Sound advice: how to choose a baby monitor

As technology advances, the act of choosing a baby monitor can feel overwhelming since there are so many features and models to choose from. You might not even know where to start, even if you do like the idea of having an extra set of ears. Here are some important facts to consider before you purchase your baby monitor.

A baby monitor is a device that helps you keep an ear on your baby while you’re in another room. Most baby monitors work by transmitting any sounds from one monitor to another monitor. There are some models that also share video so you can hear and see your baby.

• Baby monitors are helpful when your baby is asleep in another room, away from you.
• So when they wake up in the middle of the night because they need to be changed or fed or just cuddled, they will let you hear it.
• Another great use for baby monitors is for parents who need to get some chores done, like washing dishes or folding laundry in another part of the house. As long as you have your monitor, you can still hear your baby calling (read: crying) for you.

These are the most common type of baby monitors, being your most basic model. They transmit audio only, but this may be enough for your needs.

• The cost of an audio monitor is usually quite affordable, and a popular item to give at a baby shower.
• Some audio monitors come with additional features like lights, which might flicker, pulse or glow brighter when your baby cries.
• This might be a good option for parents who are hearing impaired or plan on using the monitor when they're doing something noisy, like running the washer or vacuuming.

Some audio mentors run into problems with interference.

• This means that you might hear static, audio from cordless phones, or cellphones.
• Also, if you plan on letting your baby sleep upstairs while you do laundry in the basement, your audio monitor may be limited to a specific range for optimal audio transmission.
• Make sure you read the product details before you choose this baby monitor.

If audio isn’t enough to give you peace of mind, you’ve got another option. Video monitors are becoming increasingly popular, so you'll be able to find them alongside standard audio monitors at stores that carry baby products.

• If you choose a video baby monitor, you'll be able to see your baby sleeping on the monitor that you carry with you.
• Video monitors come with a screen so that you'll not only hear your baby, but also see them sound asleep.
• If you would like to spy on your baby while they sleep at night, some video monitors come with night vision so you don’t have to worry about the dark.