Digital monitors have, however, taken this technology a few steps further, offering clearer sound and increased privacy. There are two types of digital monitor available; those that operate at 2.4GHz and those that use DECT technology.

Digital monitors that use 2.4GHz may get interference as this is a popular frequency also used by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth appliances, says Tomy. The company warns that interference may occur with your customer’s baby monitor or with other 2.4GHz transmitting devices.

Video monitors are ideal for parents who would like to be able to see and hear baby, for that extra peace of mind. Alternatively, Movement Sensor Pad Monitors monitor baby’s slightest movements, which may also help to allay any fears about safety.

No matter what type of monitor your customer chooses, you should discuss a range of possible features to suit the home and lifestyle of the individual in question.

A Portable Parent Unit allows parents to monitor baby from around the house and features often include a belt clip and a 300m+ range, with a low battery and out of range alarm, making it easy for parents to continue with their daily activities.

A Sound Level Light Display is a light display on the parent unit which reacts to the sounds of baby; the louder the sound, the more lights illuminate. A Vibration Mode is perfect for monitoring with or without sound as every time baby sounds, the monitor vibrates, which is great for the hard of hearing.

A Remote Controlled Nightlight means parents can check on baby without having to turn on the main light in the nursery, while some also have a temperature display on both the parent unit and the baby unit, so parents can check the ambient temperature.

Monitors with a two-way-talkback facility enable parents to reassure baby and each other from afar with comforting words or songs via the parent unit. “If you have a toddler who is starting to talk you can use the baby monitor for much longer. And if one parent goes up to check on baby, they are able to talk quietly to the other parent downstairs to pass on the required message. Some parents also use them to lull their baby back into a comfortable sleep if they have woken up and they are unsettled,” says BabyMonitors.org.uk. A timer is another very useful feature, helping parents keep track of times between feeds, sleeps and medication.

While no parent wants to risk not attending to baby when needed, many want to judge the intensity of baby’s sound before doing so. Monitors with a Sound Activation Mode only capture sounds above a pre-set threshold, for example a cry rather than a gurgle.

Do highlight the benefits of a Rechargeable Parent Unit as, without the need to change batteries, there is no chance of the monitor being out of action for any length of time. A Pager is a handy feature too, helping mum or dad to locate the parent unit when and if misplaced.

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