Recording Your Baby's Heartbeat
Recording your baby's heartbeat for a Heartbeat Bear is a beautiful way to create a keepsake from pregnancy. Many parents choose to record the heartbeat during a Doppler or ultrasound appointment, then place that recording inside a Be My Bear Heartbeat Bear as a special memory.
The process is usually simple, but it is worth preparing before your appointment so you have the best chance of getting a clear recording. This guide explains what to take with you, how to use your sound recorder, what to ask at your appointment, and what to do if you already have the heartbeat saved on your phone.
This page is designed as a practical recording guide for your Be My Bear sound module. It is not medical advice. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, your baby's movements, or your baby's health, please contact your midwife, maternity unit or healthcare professional.
Can I record my unborn baby's heartbeat for a Heartbeat Bear?
Yes. If you have a Be My Bear recordable sound module, you can record your baby's heartbeat and place the module inside a Heartbeat Bear.
The best results usually come from recording the heartbeat directly during a Doppler or ultrasound appointment, because the heartbeat sound is normally clearer and louder than trying to record from a phone speaker later.
Some parents record the heartbeat at a routine scan, while others do it during a private scan or optional 3D/4D scan appointment. Wherever you plan to record it, always ask the sonographer or healthcare professional first and follow the clinic or hospital's policy.
Before your appointment
A little preparation makes the process much easier. The last thing you want is to arrive at the appointment and realise the recorder is at home or you are unsure which button to press.
Before you go, make sure you have:
- Your Be My Bear recordable sound module
- Your Heartbeat Bear or the bear kit it will be used with, if needed
- The instructions for your sound recorder
- A safe bag or pouch to keep the recorder clean and protected
- A basic understanding of how to record and play back the sound
- Fresh batteries if your recorder has been stored for a long time
If your sound module is new, test it before the appointment by recording a short message and playing it back. This helps you understand how the recorder works before you are in the scan room.
If your sound recorder uses replaceable batteries and seems weak, quiet or unreliable, you may want to check the batteries before your appointment.
Read our sound recorder battery replacement guide
Step 1 - take your sound module with you
Remember to take your Be My Bear recordable sound module to your Doppler or ultrasound appointment.
Most recent Be My Bear sound modules are white recordable sound modules. Older orders, especially those placed before 2019, may include a red heart-shaped recordable sound module, which we no longer produce.
Keep the sound module somewhere safe during your journey. Try not to let it get wet, crushed or knocked around in your bag.
Step 2 - ask before recording
When your sonographer or healthcare professional is about to let you hear your baby's heartbeat, politely ask whether they are happy for you to record the sound using your recordable sound module.
Some sonographers are happy to help, while others may need you to hold and operate the recorder yourself. Hospitals and clinics may also have their own rules about recording audio, taking photographs or filming during appointments, so always follow their guidance.
A simple way to ask is:
"Would it be okay if I recorded a short audio clip of the heartbeat on this sound module for a keepsake bear?"
Keep the request quick and respectful. Medical appointments are there for your care, so recording should not delay the scan or make it harder for the sonographer to do their job.
Step 3 - record the heartbeat
Follow the instructions for your sound recorder and record your baby's heartbeat for the available recording time. Some recorders allow around 20 seconds of recording time, but this can vary depending on the sound module.
Hold the sound module close to the speaker or sound source, but do not touch any medical equipment unless you are told it is okay to do so.
Try to keep the room as quiet as possible while recording. Avoid talking over the heartbeat, rustling bags, moving the recorder around too much, or covering the microphone with your fingers.
If someone else is with you at the appointment, it can help to agree in advance who will hold the recorder and who will listen or support you. This avoids last-minute confusion when the heartbeat starts playing.
Step 4 - test the playback before leaving
Before you leave the appointment, test the playback of the sound module to make sure the heartbeat has recorded clearly.
This gives you a chance to record it again if something went wrong, such as the wrong button being pressed, the sound being too quiet, or someone accidentally talking over the recording.
If the recording is quiet but still clear, it may still be perfectly usable inside the bear. If it is silent, muffled or has recorded the wrong sound, ask if there is time to try again. Be polite and understand that this may not always be possible if the appointment needs to continue.
Tips for getting the best heartbeat recording
To improve your chances of getting a clear recording:
- Practise using the recorder before the appointment
- Make sure the recorder is set to record, not play
- Hold the recorder close to the sound source
- Keep your fingers away from the microphone area
- Try to keep the room quiet while recording
- Do not move the recorder around during the recording
- Record for the full available time if possible
- Play the recording back before leaving
- Try again if the recording did not work and the sonographer is happy for you to do so
The most common reasons for a poor recording are background noise, the recorder being too far away, the wrong button being pressed, or the microphone being covered.
Can I record the heartbeat from my phone instead?
Yes. If you already have your baby's heartbeat saved as a video or audio recording on your phone, you can usually record it onto your Be My Bear sound module by playing the sound from your phone speaker and recording it with the module.
For best results:
- Choose a quiet room
- Turn your phone volume up
- Place the phone on a stable surface
- Hold the sound module close to the phone speaker
- Do a short test recording first
- Replay the module afterwards to check the sound
Recording from a phone can work well, but the sound may not be as clear as recording directly during the appointment. Try to use the clearest version of the heartbeat you have.
Can I use a home Doppler to record the heartbeat?
Some people think about using a home Doppler to record their baby's heartbeat. If you do this, it should only be for creating a keepsake and never for reassurance about your baby's health.
Do not rely on a home Doppler, heartbeat app or home listening device to check whether your baby is well. If you are worried about your baby's movements or your pregnancy, contact your midwife or maternity unit straight away. Hearing a heartbeat at home does not always mean everything is okay.
For the clearest and safest keepsake recording, we recommend recording during an appointment with a qualified professional, with their permission.
What if the sonographer says no?
If the sonographer or clinic says you cannot record during the appointment, respect their decision. Different hospitals and private clinics may have different policies, and staff need to protect patient privacy, clinical safety and the smooth running of the appointment.
You may still be able to record from a scan video, phone clip or another recording later if you are given one. If not, you could record a voice message instead, such as a parent speaking to the baby, a message from a sibling, or a short personal memory from the pregnancy.
What if I forget to take the sound module?
If you forget to take your sound module to the appointment but you are given a video or audio recording on your phone, you may still be able to transfer the sound onto the module later by playing the heartbeat from your phone and recording it onto the sound module.
If you do not have any recording of the heartbeat, you could take the module to a future appointment, or use the sound recorder for a different message instead.
What if the heartbeat recording is too quiet?
If the recording plays back quietly, try listening in a quiet room before deciding it has not worked. Small sound modules are not as loud as a phone or speaker, but they can still be lovely inside a teddy bear.
If the recording is too quiet to hear properly, try recording again if you still have access to the heartbeat sound. Move the module closer to the speaker, reduce background noise, and check that the microphone is not covered.
What if I accidentally record over the heartbeat?
Be careful when testing or handling the sound recorder after you have captured the heartbeat. If the recorder is switched back into record mode and a new recording is made, it may overwrite the original heartbeat recording.
Once you are happy with the heartbeat recording, avoid pressing the record button again. If your recorder has a play setting, keep it set to play.
Putting the sound module into your Heartbeat Bear
Once you have recorded your baby's heartbeat and checked that the playback works, you can place the sound module inside your Heartbeat Bear.
Make sure the module is positioned so that it can be pressed comfortably through the bear. You want the heartbeat to be easy to play without needing to open the bear each time.
Close the bear securely once the module is in place. If the bear also needs stuffing or adjusting, make sure the stuffing is arranged evenly so the sound module is cushioned but still easy to press.
Can I use the recording in any Be My Bear teddy?
Heartbeat recordings are usually used inside our Heartbeat Bears, but sound modules may also be suitable for some other Be My Bear teddy bears and animal friends, depending on the product.
If you are not sure whether a particular bear can hold a sound module, check the product description or contact us before ordering.
Can I record something other than a heartbeat?
Yes. Although Heartbeat Bears are often used for unborn baby heartbeat recordings, the sound recorder can also be used for other meaningful messages.
Some families use sound modules for:
- A parent speaking to the baby
- A message from grandparents
- A sibling saying hello
- A short lullaby
- A first birthday message
- A memorial voice recording
- A special message for a gift
A personal voice message can be just as meaningful as a heartbeat recording, especially if you were not able to record the heartbeat at an appointment.
Keeping the recording safe
Your sound module stores the recording internally, but it is still sensible to look after it carefully.
- Keep the module dry
- Remove it before cleaning the bear
- Do not put the module in the washing machine
- Keep the recorder away from heat and direct sunlight
- Do not keep pressing the record button once the heartbeat has been saved
- Replace batteries carefully if they run out
If the batteries eventually run out, the recording should normally remain stored on the recorder's internal memory. Replacing the batteries should allow the sound to play again.
Read our sound recorder battery guide
Common questions about recording your baby's heartbeat
When is the best time to record the heartbeat?
The best time is usually during a Doppler or ultrasound appointment where you are allowed to hear the heartbeat clearly and the sonographer or healthcare professional is happy for you to make a short recording.
Do I need to ask permission?
Yes. Always ask the sonographer or clinic before recording audio, taking photos or filming. Follow their guidance and respect their decision.
How long can I record for?
This depends on your sound module. Some Be My Bear recorders allow around 20 seconds of recording time, but you should check the instructions supplied with your recorder.
Will the recording stay on the module if the battery runs out?
In normal use, the recording should remain stored on the module's internal memory even if the battery runs out. Replacing the batteries should allow it to play again.
Can I record from a video on my phone?
Yes. Play the heartbeat recording from your phone in a quiet room and record it onto the sound module by holding the module close to the phone speaker.
Can I use the heartbeat recording to check my baby is okay?
No. A keepsake recording is not a medical check. If you are worried about your baby, your baby's movements or your pregnancy, contact your midwife, maternity unit or healthcare professional.
What if the recording does not work first time?
If you are still at the appointment, politely ask whether you can try again. If you are recording from your phone, adjust the volume, move the sound module closer to the speaker, and try another test recording.
Important pregnancy safety note
A Heartbeat Bear is a keepsake product. It is not a medical device and should never be used to monitor your baby's health.
If you notice reduced movements, a change in your baby's usual movement pattern, or anything else that worries you during pregnancy, contact your midwife, maternity unit or healthcare professional straight away. Do not wait because you have heard a heartbeat on a home device or old recording.
Ready to create your Heartbeat Bear?
Recording your baby's heartbeat can turn a teddy bear into a deeply personal keepsake. Whether you record during a scan, transfer the sound from your phone, or choose a special voice message instead, your Heartbeat Bear can become a memory to treasure.