Portable fetal dopplers allow you to hear your baby’s heartbeat anytime you want from the comfort of your own home. There’s nothing more comforting than knowing that you can check on your baby anytime you feel the need. For mothers who have had difficult pregnancies in the past, a fetal doppler can give you peace of mind.
While you’ll find quite a few models available on the market, there are two that stand out in the crowd: the Pocket Fetal Doppler Sonoline B and the Heart to Heart Parental Listening System. We’re going to take a closer look at both models – hope the detailed review would help you decide which one is right choice for home use.
[Read more about Fetal Doppler]
Best at Home Fetal Doppler: Pocket Fetal Doppler Sonoline B Review
The Pocket Fetal Doppler Sonoline B is easy to use and can monitor your baby’s heartbeat as early as 12 weeks. Although this model costs more than the other one on our list, it offers a number of useful features to help you monitor your baby anytime you like.
This model comes with a built-in speaker, so you can hear your baby’s heartbeat without having to plug in headphones. There’s also a built-in headphone jack, so you can listen privately if you wish.
The backlit LCD allows you to see your baby’s heart rate even in low light conditions, and the probe is changeable.
This hand-held unit is the same type of monitoring system that is used in hospitals. The Pocket Fetal Doppler offers three work modes: manual mode, real-time FHR display and averaged FHR display.
- Real-time mode: Displays a heart icon if the heartbeat is detected, and will display the heart rate numerically in real time.
- Averaged FHR: Also displays a heart icon when a heartbeat is found, and will average the heart rate for a specific period of time, rather than give you a real-time rate. The average rate is more stable and accurate overall.
- Manual mode: Through the manual mode, you can calculate your baby’s heart rate over a period of time by pushing the manual button to start and stop the measuring.
The included 2 MHz or 3 MHz probe is water resistant and highly sensitive, so transmission gel will never damage it. Although the model claims to be water resistant, we don’t recommend using this device in a bathtub, shower or pool. You can never be too safe, especially when your baby is involved. Wait until you’re dry and in a safe, quiet place to start monitoring for best results.
The cord features a rubber protective coating, and is long enough to allow you to use this unit just about anywhere. And when you’re done using the probe, simply detach it from the unit, and store it away.
Although you can’t record heartbeat readings with this unit, it is very close to what you would find in hospitals as far as quality and features go. If you can stretch your budget, this is the fetal doppler we’d recommend.
Heart to Heart Prenatal Listening System – Summer Infant
If you’re on a tighter budget, the Heart to Heart System may be the better option for you. Offered by Summer Infant, this unit allows you to hear your baby’s heartbeat and hiccups with ease. The unit comes with two sets of earbuds and an adjustable belt for easy wearing.
The only issue with this model is that it’s really not effective until the third trimester.
Affordably priced, this fetal doppler will fit into any new parent-to-be’s budget. And it works in the same way other fetal dopplers work: simply apply the transmission gel, place the probe on you belly, and move it around until it picks up a heartbeat. The included earbuds make it easier to hear the heartbeat and any other movements your baby makes. And you get two sets of headphones, so you can listen with your partner or other family members.
The included belt is helpful, as it allows you to strap the probe in place for extended listening.
We would have liked to see a recording feature, but at this price, it’s hard to complain. The monitoring works great as long as you’re at least 27 weeks, and the device is so easy to use
Fetal dopplers make a great gift for new parents and moms who need peace of mind. If you’ve had troubled pregnancies in the past, a doppler will allow you to monitor and check on your baby anytime you like. These two models are affordably priced, effective and considered safe for use. We highly recommend our first pick, but if you’re on a tighter budget and in your third trimester, our second pick will allow you to monitor your baby without breaking the bank.
