It's amazing how quickly mothers can recognise the sound of their baby crying from a distance or while they are asleep. But if you use a baby monitor to tune in, you will find it easier to relax and probably get a better night's sleep because you can be absolutely sure of know when your baby has woken up.

Choosing Your Monitor

How do you choose from all the different models available? First you should think about how you will be using the monitor. For example, if you don't need to go from room to room a lot, or are only going to use the monitor at night, a plug-in model is sufficient. But if you want to be able to move about freely, a monitor with a portable parent unit which clips onto your belt or waistband, would be a better choice. There are also models which have fully portable battery powered parent and baby units, so both units can be used anywhere in your home or out in the garden.

Light & Sound

All monitors have two or more channels for good sound reception and adjustable volume control. Most also have a light which comes on when there are baby sounds so you can turn the volume down when you want to. Others have a light to tell you the batteries are low. Those that have a night light on the baby unit give a comforting glow in the dark and let you check on your baby without turning on another light. Some of the latest models will also transmit the temperature of your baby's room to your parent unit and there is one which can even monitor breathing rhythms.

Vision

With the most up-to-the-minute baby monitors you can now look in on your baby as well as listen in via a special TV monitor or your normal TV screen.

Portable Monitors

A portable mains/battery powered parent unit allows you to move about freely. A fully portable monitor has mains/battery powered baby and parent units which can both be used anywhere.

Rechargeable Monitors

Mains/battery powered baby unit and rechargeable parents unit that cuts down on the expense of batteries.

For Greater Reassurance

In addition to sounds, your baby's room temperature - or even breathing rhythms can be transmitted by remote control to the parent unit.