Baby Monitors 101

What you need to know before purchasing a baby monitor

All baby monitors perform the same basic function - allowing parents to watch baby while in another room. There are many choices when monitoring your baby, audio, video, and movement monitors are all on the market today. Baby Sound Monitors Sound monitors are the most common baby monitors. They provide monitoring of the sounds in baby's room, alerting parents to a coughing, fussing, or crying child. Some monitors have special features that tune into noises baby makes, keeping static to a minimum. Sound monitors are available with a variety of options including wireless battery operation, multiple receivers, long distance reception, and portable models. Some important things to consider are the monitor's reception range and sound clarity.

Baby Video Monitors
Video baby monitors allow parents to see as well as hear baby while in another room. Screen sizes vary widely, some with 5-inch screens and portable models with screens as small as 1.8-inches. Models are available with infrared night vision technology that gives parents a clear picture in a dark room. When choosing a portable model, look for models with an out of range indicator.

Movement Sensors
Movement sensors monitor baby's movements and will sound an alarm if baby is completely still for a certain time period, usually 20 seconds. These monitors fit under baby's mattress, and require careful installation to work correctly. Some models include sound monitoring. Movement sensors are wireless, so batteries are needed.