Imagine you getting far from the child’s crib- yes, the beginning of every parenting horror story.
It’s normal that you cannot be with your child every moment, especially when they are asleep. And this can concern you since you won’t know what’s happening in the crib.
Being a parent, you need to know about a lot of thing related to the habits of the tiny, especially their sleeping patterns. As they will naturally have irregular breathing pace, it becomes tough to determine which event is normal and which one is more concerning.
That is why, a baby breathing monitor has been designed. It will help you monitor all the regular and irregular patterns of breathing and you can be alerted if such patterns break.
If you want to get the best baby breathing monitor, we would suggest you go through the write. We have compiled 10 best of them.
Our Best Baby Breathing Monitor
Top 10 Best Baby Breathing Monitor: Reviews
To give you an idea of what makes a great breathing monitor, here are honest reviews of our top ten picks.
1. Owlet Smart Green Sock
The Smart Green Sock is a sock that the babies from 6-25 pounds or 0-18 months can wear on either foot with ease. This is such a
neat device that can track your child’s health more precisely than a video version.
The basic function is obviously the tracking of oxygen levels and heart rate, thanks to pulse oximetry technology that is clinically-proven.
There will be 3 socks. And all of them promise you to give notifications instantly through multiple devices if their heart rate rises or drops outside their regular tracked patterns of breathing. It also features loud alarms that will ring on the device as well as the machine.
It has a free downloadable app through which you can receive notifications of everything happens in the crib. This will let you check up on your babies anytime without having to wake them up.
This tiny helper also lets you know about the child’s wriggling activities. The base station will glow different colors, particularly green, so that you can be notified.
The big plus is that it comes with a base charging station that makes a soothing green night light. It also uses sound, app, and light notifications if anything goes outside of preset zones. However, make sure you keep the station about 3 feet away from the crib.
Use a Bluetooth connection for transmitting data to device from the crib up to 100 feet away.
However, you may not like the battery life of the device since it drains quick. Another disappointing matter is that the App extras aren’t free, so it will result in more investments.
Pros
- Socks can be worn comfortably.
- It can be connected to multi-devices.
- Comes with 3 socks.
- Gives accurate alerts.
- Adjustable light on the base station.
Cons
- Battery life drains quick.
- App extras aren’t free.
2. Levana Oma Sense Portable
Want a more straightforward device? Levana Oma Sense can be the best baby breathing monitor in that case. It will detect your
infants’ abdominal movements, that is breathing, and will start to vibrate if it detects a pause so that it can alert and make them resume normal breathing.
The use of its WakeUp technology is impressive. At first, it will use vibrations to trigger your child’s to move and breathe. Then, it will ring an alarm for you. However, many users complained that it sometimes sounds false alarms, so it can wake you up for no reason.
Speaking of the tech, it features an emergency alarm mode that it switches into if they detect no movements after 5-second of vibrations. It will activate an LED light and alarm to get you up so that you can be notified about the issue.
However, this also means that you cannot use the device in a place where the motion will be present, such as in the swings, or car. You have to lay your infants in a motionless crib to make it work. So, it has a small limitation.
Still, the biggest plus is that it will run without any wires that can disturb the child. It will make watching over your child’s breathing a breeze.
Unlike many other devices, this one does not have any smartphone app or camera. As a substitute, the Oma Sense uses a clip-on function that helps make it easy to attach and detach from the child pajamas or diapers. The device does not need to touch their skin, but it needs to be clipped somewhere closer to the belly area.
Pros
- Simple design and function.
- Emergency alarm mode.
- Runs without wires.
- Does not need any app to work.
- Easy to attach and detach clip.
Cons
- False alarms.
- Must be used in motionless environment.
3. Sense-U 2020 New Model
The first thing of the Sense-U 2020 version that will strike you is its upgraded temperature tip design. The inbuilt thermometer will
track body temperature of your child and will notify you if the ranges go out of present zones. It will basically track their abdominal temperature.
Another great thing is that it comes with latest clasp design so that you can clip the device to the child’s diaper tightly.
Incorporated with a groundbreaking sensor chipset, the device can observe your child’s breathing accurately while they are asleep. If it detects no breathing movements for 15 to 35 seconds, it will notify you with a loud alarm from your smartphone.
To add more, it will also track your child’s sleeping position. And if they roll over onto their stomach, it will alert you of the movement.
The device further uses Bluetooth Low Energy that will have almost no radiation level to cause any risk. You will get communication distance up to 50 feet before you lose the range. This can be a drawback for you since the range is not very long.
The device will need to work with the Sense-U Baby app that is available on Android and Apple iOS devices. However, it can be synced with only one device at a time.
Pros
- Thermometer will monitor body temperature.
- Track sleeping position and alert you of stomach sleeping.
- Clip is tight and easy to use.
- No radiation level.
- Accurate detection and notifications.
Cons
- You can sync it with one smartphone at a time.
- Does not have a long range.
4. Miku Smart Video Baby Monitor
This device by Miku will provide you with real time updates that make it the best baby breathing monitor of the year. It will let you
keep a check on your child, no matter where you are, through your smartphone.
It’s a contact-free monitor. So, there will be no pads, clips, wires, or wearable stuffs coming in contact with the crib or your child.
One great advantage is that it has all the bells and whistles which means, it can track temperature, motion, sound and humidity apart from breathing.
It has an HD video camera that will track your child and ring an alarm if it detects no movements. The big plus is Its speakers that offer two-way communication so that both of you can hear each other. So, you can talk to your child through the speaker as well as see them from afar.
If you want, you can download unlimited photos and HD videos from your smartphone.
It comes with synthesis sensor system that will track and identify your child’s oxygen as well as their movement. You can be totally in control through its embedded crypto chip that comes equipped with two-step authentication and 256-bit advanced encryption.
However, some of you may not like the product due to its complex functions. But gadget lover parents will love to have it. Another small issue with the device is that it does not have zoom capacity, so this can upset you a bit.
Pros
- Great two-way communication.
- Contact-free.
- Accurate detection and alerts.
- You can see and hear your baby from afar.
- Storable photos and videos from monitor’s camera.
Cons
- Not user friendly.
- No zooming capacity.
5. Owlet Smart Baby Monitor Duo
Owlet has another best baby breathing monitor that amazes all the parents with its industry standard display and progressive
functions. Coming in the form of wearable smart sock, it will not only be comfortable and but also smart to wear.
With this, you can monitor oxygen inflowing level and heartbeat rate even on HD exclusive live streams with a great audio and video quality. Its night vision function also offers superior view in lowlight condition.
Not just that, its two-way communication makes it easier for you and your child to hear each other while you see them. Even if you are in another room, you can soothe your child with the 2 speakers of the device.
Its secure, encrypted Wi-Fi network lets you keep an eye on your child no matter where you are. It needs to be connected to the base station so that it can notify you of the unwanted changes in baby’s heart beat rate with using app, sounds and lights. But if it glows green, you can be assured that everything is fine.
Just like the other model by Owlet in the list, it also features a free downloadable app that will provide you with notifications of every factor.
However, one thing that many of the users complained about the sock is its battery life. You will see yourself recharging it quite frequently which can annoy you.
Another annoying downside is that the monitor has a lot of bugs. Although they can be fixed but it may take a while.
Pros
- Socks can be worn comfortably.
- Comes with 3 socks.
- Offers crystal clear view even on night vision.
- Great two-way communication.
- Gives accurate alerts.
Cons
- Short battery life.
- Monitor has several bugs.
6. New Babysense 7
In terms of ease of use, nothing can beat New Babysense 7. So, if you want the best baby breathing monitor with user friendly
function, it can be your pick.
The device will ring an alarm sent to the control unit while activating red light if it detects no movements for 20 seconds. It will also alert you if the rate of movement slows down to less than 10 micro-movement a minute.
The Babysense 7 features 2 ultra-skinny sensor pads that make sure to cover the entire crib. So, there will be no chance of false alarms as well since the baby can roll far away with still being under surveillance. It also contains improved sensitivity features that help in cutting down on false alarms even more.
Besides loving its ease of use and accurate detection, parents love its ease of installation. All you have to do is, place the sensors on any hard surface or beneath the mattress to make it work appropriately.
The biggest downside with the device is that the blue light, which shows that the device is turned on, is a pretty bright. So, it may disrupt the sleep. But, you can use a highlighter or marker to dampen the light.
There won’t be any no loose wires around the crib to worry about. Moreover, the sensors won’t emit harmful radiations that could put the baby at risk. Since, the sensor system is contact free, it will be absolutely safe to use.
Pros
- Two sensor pads ensure the entire crib is covered.
- No false alarms and offer accurate detection.
- Hidden connecting wires.
- Easy to install.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Blue indicator light is quite bright.
- Alarm is not very loud.
7. Smartbeat Baby Breathing Monitor
This model by Smartbeat is a good news for all the tech-savvy parents who are looking for the best baby breathing monitor with
groundbreaking technology.
Being a video baby monitor, it provides you with an HD quality stream while tracking breathing of the baby. With this, you can also keep an eye on your child from afar and enjoy clear view of their activity.
Everything will be done with the app, it will not only notify you of the breathing patterns but will also track movements to determine if your child is awake or asleep. And even if it detects anything slightly unusual, the status will be sent to you right at your smartphone, ringing a loud alarm and letting you know.
You can use see the breathing rate of your baby and check how it trends over time. This way you will get to know when they get sick and when they get recovered.
Getting back to camera, it offers a great range of motion so that you can see him even if he rolls away too far. From the app, you will be able to control the digital zoom, 355 degree tilt and pan of the camera with ease. It also comes with two-way audio for better communication and night vision for better views in lowlight condition.
Smart Beat also uses data encryption so that your data remains safe and secure from hacking.
However, many parents griped about the freezing video and slower app of the device. So, there is a scope for improvement in terms of real-time technology.
Pros
- Accurate detection and alerts.
- Everything is sent to the app to notify you.
- 355 degree tilt and pan of the camera ensures bigger coverage.
- Control tilt, pan and digital zoom.
- Clear view in night vision.
Cons
- Takes time to load data in the app.
- Video freezes sometimes.
8. Angelcare 3-in-1 AC327
AC327 by Angelcare is a 3 in 1 model that does not need any smartphone app to work. Its old school functions are what makes
it the best baby breathing monitor in the market.
The device comes pre-paired with full secure 2.4GHz transmission. Its SensAsureTM Sensor Pad works wireless and will start sounding an alarm if it detects no movements after 20 seconds.
You will be provided with a parent unit having a 4.30inch video display through which you can check all the activities of your baby with ease. The screen will give you a clear night vision so that low light environment can never cause any issue. And it will also have easy access to settings.
The screen further will display nursery room temperature so that if it in case goes outside the preset setting, it sounds an alarm.
Another great factor is that the device can be placed on tabletop as well as on a wall. No matter where you position it, the device will transmit a crisp image. Not just that, it also offers two-way communication so that you and your child hear each other in real time.
The non-contact technology is also a pleasing factor. You don’t need to clip the pad to the baby that can annoy them. If you want to ensure no false alarm, then it is recommended to place it on a solid surface under the mattress.
The device has been loved by every parent for its adjustability. As you can adjust the level of sensitivity, you can set the device that will best suit the baby’s nursery.
You may hate the fact that it drains quick. A lot of users also stated that the absence of light in the button made it tough to use in the darkness.
Pros
- Accurate detection and alerts.
- Crystal clear view in night vision.
- Two-way communication.
- Sensitivity can be adjusted.
- 3 inches parent unit is big.
Cons
- Buttons don’t light up.
- Battery drains quick.
9. MonBaby (A) Baby Sleep Monitor
For parents who just want to get everything done with just a function of a simple button, this MonBaby A is the best baby
breathing monitor for them.
The button is capable of detecting the slightest pause in breathing so that it rings a loud alarm and lets you know. It will be enough sensitive to detect very minor moves and relay all the data back to the app in your smartphone. Not just that, it is also compatible with Apple devices, but you will need Bluetooth connection to connect to the screen of the monitor.
With the use of Bluetooth Low Energy, you can enjoy communication facility up to 50 feet, although some users felt the range very short.
However, you will get all the information on its easy to use program and be notified of any variations in breathing every time it will occur.
With this model, you also can track your child’s sleeping position. So, if they roll onto tummy when sleeping, you will be alerted quick. Besides, it will also notify you of the extreme hot and cold weather around the infant so that you can correct the issue.
However, some of the users complained about the shorter range of Bluetooth, so you cannot go very far from the crib to monitor remotely. Some of them also were annoyed with false alarms but that happened sometimes. So, these cons don’t make the device less great.
Pros
- Everything is done with a button.
- Easy to use.
- Tracks all the necessary factors apart from breathing.
- Relays data right to your app.
- The alarm rings loud.
Cons
- Bluetooth has a short range.
- False alarms.
10. Nanit Complete Monitor System
There are a lot of factors that set Nanit Plus apart and make it the best baby breathing monitor in the market. It comes in two styles:
Nanit swaddle and breathing band. With this Breathing Wear, it will track your child’s breathing motion and alert you when they need you.
Firstly, it comes equipped with a camera featuring HD 960p video quality that offers decent overhead view of the baby from anywhere. Although, the view won’t be crystal clear, but it does its job greatly. There will be a soft glow nightlight and gradual dimming that will promise to not disrupt your baby’s sleep.
Another great factor is its personalized sleep coaching. With this, it will monitor your baby’s sleeping patterns as well as analyze them. You will also get some guidance to help your baby sleep better.
The big plus is that, it does not need electronics or sensor clipped to their body making it a contact free device. It will work together with the camera and monitor baby’s breathing in real time.
You will also be provided with two-way audio and sensors for motion, temperature, sound and humidity data. It will let you track the data through its Nanit app that offers different features right at your fingertips. This everything includes insights of how long they slept or how many times you visited, coaching, sleep tracking and video history. Besides receiving notifications, you will also get to enjoy adjustable sensitivity.
However, one small issue with the device is the movement of the camera. It does not have a good tilt feature to see around the room. So, you will be restricted to just check over the crib only.
Pros
- Accurate detection and alerts.
- Offers great view in lowlight.
- Monitors and analyzes sleeping pattern.
- Soft glow and night light does not disrupt the baby.
- Offers insights of everything.
Cons
- Limited movement of camera.
- Image is not crystal clear.
Types of Baby Breathing Monitor
Movement Monitor
Movement monitor is attached to the baby using a tape. It can be attached to the stomach, clothing, as well as diapers. If there is a pause in the movements of baby’s stomach for 20 seconds, the alarm will sound. Basically, such monitors let you see a bigger picture of the moments of the baby. However, you can’t use it when the baby’s asleep.
Mat Monitor
Mat monitor is a device placed underneath the bedding of baby, precisely the mattress. You will hear an alarm if there is a 15 to 20 seconds pause in the movements of baby. The big plus is that you can use it when the baby is asleep and it will not hinder their sleep as well. However, the monitor is designed only for flat surfaces and it is also not portable.
Baby Heart and Breathing Monitor
Such monitor detects both the breathing as well as heart rate while being attached to the heart of the baby. The wires of the monitor emit minimum emissions. The device also will send an alarm if it detects a pause.
The monitor has 2 types of beating. For younger, it is 80 heartbeats a minute. And for older baby, it is 60 heartbeats a minute.
Oximeters
Oximeter is barely used at home but it plays a significant role in hospital environment. The device measures the levels of oxygen on baby’s skin. If the levels fall under 92 percent, oximeter starts alarming parents or hospital staffs. Being a bit complicated device, it is not preferred to be used at home.
Clip-on Monitors
Clip-on monitor has more to do with designs than functionality. Clip-on device makes a baby monitor portable which is easy to put on. The monitor can detect a lot of things such as breath, heart rate, movement and so on.
Video/audio Monitors
Video/audio Monitor can be a pricier investment since it will have an audio and camera system. But it will provide you with an exceptional level of safety and control. However, you should consider the functionality of the monitor. There are some models that stream pictures and sound in real-time while some can record and store the info as well.
How you detect baby’s breathing problems?
Essential Tips & Tricks
Any newborns can naturally have irregular breathing patterns, so they cannot express themselves about the problems related to chest, breathing or blood-flow problem. Thus, it becomes difficult to differentiate between natural behaviors and indicators of severe problems. For this, you have to remember the signs and check them consistently.
In general, a baby takes 30 to 60 breaths a minute. It can slow down to 20 breaths a minute when they are asleep. At around 6 months, the rate of their sleeping breath may rise to 30 or 40 breaths a minute. If this pattern breaks, then it’s the time to visit your pediatrician.
If the baby pulls the chest in at the ribs, above the collarbones or below the breastbone, in short, if the baby is showing signs of retracting, then he or she may have breathing problem.
Cyanosis that refers to blue coloring can also indicate that the child isn’t getting enough oxygen.
Buying Guide: Important Factors to Consider
Range
Range of such device refers to how far a transmitter can go from a receiver. Simply put, it defines how far you can go with the monitor from the baby’s crib and still get the signals. Make sure you go with a model that can transmit signals in the longest range. Even if you’re out in the neighborhood, the device should not stop sending signals. You will find a lot of models that can transmit signals up to 1000ft away. Nonetheless, 600ft will also be fine, but don’t go lower.
If you are going with audio or video surveillance system, then remember that this type will have a several 100ft range before you lose reception.
Sensitivity level
It will be great to opt for devices that let you fine-tune the sensitivity of breathing sensor. Some infants are naturally quieter than others. Hence for them, you will need to set the alarm settings in such so it can detect longer breath interval that is at a lower level. Or else the monitor alarm will go off every time your child takes a nap and you will end up getting annoyed.
Plus, make sure it is sensible enough to respond to any changes in the breathing of your child. Also, ensure the device does not give false alarms.
Alarm
Breathing monitors come with different alarm functions including louder tones as well as flashing lights. You must ensure the alarm functions are loud enough to annoy you. Because, if the device does not get your attention instantly and alert you of the problem, then it’s nothing but a waste of your money.
Such functions can register on devices attached to the baby’s crib or on separate parent devices.
Indicators
Indicators will give you alert of low battery or improper sensors. Such indications come in the form of flashing warning lights or low beeping sound.
There are some devices that feature nightlights as well. They come in handy when you want it to soothe your child in sleep without having the lights on.
Additional features
Two-way audio is a must if you want to be there and comfort your crying child without the need of stepping into the room and disrupting their sleep. The devices should have a receiver and transmitter so that you can hear your child and vice versa.
There are many models as well that will track sleeping positions, temperature and heart rate apart from oxygen levels. They also alert you of the abnormal changes so you can handle the issue.
Battery life
There are many devices that come with plug-in cord while most of them run on battery power. So, you will get to enjoy the portability of the monitor with ease. However, the thing you should keep in mind the most is their battery life. Many low-end devices have lower battery life. Not only that, they also come with non-rechargeable batteries. If you are planning to get a video receiving monitor, then remember that know such devices probably consume the most power the quickest.
6 Important factors to consider
- It should be highly sensitive to constantly track the breathing and heart rate of the baby.
- It should capture sounds the child makes such as crying.
- It should not make sound that can disrupt the child’s sleep.
- It should be 100 percent precise and not give false alarms.
- It should have a function for indicating the draining of battery life.
- It should meet safety standards of the ASTM International F2951.
FAQ
Q.) What is the use of Baby Breathing Monitors?
Ans. A breathing monitor tracks the breathing patterns or movements of the baby. And in case if it doesn’t capture any movement from them, it rings an alarm. The reason to use such devices is that you can be alerted each time your child breathes abnormally. Because, breathing pathways of infants are small and easier to obstruct. Although the irregularities of breathing can get resolved within a few months, but if it does not, you will need something to notify you that. And that is when these devices come into play.
Q.) Why should you buy a baby breathing monitor?
Ans. Not all the pediatricians would recommend you purchase a baby breathing monitor from the get go. In general, such recommendation is given when your baby shows signs of behaviors that are not healthy of normal. With infants, it is quite tough to determine when a breathing pattern of infants does not fit the norm. That is why you should get a baby breathing monitor because it will let you know about the abnormality. Besides, if the infant has had any life-threatening event, it becomes a necessity. Such events include an absence of breathing, skin coloration, or parent resuscitation of the baby. Symptomatically, these events point towards breathing disabilities or poor blood circulation.
Q.) Do breathing monitors prevent SIDS?
Ans. Sadly, breathing monitors can create a false sense of security that makes them a little imperfect. Although they are a very amazing solution to most of the problems, but they may not be a full-proof solution in the event of an emergency.
Most of the manufacturers that create these devices would inform you in the fine print that these aren’t designed to prevent SIDS. Although, they may reduce the risk and your anxiety, but there isn’t any device that are FDA regulated or Approved. The American Academy of Pediatrics also doesn’t suggest the routine usage of SIDS devices.
Q.) Should I get a baby breathing monitor?
Ans. If your child is full-term, healthy and has normal weight, then you won’t probably need a breathing monitor.
You should get one only when you encounter some of the events that includes brief, resolved, unexplained events or apparent life-threatening events. This will help you keep a better watch so you can ensure safety of your baby.
Besides, premature infants who have a breathing troubles history and who have slow heart rate problems would need the monitor. Infants with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea may also need it.
There are other medical conditions depending on which you should think of getting a baby breathing monitor and that include persistent pulmonary hypertension, transient tachypnea, or respiratory distress syndrome. But it is suggested you discuss it with your pediatrician before you get a device and also know which one would best suit the needs of your child.
Q.) How long should you use a baby breathing monitor?
Ans. There isn’t any certain answer to this question. You can turn off the monitor after 6 months, you can also keep using it for several years. It depends on the sleep of your baby. If your child starts sleeping throughout the whole night peacefully, you can stop using the device. Check for a week or two before you turn it off. Once the period is passed without needing the device, you can stop using it. Around 6 months, infants are likely to be enough loud to wake you up at night if they need your help. However, it does not mean the device needs to be kicked out since it will be useful in certain events.
Q.) Can owlet prevent SIDS?
Ans. No, there is no 100 percent way to prevent SIDS. But, there are a lot of things you can do to lower the risk of your baby, and owlet is one of them. It is not designed to prevent SIDS but it can let you know if your baby is suffocating or choking. American Academy of Pediatrics warns that you should not bank on any cardiorespiratory monitor to prevent SIDS.
Final thoughts
It will be easier for you now to keep an eye on your child without having to be near them. Although you can get the best baby breathing monitor from the list, but it’s only you and your doctor who will know what’s right for the baby.
You just need to remember that such devices will not prevent SIDS, they can also help reduce the chance.
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