In this modern era, there are many technologically-advanced gadgets that can be used by pregnant women, promising to deliver benefits in more ways than one. Among others, some of the best would be Belly headphones and Baby monitors.

A belly headphone will be used primarily to introduce listening to the baby in your womb. A heartbeat baby monitor, on the other hand, will make it possible to listen to the beating heart of your unborn child. For both of these products, the options will be endless, which is why we curated this guide – to make it easier for you to arrive at a well-informed decision.

Why Unborn Babies Need a Belly Headphone?

Some might think that the idea is stupid, but it is indeed beneficial. Music will have a positive effect on your unborn child. It is not enough that you play music in a loudspeaker. It can just distract you or your neighbors. Belly headphones offer the perfect solution because the listening experience will be more private and intimate.

In one study, it has been proven that babies in the womb can react to the music that they are hearing. There are some babies who exhibited reaction by having an increased heartbeat. There are also some who move as if they are dancing and reacting to the music.

In the same study as above, the findings also showed that when the baby was born, it still recognizes the music heard in the belly before. This suggests that they have already learned about the song.

However, up to this point, there is no conclusive evidence proving that listening to music affects the development of the unborn child. This is something that needs further research. Nonetheless, one thing is sure – it does not harm your baby. So, why not try it? There is nothing to lose! It is a good way to bond with the unborn baby!

Why Should You Use a Heart rate Baby Monitor?

Now, let us go to the heart rate monitor or the fetal doppler. This is a user-friendly device that you can use in the comfort of your own home. Nonetheless, keep in mind that this is in no way a substitute for a medical device. During pregnancy, it is important to visit your doctor regularly to be sure of the health of the baby.

Hearing the heartbeat of your baby will bring incomparable joy, something that is impossible for many people to understand. Whenever you are having a bad day or when you are feeling worried about your baby, all that you have to do is use the fetal doppler and you will be able to enjoy a sigh of relief.

Depending on the model of the heartbeat baby monitor, there is an option to play it on loudspeaker or you can also have it recorded. You can share it with family and friends. Or, you can always have it as a keepsake to remind you of your baby after many years.

Choosing the Best Belly Headphones and Heartbeat Baby Monitors for Pregnancy

With the long list of the choices that will confront you, here are some of the most important things that will allow you to narrow down the possibilities:

• Ease of Use: Regardless if it is a belly headphone or a heartbeat monitor, make sure that it is going to be user-friendly. The manufacturer must provide detailed instructions on its use. Operating it should not be complicated. The fewer buttons there are, the easier it is to use.
• Comfort: When you are using the product, it should not lead to any form of discomfort. For instance, if it comes in the form of a belt that you have to wrap around the waist, it should be adjustable so that you can tighten or loosen its fit.
• Display: If it is a fetal doppler, it will be good if it comes with a small backlit display that will show the actual heart rate of the baby.
• Recording: A good option for a heart rate baby monitor is one that offers the ability to record the heartbeats of the baby, which will make it easy to have it shared with your family and friends.
• Safety: For the product to be safe, one of the most important is for it to have FDA-approval. This means that it has passed independent tests and you can be confident that it won’t harm you or your baby.
• Warranty: If in case the product becomes defective, if it is within the warranty period, the manufacturer can offer free repair or replacement. This is a good way for you to have peace of mind knowing that the manufacturer backs the quality of their product.
• Money-Back Guarantee: More than the warranty, this will make the purchase free of any risks. If you are unhappy and you return the product within the specified period, you must be able to get an unconditional refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we proceed to the main part of this post, here are some of the most common questions that people have about belly headphones and heart rate monitors, as well as the answers that we hope will provide you with an enlightenment.

How do you use a belly headphone?

Different products may come in different styles, and hence, the instructions of use can be different. In some cases, you have to stick a pad with earphones or you have to wear an adjustable belt. Adjust the volume of the music accordingly.

How do you use a fetal doppler?

This is one thing that will depend on the product that you are using. Generally, however, the first step is to determine the position of the baby, which will let you know where to place the probe. In the case of some products, you will need to apply a provided gel as a lubricant.

When should you start using a fetal doppler?

You should use such a device when the heart of the baby starts beating. Otherwise, it will just be a waste of time and money. In most cases, the heart rate cannot be detected until the baby turns eight weeks. 95% of the time, the heartbeat can already be heard on the 12^th week of the pregnancy and 100% after the 14^th week.

Where should you position the probe?

One of the most important things when using a fetal doppler is the right position of the probe, which will depend on the stage of the pregnancy. This makes sure that you will be able to capture the heartbeat.

From 16 to 24 weeks, it is usually under the belly. On the other hand, from 25 to 32 weeks, it is in the mid part of the belly and around the belly from 25 to 32 weeks. This should give you an idea of where to position the probe.

What is a baby’s heart rate?

Most of the heartbeat baby monitors that are mentioned in this post are equipped with a small screen that will display the heart rate of the baby. The average would be 120 to 180 beats per minute. For adults, the average is 60 to 100 beats per minute. There is no need to worry. It is perfectly healthy for a baby to have a heart that beats faster compared to adults.

What should you do if you cannot hear the heartbeat?

Some would instantly panic thinking that there is something wrong with their baby. I suggest that you do not immediately jump to conclusions. Instead, check the doppler and make sure that it is working. The more common reason for the failure to hear the heartbeat, however, is the wrong position. You need to consider the fetal position of the baby to know exactly where you will place the probe.

When can babies start listening to music?

For the belly headphone, it is best to use it starting on the 20^th week of the pregnancy, which is believed to be the only time at which the baby develops the sense of hearing. At this point, the baby can already hear whatever it is being played and can already exhibit a reaction.

Are these products safe?

As parents, we want nothing but the best for our babies, which is why their safety is our priority. The good news is that using belly headphones and fetal dopplers would be safe for the baby, as long as you choose the right product. Look for one with lots of reviews and exceptional quality, even if it is expensive. Also, make sure to follow the guidelines from the manufacturer.

How loud should the music be?

As much as possible, the volume should be kept at 70 decibels or lower. Experts say that volume of the music can amplify amniotic level, which serves as the protective sac for the baby in the uterus. This benefit, however, will be true only if the music is not too loud. Otherwise, it can stimulate overproduction of the fluid, which can put the unborn baby at risk.

There is a chance of overstimulation if you are using a product that does not control the sound output at a safe level. Luckily, in the case of most of the top choices that you can find on the market, even the loudest volume is safe. This means that you cannot go beyond the threshold that has been set.

How long should you play music?

As much as possible, when you are playing music, do not leave it on for more than an hour. Just a few minutes will be more than enough.

What music should you play?

This is one thing that will actually boil down to personal preferences. You can choose almost any music as long as it is soothing for the baby. Listen to the music first. If it is relaxing for you, the baby will find it relaxing. For some, they use recorded heartbeats as an alternative to music, which they believe to be a great way to create an emotional connection. This, however, comes with no scientific basis.

The Best Belly Headphones to Buy

Ready to start shopping for a belly headphone? In this section, we are going to list down some of the top-rated products, as well as some of the exceptional features that make them amongst the best.

Belly Buds, Baby Bump Headphones

When you talk about belly headphones, this is definitely one name that will be hard to rival. In fact, it would be safe to say that this is the market leader and this is what most moms would prefer.

This kit is inclusive of the headphone speakers, reusable adhesives, audio splitter, storage pouch, access to a mobile app, and a unique code that you can use for downloads.

One of the reasons why this is well-loved by many parents is its compatibility with a mobile app that is known as VoiceShare. Here, you can record voice messages and play it repeatedly to be heard by the baby in your tummy.

It is also a good thing that the product is easy to use. It comes with adhesives that will easily stick. Regardless of how much you move, it will remain on your belly, making it perfect for pregnant women with an active lifestyle.

Nuvo Ritmo Pregnancy Sound System

It may be expensive, but it is sure to be worth every dollar that you will be spending. It is a good way to introduce your baby to music even before birth.

This is a four-speaker belt system, providing an assurance that the music will be heard by the unborn baby. It also means that they can be placed in strategic positions. With its innovative design, the baby will have a 360-degree listening experience.

The Safe and Sound Controller is another good feature of this product. With the latter, the controller will learn music patterns and will play it on its own at a sound level that is safe.

It comes with a one-year warranty from the manufacturer.

BabyPlus Prenatal Education System

With the use of this product, it will be easy to play music to the baby in your womb. This is going to help in promoting bonding, even at an early age. It might be an expensive product, but this is sure to be worth your every dollar.

Ease of use is one of the best things about this product. There is a belt that you can conveniently wear. It is washable and adjustable, making it easy to customize the fit depending on what is most comfortable for you.

Even the controller that comes with the unit is user-friendly. There are no complicated controls and its use is pretty much straightforward. There is no need to worry about a steep learning curve.

Sound Beginnings Pregnancy Music Belly Band

Similar to the product that has been mentioned below, this also comes in the form of a band or belt. It fits securely in the tummy, and hence, there is no need to worry that it will fall when you are moving.

In terms of construction, it is made of 85% nylon and 15% Lycra. These are not only durable materials, but they are also comfortable. Even when they are wrapped around your tummy, you will not complain of discomfort. It is also completely machine-washable, which makes it effortless to clean.

The band is incorporated with high-quality speakers, which has a patent-pending design. This plays music for the baby to hear at a level that is rated safe.

Lullabelly Pre-Natal Music Belt

This is another belly headphone designed like a belt. You have to wear it like a waistband and will not easily get off the tummy, unlike those that use adhesive. It is also versatile as you can have it plugged with different music sources.

For your comfort, it is also a good thing that the belt is adjustable. You can have it tightened or loosened, depending on what is most comfortable for your belly. It is also machine-washable, making it hygienic.

There is also a patented independent volume control. You can adjust the volume on the parent’s headphone without adjusting the sound that the baby can hear.

The Best Heartbeat Baby Monitors to Buy

If babies can listen to soothing music while they are in your belly, you can listen to them as well. With the use of a heart rate baby monitor, which is technically known as a fetal doppler, you can listen to the heartbeat of your baby. Below are some of the best options that are worth considering.

Wusic Womb Music Heartbeat Baby Monitor

This product comes with two earbud sets, which can be used by the mom and dad simultaneously as they listen to the heartbeat of their unborn baby. You will not just be able to hear the heartbeat, but you can record it as well and share it with your family and friends. A computer-recording cable is already included in the kit.

To make it offer great value for money, when the product is purchased, it already comes with a download of personalized lullaby music. You can incorporate the name of your child in the songs.

Up & Raise Digital Fetal Heartbeat Monitor

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the product that has been mentioned above, this will be a viable option. This is an FDA-approved product, which is why you can be confident about its safety and effectiveness.

There are two ways by which you can listen to the heartbeat of your baby with the use of this device. You can use the included earphones or you can also play the heartbeat through the loudspeaker.

Aside from sound, it also comes with a small digital screen, which makes it different from the product mentioned earlier. This screen has a backlight, making it easy to see the heart rate of the baby in your womb.

The sounds can also be recorded and shared with anyone else.

Professional Heartbeat Baby Monitor

This is another FDA-approved product that deserves to be included on our list. It may look intimidating, but it is actually easy to use. The kit is already inclusive of batteries and even a lubricating gel.

Similar to the product that has been mentioned above, there is also a small lit screen that will display the heart rate of your baby aside from just allowing you to listen to it.

To be provided with peace of mind, the manufacturer is offering a warranty that lasts for one year while there is a money-back guarantee for a period of thirty days.

Facelake FL-100B Heartbeat Baby Monitor

This is not just a heartbeat monitor but a complete listening tool. Aside from the beating heart of the unborn child, you can also listen to hiccups, kicks, and the movements that are made by the baby while in the womb.

It is a non-invasive product that is also FDA-approved, which can provide you with the confidence that it is indeed safe to use.

The kit is already inclusive of a rechargeable battery and charger.

In terms of the warranty, this is covered by the manufacturer for one year. Plus, if you are unhappy within the first 30 days of its use, the manufacturer will extend an unconditional refund or replacement.

Little Martin’s Baby Sound Amplifier and Recorder

This compact and wireless product will prove to be another excellent choice if you are looking for a high-quality fetal doppler. It also has the ability to play the heartbeat through the loudspeaker and to show the heart rate in the small screen with backlight. You can also use earphones if you want to listen closer.

It is a good thing that this device makes use of low power only, which is why there is no need to worry about the safety of its use during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Whether you are searching for the best belly headphones for pregnancy or top-rated heartbeat baby monitors, the products mentioned above can prove to be great choices. Keep an eye on these options, and for sure, you will end up making a decision that you won’t regret.

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