Considering buying a baby breathing monitor but not sure? We have specifically prepared this blog to help you know everything there is about tracking the baby’s most vital signs.
Being a first-time parent is perhaps the heaviest responsibility in life. From one day to the next, you’re responsible for the growth of a tiny human.
As first-time moms or dads, we’re filled with fear as we ponder the possibility that our baby could- for any reason- stop breathing. Their breath seems to be the one thing keeping us going through the sleepless nights, the struggles. With the help of some baby gear and baby tech, it’s now easier for parents to protect their little ones.
When shopping for your baby gear, a baby monitor is one of the most important purchases you’ll make. Having the right baby monitor will make or break your nights and, frankly, your peace of mind.
Everybody asks what is the best baby breathing monitor? As baby monitors become more high tech, they are better able to show parents how their baby is sleeping. Whether you’re particularly worried about being there for your baby while they sleep, or you just want to take a look at them from anywhere, these baby breathing monitors can help.
In this post, we’ll answer not just what breathing monitors are, but also how they can detect different vital signs, whether they prevent SIDS, and what the best ones out there are.
- What are baby breathing monitors?
- Do breathing monitors prevent SIDS?
- Do baby monitors detect breathing?
- How to choose a baby monitor
- What are the best baby monitor for breathing detection
- To Sum Up
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Baby Breathing Monitors?
There are lots of different types of breathing baby monitors out there. Some are wearable, others use computer vision, some track your baby’s breathing movements while others actively track heart rate. Some even track your baby’s face to make sure it stays clear of objects that could obstruct their airways.
Read more about the best baby monitors of 2021 to see all your baby monitor options.
Parents often turn to these types of monitors to sleep more peacefully and accomplish other tasks while knowing their children are okay.
Do Breathing Monitors Prevent SIDS?
No baby breathing monitor or movement monitor will state in their description that they actively prevent SIDS. This isn’t because they aren’t helpful but rather because Sudden Death in babies is still vastly mysterious to researchers and physicians. Though there are many practices that help increase baby’s safety, nothing is guaranteed because we don’t fully understand why it happens.
The best prevention for SIDS we currently have is a logical one: establishing a safe sleeping environment for babies. Pediatricians have many suggestions about how to do that in your own home. These include having the right tools to make sure the baby’s sleeping positions are optimal and keeping a baby monitor that alerts you when something looks risky.
At the end of the day, with or without proactive notifications about your baby’s safety risks, parents still need to step in when the time is right to help their children if they need. After all, no one is better at keeping your baby safe than you.
Do Baby Monitors Detect Breathing?
Short answer: Yes! Some baby breathing monitors are wearable and clip to your baby’s diaper or wrap around your baby’s foot to detect their heart rate, oxygen levels, and vitals. They use the same technology that devices like your Fitbit and Apple Watch use to track babies’ oxygen levels and heart rate, though those have also been called into question in terms of accuracy. Heart rate monitors, whether on baby monitors, gym equipment, etc., can all be slightly off and not perfectly accurate. They’re meant to give you a rough idea of where your heart rate sits.
Other baby breathing monitors use computer vision to catch the movement of your baby’s abdomen as it moves with their breathing.
There are other ways of tracking your baby’s breathing if they suffer from sleep apnea or if they were born prematurely. Your local hospital can either rent you or suggest equipment for these types of issues. Your pediatrician will always know best regarding these situations, so talk to them first.
While it might not be an absolute necessity, you might still find it comforting to see your baby in HD day or night and know whether they’re breathing and they’re okay.
How To Choose A Baby Monitor
When navigating the wide world of what’s available in terms of baby monitors, you’ll want to keep a few criteria in mind, one of which is baby breathing monitor reviews. They will help you evaluate the pros and cons of every product out there.
Price
If your budget is $30-$40, it’s likely that breathing monitoring isn’t going to be a part of that package. There are some $50-$300+ options available out there, so make sure you know what you want to spend.
Reviews
People’s rating of the product can tell you a lot about how much of a difference it makes in their lives. Of course, take these with a grain of salt as for any product you’ll find some disgruntled customers. If they’re in the majority, definitely ask more questions as to why that might be.
Camera Quality
You definitely want a monitor with a High Definition camera day and night
Features
There are a lot more features than just breathing detection these days. Smart baby monitors offer auto photo capture, covered-face alerts, lullabies, and so much more. Find the features you want the most and get the monitor that offers them at a price point you can manage.
Shelf-life
Buying baby supplies and gear is very expensive. Any parent knows the grief of trying to put new clothes on their baby only to find out the fit is too tight. They grow so fast that buying expensive things that won’t last long is a struggle. However, when it comes to baby monitors, if your monitor can also turn into a toddler and nanny cam, it would be a great investment and so much more worth it.
Top 7 Best Baby Breathing Monitor 2022
1.Angelcare 3-in-1 AC527 Baby Monitor
The Angelcare 3-in-1 AC527 is an Amazon Choice product that delivers a lot of excellent features for a reasonable price. It’s a sound and video monitor with an under-the-bed mattress breathing mat that monitors your baby’s breathing. It has a 5″ touchscreen parent unit with which you can get a good view of your baby in the dark. In the darkness, infrared night vision will produce a black and white image of your infant. With digital zoom and panning, you can zoom in to your baby and see which position he or she is in. During the night, the monitor will automatically switch to night vision after an hour of no sound.
Depending on your preferences and the layout of your space, you can either position the camera on a surface or mount it on the wall. The room’s temperature is monitored and displayed on the parent unit, and if it’s too hot or cold, an alarm will sound. This is a long-range monitor because its range extends up to 820 feet in an open field. However, the actual range will still vary depending on any objects that could be obstructing its signal.
You may talk to your baby through your monitor using two-way audio, which will soothe them when you are not around. This baby monitor has a secure 2.4GHz transmission and is simple to set up, ensuring that no one else can access your monitor and hack it.
It may be used without the breathing mat, making it a great sound and video monitor when your baby no longer requires to have his or her breathing monitored.
Specifications:
- Wireless Baby Movement Sensor Pad with 4 adjustable sensitivity levels
- Built-in movement alarm (for 15 seconds of no recognized movement and 20 seconds after no movement detected)
- Visual and optional audible “tick” movement indicator
- 5 Inch + Temperature display on Camera
- Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 3.2 x 6.7 inches
- Batteries required: Yes
- Standing screen display size: 5 Inches
- Display type: LCD
- Sensor technology: Room temperature
- Item Weight 15.8 ounces
Price Range: $159.62 – $199.99 on Amazon
2.Infant Optics DXR Pro
This baby breathing monitor is the perfect way to keep your little ones protected and monitored without having to rely too much on an internet connection or any app. It’s ideal for those who prefer a straightforward and easy approach to caring for their children.
Pros: You can use this without an existing Wi-Fi connection. It has a large 5″ screen with a 720P HD video resolution and an active noise reduction system.
Other smart features include:
- Two-way audio
- Further signal range by 50%
- Sound LED bar
- Interchangeable lens on the cameras
- Optical zoom with digital zoom
- 1000mW speakers
- Scan mode
- Temperature detection
- Night vision
- Compatible with power banks and replaceable batteries
Cons: The standalone unit has a special charging port that makes micro-USBs and type C adaptors incompatible. No worries on this one, though, as the unit comes with its own special charging port.
Specifications:
- Bandwidth: 4.8 MHz
- Transmission range: up to 1000 ft without any obstructions
- Camera input voltage: 100-240VAC @ 50/60Hz
- Operating voltage: 5.9V, 1000mA
- IR/Night vision: 8 IR LEDs, 1 low light sensor
- Power: Input: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz 200mA; Output: 5.9V, 1000mA
- LCD display: 5” TFT color display at 1280 x 720 RGB colors
- Duration: 10 hours, standby mode; 6 hours, screen on
- Charging time: 7 hours to full charge
3.Nanit Pro Complete Monitoring Set
The new 1080p Nanit Pro Camera is the perfect way to monitor your little one from any angle. With its overhead view of the baby’s crib, height and sleep tracking capabilities, as well as breathing motion monitoring, this camera has it covered when it comes down to recording their every move!
Pros: This baby breathing monitor works even though Wi-Fi is not stable. It also has two-way audio, which allows you to communicate with your baby through a dedicated app. Interestingly, Alexa can also work with this baby breathing monitor for sleep updates or check your baby through her.
Other features include:
- Digital baby diary for capturing important moments
- No subscription fees
Cons: Even though this seems to be the best camera on the market today, it is still expensive for most parents. Additionally, the sleep data that was proven to be very useful when monitoring your baby, actually requires a paid subscription after the free one-year subscription has ended. Lastly, the speakers are weaker compared to other baby breathing monitors.
Specifications:
- Color: multi-color
- Item dimensions: 11 x 3.3 x 2 inches
- Material type: plastic
- Batteries required: no
- Item weight: 2 lbs.
- Sensor technology: room_temperature, night vision
Price range: $297.56 on Amazon
4.MonBaby Baby Breathing Monitor
Parents are always looking for ways to keep their babies safe, and MonBaby has just come out with a new baby breathing monitor that can help them do just that. This new product is the first of its kind to be approved by the FDA as an infant apnea monitor; meaning, it offers parents real peace of mind when they put their little one down for a nap or to sleep at night.
Pros: It has a sensitive smart breathing sensor that can detect your baby’s breathing patterns. It is able to detect movements and send alerts to your smartphone such as when your baby rolls onto their tummies. This device runs through bluetooth, which offers accurate real-time sleep data.
Cons: Some users reported that the sensor did not work as advertised, and it either did not work at all, or the alarms went off all night for no reason. Some even had problems with their bluetooth connectivity.
Specifications:
- Item dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 in
- Item weight: 0.19 lbs
- Bluetooth connectivity: up to 50 ft
Price range: $79.99 on Amazon
5.Levana Oma Sense Baby Breathing Monitor
The Levana Oma Sense is a new baby breathing monitor that uses the latest technology to automatically sense when your baby stops breathing and alerts you with a loud alarm. This product is perfect for those looking to have peace of mind in those early months while being able to constantly track their baby’s developmental progress.
Pros: It has the patented Wakeup Technology, which monitors your baby’s movements and alerts you immediately when they detect no movement on your baby. It also has vibrations that automatically rouse your baby gently without having to wake them up fully. It also notifies parents and caregivers of any slightest irregularity. Lastly, a blue light flashes on the monitor unit to check if the baby is doing well.
Cons: One downside to this device is the expensive price. Also, the alarms go off for no reason, which stresses some parents.
Specifications:
- Item dimensions: 38 x 22.75 x 11.75 in
- Weight: 19.05 lbs
Price range: $124.99 on Target
6.Sense-U Smart Baby Monitor 2 with Breathing Movement Temperature Sensors
It’s a good thing you have an extra set of eyes on your baby when you can’t be there. You’ll never worry about the safety of your child again with this smart baby device! The Sense-U Smart Baby Monitor 2 is the perfect device for parents who want to keep their little ones safe and sound.
Pros: This baby breathing monitor tracks your baby’s skin temperature, sleeping position, and abdominal movements, and it alerts you at the slightest irregularity. It also notifies you if your baby rolls on its back. Lastly, it has a great series of lights and sounds for notifications, both on the device and on your smartphone.
Cons: However, many parents complain that the app used with this baby breathing monitor eats up a lot of their battery life. It also requires the app to be open at all times, which can drain the battery even more. Some have experienced receiving 100 notifications all at once, even though their baby is sleeping fine.
Specifications:
- Item dimensions: 1.4 x 1.4 x 0.4 inches
- Batteries: 1 CR2 battery, included
- Material type: plastic
- Communication technology: Wi-Fi
- Battery life: 1 month
- Item weight: 1.58 lbs.
Price range: $199.99
7.BabySense 7 Breathing Movement Baby Monitor
BabySense 7 Breathing Baby Monitor tracks baby’s breathing, heart rate, sleep, movements, room temperature, and humidity. Parents are notified soon as there are any irregularities detected in any of these activities.
Pros: It has a non-contact, non-WiFi, hack-proof system that helps you monitor your baby’s movements through the mattress and sends you alerts whenever something changes. It also has two-sensor pads for your baby’s crib or mattress, adding maximum monitoring accuracy. Lastly, it is also approved by HSA and FSA to be used at homes.
Other features include:
- 6-month battery life
- Free expedited shipping
- Battery operated
- 1-year warranty + 45 days money-back guarantee
- Easy installation
- No wires involved
Cons: Your baby must lie on top of the sensor, or it won’t work as accurately as expected. False alarms are also reported by some users.
Price range: $127.50 on Amazon
To Sum Up
Regardless of which baby monitor you choose to track and monitor your baby’s vital signs, it should fit your family’s needs and concerns.
Know that not every family uses a breathing monitor, some opt for more proactive approaches instead. Other families even choose to go for a traditional walkie-talkie type of monitor.
There are options out there for a reason. Your peace of mind is the most important thing to keep in mind and make the final decision.
This Cubo Ai post is purely informational and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s breathing, consult your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions for Baby Breathing Monitor
Which is the best baby breathing monitor to buy?
Given all the choices we have here on this list, the Cubo Ai Smart Baby Monitor is the best baby breathing monitor you can use for your baby. Its many features allow you to monitor your baby’s breathing without any hassles.
What can I use instead of a baby breathing monitor?
Suppose you do not have a baby breathing monitor or are still in the process of choosing one. In that case, you can use your smartphone, tablet, webcam, security camera, smart speaker, or walkie-talkie to check and monitor your baby. However, these are not as effective as a baby breathing monitor, which has dedicated features for your baby’s breathing and other movements.
How do baby breathing monitors work?
Baby breathing monitors check your baby’s slightest movements whenever they are asleep. It checks if your baby’s breathing rates are normal and has any breathing difficulties while they are sound asleep. Aside from that, it monitors your baby if they roll on their backs or sleep on their stomach. Most baby breathing monitors provide information about their sleep quality and body temperature as well.
Do baby monitors detect breathing?
Yes, they do. A baby breathing monitor can easily be used to monitor your baby’s breathing rates. You may purchase a good quality one for approximately $300.
It is important to choose a product without any monitor interference so you can trust the screen to give an accurate reading of your baby’s respiration. Some monitors have temperature indicators, so it is easy to track temperature spikes or drops at home and hospital, which isn’t always possible with other models.
What should I look for in a baby breathing monitor?
A good baby breathing monitor must have accurate detection technology that allows you to be informed if something irregular happens to your baby while they are sleeping. It must also have alarms and notifications that are on-point to prevent getting stressed from false alarms. It also must detect temperature and humidity accurately.
It will also help if they have features that allow you to check on your baby from across the room perfectly, such as HD night vision, 1080p HD and 135 degrees wide-angle lenses, two-way audio, and night light.
Do breathing monitors prevent SIDS?
The AAP has found no evidence to suggest that apnea monitors reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Baby breathing monitors may create a safer sleep environment but paying attention to your baby is even more important.
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