Do I need a baby monitor?

[Bumperlicious]

We didn't have one for DD, but we lived in a flat. We have now moved into a house and DC2 is due in September. Just wondering if it is worth getting a baby monitor. The house is small and fairly open, the stairs go from the living room with no door between upstairs and down. Should we bother with a monitor? We'd be able to hear any crying pretty much straight away, but do people like to be able to hear the other noises for some reason?

we had similar layour house but had a monitor just because was our first child however after few weeks didn't use as you can hear the crying when they need you and don't need to worry about every other little squeak now and then.

I gave up with mine as all i heard was the neighbours talking. If they have one too, then you can hear their chat and they can hear yours. Was mortified when i found that out

I got an AngelCare monitor for DS, just because I like the peace of mind. I live in a fairly big house and still wouldn't have bothered getting one if it hadn't been for the breathing monitor feature.

We had a pretty small house and could hear the cries without any help! However, I was quite keen on one of those super-sensitive ones that monitor breathing and movement, especially as our cot was in our bedroom in a converted loft ...

we have a similar layout to you and never use it. We were given some that we take when staying away in bigger houses though.

I had one for DD1 and had to stop using it. She was a poor sleeper and I just spent the whole time stressed because I thought that every little movement was her waking. It was much better when I could only hear her when she cried.

Thanks all, sounds like it shouldn't be too necessary, especially since this is number 2 so we may (hopefully) feel a bit less precious and worried.

Maybe if a second hand one comes up cheap we'll pick one up for visiting but I'll not worry too much otherwise.