This is no substitute for regularly checking on the baby because a baby monitor will not tell if the baby is choking on something or facing some other kind of serious medical distress. All that the baby monitor will do is tell you if the baby is upset. This can let you know that it might be time to change the diaper, or that the baby should be rocked or carried, or just gently held, but there are so many different troubles that a baby can get into, especially if it is a new born baby, or at least one under the age of two.
Once the baby starts to walk, or crawl around a lot, however, the baby monitor isn’t of much use. Many stronger and more intelligent and enterprising babys actually figure out a way to get out of their cribs and crawl around the house, so a baby monitor wouldn’t even help you hear them because they would not be their. This is why two things are necessary for all babies: close supervision, and baby proofing the house.
Baby proofing the house means covering up aynthing that the baby could accidently get into. A baby monitor is not enough once the baby can crawl. The parents should block electric outlets, keep breakable stuff under lock and key, and firearms somewhere where the baby can’t find them. Chemicals should not be stored under the sink unless the sink itself is baby proofed by being locked, or closed in such a way that only an adult can get inside.
Accidents are preventable. Always keep close supervision on your baby and make your home safe for him/her.