The best baby monitor: How to get more lens for your spends

Blog post for shelved Karma feature (previously unpublished)

So, you just put your baby down for the night and you’re ready for a little “me” time. Of course, out of sight does not mean out of mind. Unless you were born with an extra set of detachable eyes that can see in the dark, you’ll need to invest in a good baby monitor.

Their safety, your peace of mind

​Like babies, baby monitors come in all shapes and sizes; the trick is finding one that suits your lifestyle and budget. Here are a few options to set your sights on:

Baby monitors: Audio

If you go the budget-friendly route, you can expect some pretty basic features. While all monitors allow you to hear your baby crying, those with a two-way intercom let you whisper reassuring words back to them.
Audio monitors are super portable, making them a great choice for traveling. They’re also affordable enough that you can buy a spare and leave it at the sitter's/grandparents’ house.

Baby monitors: Video

Don’t trust your ears? Video monitors give you a direct line of sight with your little one, and come in a couple of flavors:

• Smartphone monitors
  These require you to download a mobile app, so you can keep a watchful eye on your munchkin wherever you are. Especially useful if you’re always on the go.
• Handheld monitors
  An alternative to the mobile option, traditional monitors let you view your baby on the screen of a handheld unit and control the camera from anywhere in the house.

Baby monitors: Breathing & movement

For something more advanced, consider a monitor that can track your baby’s respiration, either through a video system or wearable device (like a sock or smart clip that attaches to their clothing/diapers). You really can’t put a price on knowing your child is breathing normally.

All the bells and whistles

Go the extra mile and choose a monitor with a temperature sensor, lights, vibration, lullabies, white noise—or any combination of these.

Whichever baby monitor you've been eyeing, let Karma tell you when it's ripe for buying.