The under-the-mattress Sensor Pad detects your baby's slightest movements. If your baby goes absolutely still for 20 seconds, the Sensor Pad sends a signal to the Nursery Unit which sounds an alarm alerting you to check your baby. If you are out of the baby's room, the portable Parents' Unit (Sound Monitor) will pick up the alarm as well as other nursery sounds. In addition, the Nursery Unit has an optional "tic" feature. If the Sensor Pad senses movement, the Nursery Unit will continuously tick. If it doesn't, the ticking will stop.