How to Buy a Baby Monitor

Technology Basics

• 1

  Look for a monitor that operates at a frequency of 900 megahertz or higher. This means that there will be less chance for interference, which makes for a clearer sound, according to "Parents."

• 2

  Choose a baby monitor that has a sound-activated light, which is a light on the monitor that flashes when the baby makes noise. This is helpful if you are vacuuming or doing another noisy activity which would possibly prevent you from hearing the sounds coming from the monitor.

• 3

  Pick a monitor that has a prominently displayed low battery light. This saves parents from the inconvenience of trying to turn on a monitor only to find out that the batteries are dead. It also addresses the safety issue of the monitor losing power in the middle of the night. Look for monitors that have the option of powering up by batteries or A/C adapter, in case you run out of batteries.

Added Perks

• 4

  Buy a monitor that is wireless for the added convenience of being able to walk around freely while keeping an eye on the baby. Some monitors even come with clips so you can attach them to your clothes while cleaning or doing other activities around the house.

• 5

  Buy a video monitor if you would like visual information about your baby while he is alone. Parents can tell if the baby is sleeping or awake and if there are any hazards nearby, such as a blanket near the baby's face. Sometimes parents are afraid to check on their child right after bedtime for fear of waking him up; a video monitor helps with this process.

• 6

  Browse for a monitor with a "page" button, which is another feature that offers convenience to parents. This button allows you to locate the "receiver," the part you hold, if it becomes lost in the house, according to "Parents."