When can I stop using a baby monitor?

A baby monitor can be a huge source of comfort for the first few months of your little one’s life. It helps you keep track of their sleeping and alerts you whenever they need you. At first, it might feel like you can’t sleep one wink without it since you’re constantly worried about hearing even the smallest cry. However, there comes a time when it is good to turn it off and to start teaching some independent sleeping – for both of you. 

When is it time to turn it off?

It’s really a personal preference, however developmentally it’s recommended to let go of it when your baby no longer needs to feed during the night. If they are able to make it 8-9 hours without any hunger, they are all set for some independence! Some children will get to this stage within three months whereas others can take up to a year or more. It all depends on your little one, but you’ll know the milestone when it comes. 

Why is it important to turn it off?

Rushing to the nursery every time you hear a slight whimper will only reinforce their wakings during the night. If you jump at any sound that you wouldn’t hear without the baby monitor they won’t learn how to sleep through it. Ultimately, you want your little one to start their own sleeping pattern.

If you’re worried you might not be able to hear their serious cries, you may be able to look at the settings which might give you the option to tweak the sensitivity levels. Meaning it will only go off for bigger cries. You might also want to keep it just for nap time if you are in a different part of the house or when you are not near the baby’s room. 

Ultimately it’s personal preference when you are ready to go without it and there’s really no hard and fast rule.