ANGELCARE BABYMONITOR

What you get: A sound and movement monitor with an 'angel' shaped parent unit with carry handle and under mattress sensor pad which detects a baby’s slightest breathing movements. If no movement is detected for 20 seconds, Angelcare sounds an alarm so that a parent or carer can take the appropriate action. Automatic battery-operated back-up in the event of a power failure, plus a low battery indicator. Range is 200 feet.

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Parents' comments:

This seems to use quite sophisticated technology but is very simple to set up either as just a sound monitor or to detect movement

Very good as a sound only monitor , I could even hear my baby yawn and there was no hissing at all.

 Initially I found this system completely mesmerising - as it detects movement, it gives a little low beep or tick (you can turn this off if you want) - I found myself addicted to listening - just kind of waiting for it to stop - which would indicate my son had stopped breathing, it was quite scarey because the ticks don't seem totally rhythmic, sometimes the delay is slightly longer than at other times and I kept thinking oh no, this is it he's not breathing. Gradually you start to trust the machine more and don't spend so much time listening to the tick. If the alarm does go it really does galvanise you into action, you can't miss it.

Babyworld verdict: Most new mums worry their baby has stopped breathing at one time or another and if you are particularly nervous about this or have genuine reasons to worry then this monitor will certainly help allay your fears at a not unreasonable price. The movement detection system does work well - but do be prepared for false alarms which may panic you unnecessarily. It does work well as a sound monitor too so as you become calmer and more confident in your baby's survival you can disconnect the sensor and use as an effective sound monitor.