When one talks about baby monitors, one would naturally think of a baby monitor with screen i.e. video baby monitors.
No joke, they are easily the most popular type of baby monitors ever ... but there are actually many other different types of baby monitors to consider if you're open to the options.
From the most traditional audio baby monitor to the latest wifi video baby monitor, from breathing detector baby monitor to one that detects all movements, the choices are truly aplenty. Let's have a look.
The Many Different Types of Baby Monitors
Starting off, we have the audio baby monitors.
Audio Baby Monitor
Without a doubt, these are the most traditional and basic type of baby monitors.
They transmit audio only but you will be surprised at just the sheer amount of demand for it. We get so many requests asking for recommendations for the "best baby monitor audio only" so yes, there are many looking for the best baby monitor audio out there.
Understandably so, considering they do have their strong points over their video counterparts. For firsts, they are super affordable. We are talking about as little as under $20, which makes us super confident to say that they are the cheapest baby monitor out of all types available.
Secondly, they are very lightweight and portable which makes them the best baby monitor for travel. Many have a transmission range of 1,000ft so no problem there if you're looking for a long range audio baby monitor.
Of course, their ease of use is another great appeal. There is no multitude of buttons to navigate about - usually just an on/off and sound volume button. Thus, making it perfect for those less tech-savvy / the grandparents.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, audio baby monitors are SUITABLE if you:
Think twice before you get one if you:
For a range of the "best audio baby monitor" the market currently has to offer (and read our thoughts on them), click here.
Video Baby Monitor
Next up, we have the ever-popular video baby monitors.
As one would know, this is the type that allows you to see and hear baby at the same time. When baby fusses/makes any noise, you can immediately check if s/he is well and alright.
Most importantly, you can see if there is anything covering baby's face/ baby lying face-down etc. and immediately act on it to avoid any SIDS.
Compared to the above baby monitor audio only type, baby video monitors have a lot more features and functionality. In-room temperature sensor, two-way talk, built-in lullabies, infrared night vision etc are just some examples commonly found in most models.
There are different screen size and functionality, with some being a two camera baby monitor - meaning, one unit comes with 2 cameras. These make for the best baby monitor for two rooms as you can supervise two separate rooms using just one monitor.
Speaking of which, there are actually 2 main aspects to look out for when it comes to video baby monitors:
A. Split Screen
[Click on the image above for a list of the best split screen baby monitor.]
If you have twins, we highly recommend getting a baby monitor 2 cameras split screen version. The reason is pretty obvious (this being the perfect baby monitor for twins) - you get to supervise each child side by side on the screen at the same time.
You won't need to switch between screens, thereby being kept in the dark how the other twin is doing while you look at one.
B. Long Range
[Click on the image above for a list of the best split screen baby monitor.]
Another aspect many look for when it comes to video baby monitors is its transmission range.
While most models on the market are able to cater to the majority households, you may want to consider getting a long distance baby monitor if you live in a big house.
Do note that even the best long range baby monitor will have a limitation in terms of its transmission range though. The longest distance made possible by today's technology so far is 1,000ft. That is, unhindered.
Which brings us to our next baby monitor type below.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, video baby monitors are SUITABLE for:
Think twice before getting one if:
Overwhelmed by the very many options available? Don't know what features to look at / where to start with? This will help you!
Wifi Baby Monitor
The most high-tech version out of all, wifi baby monitors are the latest innovation on the baby monitor market.
Also commonly known as a smart baby monitor, this is the type that is NOT LIMITED by any range or distance at all.
You can be at your office, at the supermarket, on a run by the neighbourhood ... and you'll still be able to check on baby on your phone.
As long as you have internet connection, you will be able to continue supervise on baby.
This is what makes wifi baby monitors stand out from the rest - its unlimited transmission range.
Of course, the many functions it possesses which are otherwise not found in traditional baby monitors is another major appeal. Heart rate and oxygen level tracking, sleep pattern analysis, movement behaviour etc. - these are just some features commonly found in wifi monitors.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, wifi baby monitors are SUITABLE for:
Think twice before getting one if:
If you think the wifi baby monitor is for you, here is a list of the best smart baby monitor the market currently has to offer.
Baby Breathing Monitor (a.k.a baby movement monitor)
Do you know there is a thing called baby breathing monitor? Also commonly known as a baby movement monitor, this is a baby monitor that monitors breathing to determine the wellbeing of your baby.
Sometimes (and for some people), even video monitoring may not be enough. Baby may appear laying down and sleeping well from the screen, but you don't know if s/he is breathing fine. Those who'd experience SIDS scares will know what we're talking about here.
A baby monitor with breathing sensor will quash those fears and concerns once and for all.
Essentially a breathing monitor for baby, a device (usually in the form of a baby breathing monitor mat) is utilised to keep track of baby's breathing.
If it senses anything out of the ordinary, you will be alerted immediately so that appropriate actions can be taken accordingly.
Often, it is those few seconds that changes everything.
Do we think it is necessary to have a breathing detector baby monitor? Well, it doesn't hurt getting one certainly, with all the extra peace of mind that you'd get.
We definitely do highly recommend it if you have a pre-mature baby (or babies who require extra attention) because when there are EU certified SIDS medical devices like this, you know it is not just another gimmicky product here.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, an infant breathing monitor is SUITABLE if:
Think twice before getting one if:
Looking for the best breathing baby monitor? We have done the hard part for you. By filtering out all the inferior breathing monitor options, you are left with just the "best baby breathing monitor" choices here on the market to choose from.
So that's all, the main few types of baby monitor that parents often engage to help keep an eye on their newborns and children.
Moving onto the next question, which perhaps is one of the most asked question ever, and that is: where exactly should you place your baby monitor?
Where Should You Place Your Baby Monitor?
Contrary to what many may believe, no, it is actually NOT ADVISABLE to attach it by baby's crib.
Where though is the best place then you may ask? Well, there are 2 very important aspects to consider first.
2 Important Aspects to Consider
When choosing the best place to set your baby monitor in your nursery, there are two things to consider:
(1) Health and Safety
You see, baby monitors, no matter how mild, do emit certain degree of electromagnetic radiation. Don't worry, nothing harmful to the human's body but you do want to keep it a distance away especially from baby.
The minimum safety distance recommended to limit such exposure is at least 6ft / 1.8 meters away from your child.
If your baby monitor comes with a cable (which is what most video baby monitors do), all the more you should be extra careful in its placement to avoid strangulation (more below).
(2) Viewing Angle
The second aspect to consider is the viewing angle. Naturally, you'd want as much as possible a total unobstructed view of your baby.
Which is why many parents prefer to mount it on the wall or place it somewhere high so that they can get a bird's eye view of the cot.
This does not mean wall mounting is the only option though. There are other ways that you can actually control this to get the angle that you want.
For instance, choose a video baby monitor that supports remote pan, tilt and zoom function.
What this means is that you get to control the baby monitor camera from your parent unit, instead of having to manually adjust the angle of it to get the view you want. Both the EUFY and Nanit are excellent in this aspect in that they give the widest viewing angle.
This is especially useful when baby starts to move around once they get older. The zoom feature is particularly handy too especially if you have a wide angle camera - just zoom in to see if anything in particular catches your attention.
Places We'd Recommend
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, where exactly should one place their baby monitor, you may ask?
It cannot be too far - you'd want the microphone to be near enough to clearly pick up sounds from your baby. Nor do you want to place it too near, for reasons we mention above.
The best distance, we find, is at least 6 foot / 1.8 meters away from baby. Close enough to give a clear view of baby and catch any sounds that s/he make, yet far enough to keep any degree of radiation away.
With that said, we find the best place to set your baby monitor will be to wall-mount it at a corner near the ceiling.
You get a wide enough angle to cover your nursery (not to mention the very much preferred bird's eye view), and it is high enough to be out of baby's reach.
This is generally the installation method for many smart baby monitors. For instance, the Nanit Plus and Cubo AI have to be wall-mounted to perform efficiently. If yours is the standard video baby monitor type, make sure it has a remote pan, tilt and zoom function.
Otherwise (or if wall-mounting is not an option), the next best alternative will be to place it high on a shelf.
You will be able to easily adjust the camera angle when needed, and it will be tall enough to give you a good view (and be at a sufficient distance away from baby).
The Arlo Baby Monitor is a great option if you do not prefer the wall-mounting option. It comes with a table/wall stand that provides versatility in the positioning of its baby camera.
Height adjustable, there are multiple placement options that allow for ideal camera viewing into the crib. It can also be mounted on the wall, allowing the camera to slide in and out from the wall.
Definitely worth checking out!
Where You Should Absolutely Avoid
The above are just suggestions for your reference. You certainly do not have to follow them, however, it is of utmost important that you take the following to heart and avoid them at all costs:
(1) DO NOT ATTACH YOUR BABY MONITOR ONTO BABY'S CRIB
It is shown on probably every baby monitor commercials - looking cute and all - but no, don't put your baby monitor there.
Especially when yours is not cordless (which is mostly the case) because there is certainly not short of cases where infant strangulation from baby monitor's power cords had happened in the past.
As a general rule, just don't put anything with a cord inside or on the edges of baby's cot.
Which brings us to our next point.
(2) BEWARE OF CORDS
Most child units run on mains power so they require a power cable to work (for life longevity) so pay close attention to their power cable. For obvious reasons - to prevent strangulation risk.
Either tuck in the cord or secure it onto the wall, actually in any way you want, as long as it is out of your child's reach. Don't leave loose cords within reach.
(3) DON'T PLACE ON AN UNSTABLE SURFACE
Oh the irony that is if you are to position your baby monitor incorrectly - when all its purpose is to ensure your baby's safety.
A poorly-placed baby monitor can become a hazard and cause direct physical harm so don't put it too close to your baby. Make sure it sits on a stable surface as well because you don't want it to topple over easily.
It also helps it to stay upright, to give you the view angle that you want and ensures that you can hear clearly from your parent unit.
So yes, follow these 3 major rules and you should be all good to go.
Conclusion
By now, you should be well-equipped with all things baby monitor related.
What are the pros and cons of each different type, which is the most suitable type for your needs, how do you go about choosing, some of the best recommendations as well as what to / not to do with the setting up of baby monitors.
We hope you have had gotten what you're looking for from your search that leads you here. Drop us a message if you have any question and we'll try our best to help you with it!
