A baby monitor is a device that lets you check on your baby when they’re not in your eyeline.
It has two parts:
- a unit that you put in your baby’s room to pick up sounds
- a receiver that stays near you to alert you to your baby’s needs – some monitors let you connect the alerts to your smartphone
If you’re deaf or have hearing loss, you can get specialised baby monitors that use vibrations or flashing lights to alert you when your baby cries.
What to look for in a baby monitor
There are lots of baby monitors to choose from at different price points.
Consider which features suit your needs, and which types of alerts will be most effective for you.
Visual and vibrating alerts
Most standard baby monitors have lights that show you when your baby is making a noise and how loudly.
Some baby monitors have features designed to alert you when your baby makes a noise. For example:
- vibrations
- bright flashing lights
- loud alarm sounds
Some baby monitors include a separate vibrating device that you can put under your pillow to wake you up when your baby cries.
Live camera feed
Some baby monitors include a camera that you put in your baby’s room.
This means you see a real-time video feed on your receiver, so you can watch your baby from another room.
If you’re alerted to a noise, you can use the camera to check if your baby is awake.
Adjustable noise sensitivity
Some baby monitors let you adjust the level of noise that will trigger an alert.
This means you can filter out background noise and only get alerts when it’s necessary.
Range and battery life
The range tells you how far away the receiver can be from your baby’s room before it loses connection.
Make sure to get a monitor with a range that covers all parts of your home and garden.
Check how long the battery lasts and how long it takes to charge.
Extra features
Some baby monitors have other features like:
- motion detection to alert you to your baby’s movements
- temperature monitoring to alert you if your baby’s room is too warm or cold
- connectivity options to get alerts on your smartphone
Buying a baby monitor
Get help to pay for a baby monitor
You may be able to get help with the cost of a baby monitor from your local council’s sensory support team.
Find your local council’s website on GOV.UK.
Contact the sensory or social services department. They should do an assessment to find out what support you need.