When parents are unable to be in the same room as their little one, a baby monitor is a great way to make them feel at ease. At night time you can sleep more easily in a separate room, while at the same time you will still be aware of when your baby needs changing or fed. And during the day you are free to do things around the home without checking on baby every minute.

What we have to consider when thinking about purchasing a baby monitor are, among other things:

- what is your budget

- the type of building you live in and where the child will be in relation to where you will be most of the time ” if you are far apart and the house has cement walls then strong transmission capabilities is a must have

- if you wish to see your child you will need an audio monitor with video capabilities

What Types of Monitor are There?

- Audio: the most basic monitor will offer audio alone.

- Movement with audio capability: this type consists of three parts ” the receiver, the transmitter and a detector pad which is placed under the babies mattress

- Audio with video capability: in addition to some of the above features this type offers a video camera which can be placed near to your baby. Some of the more expensive types now offer infra red, which allows you to see your child in the dark.

Important Things to Consider

- The power source: battery operated monitor equipment is the best for mobility but can use a lot of batteries in a short space of time. So, the best options are either a/c adapter with battery combination or rechargeable battery option.

- Volume control: can be useful if you do not wish to hear every single sound that comes from your baby.

- LED lighting on the receiver: if for some reason you are unable to hear the receiver (you could be doing the laundry, for example) then an LED lighting option on the receiver is a valuable addition.

- Multi-channel: allows you to find a receptive channel in your area with limited interference from other radio operated equipment such as mobile phones.

- The choice of frequency: if you are in need of a choice in channel frequency for the baby monitor due to lots of interference in your area, do not opt for the basic 49 MHz option. Either go for the 900 MHz monitor or even better, the 2.4 GHz monitor option.

- Low battery indicator ” vitally important if using a battery operated monitor.

- Portability of the baby monitor kit: if you move around the house a lot then a small and portable receiver is important. Furthermore, if you travel often with your baby the ease of portability of the baby monitor kit will be a consideration for you.

- A two-receiver option: if you like the idea of having one receiver static ” in your bedroom for example, so you dont have to go looking for the receiver you left some place earlier on ” then the two-receiver option is a good choice.