These are five essential baby monitor features every parent needs to know
Consider temperature sensor, sound-sensitive lights and the ability to play lullabies when purchasing a Baby Monitor Features.
What should you consider when buying a baby monitor that is video, audio, or smart?
Our latest baby monitors reviews include models from each of the three main types: audio, video, and smart.
The audio monitors come in two parts. One that you take with you (parent unit) and one that you leave in the nursery (baby unit). Most audio monitors are inexpensive, with Best Buys priced below PS30.
A video baby monitor uses a camera that is mounted in the nursery. The camera sends you pictures to be viewed on the parent screen.
Although you’ll have to pay more for one, the cheapest Best Buy is about PS80. But you can still see your baby and hear them.
Smart baby monitors work with wi-fi to allow you monitor your baby through an app on your smartphone. Further information on this type can be found further down.
There are five main features you should look for when buying a baby monitor
Parent unit
- It does not matter whether you opt for an audio or video baby-monitoring system. However, it is important to consider the needs of the parent unit. This will be your primary device to monitor your baby’s sleep.
- You should consider the size screen you require when you are looking for a monitor. They can range in size from about 3 inches to over 7 inches, and they can also vary in price.
- Both audio and video monitors are used to test the unit’s stability, make-up, and battery life. A clip to attach the unit to your belt is another useful feature we check.
- Be aware that smart baby monitors may not have a parent unit and you will have to rely only on your phone to keep your eye on your child.
Lullabies
- A lullaby can be a great way to soothe your baby into sleep.
- Many baby monitors include lullabies so you can play the nursery unit and get your baby to fall asleep.
- Some monitors have audiobooks you can play or you can make your own recording and play it at the touch of a button.
Temperature sensor
- It is important that your baby does not become too hot or too cold during sleep. This is why many parents invest in a dedicated room temperature thermometer.
- A baby monitor can be purchased with a sensor built in that monitors the temperature and humidity of the area where your baby sleeps.
- Each monitor is checked for accuracy in recording the right temperature.
- Also, the reading can be interpreted as whole degree numbers or more granular decimal points to help you see if you should open a door or bring someone a blanket.
Sound sensitive lights
- Sometimes, it is necessary to reduce or eliminate the sound from your baby monitor.
- Sound sensitive lights are used to visualize the sounds that your baby is making in the nursery.
- Better baby monitors can have up to six levels, so you can tell if your baby starts to cry or snuffle by the lights alone.
Wi-fi
- You can monitor your baby’s health with a wi fi baby monitor (also known as a Smart Monitor). Many include a parent unit, so you have many options.
- A parent unit may not work outside the house, but it will still function anywhere there is strong wifi signals.
- If one parent is away for the weekend but still wants to check in on their baby at home, they can do so through the app.
- All wi-fi babymonitors are subject to rigorous testing. We have rigorously tested all models we recommend.
Use a security camera only as a baby-monitoring device.
- Many cheap wireless security cameras can be found online, and some claim they can also be used as baby monitors.
- We’ve tried quite a few of them, and although some are very well made, they aren’t designed to be used as baby-monitors.
- Many security cameras don’t have the baby monitor features mentioned above. Some are more designed to scare away intruders rather than to monitor a child.