Choosing the Right Baby Monitor
A baby monitor is an essential tool for parents to keep an eye on their little one from another room. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to decide which type of baby monitor will work best for your needs. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a baby monitor.
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Types of Baby Monitors
There are three main types of baby monitors:
- Audio Monitors - These basic monitors transmit sounds from your baby's room to a receiver. They are typically more affordable but don't allow you to see your baby.
- Video Monitors - These monitors transmit video from a camera in the nursery so you can see and hear baby. They provide more information but are pricier.
- Movement Monitors - These use sensor pads or clips to detect and transmit baby's movements. Helpful for monitoring breathing but can have false alarms.
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Key Features
Here are some key features to look for when choosing a monitor:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Range | Look for monitors with 500 ft+ range so you can roam the house and yard. |
| Battery Life | Opt for monitors with at least 8 hours of battery life per charge. |
| Sound Sensitivity | Choose monitors that detect quiet noises and filter background noise. |
| Night Vision | Infrared night vision allows seeing baby in dark rooms. |
| Talk Back | Two-way communication lets you soothe baby from another room. |
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Video vs. Audio Monitor
Video monitors provide more information by letting you see and hear baby, but also cost more. Audio monitors just transmit sound but are simpler and more affordable. Here's a comparison:
- Video Monitor Pros: View baby in real time, see if they are sleeping soundly, check on older kids.
- Video Monitor Cons: More expensive, can be distracting to watch constantly, privacy concerns.
- Audio Monitor Pros: Lower cost, just get alerted when baby makes noise, more portable.
- Audio Monitor Cons: No visual confirmation baby is ok, can miss subtle noises.
Additional Tips
- Test monitors at the store to evaluate sound and video quality.
- Look for clear signals that won't have interference from other devices.
- Consider buying multiple cameras if you have a larger home.
- Make sure the monitor is easy for you to operate.
- Read reviews to see real customer experiences with that model.
Choosing the right baby monitor takes research, but it will provide you with extra peace of mind. Focus on the range, sound sensitivity, battery life, and features most useful for your situation. With the information above, you can find the ideal baby monitor to meet your needs and budget.
Types of Baby Monitors
A baby monitor allows you to keep an eye and ear on your little one when you are in another room of the house. There are several types of baby monitors, each with their own features and capabilities.
Audio Baby Monitors
Audio monitors are the most basic and affordable type of baby monitor. They consist of a transmitter unit that you place in the baby's room and a receiver that you carry with you. The transmitter picks up sounds from the nursery and transmits them to the receiver using either VHF or DECT digital technology.
- Detects cries, fusses, coos, and noises
- Typically have a 300-600 foot range
- Can have one-way or two-way communication
- Prone to interference from other devices
- More budget-friendly option
Video Baby Monitors
Video monitors offer visual confirmation of your baby in addition to transmitting sound. A camera unit is placed in the nursery which streams live video to a receiver screen.
- Allow you to see and hear baby
- Typically have a 200-300 foot range
- Night vision capability lets you see in dark rooms
- More expensive than audio monitors
- Some have wi-fi connectivity and mobile apps
Movement Baby Monitors
Instead of audio or video, movement monitors track your baby's physical movements. These use sensor pads placed under the crib mattress or wearable clips to detect movement.
- Monitor baby's movements or breathing
- Issues alerts if no movement is detected after 20 seconds
- Can reduce risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Prone to false alarms
- Doesn't transmit sound or video
Smart Baby Monitors
Smart or wifi-enabled baby monitors connect to your smartphone or tablet to provide remote monitoring capabilities.
- Monitor from anywhere via mobile app
- Receive alerts even when not home
- Typically have 300-500 foot range extended by wifi
- Two-way talk lets you soothe baby remotely
- Can integrate with smart home devices
- More expensive price point
Additional Features
Some extra features you may find with certain baby monitor models include:
- Room temperature display
- Humidity monitoring
- Night lights and lullabies
- Multiple receiver units
- Split-screen viewing
- Portable receiver units
When comparing different types of baby monitors, consider your budget, needs, and home setup. An audio monitor may suit your needs if you have a smaller home, while those with bigger houses may want a wifi-enabled model. Focus on the features that are most useful for your family.
Features to Look for in a Baby Monitor
Today's baby monitors come equipped with a variety of features to help give parents extra peace of mind. When shopping for a baby monitor, here are some key features to consider:
Range
Look for a baby monitor with a long range so you can roam freely around your home and yard while remaining connected. Many audio monitors have up to 600 feet of range while video monitors operate best within 300 feet. If you have a larger home, look for wifi-enabled monitors that extend the range.
Battery Life
Extended battery life means less disruption to recharge batteries. The receiver unit of audio monitors often last 8-12 hours per charge. Video displays use more battery so may last only 3-5 hours. Aim for at least 8 hour battery life.
Night Vision
Monitors with infrared night vision let you keep an eye on baby even after dark. This feature comes standard on most video monitors and allows you to see your little one sleeping when the lights are off.
Two-Way Communication
Two-way talk is a great feature that allows you to soothe your baby from another room. Press a button on the receiver to speak through the camera unit placed in the nursery. Your voice can often calm baby down faster than going into the room.
Temperature Display
Some monitors showcase the temperature in baby's room right on the receiver screen. This allows you to make sure baby is comfortable without physically going to check on them.
Split-Screen Viewing
For parents with multiple children, look for monitors that support split-screen viewing. This allows you to watch multiple cameras at once, like when you have a camera in two different bedrooms.
Portable Receiver
Small, portable receivers allow you to carry the monitor around the house as you move about your day. Clip it to your pocket or belt for easy mobility and continuous monitoring from any room.
Wall Mount
The option to mount cameras or receiver units on the wall gives you flexibility for setup. This allows for optimal camera angles and less chance of disturbance.
Focus on the features that will be most useful for your family's needs and give you confidence when using the baby monitor. Don't overpay for unnecessary bells and whistles if a more basic model will suit your purposes.
Video vs. Audio Baby Monitors: Which is Better?
When shopping for a baby monitor, one of the first decisions is whether you want an audio-only monitor or a video monitor that lets you see and hear your baby. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Audio Baby Monitors
Audio monitors are the simpler and more affordable option. A basic audio monitor consists of a transmitter unit that picks up sounds from your baby's room, and a receiver unit that allows you to listen in from another room.
- Hear every cry, giggle, and noise
- Typically have longer range than video monitors
- More affordable price point around $30-$100
- Portable receiver can clip on your belt or pocket
- Don't allow visual checking on baby
Video Baby Monitors
Video monitors offer the ability to both see and hear what's going on in your baby's room through a wireless camera setup.
- View live video feed of your baby
- Better at detecting smaller noises and movements
- Higher price point from $100-$400
- See baby sleeping position and surroundings
- Some have wifi connectivity features
- Can be distracting to watch all the time
Key Differences
Here are some of the key differences between the two types:
- Range - Audio monitors typically have better range up to 600ft versus 200-300ft for video.
- Battery life - Video drains batteries faster, while audio can last up to 12 hours.
- Portability - Audio receivers are smaller and more portable.
- Price - Audio monitors are more affordable, often under $100.
- Monitoring - Video provides a visual, but can be distracting to watch constantly.
Which is Right for You?
Audio monitors are a good choice for smaller homes or budgets. Video works well if you want to visually check on baby from multiple rooms. Consider your needs and where you plan to use the monitor to choose the type that fits your family.
Baby Monitor Range and Connectivity
A key factor when purchasing a baby monitor is its operating range and connectivity. You want to be able to roam freely around your home without losing the signal between the baby unit and parent unit.
Range Needs
Consider your home size and layout when looking at a monitor's range. If you live in a smaller apartment, you likely don't need extended long-range coverage. But if you have a two-story house, you'll want a monitor that provides coverage across multiple floors and rooms.
- Audio monitors - 300 to 600 foot range
- Video monitors - Typically 200 to 300 foot range
- Wifi monitors - Often 500+ feet when connected
Test potential monitors at the store to get a sense of their reach and static levels when separated from the parent unit. Walk around the premises while the units are separated.
Interference
Look for monitors with clear signals that won't get interference from cordless phones, wifi networks, or other electronics. Digital monitors on dedicated channels perform better than analog models.
- DECT digital audio signal
- 1.9GHz FHSS wireless signal
- 2.4GHz wireless frequency
Out-of-Range Alerts
Many monitors provide audio and visual alerts if you move out of range, so you don't miss any noises from baby. This safety feature reminds you to move back in range.
Connectivity
For expanded range, some wifi-enabled monitors connect to your smartphone or tablet via internet when in remote locations. This allows you to check the live video feed and monitor baby when you are at work or out of the house.
- Secure encrypted signals
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- View on multiple devices
- Access video history and recordings
Focus on a monitor with sufficient range for your home size that reduces static and interference. Added connectivity perks like wifi can provide enhanced range and remote monitoring.
Extra Baby Monitor Features: Temperature, Night Vision and More
Today's baby monitors come with useful extra features beyond just video or audio monitoring. Here are some popular extras to look for.
Room Temperature Display
Many smart video monitors showcase the real-time temperature right on the parent unit's display screen. This allows you to easily check if the room is too hot or cold for baby's comfort.
Night Vision
Infrared night vision lets you keep an eye on your little one even after lights out. See crisp black and white video in dark nursery conditions so you can confirm baby is sleeping soundly.
Two-Way Communication
Two-way talk is a great feature that allows you to soothe your baby from another room. Press a button and speak through the camera unit to calm baby down without going into the nursery.
Lullabies and Soothing Sounds
Some monitors play lullabies, white noise, or nature sounds to help lull your baby to sleep right from the camera unit. This can be activated remotely from the parent unit.
Motion and Sound Alerts
Get notified if the monitor detects baby crying or moving with visual and audio alerts. This allows you to attend to baby's needs without constantly watching the monitor.
Split-Screen Viewing
Monitors that support split-screen viewing let you watch multiple cameras at once, like when you have cameras in two kids' rooms. Keep an eye on both screens.
Focus on extra features that provide helpful information and functionality. But don't overpay for bells and whistles you likely won't use very often.
Non Wifi Baby Monitor
A non-WiFi baby monitor is a type of baby monitor that does not rely on an internet connection to function. These monitors are often preferred by parents who are concerned about security issues that can come with connected gadgets or are just looking for a straightforward unit. Non-WiFi baby monitors offer many advantages over their Wi-Fi-enabled counterparts, including security, as hacking risks are greatly diminished, protecting both you, your baby, and family privacy. Here are some of the best non-WiFi baby monitors of 2023 according to various sources:
- Eufy SpaceView Pro
- Infant Optics Non-WiFi Video Baby Monitor
- VTech VM819 Video Baby Monitor
- Motorola MBP33S Wireless Video Baby Monitor
- Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor
- Summer Infant In View 2.0 Video Baby Monitor
- Levana Oma Sense Portable Baby Breathing Monitor
When choosing a non-WiFi baby monitor, it is important to keep in mind the following features:
Non-WiFi baby monitors are often more affordable than their Wi-Fi counterparts since they don't have the extra technology of a Wi-Fi monitor. They are also easier to set up and use since they don't require an app or connecting to your home network.
What Are The Advantages Of Using A Non-Wifi Baby Monitor??
Non-WiFi baby monitors offer many advantages over their Wi-Fi-enabled counterparts, including:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Overall, non-WiFi baby monitors are a great option for parents who prioritize security, reliability, and ease of use. They are also more affordable than their WiFi counterparts and offer a large viewing screen without the need for an app. However, they do have limited transmission distance and don't offer remote access.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Using A Non-Wifi Baby Monitor??
Here are some of the disadvantages of using a non-WiFi baby monitor:
- Limited transmission distance: Most non-WiFi baby monitors use FHSS or DECT to transmit video and audio. Their generally supported transmission range is between 300-1500 feet, so you cannot monitor your baby from a long distance.
- No remote access: Non-WiFi baby monitors don't offer remote access, so you can't check on your baby when you're away from home.
- Lower video quality: Non-WiFi baby monitors tend to have lower video quality than their WiFi counterparts. The screens on non-WiFi baby monitors are often smaller and have lower resolution.
- No recording options: Non-WiFi baby monitors typically don't offer recording options, so you can't save footage of your baby.
- No smart features: Non-WiFi baby monitors don't offer smart features like app integration or voice assistants.
- Limited functionality: Non-WiFi baby monitors are less feature-rich than WiFi baby monitors. They don't offer features like remote pan and tilt controls, temperature indicator settings, or VOX mode.
- Limited range: Non-WiFi baby monitors have a limited range, so you can't monitor your baby from a long distance.
Overall, non-WiFi baby monitors are a great option for parents who prioritize security, reliability, and ease of use. However, they do have some disadvantages, including limited transmission distance, lower video quality, and limited functionality. It's important to consider your needs and priorities when choosing a baby monitor, as both WiFi and non-WiFi options have their pros and cons.
