Baby monitors
Monitors can give you peace of mind but it’s important to be aware that there is no research showing they help prevent SIDS. Whether you choose to use a baby monitor or not, you should follow all our safer sleep advice to help you keep your baby as safe as possible. We have lots of resources available on how to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), helping you create the safest possible sleep environment for your baby.
Our recommendation is to stay in the same room as your baby while they sleep for the first six months, day or night. A monitor can never replace a parent or carer’s supervision of a baby.
Movement monitors
Movement monitors work by picking up your baby’s movements, including the movement of their breathing. If no movement is detected for a period of time, usually 20 seconds, they sound an alarm.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep the monitor control unit out of your baby’s reach.
There are different types of movement monitors:
- Skin contact monitors – a small sensor pad is held in contact with the baby’s abdomen by tape, and connected to the monitor with tubes.
- Mattress monitors – a large sensor pad is placed in the baby’s cot, usually on the base under the mattress, and connected to a monitor.
- Skin contact clip-on monitors – a small plastic wireless monitor clips onto the baby’s nappy. We recommend you stop using these after six months of age or when the baby can roll, reach and grasp. There’s a higher risk of accidents with wires and tubes with an active baby.
Other types of baby monitors
Some monitors measure heart rate, breathing rate and blood oxygen levels (using pulse oximetry), however we don’t include these types of monitors as part of our Care of Next Infant (CONI) programme.
How to choose a reputable baby monitor
We recommend that any baby monitor you buy has a certified medical device mark (CE or UKCA mark) if they are available for sale in the UK. These show that they have been tested for safety and meet standards for medical devices sold in the UK.
Many movement monitors are sold as “reassurance” monitors but are not certified as medical devices. We recommend using one which is classed as a medical device – look for “MD” or “medical device” on the manufacturer’s information or the packaging.
We can’t recommend or offer advice on specific baby monitors as we don’t carry out testing or research on products, but we hope this information helps you feel more confident in choosing a monitor.
What to do if the monitor alarm sounds
Make sure you know what to do if the alarm goes off on your baby monitor and share the plan with anyone else who may be caring for your baby.
1- Switch off the alarm and check your baby:
- Look for movement of your baby’s chest and/or tummy to check they are breathing.
- Place your cheek next to the baby’s face to see if you can feel or hear them breathing.
- Try stimulating your baby by talking, blowing on or touching their face, or tickling the soles of their feet to see if they respond. Never shake your baby.
2 – If your baby doesn’t respond, dial 999 straight away and put your phone on speaker so the operator can talk you through what to do until professional help arrives.
3 – Seek medical advice if your baby does respond or you are worried about their health. Contact NHS 111, your midwife, doctor or health visitor.
Frequently asked questions
If you place a baby somewhere where there is other movement, the monitor can pick up movement that hasn’t come from the baby. This could give you false reassurance. Be aware of this if you are using the monitor anywhere where these is movement, such as a car or pram, or anywhere where the monitor could pick up vibrations, such as if you’re walking around the cot on certain flooring.
Though parents and carers may find baby monitor’s reassuring, there’s no evidence that they help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This means the best monitor is the one that meets your needs the most.
With our work including our Care of Next Infant (CONI) programme, we tend to recommend simple movement monitors, such as mattress monitors, skin contact and skin contact clip-on monitors.
Remember, a baby monitor can give you peace of mind but can never replace a parent or carers’ supervision.
Movement monitors do not rely on WiFi connection. Some other monitors do, but we don’t use these in our Care of Next Infant (CONI) programme.
Remember
While there is no replacement for an adult being in the room with your baby for the first six months, some parents find monitors reassuring, giving them peace of mind. Although we don’t recommend specific baby monitors, we hope this guide helps you make an informed decision that feels right for you and your baby.
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