Baby Monitor Considerations

Video baby monitors are a relatively new item on the market, utilizing some of the latest advances in technology. These exciting new products are revolutionizing the way we monitor our most precious loved ones, and represent the next generation of baby monitoring.

By learning more about video baby monitors and how they work, we hope to make you an informed consumer. Overall our goal is to help you decide which system is best for your family, and to ensure you get the best performance possible when using it.

Because it’s not physically possible to be around the baby twenty-four hours a day and not leave him/her alone for a single minute, a video baby monitor, can help you keep an eye on your baby and know when it needs to be changed or fed, while providing you with the freedom of sleeping peacefully in another room or doing housework at ease.  Indeed, purchasing a baby monitor can make life just a little more organized and can give you one less thing to worry about.

One of the primary things to keep in mind when choosing a baby monitor is the location of the nursery in the home, the type of building in which you live, and other wireless devices in the home. If you have to move around in a big house with cement walls, you will need a baby monitor with strong transmitters.

For years, the most common baby monitors were the audio monitors which, through the receiver you carry with you, alert you whenever the baby cries or calls out for you.  Some baby monitors offer two receivers, one for each parent.  There are two parts to the unit, one unit is positioned close to the baby to detect any sounds he/she makes, and the other is positioned with you for monitoring. The units are either plugged in or battery operated. 

Today, becoming more and more prevalent is the combination audio/video baby monitors which contain a small camera that can be mounted on the wall of the nursery and can capture your baby’s every sound and movement.  You’re then provided with a view of any activity via a small closed circuit tv screen within a 300 feet (clear line of sight) radius.  Many of these video baby monitors are also built with Infrared cameras, which allow you to see your baby, even in the dark. They are an excellent use of technology and offer that little bit more than the traditional audio baby monitor. (Tip: If your baby tends to wake up quietly, put a small toy or other safe object that jingles, rattles or rustles next to him/her.  This way you’ll be alerted when he/she is awake.)  You’ll find that having a video nursery monitor will make life just a little more organized by giving you one less thing to worry about.

Baby Monitor Features:

There are a number of features to look for when considering the purchase of a baby monitor.  The more features the baby monitor has, the more expensive it becomes. Consider the following when deciding what type of baby monitor to obtain:

Plug in unit: The plug in units are the least expensive.  However, both you and your baby must be positioned near a plug, which limits flexibility. They would be ideal if you spend most of your time, when you’re away from the baby, in one room.  Or for monitoring the baby at night if your bedrooms are some distance apart. They are not suitable if you wish to monitor the baby while out in the garden or while moving from room to room.

Battery operated: These baby monitors are entirely portable. Some come with rechargeable batteries, others with adapters which can plug in. Rechargeable units save the expense and fuss of batteries but need to be maintained. Check that the monitor can be used while recharging. Adapters restrict the mobility of the monitor but save on batteries.

Camera monitors: This is the ultimate in high tech for your nursery. If you want added assurance, a camera monitor will provide sound and vision. You will be able to watch baby on a portable screen as well as hear every movement. Even if the child is sleeping in a darkened room, the infrared technology allows you to see what is happening. These units are small and are often used for other security purposes.

Frequency: As with the audio baby monitors, frequency is important. Some of the visual baby monitor models now operate in 2.4GHz, a signal which penetrates walls, floors, and ceilings and offers up to 300 feet (line of sight) range or up to 100 feet through walls. As with the audio baby monitors, the video monitors transmit without the need for cables and wiring.

Infra-Red: Many video baby monitors now come with infra-red cameras. This is great, as it allows you to monitor your baby at night, in the dark. You are able to see very clearly, in black and white, what your baby is doing and how they are sleeping. In daylight mode many units now provide full color images.

Power Source: Transmitters and receivers that are battery operated are good for moving around, but you will have to buy a lot of batteries. Look for models that can either use batteries and A/C adapters or models that have rechargeable batteries.

Low Battery Indicator: Transmitters and receivers that have a low battery indicator are helpful in reminding you to replace or recharge the batteries.

Volume Controls: An adjustable volume is handy when you don't want to hear every sound your baby makes. You are obviously still able to see your baby on the monitor.

Multiple Channels: Monitors with multiple channels allow you to find a channel with the least amount of interference. Many things in the house operate from channels, such as wireless networking for internet access, microwaves and cordless phones. Choose a monitor with at least 2 channels. This can help improve transmission and may be essential if you live in an apartment where you may pick up interference from a neighbor’s unit.

Double Receivers: Some models come with two cameras, which can be handy if you regularly leave your baby in more than one room.

Size:  Lightweight, compact sized receivers are easier to carry around. If you will be going from room to room and moving around a lot, then you might consider getting the handheld size TV.

Belt Clip: An adjustable belt clip on the baby monitor means you can keep the “parent” unit with you wherever you go around the house or garden.

Sound monitors: Sound monitors work through radio waves and have a reception distance of between 60 and 500 feet.. They have two units: one unit is positioned close to the baby to detect any sounds it makes, the other is positioned beside you for monitoring. The units are either AC(corded) or battery operated.

AC (Corded) monitors: These monitors are the simplest and cheapest - but both you and your baby must be positioned near a plug which limits their flexibility. They are ideal if you spend most of your time when you’re away from the baby in one room, or for monitoring the baby at night if your bedrooms are some distance apart. They are not suitable if you wish to monitor the baby while out in the garden or while moving from room to room.

Battery-operated monitors:  These units are entirely portable. Some come with rechargeable batteries, others with adapters for mains use. Rechargeable units save the expense and fuss of batteries but need to be maintained. Check that the monitor can be used while recharging. Adapters restrict the mobility of the monitor but save on batteries.  Look for a “low power warning” signal so that you’re not suddenly left without signal.