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How to Ramp Up Your Nursery's Security

High-tech ways to keep your family safe

Patrick Hearn
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Published on: August 28, 2019

baby safe in crib

As any parent can attest, you don’t know the true meaning of worry until you have children.

For the past few decades, parents have increasingly added “babyproofing” devices to their homes to alleviate some of that worry. From baby gates to bumper guards, outlet covers to cabinet locks, moms and dads equip their homes in the name of protecting their little ones.

But today’s modern technology is making it easier than ever to help keep babies and toddlers safe and to give parents the ability to literally see every corner of their home. Smart home tools provide multiple options for enhancing the security of your nursery, playroom and beyond. 

Security cameras let you peek in on your baby at any time

Baby monitors have been around for a long time, but security cameras take that same functionality to the next level. Some cameras are even specialized for use in nurseries, serving the same purpose as a monitor, with features like preprogrammed lullabies.

Sensors and push notifications will alert you when your baby is moving around. And once baby hits that toddler stage, you’ll know when she’s attempting to climb out of the crib — you’ll be able to see it right on your smartphone or even on your big-screen TV.

Smart mattress sensors let you know when your baby is asleep

Parents know how futile it is to seek sleep while their baby is still awake. Your child somehow knows when you’ve begun to drift off into dreamland and lets out a cry at just that moment. Smart mattress sensors detect motion and send an alert if no motion is detected after a set amount of time — perfect for knowing when your little one has gone to sleep.

Smart clothing monitors breathing and oxygen levels

If your baby has a cold or you’re concerned about his or her breathing, you can use special smart clothing that monitors heart rate and oxygen levels during sleep. For parents of little ones with health problems, this can provide invaluable peace of mind.

These devices allow you to track the data from your smartphone and will notify you if something is wrong. Just remember that they shouldn’t replace any equipment or medication prescribed by a pediatrician.

Motion sensors can help you keep tabs on roaming toddlers

Toddlers like to explore. Once babies hit a certain age and learn they have mobility, they’ll put it to use wandering around and trying to escape their crib or playroom whenever possible. While a security camera will let you see motion inside the nursery, a motion sensor placed on the floor will alert you if your toddler is crawling around and possibly getting into trouble.

A smart thermostat can regulate the temperature in the nursery

If you have a zoned heating and cooling system, you can set different temperatures for different rooms. Parents often want the nursery to be just the right temperature to ensure baby’s comfort and to encourage sound sleep.

If you have a smart thermostat, you can place a separate sensor in the nursery to automatically control the temperature of that room.

Security sensors alert you when doors or windows have been opened

Common elements of a good home security system are sensors. These devices monitor the opening and closing of windows and doors, and you can view their status directly from your smartphone.

This activity triggers your security system, so it’s a great way for nervous parents to ensure that their little ones are safe and sound at all times.

Keeping your baby comfortable and safe is the goal of all parents, and smart home technology makes it easier than ever to do just that.

While you shouldn’t toss out your baby gates and outlet covers just yet, you can enhance your nursery safety measures with some smart tech. Many of these features can be easily integrated into a smart home hub and set up through your internet service provider.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in June 2018, and updated in August 2019.

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