Parents often wonder about the various equipment they need for their newborn. Many are questioning the purpose behind each device and gadget, and whether they’re truly necessary. If you are a new parent, you can make your life easier by considering all of the factors which will help you narrow down your to-buy list.
A common question is: do i need a baby monitor? The answer will inevitably vary among parents and their needs. Some parents go through the infancy part of their children’s lives without even thinking about this device. However, if you live in a spacious home, and want to pay extra attention to your little one, this will definitely be a necessity.
In the text below, we will explore various reasons for getting a baby monitor. Check out everything you need to know and gather helpful information to make the ultimate decision. Keep in mind that each family will know what’s best for them and their needs, regardless of general guidelines and conventions.
What factors into buying a baby monitor?
Reasons to buy a monitor can vary, and you only really need one, but here are some pointers to look out for.
You definitely need this gadget if you are conducting any changes to your child’s lifestyle in the first year of their life. For example, if you are putting your little one in a separate room for the night, or if you are getting a new crib, you’ll probably need a way to follow how they react to such changes. Consider even the slightest changes, like changing the position of the crib in the room, putting in new furniture, anything that could be noticeable by your little one.
If your little one is a light sleeper, it is a good idea to find a way to check on them from time to time effortlessly. This way, you won’t be disrupting their rest, and you will still be able to keep an eye on them. You can listen to see if they’re breathing becomes irregular, if they’ve woken up, or if they are fussy.
Another reason to get this device is if you live in a spacious place and you don’t feel comfortable leaving your little one unattended for so long. If you want to get something done in the kitchen, garage, or yard and you fret leaving your little one for a longer time, a baby monitor is an excellent solution for you. This way you can run errands and even leave the house for some time without missing a thing.
When should I start using a baby monitor?
In general, these devices will help you look out for your little one without having to be next to them all the time, which is helpful for most parents. However, when is a baby monitor necessary?
First off, this way of keeping track of your child is usually used in the first couple of years of your little one’s life. This is the phase where they still don’t speak as eloquently to be able to convey what’s going on.
People usually consider moving their infant into a separate room when they are six months old. This is about the time you can be sure to leave them alone in the room through the night, or when you run errands and do some housework. A baby monitor will be of much help for this phase.
However, are baby monitors necessary when kids get older? Well, …they can be! If you are babysitting for a play date, or have older children of your own, you’ll definitely have to supervise them for most of the time. Ages 4 and up are pretty risky as they are old enough to reach everything they want but young enough not to be aware of what’s dangerous. You can place the baby monitor in the room to keep track of what’s going on while the children are playing.
How to decide whether you need a baby monitor?
How to finally decide do you need a monitor? The best way to make a decision is to consider your baby’s needs and your own needs. If your baby is a fussy sleeper, reacts badly to change, or displays irregular breathing patterns, it is a good idea to get a monitor and follow their daily and nightly habits.
A baby monitor is also helpful for the parents. If you want to hear your baby crying or cooing when you are in the other room, a baby monitor is a life-saver. It is perfect for families who have a spacious home and can’t hear their baby well in every area of their home.
Lastly, a device such as this is helpful if you have put your baby in a separate room, and you want to follow their new sleeping habits. Parents can’t afford to disrupt their baby’s sleeping schedules, so it is best they monitor any changes on time.
Types of baby monitors
Modern monitors offer a wide array of features all designed to meet your needs. Choosing a monitor with the right features and options will serve its purpose for a long time. What type of device you need will be your decision to make.
There is a primary distinction between monitors which are currently present on the market. The three main groups are audio, visual, and sensory monitors.
Audio
Audio monitors only provide you with a sound transmission of your baby and its surroundings. If you opt for this one, make sure you get a monitor with a 2-way audio system. This way, you’ll have the option of talking back to your baby when you need to soothe them. The audio monitor is the most affordable option.
Video
Video monitors provide you with a visual transmission of your little one. Most of these devices have the option to change the position of the baby unit in order for you to monitor the room as well. This is a helpful feature and it can be controlled entirely from the parent unit.
Sensory/Movement
Last but not least, the sensory one follows your child’s movements and vitals. This is helpful if you want to track your little one’s breathing, heart rate, room temperature, etc. Keep in mind that some of these gadgets don’t include the option to see or hear your child.