Navigating the world of baby monitors can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you choose the right one for your family? Sleep is vital for us all. You need it to be a capable parent, and it's indispensable for your baby to grow and develop properly. Having the right monitoring tools can give you the tools you need to make the most of your baby’s sleep, and help you feel more confident and at ease. To help you make the best decision for your family’s needs, we’ll explore the benefits of sleep monitoring, the different types of monitors available, and how Snuza products can support your parenting journey.

What do different baby monitors do?

Sleep monitoring involves using various devices to keep track of your baby’s sleep patterns, breathing, and movements. These tools can provide valuable insights into your baby's well-being, helping you identify potential issues early on. Here’s a quick overview of the main types of monitors you might consider:

• Audiovisual baby monitors: Providing live video and audio feeds of your baby’s sleep environment, audiovisual monitors are widely available in a range of price points. Some are two-way, allowing you to talk to your baby, others connect to an app on your phone; there are many options here. They allow you to visually check on your baby without having to enter the room, which can help minimise disturbances.
• Baby movement monitors: These devices focus on detecting your baby's body movements, providing alerts if your baby becomes too still for an extended period. Many make use of pressure sensitive pads that sit under baby’s mattress and sound an alert if movement ceases.
• Wearable baby movement monitors: These devices are typically worn by your baby, often attached to their nappy or clothing. They track vital signs like abdominal movement, or movement in general, alerting you if baby is too still.
• Baby breathing monitors: Specifically designed to track your baby’s breathing, these monitors alert you if there’s a cessation of breath, giving you added peace of mind during those critical early months. Our Snuza Hero^MD is the world's first medically certified, wearable baby breathing monitor; but more about that later.

Now you have a better overview of the types of monitors, let’s take a closer look at why you might choose to use one. 

Why do parents use baby monitors?

For many new parents, a baby monitor is an investment in their peace of mind and sleep. But using sleep monitoring tools offers several benefits that can significantly ease the parenting experience:

• Responsiveness: At their simplest, baby monitors are key for allowing parents to be responsive to their baby even when they aren’t close by. Responding quickly to your baby when they are distressed helps build their trust in you and deepens your bond.
• Safety: Modern homes can be spacious, but babies need closeness. For many parents, baby monitors give them a measure of freedom around the house while still being able to hear and see their baby over the monitor.
• Information: While some monitors are simple camera devices, many modern monitors track a range of things and can give you detailed reports on your baby’s sleep habits. For many parents, this information is great for helping them tweak the bedtime routine and optimise their baby’s sleeping environment for the best sleep. 
• Early detection of issues: We all hope our babies will be healthy and well, but the reality is that not all of them will be. With the right monitoring tools, you can spot potential sleep problems before they become serious. By using a monitor that tracks your baby’s breathing or skin temperature, you build up a bank of data you can give to your doctor should anything concerning crop up.

How to choose the right Snuza baby monitor

At Snuza, our whole reason for being is to bring peace of mind to parents and help prevent tragedies. Each wearable monitor in our range offers the same basic thing: they are designed to alert your baby and then you if your baby stops moving or breathing allowing you to respond as quickly as possible. 

Outside of that, there are a few differences between them. Let’s take a closer look at how these products compare and what makes each unique.

Snuza Hero^MD

The Snuza Hero^MD is the world's first medically certified, wearable baby breathing monitor. It clips onto your baby’s nappy and monitors their breathing and alerts you if there’s a cessation of breath. This device is ideal for parents looking for a reliable way to track their baby’s breathing during sleep.

Snuza Pico 2

The Snuza Pico 2 takes monitoring a step further by connecting to the Snuza Connect app on your smartphone. It tracks abdominal movements, skin temperature, body position and more, providing real-time updates. This option is great for tech-savvy parents who want comprehensive data at their fingertips.

Snuza GO! SE

For those seeking a straightforward solution, the Snuza GO! SE focuses on monitoring abdominal movements without the added features of an app. It’s user-friendly and provides alerts if your baby becomes too still, making it a solid choice for parents who prefer simplicity.

Babies have a lot of development to do, and some of their sleep stages involve shallow breathing and sometimes brief pauses. Research has shown that 15-20 seconds is the safe threshold, so all Snuza monitors will vibrate 15 seconds after movement or breathing has stopped. If vibration doesn’t rouse the baby, at 20 seconds a loud alert will sound to allow parents and caregivers the chance to manually rouse their baby. 

Choose a monitor that supports you

In the journey of parenthood, sleep monitoring can provide invaluable support, helping you ensure your baby’s safety and well-being. With various types of monitors available and our range of innovative Snuza products, we hope you can find the perfect combination to meet your family’s needs. Have you considered using sleep monitoring tools for your baby? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

Memory Lane

Interested in more sleep and parenting insights? Take a trip down memory lane with our curated selection of articles from months past. These timeless pieces offer valuable tips and advice that are still relevant today. Whether you're a new parent or looking to refresh your knowledge, there's something for everyone in our archives.

1. 1st December 2023: Safe Toys For Babies: Your Guide To Joyful & Secure Gifts
2. 1st December 2023: Stay Connected: National Call A Friend Day
3. 1st December 2022: Practicing Gratitude And Thankfulness This Holiday Season
4. 1st December 2021: Realistic Self-Care For New Parents
5. 1st December 2021: Exciting Traditions To Start As Your Baby Grows
6. 1st December 2021: 6 Fun Ideas For Your Baby’s First Christmas
7. 1st December 2020: Your Guide To Safe Travel With Your Baby
8. 1st December 2020: Sweet & Funny Ways To Announce Your Pregnancy
9. 1st December 2020: Pregnancy, Exercise & Postpartum
10. 30th December 2019: 3 Lessons Kids Learn From Pets
11. 23rd December 2019: Baby’s First Christmas
12. 13th December 2019: How To Watch Movies With Kids (That The Whole Family Can Enjoy)
13. 9th December 2019: How To Handle Kids In The Holidays
14. 2nd December 2019: 7 Tips & Tricks For Successful Road Trips With Young Kids