baby monitors....are they an essential?

[Lukesmum]

I have used one with both my DS. I wouldn't go without it. It is a must for us because our kitchen where we spend all our time is along way from the bedrooms and we can't hear a thing. I just used it about an hour ago when I was carrying the shopping up, getting the clothes off the line and cleaning out the car. I even take it to check the mail. We use ours all the time. I also have it on all night. A lot of people don't use them though. It's a matter of house layout and how often you spend outside etc

[ShootingStar]

I dont think they are a must no. We didnt have one for DS. Only reason we have one now for our second baby on the way is so we can shut her door so she hopefully wont wake DS during the night.
Its funny.. even though our bedroom is some distance from the kids rooms.. you just have this instinct thing that wakes you up when they need you. I use to be the heaviest sleeper.. sleep through anything.. but i always wake for DS without fail.

[Visitor7]

It's a personal choice really. We have an Angelcare monitor which I used with Nina, and now using with Emily. I like to have the peace of mind that everything is ok. We now have a basic sound only monitor in Nina's room as both girls' doors are shut, and we have no chance of hearing them in the middle of the night, as they're on the other side of the house.

[DiannaQ]

I have the Angel Care Sound and Movement monitor - by far the best investment I have made - it gave me peace of mind knowing that it could pick up even the slightest of movements and breaths - admitedly I never really used the parents monitor but each to there own I say...

[mr dad of many]

i had a baby monitior for all my children , i always worry all the time . if you feel safe that u have to use one . also they can you peace of mind, if you worry alot

[JordieC]

we had one but only used it once cause it crackled too much (prob not a very good one!!). DD's room is sooo close to ours and if I hand out washing I figured she would only cry a couple of minutes and I would be back insed (our washing line is near her room). We are building though so will be interesting to see what I will do with next bub in new house cause rooms will be much further apart. I've heard of heaps of people having trouble with picking up other people's monitors and truckies conversations!

[Shellbelle]

i too have an angelcare movement and sound monitor. Has been a godsend. As everyone has said - not a necessity depending on your house design. I have found it useful during summer when DS is in the room with the aircon on, and I am outside etc I can hear him when he wakes, so he doesn't have to be screaming and distressed before I hear him.

[mbear]

We had one - didnt use it much. I got given ours from a friend, so luckily didnt waste my money. But if anyone ever asked me what was the one baby product you have that you never used/needed, it would be a baby monitor.
OUr babies slept with us till at least 12 weeks old, then we moved them in the room next to ours. They were always fairly good sleepers.

In saying that, if i had a two storey house, or a larger home, i could see they would be much needed.