Baby monitors: Features explained
Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are the cheaper option in the long run. Some come with the unit and can be charged in the cradle. Other models explicitly say you can’t use them, as they may cause the unit to malfunction and void the warranty.
Battery indicator
This warns you when the batteries are about to run out.
Belt clip
It's handy to be able to carry the parent unit around with you but make sure you don't accidentally knock the volume adjuster. The belt clip on the Tommee Tippee doubles up as a stand.
Crib soother
Gentle vibrations can be activated to try to soothe your baby.
Digital technology
Some models have microprocessors designed to ensure that the only nursery sounds you will be able to hear are those from your own nursery, not anyone else’s. However, this doesn’t stop the transmissions from your own monitor being picked up by somebody else
Sing your child to sleep
Lullabies
A lullaby can be activated if your baby stirs. The effectiveness of this will depend on the individual baby. This has the potential to be more irritating than soothing for some. On pricier models facilities exist for you to make your own or record your voice.
Motion sensor mat
Green lights flash and a tick is heard every time your baby moves. If your baby stops moving for more than 20 seconds, an alarm sounds and red lights flash. Can be unnecessarily distressing.
Multi-channel options
The sensor sits under the mattress
Two channels should be adequate for most people, but if you live in a busy, built-up area with lots of other parents with monitors in close proximity, creating the likelihood of regular interference, the option of more channels may be helpful.
Night light
This gives the area around the unit a soft glow, which may comfort you baby and can help you see him or her in a darkened room. Some models allow you to control this remotely
Out-of-range alarm
Monitor with a night light
If you wander out of range, an alarm sounds. This could be useful as a means of helping you assess how far down the garden you can go.
Pager
Press a button on the baby unit and follow the bleeping to your lost parent unit.
Talk back
The intercom facility allows you to talk back to your baby. This is great if you want to murmur reassuring words to your sleeping baby, or relay instructions to your willful toddler.
Temperature alarm
Remotely soothe a fretting baby
Warns you when the temperature goes outside a set range. Can be with sounds and/or lights. It will normally display the temperature too.
Sound sensitive lights
This is one of the more useful extra features. It allows you to turn off the sound, and a sound-activated multi-light display panel shows whether or not your baby is crying. The louder your baby cries, the more lights are illuminated. This is very handy if you are hard of hearing. It could also be useful in a situation when, for example, you have friends round or are having a meeting with someone at home and you won’t be able to hear your baby over the noise.
Temperature monitor
Some baby monitors have a digital room temperature display that shows the temperature in your baby's room. A light on the unit flashes when the temperature goes below 16 or above 20 degrees.
Torch
To check on baby without turning on the room’s main light.
Video monitor
To see as well as hear your baby. Two models we tested have ‘night vision’, so you can see your baby in the dark.
Volume warning
Some models will vibrate to alert you to cries, if you have the volume on your unit too low.