest in a baby monitor since it will provide you the piece of mind of being able to check on your sleeping child from wherever in your house. 

Unfortunately, you won't likely have any experience with these monitors until you actually need one, making it challenging to decide which type to purchase.

Monitoring devices can be of three main types: audio, video, and movement or breathing.

The most common type, the audio monitor, is made up of a transmitter that you install in your child's room and a receiver that allows you to 'listen in,' notifying you if your child begins to cry or otherwise exhibits signs of waking up. 

Most variants today feature a rechargeable mobile receiver that you can carry from room to room or outside as long as you stay in range. The most cheapest modules will have a fixed receiver that needs to be plugged into a wall socket for power.

Your home's construction will affect the range of your monitor system, as would any sources of interference like other monitor systems, wireless computer networks, and in certain cases even microwave ovens. Thick walls will further lower the range.

Nowadays, interference is less of a concern because most models let you to choose from a variety of operating channels. If you do experience interference issues, you can try switching to a different channel to see if that helps. 

The most modern designs now include hundreds of channels that will be automatically picked to reduce interference in the current circumstances, while some units only have two or four channels that you have to manually select.

Modern displays incorporate digital technology, just like so much else in today's world. In real life, this translates to a crisper signal and a wider operating range.

These are the fundamental functions of audio monitors, while different models may offer additional functionality. A common one is an intercom or talkback system, which allows you to communicate with your infant over the monitor and soothe her back to sleep without making a noise by entering the nursery. 

Another typical feature is temperature alerts, which let you check how warm the nursery is and receive notifications if it veers outside of a safe range. Other versions may also have nightlights or lullabies that you can set to play automatically or manually, again without entering the room.

The majority of people find that an audio monitor is sufficient, but some people prefer the added security that comes with a video monitor that lets you watch your child on a TV screen integrated into the receiver. Make sure your video monitor has night vision functionality if you decide to purchase one; otherwise, it won't be very useful at night.

You can also purchase a breathing and movement monitor if you want complete confidence that your child is sleeping soundly. This comprises of a pressure pad that is positioned underneath the crib mattress and senses when your child stops breathing or exhibits other indicators of distress. It will then quickly notify you.

Price is the last factor to take into account when selecting a monitor system. There is a wide range, from a few bucks to several hundred. However, for something as necessary as a monitor, it's worth investing in the best model you can afford; otherwise, the system will be a waste of time if it doesn't function well and you can't trust it.