Whether you’re popping your baby down for a nap, laying them in their cot while you dash to the bathroom, or settling them down to sleep at bedtime, there are moments as a mum when you’ll need to be in a different room from your baby. And lovely as the moments are – there’s nothing quite like relaxing on the sofa when they're finally asleep – you’ll also find yourself wishing you could keep an eye on them at all times, which is where a baby monitorcomes in.
Of course, you can’t be with your little one every minute of the day and night, but a baby monitor can enable you to keep a close eye on them from anywhere in your home – or even further afield.
But we get it, baby gear can be expensive and we understand you may want to limit your purchases to the items you definitely require. So do you need a baby monitor?
What is a baby monitor?
A bit like walkie-talkies, baby monitors consist of two parts: the ‘baby unit’ or transmitter, with a microphone and sometimes an in-built camera, and a second hand-held ‘parent unit’. The baby unit is the part you place near your baby’s cot, while the parent unit transmits sound (and footage, if you choose a video monitor) from the baby unit, and can be carried around with you from room to room. Baby monitors are usually used as an essential at least until your baby reaches toddlerhood.
Do you need a baby monitor?
If you live in a small house or flat and feel confident that you’ll hear your little one when they wake at night or stirs during nap time, you might not feel that you don't need a monitor. But many mums like the peace of mind a monitor brings – it’s very reassuring to listen to or watch your baby sleeping peacefully while you enjoy a cup of tea with your feet up! A baby monitor also eliminates the need to creep into your baby’s room to check on them at night or during naps, as you’ll hear them via the parent unit the moment they wake.
Do you need a video baby monitor?
While an audio monitor does the job of letting you know when your child wakes up, if you’d like to be able to check on your baby without disturbing them, a video monitor is indispensable. You won’t have to worry about stepping on creaky floorboards or startling them awake as you creep through the door. And don’t underestimate how calming and reassuring it is to watch your baby sleep peacefully while sitting on the sofa with your feet up!
If you're on a budget but would still like one, there are plenty of cheap baby monitors available.