Hello everyone!

I've just joined this forum, as my baby is due in 5 months time. I still have a list of things to do and buy before then, as I'm sure you will all imagine


Right now I'm trying to decide on a baby monitor, and I'm completely confused as there is so much choice. I've looked online but not really looked in the actual stores yet.

Where did you buy your baby monitor? Which baby monitor did you end up choosing, and do would you recommend it?

Thanks!

We ended up buying an Angelcare monitor with number 1 4 years ago.

This one I think it was: http://www.angelcare-monitor.com/Internati...e-monitor-AC401

Now with number 2 being born a few months ago, it came back out of the box and is still going strong.

It was pretty pricey but found it had a nice set of features including: breathing monitor (by way of movement detection), rechargeable batteries for the potable receiver unit with a charging dock, temperature display with over / under temp alarms, automatic audio cut-off so you are not listening to a hissing noise all the time, it just cuts in when baby cries.

All in all a pretty nice unit.

We bought an Angelcare monitor as well. Not the full one with the mats to detect breathing but one that included a night light and a built-in room temperature monitor.

It was cheaper than buying a monitor and a room temperature monitor seperately. And I absolutely love it.

OP, the way we found what we wanted was to write a list of features: night light; temperature; rechargable parent unit; breathing monitor etc. Then google with 'reviews'.

I have this. I've dropped the parent unit about 10 times and it's fine.

Thanks for the advice Angelcare looks like the way to go then! I noticed there are a lot of shops who stock the Angelcare baby monitors. What online shops do you recommend? Where did you buy your Angelcare monitors?

I got mine on eBay.

We have the Angelcare one with sensor pads, too. Its fantastic.

Once we knew the model number (should be able to ascertain that from reviews) we googled and googled some more until we found the best price. It was available for a lot less, including shipping, online than in any bricks-and-mortar store we found.

We have the angelcare too. It's still going strong after 3 babies. Would highly recommend it

To be honest I don't think baby monitors are necessary. I put them in the same category as diaper genies.

It is recommended that the baby sleeps in the same room as you anyway.

Some people value their sanity. Our kids were in their own room from day one and the monitor was a brilliant.

I sleep with the baby in my room but i have the monitor with the movement pad coz i am totally paranoid and it is the only way i can sleep

Don't you ever go outside to hang up washing while bub sleeps? It isn't just for night time you know.

We use the Oricom 500. It shows the room temp and it also has a long range with no static which is fantastic if you are outside.
We could not have done without a baby monitor. We sit outside a lot during summer and I like to do gardening when the kids are having their day sleep.

Another user of Angelcare monitor here with movement sensor pads. I used this for reassurance even though DD was sleeping in her cot in the same room (we had had friends lose their baby to SIDS) - gives you a heart attack the first time the no movement alarm goes off. I changed to an Avent model when when we moved to a two story unit as I needed a longer range than the Angelcare covered. Both were fine.

We used the Angelcare monitor for both DS and now DD. However, one thing I didn't like was the delay in sending sound. Brilliant as a breathing monitor but not so great for being able to hear bub's softer noises.
We got a Fisher Price Lights and Sound monitor and it is fantastic to the point that you can actually hear baby breathing. The sound is not on-off as on the Angelcare. We still have the original one we had for DS in his room and have now bought a second one for our DD's room. I think they are absolutely brilliant.
http://www.bigw.com.au/baby/safety/monitor...-lights-monitor

That's actually one of my favourite functions on the Angelcare monitor. Unless baby is crying, the unit is totally silent. I think you can disable it though so is on all the time.

The bedroom window faces the garden, I can hear him if he wakes up anyway from most places in the house. I usually give him a minute as unless he is hungry/wet he settles himself back down.

It's a case of preference, of course. We have a 2 storey house with our office and work area downstairs, living is upstairs. I don't really use the F&P parent unit upstairs other than when we go to bed because all of the bedroom doors are closed (although I don't think she ever would climb into the cot, I just don't wish to take the chance with our cat roaming free). But, with the F&P I have the sound mind that I can hear DD hiccuping or if (goodness forbid) she was choking or something, whereas the Angelcare sound part is nowhere near as sensitive in picking up sound and I have not found a way of making the sound stream constant.

Some of us need to do the gardening, housework etc during naps.

My SIL gave me one as a present. Its an AngelCare with sensor pad, bub and parent monitor. She used it with her babies.

eBay should be your cheapest option.

I have the video monitor from Target (I think it might be on sale at the moment).

It is great being able to see your baby as sometimes they make a bit of noise, but resettle themselves. The video has meant that I can see what she is doing and therefore not disturb her if she doesn't need assistance.

In response to the PP who thinks they aren't necessary and commented about sleeping in the same room - I co-slept with my little one. A video monitor meant that I could put her down to sleep without having to join her (while still keeping an eye on things).