It is important to remember that whether you choose to use a baby monitor or not, you should continue to follow all our safer sleep advice. We provide lots of resources about how to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Monitors can give peace of mind, however there is no research evidence that monitors prevent SIDS.
A monitor can never replace a parent or carer’s supervision of a baby.
Types of baby monitor
Movement monitors
These work by picking up movement, including the movement of breathing. They sound an alarm after a period with no movement, usually 20 seconds. Always follow the manufacturer guidance and keep the monitor control unity out of a baby’s reach.
- Skin contact monitors – a small sensor pad is held in contact with the baby’s abdomen by tape. Wires or tubing connect the baby to the monitor.
- Mattress monitors – a large sensor pad is placed in the baby’s cot. It is usually on the base and under the mattress, and connects to a monitor.
- Skin contact clip-on monitors – a small plastic wireless monitor clips onto the baby’s nappy. We do not recommend this type for after six months of age or when the baby can roll, reach and grasp. There is an increased risk of accidents with wires and tubes with an active baby.
Other types of monitors
Some monitors measure heart rate, breathing rate and blood oxygen levels (using pulse oximetry). However these types of monitors are not used as part of our Care of Next Infant (CONI) programme.
How do I know if the device is reputable?
We recommend that any baby monitor you buy has a certified medical device mark (CE mark) if they are available for sale in the UK. The CE marks can change as European standards change, but they will always begin with CE.
There are many brands of movement monitors sold as nursery equipment to parents as ‘reassurance’ monitors, but are not certified as medical devices. If you plan to use a monitor, we would recommend you use one which is classed as a ‘medical device’. You can identify if a product is a medical device with the label ‘MD’ or ‘medical device’ on the manufacturer information and/or packaging.
We can’t advise specific baby monitors as we don’t carry out any testing or research on products, but we hope this information helps you make the decision that you feel is right for you and your baby.
What to do if the monitor alarms
Make sure you know what to do if the alarm sounds, and share the plan with anyone who may care for your baby.
1. Switch off the alarm and check your baby:
- Look down for movement of the baby’s chest and/or tummy.
- Place your cheek next to the baby’s face to check whether you can feel or hear any breathing.
- Stimulate your baby by talking, blowing on or touching their face, tickling the soles of the feet. Do not shake your baby.
2. If your baby doesn’t respond to you, dial 999 immediately and put your phone on speaker so the operator can talk you through how to help your baby until professional help arrives.
3. Seek medical advice if your baby does respond or you are worried about their health.
Baby Monitor: FAQs
Can I use a movement monitor in a vehicle, or a buggy/pram?
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If you place a baby somewhere where there is other movement, the monitor can pick up movement that does not come from the baby. This could provide false reassurance. So be aware of this if you are using the monitor when your baby is in a vehicle, a buggy/pram, or any surface which may pick up vibrations, including walking around the cot on certain flooring.
Which baby monitor is best?
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Though parents and carers may find using a baby monitor reassuring, there is no research evidence that monitors prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Therefore, the best monitor is the one that you feel best suits your needs. With our work (for example in our Care of Next Infant programme), we prefer to opt for the more simple movement monitors, such as mattress monitors, skin contact and skin contact clip-on monitors.
And remember, a monitor can give you peace of mind, but can never replace a parent or carers’ supervision.
Do baby monitors need WiFi?
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Movement monitors do not rely on WiFi connection. Some other monitors that are available for sale do use WiFi, but we do not use this type for our Care of Next Infant programme.
