How To Choose The Right Fetal Heartbeat Monitor For You

If you’re shopping for a fetal doppler, you’re probably wondering, what’s the difference?

They’re all designed to listen to your baby’s heartbeat, so does it matter which one you buy?

In this post, we’ll help you decide which fetal heartbeat monitor is right for you. We’ll list the things you should consider when purchasing and tell you the differences between each of our models.

What Are Fetal Dopplers?

Fetal dopplers or fetal heartbeat monitors are handheld devices that you can use at home to listen to your baby’s heartbeat while she’s still inside the womb.

Before, fetal dopplers were only used by medical professionals, like doctors or midwives, during checkups. However, Baby Doppler has made heartrate monitors affordable so that every mom-to-be can use one, too! We recommend that you first try the device at 12 weeks. Depending on your pregnancy, it may be possible to hear the baby earlier. However, it can also take longer than 12 weeks to detect a heartbeat.

Fetal dopplers don’t replace doctor’s appointments, but they have numerous benefits:

Helps reassure moms-to-be that their baby is okay (can be particularly helpful for the anxious mother or those with at-risk pregnancies).
Creates bonding between baby and father. It gives your partner the unique opportunity to experience the baby before she is born.
Creates bonding for the entire family. If you already have children, it can be a good way to gently introduce them to the new baby. It can also be a rewarding experience for grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends.
They’re easy to use. Even though they are used as medical devices, most mothers have an easy time hearing the heartbeat.
Baby Doppler support. We’re available by phone or emailto answer any questions or problems you may have.

What To Consider When Purchasing a Fetal Heartbeat Monitor

Before we list the pros and cons of each doppler, you should consider what you want in a device. Read the list below and mark down which features you desire. Then, make note of which models include the features you’re looking for.

LCD screen— Do you want to view your baby’s heart rate? If so, you should purchase a doppler that comes with a screen. Some advanced models also display heart rate graphs.

Built-in speaker— If you plan for your whole family to listen together, you’ll want a doppler with a built-in speaker.

Earphones included— If you don’t have earphones, some models come with a pair so that you can get started right away.

Waterproof probe or device— If you’re having a waterbirth or are a midwife, you’ll want a device that is fully waterproof.

Reduced static— One of the differences between low-quality and high-quality models is the amount of static they give off. Static can make it more difficult to hear your baby’s heartbeat.

Output to record sound— If you think you may want to record your baby’s heartbeat, you’ll want to purchase a model with an audio/earphone output. Some mothers record the heartbeat so they can show it to their doctor or midwife and ask if it’s normal.

MHz of probe— Typically 3MHz probes are ideal for regular pregnancies. Women who are overweight may find it easier to detect a heartbeat with a 2.5MHz probe.

Personal or professional use— Are you using the doppler for your own pregnancy or as a doctor or midwife? Professionals will prefer higher-end devices with reduced static and models that display heartrate curves. Moms-to-be can choose whether they’re more comfortable with a simple no-fuss model or a more advanced one. All of our dopplers are easy-to-use; however, if technology overwhelms you, a simple version may work best.

Design— Some people may not care about the look of their fetal doppler. However, if you do, you should note that some of our fetal dopplers come in gender colors (pink and blue). Other models have a sleeker and more professional design.

Pros & Cons of Each Fetal Doppler Model

Below are the fetal doppler models we sell on BabyDoppler.com. All of our devices are priced affordably between about $20 to $70. To see which fetal doppler is right for you, read the pros and cons below.

Baby Sound A

Price: $19.95

Overview: The Baby Sound A is a basic fetal heartbeat monitor. Since it doesn’t include an LCD screen, it’s a suitable option for the mom-to-be who wants to listen but doesn’t need to know her baby’s heart rate.

Pros/Features:

Cheapest model we offer
Comes with headphones
Simple to use
Displays fetal heart rate (FHR)
Battery operated (2 AAA batteries)
2MHz doppler probe

Cons:

Most professionals will prefer a device with an LCD screen
No built-in speaker
Not waterproof

Buy Baby Sound A fetal heartbeat monitor.

Baby Sound B

Price: $28.95

Overview: Baby Sound B is an entry-level fetal doppler with basic functions. The difference between Baby Sound A and B is that the latter comes with an LCD screen to display heart rate.

Pros/Features:

LCD screen to display heart rate
Comes with headphones
Simple to use
Displays fetal heart rate (FHR)
Battery operated (2 AAA batteries)
2MHz doppler probe

Cons:

Midwives and professionals may prefer more advanced models
No built-in speaker
Not waterproof

Buy Baby Sound B fetal doppler.

Sonoline B

Price: $49.95

Overview: Sololine B is a great starter fetal doppler for the mom-to-be. It comes in both pink and blue so you can match it to your baby’s gender if you choose.

Pros/Features:

Comes in blue or pink
Built-in high-quality speaker
Audio output for headphones and recorder
Backlit LCD screen that displays your baby’s heartbeats per minute (FHR)
You can view the heartrate in 3 different display modes
Probe is water-resistant
Battery-operated (2 AA batteries)
Battery life lasts at least 10 continuous hours
Auto-shut off (turns off after 1 minute without signal to save battery)
Comes with 3MHz doppler probe but can support 2-8MHz probes

Cons:

Headphones not included
Doesn’t display heart rate graph
Midwives and professionals may prefer more advanced models

Buy Sololine B doppler in blue or pink.

Waterproof Sonoline B Plus

Price: $49.95

Overview: The main difference between the Sololine B doppler above and the Sololine B Plus is that the latter is waterproof.

Pros/Features:

Waterproof
Built-in high-quality speaker
Audio output for headphones and recorder
Backlit LCD screen that displays your baby’s heartbeats per minute (FHR)
You can view the heartrate in 3 different display modes
Probe is water-resistant
Battery-operated (2 AA batteries)
Battery life lasts at least 10 continuous hours
Auto-shut off (turns off after 1 minute without signal to save battery)
Comes with 3MHz Doppler Probe but can support 2-8MHz probes

Cons:

Headphones not included
Doesn’t display heart rate graph

Buy Waterproof Sololine B Plus.

Sonoline C

Price: $68.95

Overview: Compared to Sololine B and B Plus, Sololine C is a more advanced model which comes with an LCD screen that displays a heart rate graph. It’s suitable for the mom-to-be or professionals.

Pros/Features:

Advanced model, also suitable for doctors or midwifes
LCD color screen to display heartrate
Also displays heartrate graph
Averaged FHR display mode
Built-in speaker
Output for headphones or recorder
3MHz probe
Battery-operated (2 AA batteries)
Auto-shut off (turns off after 1 minute without signal to save battery)

Cons:

Since it’s a higher-end doppler, the price is a bit higher than others
Not waterproof

Buy Sololine C fetal doppler.

Ultraline 1000

Price: $59.95

Overview: The Ultraline 1000 is a more modern and advanced fetal doppler model. Compared to others, it’s sleeker and louder.

Pros/Features:

All-new and patented model
Sleeker
Professional and modern look
Louder speaker
Simple & advanced mode made for both moms-to-be and professionals
Large LCD screen to view heartrate
Also displays heartrate graph
Battery-operated (3 AAA batteries)
Modern design
5MHz probe

Cons:

Headphones not included
Not waterproof

Buy Ultraline 1000 fetal heartbeat monitor.

I’ve Made My Decision. What Else Do I Need?

So, you’ve explored the models and decided which doppler is right for you. You’re probably wondering what else you need to purchase to get started.

The good news is that ALL of the heartbeat monitors we sell at Baby Doppler come with everything you need to get started. This includes:

Batteries
Sample of ultrasound gel
Free & quick shipping

However, when you purchase your doppler, you should also consider buying a full bottle of ultrasound gel for a few extra dollars. Depending on how much you use, the sample it comes with will only last a few uses at most. We sell small and large bottles for different usage levels. If you’re a professional, consider buying a 3-pack.

While you’re waiting for your doppler to arrive, you can use your time to learn how to properly use it. These posts will include everything you need to know.

If you want to learn more about fetal dopplers before buying, we have you covered, too. Start with these posts:

Have you used a fetal doppler yet? If so, share your experience below. Share this post with other expecting friends to help them enjoy their pregnancy, too!

P.S. Ready to purchase your first fetal doppler? Congrats! You can check out all your options here.

Topics

How To Choose The Right Fetal Heartbeat Monitor For You

How To Choose The Right Fetal Heartbeat Monitor For You

What Are Fetal Dopplers?