Babysense 5s Review
The Skinny
Our Analysis and Test Results
Hisense, the manufacturer of the Babysense 5s released the first version of the monitor in 1992. Over 20 years later, the look of the monitor has changed but the proven technology remains unchanged. Winner of our Top Pick for Simplicity and Ease of Use, it functions in the same manner as the Angelcare AC401 with an under-the-mattress sensor pad detecting movement. This unit is somewhat unique in the movement monitor marketplace, as it is a medically approved device in the European Union, Israel, Japan, Korea, and Australia. It is not, however, a medically approved device in United States. In order to achieve medical certification in the countries that it has, the 5s has had to undergo clinical trials. In a recent clinical trial that took place in Israel, the Babysense 5s was shown to be effective in detecting both apnea, and bradycardia with similar accuracy to an electrode based hospital monitor. (See the link below for more information on the clinical trial.) The Angelcare AC401 is more customizable and feature packed, but it is more difficult to use and less portable. If you are looking for simplicity and reliability, the 5s could be right for you.
Performance Comparison
Reliability
Ease of Use
Portability
Best Application
This monitor is best suited to stationary use in your home crib. It is however reasonably easy move, so it can be a good option if your baby moves between cribs at different locations. Please note, it does NOT have a parent unit, so it is a good option for those who already have a sound monitor, or video monitor and wish to add a bit more peace of mind with a monitor that also detects movement.
Value
The 5s is an excellent, high quality monitor with a price to match. At $130, it is more expensive than the Editors' Choice Angelcare AC401, plus, it lacks the wireless parent unit and sound and temperature monitoring features. You are paying more for this monitor due to its medical device certification (not certified in the USA) and the research and clinical trials that go along with it. It is possible that the internal components are of higher quality than Angelcare AC401, but it is impossible for us to make that determination based on our testing. In practice, the movement detecting function of the two units was indiscernible. So in short, the Angelcare AC401 is a better value.
Conclusion
This monitor is a great choice for those wanting a simple monitor that will get the job done. It was the winner of two awards in this review, being our Top Pick for Simplicity and Ease of Use. It functions in a similar fashion to our Editors' Choice Award winner the Angelcare AC401, using an under the mattress sensor pad system to detect movement. With excellent reliability, high quality and top scores for ease of use, it is a good choice for those that do not need the sound and temperature monitoring features of the Angelcare AC401.
Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.
BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.
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