Many parents-to-be ask themselves this question: Do I need a baby monitor?
In general, baby monitors can be helpful but there are pros and cons involved. There is certainly no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to a baby monitor. This guide will help you decide.
In this guide, we put the matter to rest once and for all. Here we will discuss:
- 4 Pros and 4 Cons of a Baby monitor
- 7 Factors to consider before buying a baby monitor
- At what age do you need a baby monitor?
- And more…
Do I Need a Baby Monitor?
You do not really need a baby monitor for a healthy baby. However, your doctor or pediatric nurse can advise you in this regard. In general, even if you get a baby monitor, it is best not to rely upon it as there is no substitute for a human monitoring a baby.
7 Factors to Consider Before Buying A Baby Monitor
Consider the following factors before you set out to buy a baby monitor:
1. The size of your house
People living in larger houses definitely benefit from the use of a baby monitor. You can monitor your baby from the living room, garden, or yard if you decide to sit outside for a bit. This can certainly guarantee you peace of mind.
Many high-tech monitors give you an instant alert when the baby cries so you or an attendant can immediately check on it.
2. Whether or not your baby will co-sleep with you
Co-sleeping is still a norm so if you keep the baby next to you, you won’t really need a monitor. Of course, you must not forget that co-sleeping can be dangerous as babies could get smothered in sleep. If you want peace of mind and wish to start sleep-training your baby right from the beginning, then a baby monitor can be your best ally.
3. Whether you have help
If you or your partner’s mum comes over to help with the baby, then you might not need a baby monitor – at least for the duration of their stay. Of course, you will definitely need one after their departure.
Also, you can have other uses for the monitor as your child grows, for example, giving your toddler some alone play-time, etc. Having another set of eyes never hurts, does it?
You can also get a lot of peace of mind with a baby monitor as human errors can be eliminated.
4. The weather in your area
In case you live in a very cold climate where the doors have to always be kept closed, then you may want to invest in a baby monitor. This way, you can watch TV downstairs and still leave your nursery’s door shut.
The same goes for summers – if you want to spend some peaceful time in the garden while your baby naps, then a baby monitor is a must-have.
5. How often you entertain
If you have raucous parties, you certainly need a baby monitor. Even if you go to a party at someone else’s place, you can keep your sleeping baby in the hosts’ bedroom with the monitor on while you have a good time and not constantly worry about being unable to hear the baby.
6. The kind of sleeper you are
If you and your partner are both light sleepers, then you will find little use for the baby monitor. In fact, some light sleepers are known to complain about lack of sleep as they react to the slightest noises from the monitor.
The other side to this is that if you are a heavy sleeper, then a baby monitor can be really useful.
7. Your baby’s health
May it not be so, but if your baby has a health issue, then a baby monitor is definitely needed. Of course, you may want to consult your baby’s doctor to ensure that a monitor is reliable and practical for your particular situation.
Even during seasonal coughs and colds (which all babies tend to get despite all precautions), a baby monitor can help ensure your child is comfortable and breathing okay. You can also use a steamer or aromatherapy vaporizer in the room and monitor it from time to time.
Now let us consider some pros and cons of using a baby monitor.
4 Pros of Using a Baby Monitor
1. Ensures peace of mind
The biggest advantage of a baby monitor is that it can ensure peace of mind for parents to a great extent. It lets you check on your baby so that you can ensure s/he is sleeping peacefully without having to visit the nursery or turn the light on. It is especially beneficial for parents of babies having health issues. Parents can also enjoy their baby’s actions and sounds while sleeping.
Mommies can take naps between those nightly feeds and wake up at the right time as soon as they hear the baby stir.
Some baby monitors with videos also allow distance or remote monitoring. This way, you can monitor your baby while at the office or as you run those quick errands. Many types of monitors send messages or alerts to your SmartPhone as well.
Tired moms and dads can also step in the shower and take a well-deserved relaxing bath without having to worry about not hearing the baby crying. When you choose a high-quality baby monitor, you can certainly get more sleep and even prevent postpartum tiredness and depression.
Some baby monitors that use wifi connectivity let you enjoy a quiet date night at a nearby restaurant. Moms and dads can quickly pop out for dinner and make sure they run back home should the baby wake up. The only thing you need is a strong internet connection.
2. Start sleep training early-on
You can co-sleep with your baby in the first few months and then start sleep training it once your doctor approves. If your baby nursery is situated far away from your bedroom, the monitor can save you trips back and forth at odd hours.
When used correctly, monitors can help tired parents get much-deserved sleep. They can also inculcate good sleeping habits in the child from infancy.
3. Communicate with or sing to baby
Some baby monitors come with 2-way communication. This lets you hear your baby’s gurgles and also soothingly talk back or sing to it. Your child won’t feel alone; your soothing voice can help it drop back to sleep quickly.
4. Record precious moments with a video recording monitor
Many baby monitors come with a recording facility. This can record your baby’s cute smile, sleeping sounds, or other sweet and innocent actions in their sleep.
4 Cons of Using a Baby Monitor
1. Disturbed sleep
Many parents report waking up to the slightest sound they hear from the baby monitor. This can be very disturbing especially for an anxious mum or a hypervigilant dad. Switching the light on in the baby’s room might even disturb the infant.
Thankfully, most parents soon learn to differentiate between full-awakening. They learn when their baby really needs them or if it can sort out small issues on its own.
2. Strangulation hazard
Video monitors with cords are known to be dangerous if placed too close to the baby. Many are known to cause strangulation. Some have even burst into flames. Of course, the possibility of these occurrences is very low. However, you must still place the monitor at least 3 feet away from the crib.
3. Baby Monitor Interference and Hacking
Even the best monitors could come with issues like static interference and poor reception. Some monitors that use wifi signals also show a slight delay in the signal. This delay can be as much as 10 seconds.
There also have been cases of wifi-based baby monitors getting hacked. You certainly do not want a stranger watching your baby in their room. Of course, the chances of this happening are very rare. You can always go in for a rather basic monitor that has only audio and video monitoring.
Often, you might find that the monitor you have chosen does not have features that may be important to you. Some even end up with technical issues after you have started using it. It is important to do your homework and only buy from a store having a good returns policy. Make sure you keep the receipt so you can return the monitor if needed.
4. It could make you a bit obsessive
Sometimes, too much information can be a bad thing. Sure, you want to enjoy parenthood and not miss a thing that your baby does. However, keeping a baby monitor can make you obsess over the noises your baby makes in its sleep.
Sometimes, parents just need to take a break from parenting which isn’t possible if you constantly keep watching the monitor. Some parents get so used to monitoring that they continue it even after their child starts first grade!
What Age Do You Need a Baby Monitor?
The American Academy of Pediatrics has not mentioned any particular age range for using a baby monitor. Therefore, most parents consult their pediatricians or use their own discretion when using a monitor.
There are two schools of thought here:
Some experts like Katie DiMonico, a registered nurse and pediatric sleep consultant with Bee Wise Sleep Consulting, recommend using a baby monitor from birth until the child is about 4 years of age.
She especially recommends the use of video monitors so parents can ensure that their baby has a safe sleeping position. DiMonico further states that parents can get peace of mind knowing their toddler is safe in its cribs.
When used between this age, parents can get a much-needed sense of security and reduce anxiety. They need not worry about not hearing their baby or toddler during the night. Also, for the daytime nap if they are in another part of the house the baby monitor can be handy.
However, there are others like Judith Owens, a pediatrician, and director of the Pediatric Sleep Disorders Clinic at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, who recommend that most babies start sleeping through the night by the time they are 6 months of age. Owens also states that when parents respond to the slightest of noises, they might reinforce those wakings. This could make it harder for the baby to sleep through the night.
Do consult your doctor as to what is the best time to stop using the baby monitor.
Is it Safe to Leave a Baby Monitor on All Night?
Yes, it is safe to leave a baby monitor on all night until your baby is a few months old.
However, there is a gray area here.
- Some parents wake up at every peep and the monitor’s light can also be rather disturbing. This can be detrimental to their health.
- Most babies start sleeping through the night once they are about 6 months of age. Parents can choose to start turning off the monitor and train them to manage small issues on their own.
- Some video monitors are known to be a fire hazard. Always check your model and ensure it is in the safe products list.
- Always check your monitor’s cord. Ensure it is not frayed or worn out. Keep it out of your baby’s reach. Ensure it is not able to pull or nibble on the cord.
It is best to talk to your baby’s doctor about leaving your baby monitor on through the night.