Baby monitors capture audio and video footage of babies when parents aren't around. They tend to feature cameras or microphones and video terminals, and many can send data straight to smartphones as well. Monitors help parents to relax, alerting them when babies are restless, while monitoring breathing and sleep patterns. And this can make the difference between solid sleep and nervous nights that never seem to end.
This buyer's guide will introduce their role and function, suggest a few leading brands, and help parents find the perfect monitor. And of course, we will point out where to find a baby monitor sale to make sure you get the best baby monitor deals, so read on to find out more!
Baby monitors vary by price, features, and brand. All matter to parents, so it's important to know how to compare the products on offer.
The table below should help you compare the deals for some of the most popular baby monitors at hotukdeals, which include product information with all the details you need. With the safety of children at stake, it makes sense to weigh up the options – while finding products that cost as little as possible:
How to use a baby monitor correctly will depend on model, so always check the manual. But you can follow these guiding steps to use your baby monitor correctly:
Choose a baby monitor which has a strong safety record, from a reputable brand. Don't be swayed by extremely cheap monitors from unfamiliar brands. Check reviews from experts and customers to ensure that the monitor you are buying is safe to use.
When installing the monitor, place the camera at least 1 metre (3.2 feet) away from where your baby will be sleeping. Do not attach it to the frame of your crib or bed. Instead, find a surface away from your baby which is not easily reachable.
If necessary, tape any cords so that they do not protrude from the camera. Any loose ends could be dangerous.
Before securing the camera, make sure that it will capture useful footage. Try to work out where your baby sleeps, whether they move around the crib, and whether the camera will actually capture their movements effectively.
If you feel like the angle isn't quite right, you might also want to add a second camera. This comes as a feature with many mid to high-end video baby monitors.
When the baby monitor is in place, connect it to the video unit or your phone via the manufacturer's instructions. This will vary from model to model, depending on factors like whether the monitor is WiFi or DECT, whether an app is involved, and bluetooth compatibility.
Now, turn it on, and you'll see the video feed. Set up movement or sound-based alerts, and toggle the volume as appropriate. That's pretty much all there is to it. After that, how you use the monitor is up to you. Some advise taking a hands-off approach and not attending to your child every time they cry or trigger an alert. But in many cases, parents value those warnings and like to be very attentive to baby needs. We're all different, but with a good baby monitor in place, at least we have the option of picking when we comfort our child.
