We go through everything you need to know about buying a baby monitor. To put it another way, we've put together a quick guide to purchasing your first baby monitor.

Movement and wearable baby monitors are designed to sit on or under a baby's clothing or even crib sheets, capturing characteristics such as breathing patterns.

Audio-only baby monitors have been around for decades and are still a good choice if you're on a budget or don't require video.

Video baby monitors are the most common currently since they offer the extra benefit of being able to see as well as hear babies.

The Sense-U Baby Breathing Monitor is today's most comprehensive baby monitoring system.

Nanit Pro Complete child monitoring system features HD video and night vision, as well as breath monitoring.

It's a tried-and-true method that employs a succession of loud, rhythmic shushing noises to quiet your child by activating their natural soothing reflex, allowing them to terminate their crying spell swiftly and simply.

The Baby Sleep Soother comes in a wonderfully cute owl design that will blend in with your baby's toys rather than stand out.

Best for Top of Stairs: The Stairway Special Safety Gate (Model SS-30) is our highest-level safety gate, designed for use at the top of a stairwell but suitable for use in any environment!

Best Pressure-Mounted: This baby gate is suitable for any sort of home or family, and because it is taller than most, no one will be able to sneak past it.

Best Retractable: The Regalo super-wide adjustable gate and play yard meets the bill if you need a baby gate that can cover a large area.

Best Decorative: This extra height safety gate features a one-handed walk-through entrance that allows parents to quickly go from room to room while still looking excellent.

Best Overall: Accurate and reasonably priced. It's very easy to use with just one button, and it vibrates to let you know when the testing is finished.

Best Thermometer for Ears: It is non-invasive to take a temperature in the ear since it monitors the infrared heat radiated by the eardrum.