It is perfectly normal if you want to do everything you can to keep your baby safe. Monitors today not only alert you when your baby is crying, but they can also keep track of their breathing. A baby monitor that tracks breathing while you’re away may seem to be the perfect solution.
Smart monitors are one of the best ways to give yourself peace of mind. With its advanced technological features, you can track your baby’s breathing when you perform other tasks or when you need to be somewhere else.
What Does a Baby Breathing Monitor Do and How Do They Work?
Baby breathing monitors track your infant’s respirations during sleep using either oxygen levels or movement. They include video and audio capabilities, so you can see and hear what’s going on with your baby from a monitor or smartphone. You get real-time alerts of any unusual activity.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and sleep apnea are just some of your concerns during your baby’s first year, so a breathing monitor can help relieve your anxiety and provide additional peace of mind. Here are some of its advanced features:
- Motion and sound sensors: Baby monitors include motion detection capabilities, which send you alerts once your baby’ s breathing changes or when they move outside of a predefined area.
- Interconnectivity: Through this feature, you receive real-time video across all your devices.
- HD video: Baby monitors have HD cameras, so you have a clear view of your baby.
- Night Vision and soothing features: Baby monitors are equipped with infrared vision so you can watch your baby at night without turning the lights on.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Baby Monitors
Baby monitors have become a vital tool to keep an eye on your baby. However, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- A baby monitor that tracks breathing can offer you enhanced safety by sending alerts regarding potential issues.
- They reduce your anxiety by letting you observe your baby’s activities without being physically present in one room.
- They provide a direct connection to your baby, allowing for immediate response when needed.
- Baby monitors are portable units, which makes it easier to carry the monitor anywhere in the home, ensuring that you always keep an eye or an ear on your child.
- They also provide you with support for remotely monitoring your infant’s comfort. By remotely observing their sleep activities and patterns, you gain invaluable information about your child’s health.
Disadvantages
- Baby monitors might experience signal issues, which can lead to distorted audio or video signals, which may cause unnecessary stress for you.
- While helpful, over-reliance on baby monitors can result in increased anxiety due to having the feeling to check the monitor frequently.
- Baby monitors are also prone to hacking, since they are connected to the internet.
Are Baby Breathing Monitors Necessary for All Parents?
Are baby monitors necessary for most parents? The need for these devices may vary depending on several factors, and not all parents may find them essential. Here are some things you might want to consider:
- Child’s Health Needs: For babies born with medical conditions, such as those born prematurely or who have sleep apnea, a baby monitor that tracks breathing can be valuable.
- Sleep Arrangements: If your baby sleeps in another room, a baby monitor would be helpful. But if your baby sleeps in the same room as you, you might not need a monitor immediately.
- Living Space: A baby monitor may be less necessary if you can hear your baby from any room.
- Parental Anxiety: If you are often anxious about your baby’s well-being, then a monitor may be perfect for you to ease your worry. It can also lead to dependency, where frequent monitoring might disrupt your child’s sleep.
- Budget: High-quality monitors can be expensive, so assessing your budget is essential.
What to Do if the Monitor Alarm Sounds
If you have a baby breathing monitor, make sure that you know what to do or who to call if the alarm goes off, and discuss the plan with anyone else who may be caring for your baby.
Switch off the alarm and check your baby:
- Check for movements of your baby’s chest or tummy to see if they are breathing.
- Place your cheek near the baby’s face to feel if you can hear them breathing.
- Try stimulating your baby by touching their face or tickling the soles of their feet to see if they respond.
If your baby is not responding, call for immediate help right away
- Put your phone on speaker so the operator can talk you through what to do until professional help arrives
When To Stop Using a Baby Monitor
Deciding when to stop using a baby monitor can be confusing. Here are some tips that you might consider if it is time to stop using a baby monitor.
- When your child sleeps consistently through the night: If your baby has established a stable sleeping pattern, you might decide to discontinue the use of a monitor.
- When your child transitions out of the crib: The need for a monitor may decrease if your baby grows and moves to a bed where they have more freedom.
- When your child can communicate effectively: Once your child can express themselves verbally, they may no longer require constant monitoring.
The Bottom Line
Every parent wants the best for their baby, and it can be fulfilled by using baby monitors that come with various features. Taking care of your baby while managing to do some errands might be a struggle for you. But with baby monitors, you can do your work without compromising your baby’s health and safety.
Whether you decide to purchase a baby monitor that tracks breathing is entirely up to you. If you decide to buy one, be aware that its reading may not be reliable or consistent. A monitor should never replace seeing your pediatrician if you think your child may have a more severe breathing condition, such as sleep apnea.
