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Pregnancy is a wonderful time for any couple, and nothing is more exciting than waiting for the day a beautiful baby makes an appearance into the world. Sometimes, parents want to feel closer to their unborn baby that they have not yet seen, while other times, they just want peace of mind that everything is okay with the pregnancy.
New parents who want to feel even closer to their unborn babies can do so right at home using a fetal doppler.
What is a Fetal Doppler?
Contents
A fetal doppler is something that is typically used in a doctor’s office in order to detect the heartbeat of a child that is still in the womb. This helps keep track of the baby and can even spot potential health issues. This technology used to only be available through the OB/GYN, but now, it is available for use at home.
These machines are smaller, more portable, and may not be quite as accurate as the more expensive models in a doctor’s office, but they can be used at home to feel more connected to the unborn baby. These do not take the place of regular visits with a doctor or midwife, but they are fun and entertaining for parents-to-be to use in the comfort and privacy of their own home.
What are the Advantages?
A fetal doppler is a great way for parents to feel bonded to their baby before he or she is even born. This does not take the place of the heartbeat monitoring performed by a medical professional, but it is a fun way to listen to the baby while he or she is still in the womb.
This is a great way to connect with family during a pregnancy, and some even allow you to record the heartbeat, allowing parents to treasure these early moments for a lifetime.
What are the Different Types?
If you’d love to listen to your unborn baby’s heartbeat without waiting for your next doctor’s appointment, a doppler is something you should consider purchasing. Before you invest your money in a product that you know little about, it’s important to first understand that types you’ll find while shopping.
Doppler for home use
These are typically inexpensive, but many parents find that they may not be effective and may not ever detect a heartbeat. This results in feeling like money was wasted and may even cause the user to panic. These models may or may not work as intended, but they are inexpensive and might be chosen by someone on a tighter budget.
Medical-grade doppler
These devices are more similar to what is used in a doctor’s office. They are generally more accurate if used properly, but they may be larger, more difficult to use, and they’re almost always far more expensive to purchase.
Stethoscopes
Just like the doctor listens to a child or adult’s heartbeat, special fetal stethoscopes can be used to detect the heartbeat of an unborn child. These are generally the least expensive, but they may be the most difficult to use.
Which Fetal Dopplers are the Best on the Market?
BundleTumble BabyBlip Womb Baby Sound Amplifier
Capable of monitoring a baby’s hiccups, heartbeat, and more, this BundleTumble fetal doppler allows you to check up on your child through the entirety of your pregnancy. Equipped with two head phone jacks, it allows two people to listen to it at one time. With recording capabilities, you can record audio to be saved for use at a later date.
Bjingles Heartbeat Baby Monitor
Coming with two sets of headphones, this Bjingles fetal doppler allows two people to listen to a baby’s heartbeat at once. Allowing you to play music from your cell phone and other devices, this monitor allows you to enjoy music with your baby and one other person.
Womb Music Heartbeat Baby Monitor
With this more advanced model, future moms and dads can listen to kicks, hiccups, and the heartbeat of an unborn child with crystal-clear clarity. It comes with dual earbuds so mom and dad or another family member can listen in on the activities of the unborn child.
Features to Evaluate
Whether you’re purchasing one for yourself or one as a gift for a pregnant friend or family member, a doppler used to listen and track your baby’s sounds is unique, fun, and a great bonding experience for everyone close to the pregnant mother. These devices in no way replace proper medical care and should not be used for medical purposes, but they can be a lot of fun and can help create great family memories before a child is even born. Once you’ve made the decision to make this purchase, it’s important to plan what device is right for you, which is why there are a few features you should keep an eye out for before making your purchase.
Price
Dopplers range in price from around $10 for a basic stethoscope into the thousands for a medical-grade device. Decide what you want to pay before you make your purchase. You also want to evaluate other features, including ease of use and accuracy, before making your purchase. Buying a complicated device that you don’t know how to work may just be a waste of money. Compare all features, along with your own personal budget, to make the best possible purchasing decision.
Warranty
A warranty is good to have for any product because it protects against defects that may occur while the product is being made. Instead of being without your money and without a working product, a warranty is used to protect your purchase so you can feel good about your investment.
Type
If you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way and don’t like to fool or fuss with technology, a stethoscope or basic monitoring device is right for you. To get the most out of your experience, a battery-powered model may be just right for you.
Accessories
If you buy a doppler that uses batteries, does it come with a speaker or earbuds for listening? If you want to wear your doppler while you perform your daily tasks, does it come with a belt that fits well and is comfortable? Check to see what accessories come with your doppler to avoid paying additional costs for needed accessories.
Price
BundleTumble BabyBlip
This BundleTumble fetal doppler offers superb value.
Bjingles Heartbeat Baby Monitor
Just a little more expensive than the BundleTumble, this Bjingles doppler is available for a great price as well.
Womb Music Heartbeat Baby Monitor
This is one of the more expensive home monitors on the market.
Warranty
BundleTumble BabyBlip
No warranty is included with your purchase.
Bjingles Heartbeat Baby Monitor
No warranty is included with your purchase.
Womb Music Heartbeat Baby Monitor
This product comes backed with a 90-day warranty.
Type
BundleTumble BabyBlip
This is a battery operated household fetal monitor.
Bjingles Heartbeat Baby Monitor
This is a battery operated household fetal monitor.
Womb Music Heartbeat Baby Monitor
This unit is battery-operated and is designed for household use and not to replace visiting a medical professional.
Accessories
BundleTumble BabyBlip
No accessories are included with this basic heartbeat monitor.
Bjingles Heartbeat Baby Monitor
This unit comes with a heartbeat monitor, two sets of headphones, and also syncs up with a cell phone app.
Womb Music Heartbeat Baby Monitor
Your package includes the monitor, two sets of ear buds and a splitter for multiple listeners. You also get a cable to use with your computer to record the sounds.
Our Final Reviews Are In!
Best Cheap: BundleTumble BabyBlip
The truth of the matter is that there aren’t many fetal dopplers currently on the market. Many of the dopplers that do exist are of low quality. This BundleTumble doppler, however, offers excellent performance at a very reasonable price. Capable of monitoring heartbeats, hiccups, and a number of other sounds, this monitor possesses two headphone jacks for dual listening. If you’re looking for the best fetal doppler at an affordable price, this is it.
Pros:
- Possesses two headphone jacks
- Clean, crisp audio
- Records sounds for playback
Cons:
- It does not come with a warranty
Best for the Money: Bjingles Heartbeat Baby Monitor
Though it’s not quite the best fetal doppler on the market, this Bjingles doppler is a great buy for a reasonable price. Coming with two sets of headphones, it allows for dual listening. Capable of syncing up with cell phones and other music devices, it is capable of playing music to the mother’s stomach, allowing her and the baby to listen to music together. If you’re looking for a great fetal doppler at a reasonable price, you should definitely check this out.
Pros:
- It has two sets of ear buds so mom and dad or another loved one can listen in
- Picks up sounds from the womb including hiccups and kicks
- It is non-invasive
- It is safe to use in all stages of pregnancy
- Makes a great baby shower gift
Cons:
- Like other products, it does not work for everyone
- Moving the unit or any type of movement may cause interference
Best Overall: Womb Music Heartbeat Baby Monitor
You’ll never forget what your baby first sounded like with this model from Womb Music. Not only does it come equipped with two sets of ear buds for you and a partner to listen to sounds as they occur within the womb, but it also comes with a cable that allows you to record these precious sounds easily on your computer.
This model is easy to use, and it has adjustable volume for comfortable listening. It is easy to position, and it can begin picking up sounds from the womb from as early as 16 weeks. It is very small, so it is extremely portable and easy to carry anywhere. This unit is safe to use with aloe vera gel, and this gel increases your chance of hearing sounds in the womb. This makes a great gift for yourself or for any pregnant mother in your life.
Pros:
- It comes with everything you need to get started
- Can be used at around 16 weeks
- It has very clear sound
- The volume can be adjusted for comfort
- It can be hooked to a computer for easy recording
- Approved by the FDA
- It comes with a warranty
Cons:
- More expensive than other home units
- Doesn’t always work for every pregnant mother
- Sounds better when used with gel, which is not included in your purchase
Closing Thoughts
Bond with your child before he or she even sets eyes on you with a fetal doppler. If you want something that is easy to use, allows you to record these moments of bonding with your unborn child, and is more accurate than the other units on the market, the Womb Music Heartbeat Baby Monitor is a great investment. It has great sound, allows you to record and share your baby’s sounds right from your computer, and doesn’t cost a fortune.