Is a Baby Monitor Really Necessary?

Many first-time parents wonder whether a baby monitor is necessary, especially when setting up a nursery and trying to decide which items are essential.

Some people believe that constant proximity to their baby makes a monitor redundant. Others live in homes where movement between rooms isnt always convenient.

This article breaks down when baby monitors are useful, what benefits they offer and how to figure out if your family actually needs one. This can help you decide whether or not you need to buy a baby monitor in Singapore!

Why Parents Consider Using a Baby Monitor

For many families, a baby monitor offers something simple but valuable: peace of mind.

Babies spend long hours sleeping, and parents often need to move between rooms even when babies already seem to be settled. A baby monitor can support a parent’s awareness of what’s happening to the child without requiring the parent to hover physically over their baby.

A baby monitor can give parents extra reassurance and help them feel more at ease. It can also support healthy sleep routines while still empowering caregivers to respond quickly to a baby’s needs, as and when required. 

Parents may also rely on baby monitors to coordinate caregiving with helpers such as grandparents. This ensures everyone can monitor the baby without entering the nursery until necessary, minimising interruptions to babies who may be settling down.

When a Baby Monitor Becomes Particularly Useful

The simple fact is that not every household needs a baby monitor. That being said, certain situations make a monitor extremely useful.

Here are some situations where baby monitors may be advisable:

• Apartment layouts that separate the nursery and living areas Even in Singapore’s smaller homes, some flats have long corridors or closed-off bedrooms. A monitor helps parents hear and see the baby without repeatedly opening doors or walking down hallways to check in person. 
  

• Parents working from home Postpartum parents or caregivers doing remote work benefit from being able to monitor naps while staying productive at their desks or in their workspaces. 
  

• Light sleepers who want less disturbance Instead of getting up after short intervals to check on the baby, parents can rely on alerts instead. 
  

• Night feedings and sleep training Some families use monitors to observe their little ones' sleep patterns, which is useful during sleep training phases or when transitioning babies into their own rooms.
  

• Families with multiple caregivers Monitors help coordinate care smoothly among helpers, grandparents, or spouses on alternating shifts. Several people can monitor the same feed without needing to enter the nursery.

What Types of Baby Monitors Singapore Parents Can Choose From

There are several types of baby monitors you can choose from in Singapore:

1. Audio Monitors

These are ideal for parents who only need to hear crying or fussing. They’re simple, lower-cost, and beginner-friendly, but you do give up video feeds of the baby.

2. Video Monitors

These offer real-time visuals, zoom functions, night vision, and more detailed monitoring. They’re often popular among new parents who feel more assured when they can see their baby at a glance instead of just “listening".

3. Wi-Fi/App-Based Monitors

These are an upgraded version of traditional video monitors. They connect to phones and allow remote access.

This makes them especially helpful for working parents or those who want to check in when away from home. However, the remote access function can be a privacy concern.

It’s advised to use secure passwords and only trusted brands with solid privacy measures for these. The last thing you want is someone peeking into the feed of your child’s nursery!

4. Movement or Breathing Monitors

These are definitely rarer than the previous three options, but some families use them. They’re generally for babies with medical needs or during high anxiety phases.

Key Features Parents Should Look Out For

If you do decide that you want to get a baby monitor for your child’s room, here are some features that mums usually consider high on their priority lists:

• Clear audio and reliable connectivity The monitor should transmit sound clearly without frequent dropouts. In Singapore, apartments often have concrete walls that can interrupt signals, so check signal consistency when shopping. 
  

• Good night vision Babies sleep best in dark rooms. If the monitor includes video, it should allow you to see what's happening without needing to turn on the lights.
  

• High-quality camera resolution Again, if the monitor’s a video monitor, you need something with sufficiently high resolution and quality to help recognise subtle cues that would be missed on grainy, low-res feeds.
  

• Two-way audio

  This is useful for soothing older babies or communicating with caregivers in the nursery, so most parents will appreciate having it. 
  

• Battery life and portability Unless the monitor you choose is perpetually plugged in, look for long standby times or easy charging while on the move. 
  

• Security features (for Wi-Fi monitors) As we mentioned earlier, privacy is a key concern. Look for monitors with properly encrypted connections, unique passwords, and regularly updated firmware. 
  

• Temperature or humidity sensors Singapore’s humidity fluctuates a lot, so parents may appreciate monitors that alert them to nursery comfort levels that can disrupt the child’s rest.

Common Concerns about Baby Monitors

If you’re still unsure about using a baby monitor, it's worth checking whether common misconceptions are influencing your hesitation.

Here are some that are worth addressing:

1. My home is small, I’ll always hear the baby. Real-life conditions differ from optimal ones. At times, bathroom noise, kitchen appliances, or conversations can mask a baby's sounds. This is why baby monitors may still be useful for those in small homes.
   

2. It’ll make me more anxious. Some parents feel the opposite, in that having a monitor reduces unnecessary checking. Ultimately, the choice depends on you, but selecting the right type (e.g. audio monitors) may help prevent overstimulation. 
   

3. Monitors replace caregiver supervision. They’re only there for support, not as replacements. 
   

4. Only new parents need them. Even more experienced parents tend to find that monitors remain useful when babies start rolling, crawling, and so on.

Checklist: Do You Really Need a Baby Monitor?

If you need further help deciding, try going over this checklist and what we’ve said above:

• Is your baby sleeping in a separate room? 

• Are there multiple caregivers at home? 

• Do you want to observe sleep behaviour without entering the room? 

• Do you value convenience for work-from-home or nighttime tasks? 

• Does your family move around frequently during nap times?

Get More Advice for and from Mums

Ultimately, the decision boils down to your unique circumstances. Not every home requires a baby monitor, so assess your needs based on the information above.

You can also explore more newborn guides and parenting tips on Mummy Guru. From sleep routines to everyday caregiving advice, we’ve got insights that can help!