How to Choose a Baby Movement Monitor

Whether you’re a first-time parent or have just had your fifth baby, the concern that you feel during the night about keeping them safe whilst sleeping does not get any easier.
A baby movement monitor can monitor your baby through the night for you, and help you to feel reassured that your baby is safe and not chocking because of baby’s food or anything similar. Have a look at these guidelines to know what to look for when selecting a baby movement monitor.

What Is a Baby Movement Monitor?

A baby movement monitor is a device that you can attach to your baby or put underneath the mattress that tracks your baby’s movement and significantly decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

What Are the Benefits of A Baby Movement Monitor?

A baby movement monitor will sound an alarm very quickly if it detects that your baby has stopped moving for a certain period of time, usually 20 seconds – this can reduce the risk of SIDS as well as keep you reassured throughout the night. If your baby has health issues or there is a history of SIDS within the family, a baby movement monitor can be particularly beneficial.

What Are the Different Models of Baby Movement Monitor?

There are two main types of baby monitor, each with varying features that you’ll want to consider when buying a monitor.

Wearable Device

This baby movement monitor clips onto your baby’s clothing or diaper to detect their heart rate, breath and movement. The downside is that as your baby begins to move more, they could come loose and give off a false alarm.

Sensor Pads

A sensor pad is slipped underneath your baby’s mattress to detect their heart rate, breath and movement. This is a less invasive option for your baby but can be less sensitive to the information – such as your baby’s heart rate.

What Should I Consider when Choosing the Best Baby Movement Monitor?

Baby movement monitors can be expensive, so you’ll want to make sure that you choose the right one for you and your family the first time round. Here are some of the things that you’ll want to consider when choosing the best baby movement monitor.

1- the Level of Reassurance

Depending on how much reassurance you need will dictate how sensitive you want the monitor to be, as well as how quickly an alarm will be sounded after detecting no movement – though you can change this with some models. You’ll also want to consider whether you want a visual and audible monitor of your child to go alongside the monitor and alarm.

2- Extras

Some monitors include a vibration feature which encourages your child to move before sounding an alarm, which can be great at reducing the amount it interrupts your child’s sleep with an alarm. You may also want to consider a monitor that comes with a device for you to keep in your own room – this way you can guarantee that you will hear the alarm.

3- Safety

• A baby monitor should not be used to replace safe sleep practices – always place your baby on their back to sleep, with no loose covers or toys in the bed with them
• Do not rely solely upon movement monitors to monitor a medical condition that your baby may have
• Movement monitors are not a guarantee that your baby will not fall victim to SIDS, remember to regularly check your baby

To Conclude

A baby movement monitor can be a really useful investment when concerned about leaving your baby to sleep alone at night. They can help to keep your mind at rest, and may be enough to actually help you get a night of peaceful and relaxed sleep!