Providing you with an extra set of ears or in some cases eyes, baby monitors allow you to keep tabs on your sleeping baby even when you are not in the same room. It is, in fact, a radio transmitter, a compact two-part gadget— a transmitter and receiver that lets you listen to the sounds or sense the movements made by your babies. Video baby monitors allow you to keep watch on your kid without being vigilant outside your child's door.

Basically there are two types of baby monitors: audio and video. Audio monitors send and receive sounds only and operate within a selected radio frequency band. Video monitors send images to a monitor that is almost like a small TV set. It uses a small wall or table-mounted camera to transmit the images. Again, there are various categories in both audio and video baby monitors.

There are baby monitors with movement sensors. It detects your baby's slightest movements, even while it is sleeping. It has under-the-mattress pads that alert you when your baby’s movement stops completely for more than 20 seconds. An alarm will sound alerting you to check your baby only if the monitor detects no movement from your baby for more than 20 seconds. It also comes with a parent’s unit that picks up the alarm as well as other nursery sounds.

Then there are digital baby monitors. The best use of technology is made in this type of monitor to offer portability, a clear signal, and privacy. Clear reception makes it possible for parents to hear all of the desired sounds made by their babies. It covers up to a 2,000-foot range and gives you the freedom to move throughout your home with confidence.

If you are worried that the pets will jump in the crib and annoy your baby then you can choose baby monitors that are equipped with motion-detecting pet sensor. Almost like a sentry it will alert you if pets approach the crib. Besides, there are other monitors that are customized for particular users. So, whatever may be your need, you may find one according to your choice.