12 "Smart" Parenting Tools

​Parenting will always be a rollercoaster of sleepless nights, joyful times, and testing patience but, with smart technology, it has never been easier. Parents who utilize smart appliances are turning stress and anxiety into peace and calmness. Creating a childproof smart home is also simpler than it sounds. Below is a general "tip list" of the types of appliances that all parents can benefit from while lowering their heart rates.

1. Smart Sleep and Breathing Monitors: 
Monitor children's sleeping patterns along with heartbeat, breathing, and other sleep habits like rolling over and waking up. This is especially helpful for new parents. They won't have to get up as often to check on their baby through the night.

2. Video Monitors:
Keep an eye on children from anywhere in the house. Parents will always know their toddler's whereabouts so they can calmly relax while having their attention in two places at once. 

3. Entry Sensors for Doors and Windows:
When babies start crawling and walking they'll want to go as far as they can. Use entry sensors to always know when they've crawled through a door or are attempting to open a window.

4. Flood and Leak Sensors:
Bath time is fun! Until parents end up with a waterlogged floor costing hundreds in repairs. Keep the splashing to a minimum with your older toddlers using flood and leak sensors to monitor any signs of water overflow from baths and sinks. 

5. Indoor Security Cameras:
Much like baby monitors, indoor security cameras help keep children safe. Parents can view their kids from anywhere to make sure they aren't getting into any mischief, but indoor cameras can also be doubled with alarms and intruder alerts. This helps parent's go about their day, and allow them to sleep soundly knowing their child is safe.

6. Sound Machine:
Babies need their sleep as much as parents do, but sometimes they have a hard time getting any. Sound machines block out unwanted noises that could wake a child up. They're also soothing and can give children something to focus on while falling asleep. 

7. Motion Sensor Lights:
When toddlers are past the point of potty training, they'll need to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Having motion sensor lights that turn on as they walk to the bathroom will allow them to see where they're going without waking their parents up or crying out of frustration not knowing where to go. These lights can be installed in bedrooms, hallways and near doors. 

​8. Smart Vacuum:
By now, most people know about the famous iRobot Roomba. Such a great little gadget that does a big job at keeping things tidy. Busy parents can't always find the time to vacuum, that's why childproofing a home with a smart vacuum is beneficial! Limiting messes and one less chore is always nice. On days when nothing else gets done, at least the floors will be clean!

9. Temperature Thermometers:
Nursery and bathwater thermometers are great for keeping children calm. Babies are sensitive and don't adapt to swift changes in temperature as well as adults do. Being able to monitor the temperature in a baby's room or bath water can help keep their agitation down while in a fussy mood. Helping them sleep better through the night means the parents will sleep better too.

10. Pool Alarm:
Most babies and toddlers love water! It's just fun. Sadly, an average of 350 children die each year from drowning in a backyard pool. There's no reason for children to continue adding to the statistic. Any parent with a pool would be wise to get an alarm for their pools. 

​11. Other Smart Room Sensors:
If a parent doesn't have any cameras installed, or they do but want extra assurance, smart room sensors are good to have. These sensors notify parents when their child has left a certain section and gone to another, or if they've walked or crawled into a part of a house that's off limits. These areas could be a laundry room, office, pantry etc.

12. Reminder Clip:
If you want smart child safety to go a step farther, take it to the car! Reminder Clips are clipped onto children in cars and set off an alert if their parents leave the car without them. It might sound like common sense to some, "don't forget your baby in the car!" but babies die of heat exhaustion from being forgotten in a car multiple times a year. Even if you are the best parent in the world and know you would never leave your baby in the car, it's still a good idea to get one-- no parent ever planned on leaving their child in the car.