Video or Audio monitor and why?

I am wondering what everyone has registered for and the reason you chose the one you did. Thanks!

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

I acutally registered for both. I figured I'd use the video monitor for when the baby is in the crib. I got a crib and a pack n play. I planned to use the pack n play at the beginning in our room. Then, I wanted to move the pack n play downstairs and use it for naps. I didn't want to move and set up the video monitor every time I put the baby somewhere other than the crib. Of course, DS hates both the crib and pack n play so my plans didn't exactly work out. However, I use the audio monitor (Sony) when he occasionally naps in the swing and I want to get something done in another part of the house. Hopefully, he'll go into his crib soon and I'll get to use the video monitor.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

For DH and I....it's simple....Video because we're paranoid and will wake up and walk into the nursery constantly and possibly wake up baby just to check.

This is coming from the girl who took pregnancy tests 3 times a week for the first 2 months!

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

I found the video helpful so you can see if they were fully awake in the middle of the night or just stirring. Sometimes if you go in to check on them, they wake up more once they see you.

Also crying could be crying because they're in the room alone (when you're CIOing) or crying because their arm is caught in the slat. It's a difference you'd want to see without having them see you.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

For my DD we had the Audio one b/c we were in an apartment and her bedroom was not far from ours.

we have a house now so for DS that is on the way we just picked up the Video ones - b/c their bedrooom is on a different floor. i feel safer this way knowing i wont have to run up and down the steps every 5 minutes.

DD was in her crib at 2&1/2 months so hopefully he will be the same in his room.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

We will be getting the video monitor. I would much rather be able to see on the screen what is going on then just hearing it.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

we'll be using a Co-Sleeper for the first several months and live on one floor - so we decided to go with the Audio only monitor. If after using that for a short while, we decide to do the video monitor, we'll deal with it then...

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

We got a Video but only because someone really recommended it and wanted to buy it for us. Otherwise I wasn't going to put that on registry. For me especially with having the twins I want to be able to see who is crying...and if it looks like a rush..although I am sure I will run up to their room for anything..LOL.....Its really a personal preference and based on living situation.....I almost didn'tt want a monitor period but everyone says you will need and want it

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

Without a doubt Video Monitor- there is nothing like being able to see your baby sleep whenever you want without having to go in and wake them.

Also, I use it more now that he's older - I know if he's napping, faking, awake, playing. It is by far the best gift we registered for.

ETA: I hear how people say they don't need it because their room is right next door to the babies....unless they have super vision where they can see through the door then they should def. get it! It has nothing to do with how close you are to the baby - it's being able to see them and not disturb them for no reason!

Message edited 2/4/2009 1:42:10 PM.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

We had the video monitor at first but we live in a one story ranch and our bedroom was out of range of the video monitor. It was great for trips in two story houses where it worked fine or for naps when we could use it in the living room.
Be aware that the video monitors only have a 400 ft range while you can get an audio monitor for up to 900 ft range.
Just FYI for those who live in ranch style houses...

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

All my friends sware by the video and even the ones that didn't get it at first went back for the Summer Infant handheld so we just went w/ that.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

I'm old school and like simple things so I'm thinking I'd just get an audio monitor. My mother and siblings raised 12 babies without video so I think I can too. We're putting a glass french door on the nursery.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

Video - and I HIGHLY recommend it over and over again.

Audio is nice - but...when you hear a noise you are basically forced to go into the room to check on them b.c you cannot tell fussing while they are asleep versus awake. As someone mentioned some parents do CIO - you will not be able to tell if the baby is crying just b.c they would like out of the crib during the night vs something like getting and arm or leg stuck. Some children wake easily so going in constantly to check on them when you hear something on the monitor is not always feasible b.c they will wake up and want out at 1 am.

Here is my story from a BTDT mom. My DD got spasmodic croup one night (severe croup) couldn't cough, speak or cry - but was making what sounded like her usually fussing in her sleep noises well - with a sound monitor we might not have checked b.c she wakes up easily and gets MORE hysterical when you check on her so once we go in we are forced to bring her into our bed for the night (while if she wakes she will fussy for a few minutes and go back to sleep on her own for the rest of the night). Well b.c I had the video I was able to see that she was very upset and we ran in only to find that she was having trouble breathing and couldn't cry, cough or speak to get our attention. Having a video monitor made a HUGE difference. DD's room is right next door so we don't HAVE to have one - but it is great when you hear a sound to be able to click on the video and just be able to see your DC and make sure they are okay, and not needing something.

Of course you won't be able to see if they need something like a clean diaper or drink etc. But you will know your child and their behavior and can asses it by looking the monitor if it warrants a trip to their room or not.

Also when they are smaller you can look at the monitor and just see if they are breathing, and okay.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

Definitely video! You get the best of both worlds with it; you can hear the baby and see everything. I couldn't live without it and we live in a ranch (so it's not even that we have a huge house!).

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

We used the Angel Care monitor woth both kids and will with this one. It has the sensor pad under the mattress so if the baby stops breathing an alarm goes off.

It is audio only

Message edited 2/4/2009 9:19:30 PM.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

Posted by Diana1215

Without a doubt Video Monitor- there is nothing like being able to see your baby sleep whenever you want without having to go in and wake them.

Also, I use it more now that he's older - I know if he's napping, faking, awake, playing. It is by far the best gift we registered for.

ETA: I hear how people say they don't need it because their room is right next door to the babies....unless they have super vision where they can see through the door then they should def. get it! It has nothing to do with how close you are to the baby - it's being able to see them and not disturb them for no reason!

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

I didn't get a video monitor and I don't regret it. Emerson slept in our room the first 12 weeks so she was right there next to me and then once we moved her into her room I was more comfortable and not so paranoid about something happening during the night. If I hear her at night I just pop my head in and check on her and during the day when she's napping in her crib I just pop in every now and again to check on her. Personally I don't think a video monitor is necessary, particularly because they are SO expensive, but I know others swear by them. I guess it depends how paranoid you are.

Re: Video or Audio monitor and why?

video....this way, any weird noises can be verified on screen.....it gave me piece of mind....when we go on vacation we have an audio one we bring along and it bugs me that i can't see her, even now!!