If you’re getting your home ready for a new baby, one of the top priority items you’ll likely be looking for will be the baby monitor. These handy devices allow you to keep an eye on your child without having to actually be in the same room as them – and if you’re like just about every other parent out there – you’ll want to make sure you have an eye on them all the time.

It can be tough choosing the right monitor with all the options currently on the market, especially with the technological advancements that have made everything from breathing detection to night vision possible. If you’re finding this to be a challenging experience, you simply need to read our handy guide of questions and answers to make the best decision.

What Is The Difference Between Analogue And Digital Models?

Analogue models used to be the only options on the market until they were replaced with digital alternatives. The analogue options pick up on certain frequencies – frequencies that can sometimes be shared with neighbours or even radio stations.

Not only could this result in you being able to listen into someone else’s home, but it also means that they could be listening into yours. Due to this, most people have moved onto digital or dect models. The first provides a much clearer sound quality, while the second is the most secure option on the market as it ensures that you only hear sounds from your baby’s nursery.

Can A Baby Monitor Measure The Temperature In The Room?

Did you know that some baby monitors can even keep a watch on the temperature within the room and alert you in the event it drops too low (or too high).

Most parents will be aware that babies cannot regulate their own temperature and so it’s much easier for them to overheat or become too cold. Because of this, monitoring the temperature within a room is extremely important.

Should I Choose An Audio Or Video Monitor?

Audio monitors tend to be the cheapest options on the market and so they’re the preferred option for anyone who is on a strict budget. These models restrict you to only being able to hear your baby, so you won’t be able to see what they are up to. If you are able to spend a little more, it might be worthwhile investing in a video monitor.

These monitors allow you to keep an eye on your little one, with some models even allowing you to move the camera to various points in the room. Some video monitors even offer remote access, allowing you to keep an eye on the baby from work.

How Can It Monitor My Child’s Breathing?

Parents can now rest easier with a baby monitor that contains an additional safety feature – a breathing monitor.

These types of monitors actually pick up on the movement of the baby via the use of a sensor pad that is placed under the mattress. In the event that no movement is detected, the alarm will sound, alerting the parent that something might be wrong.

What If I Can’t Hear My Child Through The Monitor?

People who are hard of hearing will find it much more challenging to monitor their child with a traditional monitor, but luckily, there are great options for them too.

If you worry that you won’t hear your child through a monitor, you can opt for sound-activated light monitors that actually light up when the child makes a noise. This is not only perfect for those who are hard of hearing, but it is also a great option for those who want to get some chores done – such as hoovering – while their child is asleep upstairs.

What’s The Best Monitor For Video?

There are so many great video monitors on the market at the moment that it can be difficult to choose, but one of the more popular options is the iBaby Monitor M6T, which comes with 360 degree pan abilities, 110 degree tilt, humidity and temperature sensors and video recording.

What is more, this product retails for less than $150.

Can I Connect My Monitor To My Smartphone?

One of the most exciting features of some of the new video monitors on the market, including the iBaby Monitor M6T, is the fact that it allows streaming through the app (available on both iOS and Android).

What is more, you can also make use of cloud storage via Wi-Fi.