Welcoming a new baby into your family is an exciting time, and as a new parent, you may find yourself wondering about the different tools and equipment you may need to ensure your little one is safe and sound. Baby monitors are considered an essential tool for most parents of little ones.
With its convenience and safety features, a baby monitor has become an crucial tool for many parents, allowing them to be there for their child every step of the way.
After all, it’s simply not possible to keep an eye on your baby 24/7, and having a device that allows you to see and hear your baby when you are not in the room with them is worth its weight in gold.
If you’re preparing for a new baby and trying to gather all your necessities, you may be asking, “Baby Monitors seem like they are pretty useful gadgets.”
But are they in reality:
Table of Contents
Do You Actually Need a Baby Monitor?
There are pros and cons to a baby monitor. Here’s how to make that decision…
4 Sources
Momdadchoice uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. The truth about home apnea monitors for SIDs.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. How to keep your sleeping baby safe: AAP policy explained.
- BBC. Web baby-monitoring open to hacking, study warns.
- Samantha Brandon . Mom of 2 young children
Let’s dive in… Do You Actually Need a Baby Monitor?
The following questions will help you decide whether or not to purchase an expensive baby monitor. Ask yourself these four questions before making you decision:
What to Look For in a Baby Monitor:
The most important factors to consider in a baby monitor boil down to audio vs. video streaming, data connections, parent units vs. smartphones, battery life, and smart monitoring options.
The best baby monitor for you depends on your budget, caregiving plan, and interest in nitty-gritty details like sleep analytics.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the perfect baby monitor for your family.
Video Vs Audio
Additionally, the inclusion of night lights on baby monitors is a popular feature that many parents appreciate. Ultimately, it’s important to consider what features are most important to you when selecting a baby monitor that meets your needs.
Audio-only monitors are more affordable, but video monitors give you the ability to see your baby as well as hear them. This can be particularly useful if you want to check on your baby without disturbing them. However, keep in mind that video monitors are generally more expensive than audio-only monitors.
Range Capabilities
The range of the monitor is another important factor to consider. If you have a large home, you’ll want to make sure the monitor has a long range so that you can still hear or see your baby from different rooms. Look for a monitor with a range of at least 100 feet, but ideally one that can reach up to 300 feet or more.
Multiple Channels and Convenient Power Source
Another feature to look for is the ability to switch between multiple channels. This can be particularly useful if you live in an area where other households also have baby monitors, as it can help you avoid interference.
Additionally, consider the power source of the monitor. Many monitors run on batteries, which can be convenient for portability, but they may require frequent battery changes.
On the other hand, some monitors come with a rechargeable battery or can be plugged into an outlet for continuous power.
Smartphone Compatibility
Finally, consider whether you want a baby monitor that is compatible with your smartphone. With a smartphone-compatible monitor, you can use your phone to watch or listen to your baby, even when you’re away from home.
This can be particularly useful for working parents or those who frequently travel. Look for a monitor with an app that is easy to use and has good reviews.
The Pros of Baby Monitors:
Babies need continuous attention to ensure their safety and health. A baby monitor enables parents to watch, entertain, and calm their child from anywhere. Initially, there were audio-only infant care devices that enabled listening to a baby kept in another room.
Baby Monitors are Making Parenting Easier; Here’s How
1: Comfort & Reassurance
For many parents, a baby monitor is more than just a tool to keep tabs on their little ones. It provides a sense of comfort and reassurance, as was the case for first-time mom Anna Garcia.
Since her toddler son was born, her baby monitor has helped ease her anxiety by allowing her to check his room temperature and keep an eye on him at all times.
She notes that in today’s world, the added security of being able to monitor any potential break-ins is a critical benefit. Ultimately, a baby monitor can provide parents with the peace of mind they need to get a good night’s sleep while still keeping a watchful eye on their little ones.
Baby movement monitors, such as the Owlet or the Angelcare, use special sensors to track a baby’s movement while they’re sleeping and alert you to any stillness that may signal a problem.
These devices can also monitor temperature, breathing, and heart rate to give you a more complete picture of your child’s health.
2: Monitoring Middle of the Night Wake-Ups
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it’s recommended that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first six months of their lives to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
However, not all parents find this arrangement feasible or practical. For instance, as a working parent, Samantha Brandon found it challenging to keep a watchful eye on her baby while sharing a room with them.
In such instances, a baby monitor can be an effective solution. Brandon notes that a baby monitor can allow parents to listen for their child’s middle-of-the-night wake-ups, giving them the peace of mind they need to sleep soundly.
3:Date Night & Traveling
Lactation consultant and mom Lacy Reason notes that using a baby monitor that connects to her phone allows her to check on her child while she’s out on a date.
Similarly, a baby monitor can be an asset during family travel, providing extra vigilance in unfamiliar surroundings. While traveling, Reason prefers a simpler audio monitor that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi connections to avoid issues with signal strength and security.
4: Baby Monitor to Stay Connected During Work Hours
For working parents, the need to stay connected to their children 24/7 can be a challenge. Baby monitors can provide an effective solution, allowing parents to keep an eye and ear on their little ones even while they’re at work.
By choosing the right baby monitor, working parents can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re always connected with their child. Whether it’s a high-tech monitor that connects to a smartphone or a simple audio device, there are many options to suit different needs and budgets.
Using a baby monitor can also help working parents maximize their productivity, as they can focus on work while still keeping an ear out for their child’s needs. However, finding the right balance between work and family can be a struggle.
By setting clear boundaries and using a baby monitor as a tool to stay connected, working parents can achieve a better work-life balance.
Ultimately, baby monitors provide an invaluable resource for working parents, allowing them to maintain a strong connection with their child no matter where they are.Baby will use it as a way to soothe itself. You can give it to the baby if it is screaming and have some peace and quiet.
5: Better Communication
Baby monitors can also help facilitate better communication between parents. By sharing the monitor, both parents can stay informed about their child’s activities and needs, which can help them work together to provide the best possible care.
The Cons of Baby Monitors:
While baby monitors offer a variety of benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the cons of baby monitors.
Extra wires
Sometimes messes up baby’s teeth if used excessively. Baby will probably eventually make a game out of throwing the pacifier on the floor and screaming until you pick it up, only to throw it again. I’ve seen many babies do this.
False Alarms
One common complaint about baby monitors is the potential for false alarms. Some monitors may be triggered by environmental factors such as loud noises or temperature changes, causing parents to become anxious or alarmed.
Over-Reliance
There is also a risk of over-reliance on baby monitors, which can lead to parents becoming complacent in their supervision of their child. This can be especially true with audio-only monitors, which can make it difficult for parents to determine what is causing their child to cry or make noise.
Privacy Concerns
Another potential issue with baby monitors is privacy concerns. In recent years, there have been reports of hackers gaining access to unsecured baby monitors and even spying on babies and their families.
Technical Malfunctions
Like any electronic device, baby monitors can experience technical malfunctions. This can be especially concerning if the monitor is not functioning properly during a critical time, such as when a baby is experiencing health issues.
Interference
Interference can also be a problem with some baby monitors. Other electronic devices, such as cordless phones or wireless routers, can cause interference with some monitors, leading to poor audio or video quality.
Cost
Finally, cost is another consideration when it comes to baby monitors. Some of the more advanced models can be quite expensive, and the cost can add up if parents need to purchase multiple monitors for different areas of the home.
Baby monitors can be quite versatile and have a number of alternative uses beyond just monitoring babies. Here are a few examples:
Alternative Uses for Baby Monitor:
It all depends on your home & how you’ll use Baby Monitor…Choosing a baby monitor depends on the size of your home and how you plan to use it.
If you prefer more advanced features, such as video and audio capabilities, there are great options available. The right monitor can provide peace of mind and keep you connected with your little one.
FAQS ABOUT BABY MONITOR
1: Do newborns need a baby monitor?
While most healthy babies don’t require monitoring, it’s best to discuss with your doctor or child and family health nurse if a monitor is necessary. However, relying solely on a monitor isn’t recommended, as nothing can replace your personal observation of your baby.
2:When should you start using baby monitor?
Parents can start using a baby monitor right after they bring their newborn home, but many choose to wait until the baby is six months old, as experts suggest that’s the ideal age for babies to have their own room.
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