Baby Monitor Buying Guide

Here are some useful hints and tips for things to consider when choosing a baby monitor.

How to Choose a Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is a simple yet effective, remote controlled device for keeping a check on your baby while you are in another part of your house. A baby monitor system is usually made up of a transmitter unit - equipped with a built-in microphone and /or camera, and left next to the baby - and a handheld receiver unit - equipped with a speaker and/or display screen.

This system is easy to install, and the portable design means that you can place the baby monitor anywhere around the house within a certain range. While baby rests, you can get on with other household activities, safe in the knowledge that the monitor will transmit any sounds (and sometimes images) which may indicate that your baby needs attention.

You should still check on your baby regularly rather than relying on a monitor, but a baby monitor can give you peace of mind when leaving your baby in a room for a short period of time.

Whether you are sleeping, cleaning or out in the garden, using a baby monitor is a convenient and easy way to keep an ear or eye on your baby, and there's a great range of models to choose from.

What is the Best Type of Baby Monitor?

It's important to get the type of baby monitor that you will feel the most comfortable using, so to help you decide on the one that will suit you and your baby's needs, here are details of the main types of baby monitor that you can buy:

Audio baby monitor - The traditional type of baby monitor, audio baby monitors will transmit any sounds that may bring your attention to the baby. Some models of audio baby monitor include thermometers, night-lights, or a microphone at the receiver end so you can talk back to your baby.
Video baby monitor - Transmitting both sound and vision to a handy, portable receiver, a video baby monitor is designed to show where your baby is, as well as alerting you to any sounds that may indicate your baby needs attention.
Motion sensor baby monitor - With a pad that's placed under the mattress, a motion sensor baby monitor will alert you if the baby stops moving for a specified period of time.

Features to Look for When You Buy a Baby Monitor

Baby monitor features can vary from model to model. You might find some features essential for peace of mind and convenience and the more versatile the baby monitor is the better. Key features that you may want to look for when choosing a baby monitor include:

Battery light - Essential for preventing the battery from running out during the night, a battery light will warn you that the battery is running low and needs replacing or recharging.
Channel selection and transmission signal - The higher the number of channels on a baby monitor, the less interference from other wireless devices there will be. Interference from static can be reduced with models of baby monitor that use 900 MHz (megahertz), delivering improved clarity. However, if your household contains other monitors and wireless devices such as mobile telephones, you should look for a lower band baby monitor for less static interference.
Light display - Especially useful if you are worried that using other appliances such as your washing machine or vacuum cleaner might make the baby monitor inaudible, a light display will visually alert you to the monitor if your baby needs attention.
Additional receivers - It's worth considering choosing a baby monitor with extra receivers, so both parents can watch the baby in separate locations.

Set a Budget Before You Choose a Baby Monitor

A baby monitor is a great tool to ensure your baby's welfare. By sticking to a budget and shopping around online, you might be able to take advantage of some great special offers and discounts on baby monitors, and get a better model than your budget would normally allow.

A warranty covers the cost of repairing or replacing your baby monitor under certain conditions. By comparing warranties between retailers and manufacturers you might find a similar priced model of baby monitor with a better type of warranty.