Today, I can’t imagine looking after babies without baby monitors. They make parenting a whole lot easier, especially for us parents who cannot be there 24/7 to watch over our babies. So, which baby monitor should you really get for your baby?
Baby monitors are considered essentials nowadays, especially for first-time parents. These help you keep your peace of mind, knowing that you can track or monitor your baby 24/7.
Depending on the type and features of your baby monitor, you can track your baby’s movements, activities, breathing, and other important health parameters.
Surely, it makes parenting a whole lot easier. It also helps ensure the safety of your baby, allowing you to monitor him or her anytime, anywhere. You can leave him or her unsupervised as you go to bed at night or as you go to work in the day.
There are different types of baby monitor in the market today. While choosing which type and what model suits your needs best, I have listed in here the top three models you should consider getting.
As we move along in today’s discussion, we will tackle the hot debate that is about Snuza vs Owlet vs Angelcare. These three are some of the biggest names in the world of baby monitors, and we will get to know them and their top products even more in this article.
So, let us start!
Table of Contents
Types Of Baby Monitor
Before we proceed with specific models, it is important that we know the different types of baby monitor first. Basically, baby monitors can be classified into three— motion, sound, and video.
All of these have the same purpose of helping you monitor your baby, the only difference is the way they work.
1. Motion Baby Monitor
Motion baby monitors are relatively less common. These are usually used for premature babies are those with health issues.
Instead of cameras, these are equipped with sensors that can either be attached to your baby or placed in the crib.
These sensors alert you if no movement is detected for a cerain period of time while your baby is sleeping. Some higher-end models come with sound transmitters, which let you hear your baby’s sound.
2. Sound Baby Monitor
As the oldest type of baby monitor, a sound baby monitor has limited features. However, it is also relatively the cheapest type.
It is both practical and safe, especially for first-time parents. Basically, it records and transmits sounds. There are hundreds of models in the market today, but all operate with that fundamental principle.
Do not confuse it with a prenatal sound baby monitor, which is used primarily to hear the heartbeat of an unborn baby. These are not used for safety monitoring; so, it is important that you are aware of the difference.
3. Video Baby Monitor
Video baby monitors are probably the most popular types. Of course, as they come with various features, they are also usually the most expensive.
These come with cameras and sound transmitters, allowing you to monitor your baby closely round the clock.
There are a lot of models available in different prices. Usually, the more expensive a model is, the better video quality it offers. There are still cheap models that come in black and white displays, but a lot of models today have colored, HD displays.
Normally, the feed can be accessed using a particular device paired to the unit. Latest models allow you to access the feed using any device, anytime, anywhere, as it syncs real-time online.
When opting for this type of baby monitor, make sure that you get one with a night vision. Without this feature, it beats the purpose of having a video baby monitor— you cannot even use it to watch over your baby at night!
Extra Features To Look For
To help you decide which baby monitor to get, you would want to consider the following features:
1. Batteries
You may opt for a model that comes with either rechargeable or replaceable batteries. Personally, I prefer the former. What I love the most about them is that they save me from the hassle of having to buy new batteries every now and then. All I need to do is plug them in and they are good to go. However, over time, they could easily drain.
2. Parent Unit
A mobile parent unit is vital for video baby monitors. It lets you watch your baby remotely, without needing a video console. The units come in different sizes and I am betting you would prefer a compact one. Of course, it should still be large enough for you to monitor your baby properly.
3. Temperature Sensor
A temperature sensor is not common in ordinary models. It is usually the higher-end models that are equipped with such. This is used to monitor the temperature in your baby’s room, allowing you to keep it within the ideal range of 68°F to 72°F.
SNUZA VS OWLET VS ANGELCARE COMPARISON
#1. SNUZA HERO SE VS OWLET SMART SOCK 2
Snuza Hero SE
$$
- Weight: > 1 lb.
- 1.8” x 1.6” x 2.8”
- Smartphone App: No
- Battery Life: Up to 2,000 hours
Owlet Smart Green Sock
$$$
- Weight: 1 lb.
- 3.5” x 3.5” x 0.7”
- Smartphone App: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 12-18 hours
The Snuza Hero SE Overviews
The Snuza Hero SE detects the slightest of movements, serving as the best baby monitor when your baby is sleeping. It is a wearable device that monitors abdominal movement, alerting you if the movement is weak or it is less than eight per minute.
Parents worldwide trust it as it provides low movement rate warning. If no abdominal movement is detected in 15 seconds, the device vibrates to rouse your baby.
After three vibration incidents, the Rouse Warning will let you know that abdominal movement has stopped for 15 seconds on three instances. Then, if there is still no movement after five seconds, you will hear a sharp audible sound.
Further, it can detect even the smallest external movements. It goes without saying that it is not the right choice if your baby is sharing a bed. Also, it is not suitable for in-motion use— while in the car, stroller, among others.
The SE model uses a CR2 battery while the non-SE version uses a CR14250 battery.
The Owlet Smart Green Sock Overview
Both the Snuza Smart SE and the Owlet Smart Green Sock are wearable devices. While the former is attached to your baby’s diaper, the latter— as its name implies, is a sock that wraps around your baby’s foot.
However, the Owlet Smart Green Sock does not track your baby’s movements. With a clinically proven pulse oximetry that complies with international standards, it tracks your baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep.
The kit comes with three fabric socks that suit babies aged 0 to 18 months old, a Smart Sock sensor, a base station that also serves as a charging dock, and charging cords. Of course, it comes with an app that makes real-time monitoring a whole lot easier, the Owlet app.
With the app, you can easily receive notifications on your smartphone. It allows you to track your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels anytime, anywhere. Also, it lets you view historical analytics and trends. The wireless Bluetooth connectivity has a working range of up to 100 ft.
The base station illuminates different lights to indicate whether or not heart rate and oxygen levels decrease or go beyond preset zones. When it illuminates green, it means that everything is perfectly normal. It also provides warning using audible sounds.
Snuza Hero SE vs. Owlet Smart Green Sock: The Final
These two models are different in their respective ways. For movement tracking in bed, you can count on the Snuza Hero SE. For tracking significant health parameters 24/7, the Owlet Smart Sock 2 is your companion.
#2. Owlet Smart Green Sock Vs Angelcare Ac701 Baby Breathing Movement And Audio Monitor
Angelcare AC701
$$
- Weight: > 1 lb.
- 1.8” x 1.6” x 2.8”
- Smartphone App: No
- Battery Life: Up to 2,000 hours
- Video Baby Monitor
Owlet Smart Green Sock
$$$
- Weight: 1 lb.
- 3.5” x 3.5” x 0.7”
- Smartphone App: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 12-18 hours
The Angelcare AC701 Baby Breathing Movement And Audio Monitor
The Angelcare AC701 comes with a touch screen display and a wired Breathing or Movement Sensor Pad. It is the user-friendly, digital replacement for the old model, Angelcare AC401. Basically, it is every parent’s go-to device, watching over babies all the time.
The under-the-mattress Breathing Sensor Pad detects your baby’s movement across the bed. The adjustable sensitivity improves the overall monitoring. It is compatible with most mattresses, but not with memory foam mattresses and those with hollow frames.
It comes with a mobile Parent Unit, which has an intuitive touch screen that lets you adjust functions conveniently. This unit has a voice-activated sound transmission and continuous sound transmission, offering a smarter experience. It is powered by two AAA rechargeable batteries, offering a 12-hour battery life under sleep mode.
Moreover, it has a Nursery or Camera Unit that is powered by two AA batteries. This has a night light that makes 24/7 monitoring possible without any difficulty.
It has an out-of-range indicator, which lets you know that the device is beyond the range of 820 ft.
Other important features include the following:
- Alarm;
- Low battery alarm;
- Temperature control; and
- Volume control
It is compatible with other devices such as the Angelcare AC1100 and Angelcare AC300.
While both the Owlet Smart Sock 2 and the Angelcare AC701 Baby Breathing Movement and Audio Monitor are intuitive baby monitors, they share a lot of differences. The former, for starters, is a wearable device. The latter is not.
The Owlet Smart Green Sock – Other Part
The Owlet Smart Green Sock takes pride in a reliable pulse oximetry, which monitors your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels round the clock.
The wearable sock is paired with a base station, which illuminates in different colors to indicate warning. If it is in green, it means that everything is normal.
It has a connectivity range of 100 ft., which is relatively and significantly lower than that of the Angelcare AC701 Baby Breathing Movement and Audio Monitor.
It allows you to monitor health parameters and historical trends using the Owlet app. Meanwhile, the other device, as aforementioned, has dedicated Parent and Nursery Units for convenient tracking.
#3. Angelcare Ac701 Baby Breathing Movement And Audio Monitor Vs Snuza Hero SE
Both the Angelcare AC701 Baby Breathing Movement and Audio Monitor and the Snuza Hero SE are baby movement trackers. They are particularly useful for bedtime.
The former comes with a Breathing or Movement Sensor Pad, a Parent Unit, and a Nursery Unit. The Breathing Sensor Pad is placed under the mattress. Compatible with most mattresses except for those with memory foams and hollow frames, it tracks your baby’s movement across the entire bed.
Its adjustable sensitivity is also worth noting because this means that you can decide up to what extent of movement should be assessed.
On the other hand, its Snuza counterpart is a wearable device that can be attached to your baby’s diaper. It monitors your baby’s breathing and movement by tracking abdominal movement.
It is highly sensitive; so, even the slightest movements do not go unnoticed. The only problem with this is that, even external movements are easily detected.
This is placed on your baby by first folding over the top edge of his or her diaper. Then, place two fingers underneath the unit before sliding it onto the diaper, effectively preventing skin pinching.
This is the best way to ensure that it has a snug and square fit. Most importantly, see to it that the motion sensor is in contact with your baby’s abdomen.
Snuza Vs Owlet Vs Angelcare The Verdict…
All of these baby monitors are different in their own ways. However, if I were to decide on the debate about Snuza vs Owlet vs Angelcare, personally, I prefer the Angelcare AC701 Baby Breathing Movement and Audio Monitor.
It is complete with all the features I am looking for in a baby monitor. It detects your baby’s movements while sleeping. Also, it can detect sounds.
The Breathing Sensor Pad can be installed easily under the mattress, and it works for most types of mattresses! The sensitivity is also adjustable, and most models do not offer this feature.
I also find the Parent and Nursery Units very helpful. The former has a long battery life. More importantly, it lets me adjust functions easily. Meanwhile, the Nursery Unit lets you monitor your baby clearly 24/7. With its night vision, you would not have a hard time monitoring your baby at night, especially when you are sleeping in another room.
Overall, the Angelcare AC701 Baby Breathing Movement and Audio Monitor offers a smart, intuitive experience that makes the daunting task of parenthood a whole lot better and easier than ever before.
What type of baby monitor do you prefer? Which model have you tried before? How does it help you and your baby? Would you recommend it to our readers? Let us know what you think; we would love to hear from you!
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