by D. Warnaar

Created on: November 08, 2008   Last Updated: November 23, 2008

If you asked new moms what their greatest fear is after their babies arrived most, if not all, would say "SIDS". Despite the fact that SIDS is incredibly rare and there are many things you can do to prevent it, the thought that there is even the slightest possibility that your baby may stop breathing during the night is absolutely terrifying. While the Angelcare Baby Monitor has a disclaimer that it does not prevent SIDS, it does wonders to ease the minds of new parents.

The monitor consists of a main unit which not only is a sound monitor, but which also links to a sensor pad you place under the baby's mattress. If the pad does not sense any movement for twenty seconds an alarm sounds. If you are getting false alarms, you can adjust the sensitivity level of the sensor pad. The set also includes a parent's monitor unit. Both parts of the monitor can be plugged in or run off of AAA batteries. For most surfaces (especially like those in a Pack n Play), you will need to place a piece of masonite board underneath the mattress pad so that the sensor lays on a flat, sturdy surface and can work properly. The board is cheap and can be purchased at any hardware store. If you don't use the hardwood, the monitor alarm may go off unnecessarily, so avoid a heart attack and send your hubby to Home Depot or Lowe's to pick up the board!)

When we brought our newborn son home just three months ago, this monitor gave us the peace of mind to be able to sleep for decent stretches of time without having to check every few moments to make sure he was breathing. A light flashes on the main monitor unit with every moment or breath. You can also set it to make a ticking noise for each movement, but we have never used that option since it defeats the purpose of being able to sleep better!

Six weeks later when we moved our son to his own room, I was nervous about having him so far away, but the monitor made me secure enough to be able to sleep and as it turns out, we all slept better having the baby in his own room. In fact, that night he started sleeping 7pm all the way until 3am for a feeding and then back to sleep to 7am. Now at just under 12 weeks, he is still sleeping this wonderfully and so am I, thanks in large part to the Angelcare Monitor.

I actually hate when he naps in his swing or car seat, because I go back to making sure he is breathing every so often and I don't get much done! I would highly recommend this monitor as a must-have for all parents of newborns. I was able to purchase a brand new one off eBay for under $100. Now that I have one, I gladly would have paid double! You just can't put a price tag on easing your fears of SIDS and the better sleep you get knowing your baby's breathing is being monitored is invaluable.

Bottom line: This monitor is a definite must have!

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