Baby monitor. Do I really need one?

The question I get asked is ‘is it really necessary? After all my parents did without and I turned out just fine!’. Baby Monitors come in all shapes and sizes but it’s all about what fits into your lifestyle and meets your needs as a parent.  

As a parent our main priority is to keep baby safe, in our home we lock the doors, in the car we buckle them up and at night we place the precious bundles down to sleep.  Part of home safety is making sure baby is safe and secure at all the time, even while sleeping.  

At first you might be with your new-born all the time, so you may have no need for a monitor. But using one is a long-term investment and has always given me a sense of security that, if needed, I was able to see or hear my baby or toddler when they need me.

There are many different baby monitors Video, Sound or Movement or a combination of them. So, what do you look for?

Video monitors allows you to keep an eye on baby but watching a new-born could sometimes be like watching paint dry. As baby grows seeing them becomes more important especially when they become old enough to sleep in a different room. Moms generally gets up a few times a night to check up on baby. Video monitoring allows for a quick peek on the screen to give you the peace of mind you need.  

Sound monitors offer sound only and at some point, you will find yourself out of easy earshot of your baby. Whether baby is sleeping in a different room or you are having a date night in the lounge with a long-awaited movie a sound monitor always comes in handy just to have that peace of mind – you will hear every little cry when needed. 

And it doesn’t end there. On top of choosing between sound and video, Angelcare offers movement sensors that fit under baby’s mattress and set off an alarm if they detect no breathing vibrations from baby. The new Angelcare range offers wireless Bluetooth connection to the nursery unit, so now your camera or audio transmitter in the nursery is not restricted by wires and you can get the best spot to watch or listen to baby from. 

Movement monitors are not only for if you are an anxious parent who constantly watches the rise and fall of your baby’s chest whilst they sleep, but for all Moms and Dads who need a good night’s sleep. Just knowing that you will be woken if baby stops breathing allows you to sleep more peacefully.  

There are many additional functions that monitors offer, and this may vary between models.  Two functions I have found to be useful in my busy Mom life are:

  • Two-way communication which I thought was not necessary but turned out to be a life saver for the toddler who likes to jump out of bed and go walk about.
  • Room temperature control allows you to set a base temperature so that if the room gets too hot or too cold you will be alerted by an alarm.

Finally, a word of warning. If you decide to buy a monitor, always remember that when it is switched on that you can be heard when in baby’s room. Don’t be one of those parents we see on TV or in the movies who talk about their guests and then try re-join the party….oops awkward!

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Parenting Hub

Parenting Hub is one of South Africa’s largest online lifestyle magazines, targeted toward Parents. We understand that there are many aspects that encompass a Mother, Father or Child and strive toward providing resources and services that accommodates this. Our content is aimed to inform and educate families on issues starting from pregnancy through to the challenges of the teen-age years.

6 thoughts on “Baby monitor. Do I really need one?”

  1. Haha LOVE the last part We actually got an angelcare monitor as a gift from my husbands aunt. Its wonderful to own one really does put the mind more at ease!

  2. I never thought of buying a baby monitor even though I have three kids. I used to think those baby monitors are just fancy items to decorate kids’ rooms. But your post made a compelling argument of baby monitors’ use. I’ll try it out with my fourth child. Thanks for sharing.

  3. I’ve always had monitors with all of mine. I started with just the sound one but found myself restless because I couldn’t see her. The latest one we had was a video and sound and you can control it on your phone and it would take still pics and videos if you want. Sometimes I would just lay and stare at her sleeping . They’re so peaceful when they’re sleeping. Now I pray my toddler takes some sort of nap during the day so I can breathe lol

  4. I have never used a baby monitor, nor did I consider using one because they weren’t that popular where I live. Also, didn’t think of one since I was working from home. Also had my Mom with me. My friend in Canada used it though and it was a life saver for her. Can these be remotely operated? Baby monitors must be a godsend when both parents have to go to work. I love what you said in the end–about being heard! Ha ha! Awkward–and I should imagine, hilarious for those listening in!

  5. I have a baby monitory (video and sound) and I definitely believe it is very useful. I know that our parents didn’t have those back in that time and I know we turned out ok (at least I hope we did LOL) but times change and even back jn the days accidents happen all the time because parent didnt see the baby. So I dont see any harm in having one. You just need to control yourself because to much protection is not good either.

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