As part of our series of posts sharing what benefits automation can bring to your home, we thought that we would highlight some of the top automations we often implement for Parents.

1) Alerts when bedroom windows are open.

This is a common request, particularly around bedtime hours. We typically have two versions of this automation which normally depends on the age of the children. The first version of this automation simply uses contact sensors to alert whenever a window is opened. This can be via push notification or other methods as required. The second, more advanced version of this automation uses multiple contact sensors or triggers and only alerts based on certain criteria. For example, alert if a window is left open when the bedroom door is closed for night time. 

 2) Alerts when children are out of bed at night

Another very common request is how to alert when children are out of bed during the night. Depending on whether the parents want to know if the child is out of their bed or just out of their room we can use either contact sensors or pressure / presence sensors to determine whether the children are in bed, playing in their room or opening the door to come out and can then trigger the appropriate alarms depending on the time of night etc. 

3) Making light accessible

Once children are of an age to start understanding how things work and to attempt trying to reach things they shouldn’t lighting can become an issue. Children understand that lights are controlled by switches out of their reach and can attempt to climb on items to reach them. Through the use of smart lighting and switches we often add a light switch at an easily reachable height so that children can safely control lights in their areas. Another benefit of this is that it is possible to have different scenes for different reasons, for example playtime or bedtime reading and to even introduce coloured lighting which children often enjoy. 

4) Lighting to signify key time periods

Children are very good at associating with colour and this can be particularly useful at night time. We often introduce a single light source which can change colour at timed intervals / on request to help children understand the different times of the day. For example, blue if often used to signify night time with children relatively easily learning to stay in bed / their own designated room or area whilst this light source remains that colour. 

5) Alerts when certain cupboards, doors, drawers or containers are opened

Even with childproof locks it is not realistically possible to secure everything. Particularly as children get older and learn to overcome the barriers which have been placed in their way to keep them safe. Even if these areas cannot be fully secured, by using smart technology to alert when they are accessed it provides an extra layer of security to keep your children safe. Normally, there are certain key areas people choose to install smart alerting on including those used to hold cleaning supplies, valuables, stair gates and keys. It is also a useful security feature generally! 

6) Bedtime

A common request is for time based automation triggered at a specific time to set up a bedtime scene for children. This means that when the children come into their designated space, it is already set up in a calming manor to aid relaxation and sleep. Typically this is achieved through the use of automated window coverings, relaxed smart lighting and smart audio technology playing a suitable, pre chosen playlist. The reverse of this can also be used to gently wake children at the start of the day. Lastly, for those homes with smart cameras or baby monitors, an additional step is often to automatically display the camera feeds in the main living areas so that parents can keep an eye on their children whilst they are in bed. 

7) Environment Control and Safety

Achieving the perfect environment can be a difficult task, particularly when children are younger and more sensitive to their environment. Through the use of a combination of smart technology we are often tasked with ensuring rooms remain within certain tolerances. Depending on the construction of the building this can be achieved with systems as simple as smart radiator thermostats through to more complicated setups involving an combination of electric heaters, underfloor heating, air conditioners. fans, humidifiers, ventilation and dehumidifiers. With smart environment control you can not only control temperature but also manage other factors such as humidity and allergy particles which give Parents a full picture of their environment. 

Additionally to controlling the environment, smart technology can also help protect it. Through the use of Smoke Sensors, CO2 Sensors, Flood/Leak Detectors, smart sprinkler systems and even smart water valves we can alert and even take automated action based on environmental events within the building. For example, when a fire is detected contact the emergency services, alert the occupants and identify where the fire is and automatically activate the sprinkler system after turning off the power in the affected location.

8) Camera Systems

Camera systems and monitors, both indoor and external are becoming increasingly common requests, particularly closed systems which can only be accessed internally and don’t rely on a cloud infrastructure. When deployed correctly, cameras can provide Parents with peace of mind as they can watch over their children who may be playing in a different room or location to where they need to be at that time. Rather than having to compromise between the children’s wish to be somewhere else and the Parents need to be elsewhere a high quality camera system can provide a good solution to this problem. Systems with two way audio can also allow communication between the different locations allowing Parents to speak to their children or monitor conversations if needed which can potentially prevent problems from occurring. 

9) Internet Control

As Children get older it is almost inevitable that they will begin to be exposed to technology and the internet. Parents are often understandably very interested in both securing the internet their children have access to and also limiting the time spent using it. We often deploy managed network technology such as Ubiquiti based devices in addition to added security such as family DNS protection. The combination of these technologies allows the children’s activity to be monitored and restricted to child friendly content in addition to providing the ability to control when the Children can use their devices.  

10) Panic Activities

When people are busy it is easy to miss calls, messages or notifications sent to a phone. If someone is in a meeting or doing an activity which takes them away from their phone then they may not check their device for a few minutes to a few hours which in the event of an emergency can be critical time lost. A request which is becoming more common is what we refer to as a Panic Activity and this is where the smart technology within a home or building can be used to alert the occupants of major emergencies. This can be done through a combination of lighting and sound cues which would alert the occupants their attention is required. Typical triggers for these events can be endless and often include everything from Smoke / Fire Alarms and Children or family members triggering alarms either internally or away from home to presence sensors detecting a fall in another location.