How to Buy a Baby Monitor

If you’re a new parent, you know certain devices can be life savers. For people who live in large houses, a baby monitor can really come in handy. You can keep an eye (and an ear) on your little one without actually going into their room. Here is how to buy the best baby monitor for you and your family:

What are the benefits?

First and foremost, you need to determine the positives of owning a baby monitor. This is an electronic device that transmits sound (and sometimes video) from one room to another. That way, you can see or hear for yourself if your baby is sleeping or not. This comes in handy, especially for women who are still breastfeeding in the night. The last thing you want is your infant to be crying into the night, and you don’t even realize it. A baby monitor can increase the volume of your baby’s sounds so you can easily figure out if he or she needs you.

What kind of baby monitors are there?

Baby monitors fall into three categories. Here is the lowdown on all of them:

Sound

A sound baby monitor is exactly what you think. Through this device, you can hear all the things going on in your little one’s room. This is the most practical kind of monitor; it’s also the most inexpensive.

Video

This device incorporates picture so you can see your infant moving. This kind of baby monitor is helpful in determining if your baby needs you or is just fussy.

Movement

This baby monitor detects the movement of your infant to alert the parent to potentially serious medical conditions you wouldn’t be able to see or hear.

The type of baby monitor for you simply comes down to preference. Movement baby monitors may give you the most ease of minds because this type seems to do it all, but in the end, any baby monitor is better than none at all.

Things to keep in mind

If you’ve shopped for a monitor, it can be overwhelming. In addition to sound, movement and video, there are plenty of features. Here are some tips to keep in mind while on the hunt for the perfect device for you and your family:

• Size: It’s important to choose an electronic that’s not too heavy. You’re going to want to carry it around around the house with you.
• Sound-activated light: If you’re doing things around the house, you might not be able to hear your baby crying. Like a phone, some baby monitors have sound-activated light so the screen will brighten if the device detects any kind of sound or movement.
• Multiple receivers: Some families want more than one device in their home. That way, mom and dad can have one, and you won’t have to purchase a whole new set if one happens to get lost.

There are plenty of different features. Be sure to browse on the Internet before purchasing one, or ask an employee in the store you’re shopping for his or her professional opinion.

Let’s talk quality

When it comes to choosing the best baby monitor brand, there are certain things to keep in mind. Digital monitors are a little bit pricier than analog, but the sound is traditionally better. You’re going to be much happier you spent the extra money instead of having static noises along with baby cries. If you live in a large home, you’re going to want to opt for a device with a big proximity frequency so you can walk around freely without having to worry about whether the baby monitor is working. Baby monitors can cost as little as $20 and as high as $300 (for video). Decide which model is right for your whole family.

Check out some of the best selling baby monitors.