Babysense True Sleep Movement Review

Expected Reliability

The Babysense is a “non-contact” movement monitor with two mattress sensors that fit between a traditional crib mattress and a firm board. Two pads should result in fewer false alarms than a single pad, especially when babies start to roll and creep, pushing themselves around the crib.

False alarms are still possible due to vibrations from devices such as heaters, air purifiers, fans, and sound machines. To avoid these issues, parents should place devices as far from the crib as possible. We wish it had some sensitivity adjustments to help avoid this concern, but, in fairness, we did not experience any false alarms during testing. We also didn't find any reports in our research.

Set Up

Setting up the video camera is simple, but the sensor pads require a little more effort and planning.

The True Sleep sensor pads require a firm surface to work properly.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

When installing the True Sleep, tuck all cords under the mattress to help prevent strangulation hazards.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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First, the crib must have a firm surface to place the pads on, which could mean buying and fitting a board. Second, the pads only works with certain mattresses, so you need to buy the right mattress and avoid memory foam, hollow-core, breathable, and other alternative mattress types. Lastly, you need to route it all safely and attach the alert unit to the side of the crib.

It is best to think of the movement pads as a secondary product from the video camera and parent unit. They aren't connected, and they don't really talk to one another. However, we love that the video monitor lets you hear the alert from another room, which is why it is a lovely marriage between the two. But there is no other connectivity or “talking” between the two components.

Ease of Use

The True Sleep is one of the easiest to use. The interface is simple, and the alarm box is easy to access to turn alarms off swiftly. We like the parent unit, and the interface is straightforward, with easy-to-use menus, buttons, and intuitive icons.

If you choose not to use the video camera component, note that the alarm only goes off at the crib, so most parents won't hear it from another room, and it is unlikely to wake you.

While being non-WiFi makes using it on travel somewhat less complicated, the sensor or movement portion of this monitor would be a pain to take on travel. It has multiple parts and requires specific setup parameters that are hard to find in most hotels or rental properties. However, at-home use is super easy since there is no wearable, and caregivers who are less familiar with the system won't need to learn much to use all the features. You can, however, take just the camera and parent unit on vacation, as they do not require anything special to work and don't need WiFi.

Monitoring Capabilities

This monitor only has sound, video, and movement monitoring. The camera can also tell you the room temperature. We rather liked the sound activation and the auto wake of the parent monitor when it detects the baby's crying. The video quality is adequate and shows what you need to see, though it misses some finer details.

Alerts

Alerts happen in the nursery on the unit attached to the crib. It is loud (91 dB) and disruptive because it is designed to startle the baby awake. Parents can hear it through the monitor if they purchase the bundle with the camera and parent unit, which we did. We were also able to hear it in a room away, but we wouldn't rely on that for nighttime monitoring when deep sleep makes things harder to hear.

The alert can only be turned off by manually touching the control unit on the crib; it isn't as convenient as remote methods, but it ensures it doesn't get turned off without checking on the baby. We caution that you must turn it off before lifting your baby out of the crib, or it will alert when it no longer senses movement.

Electromagnetic Field (EMF)

The Babysense has one of the lowest EMF readings in the group at 0.11 V/m measured at the crib next to the control unit.

This makes it one of the best choices for anyone concerned about EMF exposure.

Should You Buy the Babysense True Sleep?

Yes. enthusiastically, yes. This monitor gives you all the information you need for better peace of mind and sleep. It monitors breathing-related motion and alerts in the nursery and the parent unit if it changes. We love the monitor's simplicity and the ability to put your baby to bed without adding a wearable device. While the Babysense requires more effort to set up, as it works best with a firm board underneath the sensor pads and a traditional mattress on top, it is worth it in our minds to monitor what is important without getting too much information that might cause anxiety. This monitor is budget-friendly compared to more feature-rich options; it doesn't require WiFi and includes a remote-controlled camera and sound activation. It could be the only monitor you ever need.

What Other Movement Monitor Should You Consider?

If you travel frequently, the Babysense won't be a good fit, and something more like the Snuza Hero SE will be a better fit. The Snuza requires no setup, is very portable, and works with any mattress type.

Manufacturer Video