Sound monitors

Sound monitors work through radio waves and have a reception distance of between 60 and 500 metres.. They have two units: one unit is positioned close to the baby to detect any sounds it makes, the other is positioned beside you for monitoring. The units are either mains or battery operated.

Mains-operated monitors are the simplest and cheapest - but both you and your baby must be positioned near a plug which limits their flexibility. They are ideal if you spend most of your time when you’re away from the baby in one room, or for monitoring the baby at night if your bedrooms are some distance apart. They are not suitable if you wish to monitor the baby while out in the garden or while moving from room to room.

Battery-operated monitors are entirely portable. Some come with rechargeable batteries, others with adapters for mains use. Rechargeable units save the expense and fuss of batteries but need to be maintained. Check that the monitor can be used while recharging. Adapters restrict the mobility of the monitor but save on batteries.

Features to look for

• A moving lights display. This allows you to mute your baby’s sounds but still receive an indication that he is becoming distressed.
• A choice of two channels. This can help improve transmission and may be essential if you live in a flat or terraced house where you may pick up interference from a neighbour’s unit
• A volume control
• A night light on the baby unit
• A low power warning signal
• A stand
• A belt clip on the parent unit. Particularly useful if you are going to be moving around from room to room or out in the garden
• Rechargeable batteries
• An adapter, so that a battery-operated unit can be used on the mains

Sound and vision monitors

A sound and vision monitor allows you to watch your baby on a black and white portable screen as well as hear him. Using infra-red technology and a small camera, the system allows you to see the baby even when he is sleeping in a darkened room. These monitors are expensive (at least £300) but can also be used for other domestic security purposes. Less expensive vision monitors can be bought for use in conjunction with your own television and video.

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