Being a parent is a wonderful feeling, but also a whole lot of responsibility is heaped on ya. One of the things that keeps most parents up at night is wondering how in the world you keep your baby safe while they sleep. One tool that can help with that is an audio baby monitor. It lets you keep an ear on your baby from another room even if you’re busy in the kitchen cooking dinner, scrubbing toilets, working crunch time, or just grabbing a quick break without having to sacrifice being aware of what’s going on.
There are loads of different monitors out there – literally. Choosing the right one can feel like trying to navigate a minefield. Some of them have video, some are just audio, and some come with all sorts of bells & whistles. To make your life a bit easier, here’s some simple, no-nonsense advice on how to choose the best audio only baby monitor for your home.
1. Think About the Range
The “range” tells you how far you can wander while still being able to hear your baby just fine. If you’ve got a big house, you’re going to want a monitor that can reach the farthest corners. Even smaller homes need a reliable range that won’t drop out on you when you move from room to room. A good range lets you stay connected to your baby even as you are dealing with the rest of your day.
2. Check the Sound Quality
You’d be surprised how important clear sound is. You need to be able to pick up on every cry or fuss, no matter how small. Look for a monitor with adjustable volume & some of them even do a good job of cutting down background noise which is a total godsend when the house is a madhouse. Better sound quality – it’s just plain less stressful, especially when it’s the middle of the night & you’re stumbling out of bed to check on the baby.
3. Look for a Good Old Fashioned Audio-Only Monitor
Audio-only monitors are just so much simpler & reliable – and often they save you a pretty penny in terms of power consumption & battery life. If you’re in the market for an audio only baby monitor, just think about what you really need. The best audio only baby monitor is the one that gives you a clear, dependable signal day & night.
4. Battery Life is Crucial
Battery life is a biggie. Some monitors require a plug in, while others use rechargeable batteries. If you want the freedom to move around the house without being tied to a power outlet, you’ll want to look for a model with a good battery life. And these days, many monitors will warn you when the battery is getting low which is just genius.
5. Extras are Nice but Not Necessary
Some audio monitors come with features that make your life easier – like the ability to talk to your baby from another room, or a built-in lullaby or night light. These things might not be essential, but they can be handy & also give you extra peace of mind. Just check some reviews to figure out which one is the right fit for you.
6. Portability
A portable baby monitor is a lifesaver. Maybe you’ve got one of those super slim ones that just fits in your bag & you can pop it in any room you move to. Some even clip onto your clothes so you can keep your hands free the whole time. If your baby’s in a separate room, or you’re on the go, having a portable monitor to carry with you makes a huge difference – you can keep an ear on them no matter where you are.
7. Easy to Use
Your baby monitor needs to be a no-brainer to operate. Clear buttons that don’t confuse you, simple menu options, and not too many instructions cluttering the box are the way to go – especially at 3am when you’re half asleep. Something that just works straight away is super important – its not just about the range or sound quality, its also about having a stress-free time using it.
8. Safety & Interference
When picking an audio baby monitor, you want to make sure its using a secure signal that only lets you hear your baby and no one else. Some older models can pick up interference from other devices and that’s really not what you want. Digital monitors are usually a lot more reliable and offer clearer sound than older models. A good signal means you can trust the thing when you need it most.
9. Budget-Friendly Choices
You don’t have to break the bank to get a good baby monitor. Audio monitors come in loads of different price ranges so it’s worth finding a good balance between cost and quality. A good rule of thumb is to spend a bit more if it means it will keep working and your baby will be safe. Your peace of mind is worth that little bit extra.
10. Read the Reviews
Before you plunk down your cash, have a look at what other parents have to say about their monitor. They’ll usually give you the lowdown on how well it works, not to mention any little quirks they picked up on that the product description missed. It’s a great way to avoid buying a dud and find a monitor that really does fit your needs & style.
Conclusion
It’s not that hard to find a good audio baby monitor if you know what to look for. For us, it’s all about getting a good balance between range, clear sound, battery life, and ease of use. If it’s got a few nice to have features like two-way talk or temperature sensors then all the better. Reading reviews may take a bit of time but it’s worth it in the end to get a good solid product.
Bebcare makes some top quality baby monitors that are all about safety, sound, and making life a bit easier. With long battery life, crystal clear sound, and great features, Bebcare’s baby monitors mean you can keep an ear on your little one wherever you are, whenever you are.
