Taking care of a baby is an anxious task for any new parent. Luckily, several good-quality baby monitors take all your worries away.
Baby monitors can be found in several different types, such as audio and video monitors. Some monitors also detect motion and breathing patterns. Such products’ main goal is to keep a regular check on your baby and alert you when the child needs your help.
But how do you know which monitor to rely on? We’ve prepared a list of the best baby monitors of 2021 that will keep you and your baby connected.
So let’s get started!
Type of Monitor
Audio Monitor
An audio monitor transmits audio signals either through Ethernet or Wi-Fi. These monitors are designed to listen to your baby’s cries, and as such, they should drown out all background noise. Some monitors also feature a small LED light that will light up when your baby cries. So you can put the monitor on mute and still know when your baby needs you.
These monitors are great for those who want a cheap monitoring option. They don’t provide any video input, which may not be necessary for some parents.
Audio + Video Monitor
The combination of an audio and video transmitter will cost more than the audio variant. Audio plus video monitors are great as they show you what your child is doing. This is useful if you fear that your child will try to escape their crib or if you’re worried about intruders. Many newer monitors even feature night vision.
If you’re going a video monitor, you’ll most definitely want night vision. It will help keep an eye on your child in case you wake up during the night. And when paired with a motion sensor, it will keep your child secured.
Motion Sensor Monitor
A motion sensor monitor can go off when your child has moved out of their crib. These monitors are alternatives for parents who can’t afford video monitors but still want to keep a check on their baby. You can get them for cheap. Just be sure to install them so that they’re looking at the edge of the crib and not inside it.
Vitals/Home Apnea Monitor
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is an unexplained infant death that is more or less related to breathing issues. This is why many parents are now choosing to install a vitals or home apnea monitor. This monitor is placed underneath the child in the crib and will detect motion from breathing.
As soon as the motion stops for a certain period, an alarm will ring. This will alert parents of sleep apnea in children. Some monitors may also increase a heart rate and blood pressure sensor.
Temperature Monitor
Temperature monitors are critical for the well-being of your child. One possible cause of SIDS is overheating. By monitoring the temperature, you can help ensure your child’s safety. A suitable temperature range is 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Digital vs. Analog
When buying a baby monitor, one important consideration is whether you want to go digital or analog. It might not seem important, but as you’ll soon find out, it’s for the better.
Analog monitors do not encode the signal when they transmit it, whether it is an audio or a video signal. They send the signal in its raw format, which the wrong people can easily intercept. Digital monitors, on the other hand, transmit the signal in an encoded format. This is a much safer choice.
Wired vs. Wireless
When talking about most devices, wireless seems to be the better choice. However, we can safely make an exception here. Wired baby monitors are securer as compared to their wireless counterparts. And they’re twice as convenient.
You see, the main benefit of going wireless is portability. But it’s not like you’ll be moving your baby monitor every day. If you don’t need that kind of portability, then going wireless is pointless. The device needs to be charged up. And if it runs out of charge, who knows how long it will be before you notice? This can potentially be dangerous to the baby’s well-being.
In addition to that, wireless signals can be intercepted by anyone who has access to them. Wired signals, on the other hand, require first-hand access to your cable.
However, wireless baby monitors may be easier to set up, as wired ones require an Ethernet connection.
Radio Frequency (RF) vs. Wi-Fi:
If you decide to go wireless, you should consider how the transmitter will communicate with the receiver. Baby monitors can send signals using either your Wi-Fi or their in-built RF transmitters.
RF monitors have a limited range, and many parents are concerned that they will expose your child to harmful radio frequencies. However, they’re a great way to save up on your Wi-Fi or data plan. Wi-Fi monitors only work as fast as your Wi-Fi does. So even if a monitor is labeled “HD,” the actual quality can drop depending on your Wi-Fi.
But that’s not all. If you lose your Wi-Fi connection, you lose your Wi-Fi baby monitor. That’s not the case with RF monitors. They work independently, even during a power breakdown. Wi-Fi monitors can be easier to set up, though. And some may come with a dedicated app with additional functionality.
Receivers
Finally, consider how many receivers you want. If you and your partner sleep in the same room, you can invest in only one receiver. If you sleep separately, or if someone else in your house needs one (a baby-sitter or nurse), consider more than one receiver. Make sure that the brand you buy from also sells additional receivers separately.
Conclusion
Baby monitors are essential devices that keep your children safe. And finding the right one is not as easy as it seems.
There are several options for you depending on your budget. People on a low budget can opt for an audio-only monitor, while those on a higher budget should choose the video monitors. You can also install a motion sensor to alert you when your child leaves its crib.
All in all, the right baby monitor can make all the difference. So, don’t compromise on your child’s safety and choose from our recommended best baby monitors.