Who Needs A Baby Monitor?
It's a simple question but the answer may not be evident to everyone. Suffice to say, if there is ever a time when your baby is out of sight and range of hearing you need one of these peace-of-mind devices. Even if you sleep in the same room and have your baby with you almost all the time, you will find there are always those times when you just can't see or hear your baby. Kids, doorbells, phones and other common disturbances of the modern home mean we all get distracted at times and it's heartwarming for new parents to know that their new babies have their full attention.
History
The history of the first baby monitor invented is a bit unclear but is generally credited to Norman Emerick of Fisher Price in the 1930's. Whatever the case, it was almost 50 years later before baby monitors started to become common-place in the American home. The first infant monitors were pretty simple and functioned much like a walkie-talkie with the talk button permanently pressed on one of the units. Hence, a simple one way listening device. With the public awareness of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), baby monitors became increasingly popular. Many of today's infant monitors are feature rich with digital wireless cameras, night vision, motion detectors, talk back capabilities, vibrating alerts, night lights, built in lullabies, multiple receivers and portable battery powered units for moms on the go.
Choosing A Baby Monitor
Which baby monitor is the right choice for you depends on your situation. If you're a mom on the go consider units with portable wireless receivers which allow you to finish chores inside and outside the house and make sure it has a belt clip to free your hands for other tasks. When looking at wireless receivers choose a model with 900 MHz or higher to reduce possible interference and increased clarity. If you live in a city or have a lot of wireless electronic devices in your home be sure to consider baby monitors with DECT for zero interference and data encryption to keep your transmissions private. A talk back feature is great for when your baby is just waking up but you have your hands full and may take a moment to get to your baby. If you're hearing impaired consider units that have volume controls, vibrate or have flashing lights. Just because a baby is quiet doesn't mean they aren't having trouble sleeping. Be sure to take a look at models with digital video monitors and motion detectors which allow you to react quickly to a squirming baby. Soothing night-lights and soft lullabies are a nice option for babies who have trouble getting back to sleep.
You Get What You Pay For
You'll find a wide variety of baby monitors available from Samsung, Motorola, Philips, Sony, Summer Infant, Graco and other manufacturers. Prices range from approximately $20.00 to over $500.00 based on features and number of receivers and cameras included. Today's baby monitors can outlast the baby years so If you just can't afford a new model with all the features you want, consider a used model from a source you trust. If you can afford the best then go for it. Nothing will bring young parents more comfort and satisfaction then knowing their baby is safe and secure while they sleep. My mom would have loved the convenience of todays baby monitors and the freedom they offer to today's caregivers. When it comes to baby equipment (e.g. baby monitors, car seats, etc.), it's good to know you've made well informed decisions and nothing will bring you more deeply personal satisfaction and piece of mind then knowing your baby is safe and happy when you just can't be right there every second of the day.
Additional Resources
Find the right baby monitor for you.
It's a simple question but the answer may not be evident to everyone. Suffice to say, if there is ever a time when your baby is out of sight and range of hearing you need one of these peace-of-mind devices. Even if you sleep in the same room and have your baby with you almost all the time, you will find there are always those times when you just can't see or hear your baby. Kids, doorbells, phones and other common disturbances of the modern home mean we all get distracted at times and it's heartwarming for new parents to know that their new babies have their full attention.
History
The history of the first baby monitor invented is a bit unclear but is generally credited to Norman Emerick of Fisher Price in the 1930's. Whatever the case, it was almost 50 years later before baby monitors started to become common-place in the American home. The first infant monitors were pretty simple and functioned much like a walkie-talkie with the talk button permanently pressed on one of the units. Hence, a simple one way listening device. With the public awareness of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), baby monitors became increasingly popular. Many of today's infant monitors are feature rich with digital wireless cameras, night vision, motion detectors, talk back capabilities, vibrating alerts, night lights, built in lullabies, multiple receivers and portable battery powered units for moms on the go.
Choosing A Baby Monitor
Which baby monitor is the right choice for you depends on your situation. If you're a mom on the go consider units with portable wireless receivers which allow you to finish chores inside and outside the house and make sure it has a belt clip to free your hands for other tasks. When looking at wireless receivers choose a model with 900 MHz or higher to reduce possible interference and increased clarity. If you live in a city or have a lot of wireless electronic devices in your home be sure to consider baby monitors with DECT for zero interference and data encryption to keep your transmissions private. A talk back feature is great for when your baby is just waking up but you have your hands full and may take a moment to get to your baby. If you're hearing impaired consider units that have volume controls, vibrate or have flashing lights. Just because a baby is quiet doesn't mean they aren't having trouble sleeping. Be sure to take a look at models with digital video monitors and motion detectors which allow you to react quickly to a squirming baby. Soothing night-lights and soft lullabies are a nice option for babies who have trouble getting back to sleep.
You Get What You Pay For
You'll find a wide variety of baby monitors available from Samsung, Motorola, Philips, Sony, Summer Infant, Graco and other manufacturers. Prices range from approximately $20.00 to over $500.00 based on features and number of receivers and cameras included. Today's baby monitors can outlast the baby years so If you just can't afford a new model with all the features you want, consider a used model from a source you trust. If you can afford the best then go for it. Nothing will bring young parents more comfort and satisfaction then knowing their baby is safe and secure while they sleep. My mom would have loved the convenience of todays baby monitors and the freedom they offer to today's caregivers. When it comes to baby equipment (e.g. baby monitors, car seats, etc.), it's good to know you've made well informed decisions and nothing will bring you more deeply personal satisfaction and piece of mind then knowing your baby is safe and happy when you just can't be right there every second of the day.
Additional Resources
Find the right baby monitor for you.
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