Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in a persons’ life. However, this excitement can quickly turn to stress when you start shopping for baby items. With so many different baby items to choose from how do you know where to start or if you are buying the ‘right’ one?  For example, there are now more than 100 baby monitors to choose from. The purpose of this guide is to review the different types of baby monitors available and find out which one is right for you.
Probably the biggest advantage of baby monitors is to help calm parents’ stress level and worry. New parents are famous for worrying about their new babies. The first child is usually the hardest one because if you are like me you wake up constantly during the night to make sure the baby is okay and even interrupt their naps or play time because they are being ‘too quiet’.

Baby Monitors 101

Why are baby monitors so popular and do you really need one with a new baby? Actually baby monitors are getting more popular every year. They are great because they work for almost any age baby or even young child. Basic baby monitors let you hear what's happening in your baby's room. Some of the newer models even let you watch your baby on video and let you monitor your baby’s breathing and movement.

Types of Baby Monitors

The most common type of baby monitors sold is audio monitors. These monitors let you listen to your baby from another room. These have a transmitter that you keep in the baby’s room and then the receiver goes with you wherever you go, be it outside, on another floor etc.  Some monitors now even come with two receivers so two people can listen in.  

Another model sold is the audio and movement monitors. These models include three parts – a transmitter you place in the room, a pad you put underneath your baby’s mattress to detect movement and/or breathing and a receiver.

Finally, we have the video and audio monitors.  These monitors let you see and hear your baby and include a small camera you place on a table near the crib or mount to a wall and a small television or handheld RV. There are even some of these models that have infrared cameras so you can view your baby in the dark.  If you do choose a video baby monitor, you can choose from traditional ones that are wired or models that are wireless, whichever you prefer.

Baby Monitor Features and options

While there are tons of features to choose from, here are a few that in our experience are important to look for in monitors.

Range: Most baby monitors will work just fine for home or apartments. However, if you have a large home or want to take the receiver outside, make sure you find a monitor with a long enough range for your needs.
Frequency – This is an important topic to consider since probably the number one goal of buying a baby monitor is to hear your baby. The less expensive monitors operate on a 49 MHz frequency, which can lead to some interference from devices such as cell phones, cordless phones or even other monitors. If this is a concern, you can purchase 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz monitors which will decrease the likelihood of interference. These higher frequency models will provide the widest possible frequency and the best clarity. Buying models with multiple channels are a good idea too, so you can find a channel that has less interference. Learn more about frequencies by reading my article titled “Important Tips on Buying Cordless Phones”  (Link to    (http://reviews.ebay.com/Important-Tips-on-Buying-Cordless-Phones_W0QQugidZ10000000001691936)
Last but not least, don’t forget your monitors will work on batteries so you might want to look for some good quality batteries or even rechargeable ones.

Making Your Decision

Now that you know about some of the features, let’s talk about a few final things to help you make your decision. First of all, consider the reputation of the manufacturer. We recommend sticking to a company that has a respected reputation in the field of baby safety. Fisher Price, Graco, Evenflo and Safety First baby monitors are quality products from companies with solid reputations. Second, check reviews and rating online of specific models and brands and third don’t forget to buy from a company that provides a guarantee if you aren’t happy with the product you purchased.

One newer way that monitors are being used is with elderly and disabled patients. For a caretaker of these patients, these monitors are very helpful. Being a caretaker is a very stressful job which requires a lot of monitoring of the patient. By using these monitors, it can free up the caretaker to work on other projects in the home and still stay in touch with the patient and their needs.

The Bottom Line

A baby monitor is a great investment to help parents feel at ease when they can’t be in the same room as their baby. Whether you want to sleep better at night or be free to work on other things but keep an ear on your baby, a baby monitor can give you the freedom to do just that.  By investing in a baby monitor, you can be sure that your baby is safe. Whether you choose a traditional baby monitor that transmits sound only or the newer baby video monitors, baby monitors can provide you with the peace of mind.