Baby monitors enable you to monitor the movements and conditions of the baby, when you are not in the vicinity. In the midst of the household chores or other situations when you are not able to watch the baby, this monitoring facility is an essential one in the interests of the health and safety of the baby.

There are many types of baby monitors like Audio, Video and Motion monitors. You can listen or watch the baby throughout, irrespective of the place where you are in the house. All monitors include a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter should be kept 10 feet away from the child. It will transmit the signals to a distance of up to 600 feet. You have to keep the receiver near you. The motion monitors include a third component, a censor pad which should be placed under the baby’s mattress to detect its motion including breathing. You may choose any one of the above or a combination model.

The quality of the monitor is decided by the signals it emits. Choose a monitor with strong signals and multiple channels to minimize the interference of static noise, phone calls, other signals from neighbourhood, and even the concrete walls in the house. It is worth spending more on a monitor which has more clarity.

There are features like ‘on and off’ switch to protect the privacy and to prolong the battery life. Otherwise when the monitor is on others nearby can hear your voice. With the monitor you can move into the yard and still receive signals. Volume control is another added advantage. The higher the power, the clearer the signals will be.

Some monitors are provided with two receivers to enable both the parents to monitor the baby. This also facilitates to put one of the batteries for recharge, while using the other one. There will be a battery indicator giving notice for recharge. The intercom facility transmits your voice back to the baby.

There are precautions to be taken for the safety of the baby. Do not substitute the monitor for your presence in the room, when the baby is awake. All chords, adaptors, and transmitters should be kept away from the baby's reach. Keep the plugged in monitors away from the pools or bathtubs to avoid electrocution. Always keep the battery recharged.

When you choose an audio monitor, emphasis should be on the power and range. As already mentioned, walls, stainless kitchen backsplashes etc may hinder the monitor' s range. The digital technology offer a monitor which filter the noise so that you can listen to the child's breathing, but will not hear the noise of the fan. If you turn off your audio monitor, no one in the vicinity will hear your conversations.

Look for a monitor in the power range of 900 MHz to 2.4 GHz or more. Range can be about 20 feet even though audio up to 2000 feet range are available. AC adaptor for recharging battery is essential to recharge it periodically. You can also prefer model with multiple channels and light display. Use sound activated lights to alert you when the baby needs you, even if you have turned off the volume of the monitor.

Instead of light display you can go for a model with vibration option. The vibration will alert you when you carry the monitor in your pocket.

There are other accessories like out of range indicator to receive signals when you are away from the range; receiver locator to find out the misplaced receiver; back up battery pack for uninterrupted power supply and video.

In video baby monitors the camera mounted on the wall near the crib will enable you to watch the movements of the baby in the monitor.

Another choice is black and white model with night vision to enable you to see the baby if the lights are off.

There are other facilities as follows: Zoom feature enables you to get a close up view on the monitor. High resolution monitor, multiple cameras, web cam and pivoting camera.

Each type of monitor has different ranges for different ages of the babies. Audio Baby Monitors can be used for new born babies. Audio / video monitors can be used for toddler years. Remember that once the baby becomes mobile it will be difficult to visually monitor it using the camera.

However a monitor is not an alternative or substitute for parental care!!