How to Choose the Best Wearable Baby Monitor

• Match the baby monitor to your lifestyle
• Consider a monitor with a companion app
• Ensure quality and reliability
• Get the most from your baby monitor

One of the first things new parents add to their gift registry is a baby monitor. Monitors come in an array of sizes and types, including wearable monitors with features that give parents choices about their level of security. The best wearable baby monitors are the ones with a variety of features that meet your needs.

For example, there are monitors that simply track sleep patterns and others that measure everything from breathing rate and oxygen levels to movement patterns and heart rate, which may be useful if your child has health conditions that require close tracking. Some models work with cameras, so you can keep an eye on your baby and listen to the audio without having to go into the room and risk disturbing sleep. Consider your lifestyle, level of monitoring needed and budget, then pick out the best wearable baby monitor that works for you and your child.

Perhaps the most important factor for a wearable baby monitor is its comfort for your child. Figuring out where you should put a portable baby monitor depends on the monitor's design, as well as the age of your child. Seek monitors you can adjust and fit so the results stay accurate as your baby grows. You can also look for units that work as part of the baby's clothing, such as a sock, swaddle, sleeping bag or pajama, or that easily attach to clothing they commonly wear.

Your mental and physical needs as a parent matter, too. If you have a large house, consider video baby monitors for visual checks that don't require you to run up or down stairs, depending on where the nursery is. Check for units that have good range capabilities to give you accurate updates. Moms and dads who like to spend time outdoors during the day appreciate having a baby monitor with an extended range to cover their home’s perimeter. Parents with busy lifestyles may prefer monitors that don't need recharging often. If you choose a clothing style monitor, ensure it has a removable sensor, so the clothing is easy to launder.

For your peace of mind, pick a monitor that gives you steady, trustworthy feedback without false alarms. Also, consider your budget to make sure you’re getting the desired level of monitoring for the price you pay.

When you pick out a wearable video or audio baby monitor, check out the reviews before you buy to learn about any potential issues or popular features. Confirm the unit uses high-quality parts and materials that can stand up to a wiggling baby and allow for cleaning if the monitor gets dirty. Waterproof units are also a good plan in case of the usual baby-related messes.

Many quality monitors allow you to adjust the alerts so that you receive notifications only for the issues you want to track. If you choose a Wi-Fi enabled device, consider upgrading your home's Wi-Fi network to improve coverage throughout your home before investing in a monitor.

Like other baby care devices, many wearable monitors come with handy bonus features and functions. Some vibrate to shake your baby awake if they don't move over a length of time, or they make a loud noise if vibrating doesn't wake the child. Other monitors measure movement trends and vitals to keep track of your baby's health in more ways than just sleep. You may find this additional information especially useful if your baby has a health condition you want to monitor. Other units let you track your baby's activity and sleep position around bedtime, which helps you put them in positions they find comfortable. They'll get to sleep easier, which may allow you a more restful night.

Ultimately, the best wearable baby monitor is the one that lets you feel your child is safe. Healthy babies might not need a wearable monitor to keep track of their vitals, but it can help parents rest easy knowing they can watch the child's movement and breathing. Like other types of digital monitors of our modern age, such as prenatal monitors and location trackers, a monitor can help you navigate the path of parenthood with a little less worry.