Heart Beat Monitor This feature is a must for the device that you will choose since no apnea monitor is 100 percent accurate in detecting cessation of breathing. This will serve as a backup in case the apnea monitor fails to detect apnea because it will also manifest in the heart rate of the baby. Another must have feature is a remote alarm. Sound-activated Light It can be difficult to monitor baby sounds if you're trying to vacuum the floor or watch television. Fortunately, a number of baby monitors now come with a sound-activated light that illuminates each time it detects noise. This feature allows you to immediately know that something's going on without even hearing the sounds. Other Practical Features Baby monitors are actually quite new. The idea behind the importance of having one is that you as a parent are afforded with an extra set of eyes and ears. This way, you can keep tabs on your baby even while you're busy with something else. By listening in on your little one, you'll be alerted each time he or she needs feeding or a diaper change. Disadvantages of Digital Baby Monitors Digital baby monitors do also have their fair share of disadvantages. One of the most controversial topics about digital technology in baby monitors is health risk. Since these digital devices make use of signals like electro magnetic waves, they may cause health problems to babies especially when they are at that stage when growth and development is on "rapid mode. With the help of an Internet capable computer, parents can now access their baby cameras anywhere at any time. Most of the time however, this system is used to keep tabs on your nanny, caretaker or babysitter instead of the baby. You may want to make sure that whoever is in charge of your baby at that moment in time is giving his or her utmost care and love. Because of the huge possibility of the electromagnetic energy used in the digital technology of modern baby monitors, a lot of parents are fearful for the safety of their child. But on the other hand, manufacturing companies of these digital monitors claim that the amount of radiation that their baby monitors emit are at levels that do not pose serious danger to children.