Baby monitoring technology has evolved significantly beyond basic radio devices. Modern tools come equipped with video capabilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, and other smart features, enabling parents to monitor not only their baby’s movements but, in certain systems, also track sleep patterns.
Due to their innovative features, these gadgets have become essential tools for contemporary parenting. With diverse functionalities, parents can now manage their time efficiently, juggling work or household tasks while simultaneously monitoring their infants with a keen eye and attentive ear.
This is why we consider baby monitors to be excellent gifts for friends or family members entering parenthood. To assist you in making an informed decision, we’ve prepared a detailed guide on baby monitors.
Continue reading to discover various types of baby monitors, explore the top options currently on the market, and find other valuable information.
Types of Baby Monitors To Consider
Before delving into the top monitoring devices available today, let’s first explore the various types of monitors to enhance your understanding of them.
Audio Monitors:
Audio baby monitors, being the classic variety, are also the most budget-friendly. These devices solely transmit sound, allowing parents to hear their babies without visual monitoring. Equipped with an audio sensor, they transmit sounds such as crying, babbling, or sudden noises from the baby’s environment to a parent monitoring device. The primary function is to alert parents or guardians when the baby is awake or in need of attention based on the audible cues.
Video Monitors:
Video baby monitors feature cameras with audio input to capture both videos and sounds from the baby’s room. Typically comprising a camera, an audio sensor, and a parent unit with a screen, some models even offer smartphone apps for remote monitoring. Although pricier than audio-only counterparts, these devices often come with Wi-Fi connectivity for transmitting video and audio feeds.
Movement Sensor Monitors:
Also known as baby movement monitors, these devices detect a baby’s movements during sleep. Utilizing a thin mat under the mattress, they notify parents of the baby’s wakefulness or restlessness based on movements like rolling over, sitting, or standing up. Additionally, they provide alerts if no movement is detected after a brief period. These monitors often feature a screen for tracking the child’s movements, and some include mobile apps for convenient smartphone access.
Wearable Monitors:
Wearable baby monitors employ technologies akin to fitness or heart rate trackers, allowing users to observe a baby’s state during sleep. Typically, these devices include a piece of clothing or a clip-on item as a tracking device. Some models also incorporate a separate camera to capture visuals and audio in the baby’s environment. Information provided may include details on breathing, temperature, and sleeping positions, offering parents peace of mind while their baby rests.
Top Baby Monitor PicksÂ
Having explored the essential types of baby monitoring devices for first-time buyers, let’s now delve into some of the top options available. The following monitors have earned parent approval and make excellent gifts.
Best audio baby monitor: BT Audio Baby Monitor 450
The BT Audio Baby Monitor 450 stands out as an excellent option for those seeking a classic yet competitive monitoring device. Boasting exceptional high-definition sound and an impressive outdoor range, it also includes a smart two-way talkback feature, allowing parents and guardians to comfort their children into sleep.
Additionally, this monitor provides a diverse selection of lullabies to soothe babies, accompanied by a star and moonlight show for added comfort. Users can customize alerts to their preference, choosing between sound or light notifications.
A notable feature is the integrated temperature sensor, assisting parents in gauging whether the infant’s room is too hot or cold. This comprehensive device caters to various parental needs, making it a standout choice.
Best video baby monitor: LeapFrog LF930HD Remote Access Smart Baby Monitor
The LeapFrog Remote Access Smart Baby Monitor delivers high-definition videos with a resolution of 1080p, providing parents or guardians a clear view of their little ones on a 7-inch LCD screen with accurate color representation.
Setting it apart are its remote viewing capabilities, a standout feature of this baby monitor. Through the free LeapFrog Baby Monitor app, parents can monitor their child from any location, as long as the unit is connected to Wi-Fi.
A distinctive aspect of this LeapFrog baby monitor is its dynamic camera movement, offering users a 360-degree panoramic view. With the ability to tilt up and down, covering up to 130 degrees, and an eightfold zoom feature, users can capture detailed visuals.
Additional noteworthy features include a color night vision camera, a dimmable night light, and a two-way local and remote intercom, enabling parents to comfort their infants from any room using their voices. This device provides a comprehensive and advanced monitoring solution for parents.
Best movement tracking baby monitor: Angelcare AC327 Baby Movement Monitor
The Angelcare baby movement monitor stands as a versatile device, providing parents and guardians with increased confidence in their baby’s well-being. Equipped with a high-definition screen, it includes a movement sensor that can be discreetly placed under the child’s mattress.
This device allows parents to monitor even the slightest movements correlated with the baby’s breathing. Furthermore, it incorporates sound alerts that activate when no movement is detected for a continuous 15 seconds.
Noteworthy for its user-friendly assembly, the device comes with clear setup instructions. In addition to easy installation, it boasts quality night vision and a talkback function, enhancing its overall functionality.
Best wearable device: Owlet Smart Sock
The Owlet stands out as an ingenious smart monitoring device, taking the form of a wearable sock. Utilizing infrared light and other innovative technologies, it accurately measures a child’s pulse. This vital information is then transmitted to a smartphone via a Wi-Fi connection, enabling parents and guardians to monitor their baby’s well-being from any location.
While the standard Owlet setup lacks a camera feature, it compensates by sending app alerts to the smartphone whenever the baby moves. Alternatively, users have the option to purchase a separate HD camera that seamlessly integrates with the Owlet app and sensor.
One notable advantage of the Owlet device is its comfortable wear for infants, ensuring that babies can sleep soundly even with the device in place.
For those concerned about safety, Owlet has undergone rigorous testing in various home and hospital environments. It complies with a range of performance and safety standards, as confirmed by independent laboratories.
What To Look For In A Baby Monitor
If you’re considering alternative options beyond those mentioned earlier, we recommend giving priority to specific factors to enhance monitoring or tracking capabilities.
Firstly, opt for a unit with high-quality and insightful audio or video output, enabling the capture of all elements within the baby’s environment through features like motion sensors and camera movements. The output should be transmitted to a parent unit with high-definition capabilities.
Another crucial feature to prioritize is the range. Units typically have signals built in, so it’s essential to determine how far parents can take the unit from the crib before losing the signal. A greater range is preferable, although obstacles like thick walls or floors may impact transmission.
For added range and the ability to view the baby remotely on a parent’s smartphone, a device with Wi-Fi connectivity is ideal. This becomes particularly important for parents who need to monitor their babies when away from home.
Choosing devices with mounts or stands is preferable to placing them on shelves or hooking them onto walls. This allows parents to position the unit where they can easily see or hear the child. If the chosen device lacks a mount, separate holders can be purchased to secure it to the cot or crib.
Additional features to consider include crying or movement alerts, as well as two-way audio or light shows to soothe the baby. These elements contribute to a more comprehensive and effective monitoring experience.
Choose The Best Option for The ParentsÂ
A baby monitoring device makes for a thoughtful gift choice for contemporary parents. If you’re considering alternatives to the featured products, it’s essential to prioritize certain functionalities such as quality, range, and additional helpful features. However, the previously mentioned options remain top contenders.
We trust that this list will assist you in finding the perfect baby monitoring gift.
