Parenting is tough; hence, there is so much that goes into raising a child to adulthood. The initial days are terrifying. One real fear is SIDs or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. How many times do you find yourself tiptoeing to your baby’s room to check if she is still breathing? Consequently, do you put your finger under her nose to feel the breath? Sometimes she is sleeping so peacefully and quietly that you get scared. Further, you may even shake her a little to get some movement. If this describes you, it is time to invest in the best baby breathing monitor. So, what are they, and how can they help?
1. Why do You Need a Baby Breathing Monitor?
What is a Baby Breathing Monitor?
A baby breathing monitor allows you to keep track of your baby’s breathing. You will find different technologies depending on the type. Additionally, some use abdominal movement, sensors, or the baby’s pulse to detect breathing and activity.
Furthermore, other types measure oxygen levels and even pulse rate. Also, you may get valuable insights and data on sleeping and breathing patterns.
However, it is essential to note that monitors are not medical devices.
What is the effect of Baby Breathing Monitor?
A baby breathing monitor will sound an alarm when it detects any abnormality. Such include a pause in breathing or lack of motion over some time. As a result, parents can get a lot of peace of mind with a breathing monitor.
But, some cases make one a necessity. Preterm babies or those who have faced Apparent Life-Threatening Events (ALTE) may need close monitoring. Moreover, a child with respiratory illnesses, pulmonary hypertension, and transient tachypnea may also need them. The same applies to a baby with a slow heart rate, chronic lung disease, or sleep apnea.
2. What to Consider When Buying a Breathing Monitor
Baby Respiratory Monitor Type:
Invest in a monitor that checks breathing as well as other vital signs. Consequently, these may include oxygen levels and heart rate monitors. Others can monitor the temperature as well. Additionally, the types also vary with how you use them. Some are wearable socks. Others come with clips that you attach to the baby’s clothing or diapers. Further, you also have those you put under the mattress.
Sensor:
a sensor is a feature that allows the monitor to keep track of movement or detect breathing. Further, others check the temperature, oxygen level, and even heart rate.
Wearable:
a wearable monitor, as the name suggests, requires your baby to wear the device. You will find those that look like socks. Moreover, others use bands or clips to ensure the device doesn’t fall.
Alert volume:
adjustable volume settings are essential. It allows you to adjust the setting to your comfort level, depending on where you are.
Sensitivity:
look for those with high sensitivity so that it can quickly detect any anomaly.
Electromagnetic field:
it is crucial to protect your baby from direct exposure to electromagnetic fields. Such could come from wearable monitors. Accordingly, check the frequency output for whichever monitor you choose.
Simple to use:
taking care of a newborn is already hard enough. Finally, you don’t want a baby monitor that is difficult to use.
3. Looking for Best Baby Breathing Monitor
Nanit Pro Smart Baby monitor
What we like
- Nanit pro is a motion tracking and breathing sensor baby monitor.
- It has an innovative design and offers excellent functionality.
- Furthermore, it uses bands and swaddles without needing socks or sensors. Simply attach it to your baby’s clothes, and you get alerts on your phone or camera.
- Then, the camera captures every part of the crib.
- Additionally, it is portable and comes with travel accessories.
- Finally, it collects invaluable insight into sleep patterns.
What we don’t like
- It is a bit pricey.
Snuza Hero SE Baby Movement Monitor
What we like
- Snuza Hero is easy to use. You only need to clip it to the baby’s diaper, and you are fine.
- Also, if it comes in contact with the skin, the medical-grade plastic does not lead to any allergic reactions.
- The small size of Snuza Hero makes it easy to carry around when traveling.
- Consequently, the rechargeable battery further adds to the convenience.
- If the monitor senses a lack of abdominal movement, it will vibrate at 15 seconds to stimulate the baby. Accordingly, a continuous lack of movement will result in an alert to your phone after 20 seconds.
What we don’t like
- Lastly, it does not have video monitoring.
Miku Smart Baby Monitor
What we like
- Miku baby monitor has some fantastic features. The uses audio and visuals, including a two-way radio.
- It provides privacy with security features that stop any hacking attempts.
- It uses radio waves to track and monitor, so your baby is free of wearable devices or sensors.
- The data goes straight to your phone, giving you valuable information on sleep and breathing patterns.
- Furthermore, such records are essential, especially when you visit the pediatrician.
- You are no more singing your baby to sleep. Simply use the high-quality speakers to play your baby’s favorite music.
What we don’t like
- It is pricey
- You may get some connection glitches
Babysense 7 Baby Movement Monitor
What we like
- First, It is pocket friendly
- Secondly, it has room temperature monitoring
- Voice activation features
- Then, it has very high sensitivity
- Babysense 7 is easy to use. Simply slip it under the mattress and monitor the movement and breathing of your baby.
- Additionally, The pricing is friendly, yet you get a highly sensitive monitor. Accordingly, you receive an alert if your baby does not move for 20 seconds.
What we don’t like
- Picture quality may not be excellent
- It does not collect data
Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor
What we like
- Most of all, it monitors oxygen levels and heart rate
- Then, it comes with an HD monitor
- Each package contains three socks
- Smartphone compatibility
- Comprises of allergy-free latex material
- Finally, encryption ensures privacy
What we don’t like
- Accessing reports comes at an extra cost.
Angelcare Baby Monitor With Movement Tracking
What we like
- First, it’s good value for money
- Temperature monitoring
- Then it has a two-way audio
- Secure transmission
- Finally, its sensitivity calibration depends on the baby’s weight
What we don’t like
- Getting a good camera angle can be tricky.
4. Do Breathing Monitors Prevent SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is terrifying and devastating. It continues to be one of the leading causes of infant deaths, especially in Western countries. Moreover, what makes it scarier is that those in the medical field have not determined an exact cause of SIDS.
Unfortunately, a baby monitor cannot prevent it. It is important to note that breathing monitors are not medical devices.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you could reduce the chance of occurrence by practicing safe sleeping habits. First, lay your baby on a flat surface, preferably on their backs. Then, remove toys and loose blankets from the crib. Most importantly, you want to avoid any chances of choking or strangulation.
Final Thoughts
You need to determine what your needs are, do your research and read customer reviews. As a result, it helps to know what you will be getting with the type you buy.
But, most importantly, remember the baby’s safety starts with you. A baby monitor is an excellent step in the right direction. Also, pay keen attention to your baby at all times. Finally, practice safe sleeping habits for your baby, as we have highlighted above.
Share with us any insights on the use of baby monitors. If you have one of the monitors we have highlighted, it would be great to hear your feedback.