Monitors are purely an invention for the peace of mind of parents. Let's face it, when it comes to bubs, most of us get sucked in to every new product which helps us feel our children are as "safe" as they can possibly be. SIDS does not endorse monitors and the monitor companies themselves offer no actual evidence as to if and when their product has ever saved a bub from SIDS (or anything else, for that matter). Experts still don't know what causes SIDS so it follows on that no one can say that a monitor is a cure.

That said, if you live in a large house, I'm sure they're really helpful. And as I approach first time parenthood and spending money hand over fist in excitement, you KNOW I bought an Angelcare. But I'm not naive to think that it is anything more than a tool to help me sleep better at night.

But Jodi, that takes nothing away from the fact that the monitor worked brilliantly for you and little Nina the other night. Great to hear! But equally, if a parent, like Trace, chooses not to use one, I certainly don't think she's making a dangerous choice.