Baby monitors and sensors

A baby monitor can help you listen or look out for your baby from a distance. For example, you might choose to use a baby monitor so you can hear your baby cry if you are downstairs or in another room where you cannot easily hear them.

It is safest for your baby to sleep in your room, in their own cot or bed, for the first 6 to 12 months.

If your baby was born prematurely or has breathing problems, your doctor might recommend a breathing or heart monitor. They might also suggest a monitor if your baby:

• has needed to be resuscitated (revived) — for example, if they were found not breathing, blue, white or floppy
• has regular and long episodes of pauses in their breathing, or a slow heart rate
• has a breathing disorder or condition that affects their breathing

There are a few different types of baby monitors and sensors. Some use Wi-Fi, and others use radio signals.

Video and audio monitors

An audio monitor works like a 'walkie-talkie'. This type of monitor allows you to hear noises your baby makes when you are not in the room.

A video monitor sends a video image from a camera in your baby's room. Sometimes these monitors come with their own tablet device to view the video on.

Some monitors capture both audio and video.

App monitor

There are several apps that let you turn your phone or tablet into a monitor. The apps can help your device function as either an audio or video monitor, depending on the app. These might not be as sensitive or as high quality as specially designed baby monitors.

Movement monitor

Some video monitors can alert you if they detect movement.

You can also use a mat monitor. This monitor is placed underneath your baby's cot sheet or mattress. It sends an alarm if your baby does not move for a set amount of time.

Heart and breathing monitor

These monitors use electrode dots attached to the baby's chest. These monitor chest movement and the electrical activity of the heart. An alarm goes off if the heart rate falls below a set level, or if there is a long pause in the baby's breathing. Sometimes, these monitors come in the form of a wearable device. Some of them are linked to a computer, which assesses how serious the situation is.

Oxygen measurement monitors and oximeters

Oxygen monitors are used in hospitals. They are also part of some home monitors. They send an alarm when the oxygen level recorded in the baby's skin falls below a set level.

Monitors for hearing impaired carers

Instead of audio alarms, these monitors use lights or vibrations to tell hearing impaired carers if their baby needs their attention.

A baby monitor is only an alarm. It will not save your baby's life on its own.

It is important that you know how to respond to an alarm and know what to do.

Make sure your CPR skills are up to date.

Everyone who looks after the baby should know what to do in an emergency situation.

It's a good idea to talk to your doctor, midwife or early childhood nurse before buying a monitor. They can advise you on how to respond to a monitor's alarm.

False alarms and power failures

Monitors are not always accurate. Their alarms can go off even when nothing is wrong. This can be very stressful for parents and carers.

They can also stop working if the power, battery or signal connection fails.

Risk of injury

There is a chance of your baby getting caught up in the electrical leads attached to monitors.

Be sure to always use the monitor according to the instructions on the package. Keep any cords secure and away from your baby's sleeping space.

Sudden infant death syndrome

Baby monitors range from $40 to $800 to buy.

When choosing a monitor, there are things to consider.

Look for monitors that:

• will transmit signals over a large distance, so you can be notified even when you are far away
• have a wide enough angle on their camera to view your baby at all times
• if using radio signals to work, have different channels so you can avoid interference
• have lights as well as sounds to alert you to your baby's crying
• have a battery as well as mains power in case of power failure
• have a camera mount suitable for your needs

You can read Red Nose Australia articles about:

• how baby monitors are not a lifesaving device
• supervision of sleeping in early childhood care

There are no approved standards in Australia for baby monitors sold to the public. However, you can read the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's product safety guide for Smart home devices, including baby monitors.