Baby Monitor 101: Make the Right Choice

Our children of course are precious to every one of us. As parents, it’s our responsibility to keep our babies and toddlers safe. One of the tools available to us is the baby monitor, typically a wireless radio system with a transmitter and receiver used to check on baby’s sounds. Upgrades over the standard baby monitor are available to enhance supervision including two-way communication that allows so-called “parent talkback” to the child. Some baby monitors have the capability to play soothing music to baby in the crib. “Baby cams,” a video camera transmitting images of the child, have come into widespread use. There are even fetal monitors for the baby-to-be in the womb.

With so many baby monitors from which to choose, parents or caregivers may have difficulty deciding the one best for their child’s needs. What are the different baby monitor types? What do baby monitors do? What are the differences between each type? What features do I need? Should it be wireless or should it be used through existing household electrical wiring using x10 protocol? By answering these sorts of questions, parents or caregivers can determine the best baby monitor for their home or environment.

Baby monitors can be summarized in four different categories: Baby Sound monitors, Baby Video monitors, Baby Motion monitors and Prenatal Sound monitors. They also can be divided into wired and wireless types. Baby monitor features come with many options; hence, it’s important to know what’s available and how to take full advantage of a baby monitor’s capabilities.

BABY SOUND MONITORS

When people think of baby monitors, a baby sound monitor is what commonly comes to mind. The most widely used of the four types, they are equipped with a microphone to capture any sounds made from baby’s nursery and uses a transmitter to send sound signals to the receiver, which is in close proximity to the parent or caregiver. This device permits those supervising baby to hear when baby awakes or if baby is crying or if baby is in distress without being within immediate proximity of the child. These monitors are likely to be battery operated with multiple receivers for portability throughout the home.

BABY VIDEO MONITORS

For those parents or caregivers who want more information than just mere sound, the baby video monitor or “baby cam” provides extra peace of mind. In addition to a microphone, the baby video monitor includes a surveillance camera or cameras that transmit images to a receiver, which can be a portable, dedicated LCD screen, a television or a computing device like a tablet or laptop. Most baby cams have a “night vision” mode, which allows the camera to work in low light levels. By using infrared LEDs connected to the front of the camera, the parent or caregiver can see baby “in the dark.” Video baby monitors outfitted with night vision capability use photosensors that automatically switch to this mode as baby’s nursery darkens. Models with extra features may incorporate built-in nightlights, ultra-high picture resolution, room temperature sensors or programmable lullabies.

BABY MOTION MONITORS

Instead of transmitting baby’s sounds or images, a baby motion monitor is used to detect baby’s movement in the crib. A sensor is placed under the mattress of baby’s crib. As babies move nearly continuously while asleep, the monitor tracks baby’s movement. Should baby not move after 20 seconds from the previously recorded movement, the receiver sounds an alarm. More advanced models can also to detect baby’s breathing and crying. Baby motion monitors are frequently used for premature babies and those with health issues. Many parents, mindful of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), will use these tools to track baby while sleeping.

PRENATAL SOUND MONITORS

Even before baby’s birth, many parents want to hear heartbeats, hiccups and other prenatal sounds from mother’s womb. A prenatal sound monitor is placed over the mother’s belly. The listener uses ear buds to hear the sounds baby (or the fetus) makes from the womb. Many models have a recording option so parents may save the sounds for posterity or keepsakes. It should be stressed that these devices are not intended for diagnostics or any other medical purpose.

Top Five Bestselling Video Baby Monitors

Below are five of the most popular baby monitors on the market and currently available from amazon.com.

1. Infant Optics DXR-5

Infant Optics DXR-5 2.4 GHz Digital Video Baby Monitor with Night Vision. Loaded with essential features, the DXR-5 is equipped with a 2.4 inch TFT/LED screen and a highly responsive built-in microphone. It transmits static-free signals at 2.4 GHz frequency up to 800 feet in open areas or 150 feet in enclosed areas. With automatic FHSS (Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum), the DXR-5 alternates between different channels, virtually encrypting data for greater security and privacy. For the safety ofbaby, it has an automatic IR (infrared) night vision camera and an automatic voice activation power saving mode.

Technical Details

2. Motorola MBP36

Motorola MBP36 Remote Wireless Video Baby Monitor with 3.5-inch Color LCD Screen, Infrared Night Vision and Remote Camera Pan, Tilt and Zoom, 3.5-inch. Backed by a one year warranty, this wireless baby monitor transmits on 2.4 GHz frequency with FHSS technology for added security. It comes with a 3.5 inch LCD screen with up to 25 fps for outstanding resolution. With features like infrared night vision, room temperature monitor, remote camera adjustment, additional camera capability and five LED alerts for noise level, you’ll keep baby safe and comfortable. There’s even five recorded polyphonic lullabies to soothe baby to sleep. Range extends to up to 200 meters with an “out-of-range” warning.

Technical Details

3. Samsung SEW-3037W

Samsung SEW-3037W Wireless Pan Tilt Video Baby Monitor Infrared Night Vision and Zoom, 3.5 inch. Including much sought-after features such as a flip stand with belt clip and remote control, pan, tilt and zoom, the SEW-3037W has a 3.5 inch color LCD display with VGA (640×480) resolution and transmits over a secure and static free 2.4 GHz signal. This model features 2-Way talk audio/built-in mic and speaker and comes with a quiet mode to remove background noise and even a remote controlled built-in night light to comfort baby. Its powerful digital signal extends up to 900 feet (274 meters) and uses an A/C power/rechargeable battery (parent unit only) with low battery warning and monitor LEDs indicating five sound levels. The advanced camera — expandable to up to four — uses non-visible infrared LEDs.

 Technical Details

4. Summer Infant Baby Touch Boost 

Summer Infant Baby Touch Boost Digital Color Video Monitor. Incorporating a 3.5 inch portable color LCD touch screen hand held video monitor, this model uses 2.4 GHz wireless digital technology with a powerful range extending to up to 600 feet (182.88 meters). It comes equipped with advanced features like pan, scan and zoom camera with automatic black and white night vision and on screen temperature monitoring. Parents can soothe baby with two-way audio communication that includes sound activated LEDs. Monitor is expandable to up to three additional cameras. Also includes low battery and out-of-range indicators.

Technical Details

5. Levana Jena

Levana Jena Digital Baby Video Monitor with 8 Hour Rechargeable Battery and Talk to Baby Intercom. Including many features found on more expensive models, this quality product includes a talk-to-baby intercom, temperature monitoring and a 15 foot night vision camera. It also has a 100% private signal ranging up to 500 feet.

Jena named for its long-lasting battery life. Jena™’s monitor will keep working for 8+ hours with the video screen on!

Technical Details

Tips for Parents Who Want to Choose the “Best” Baby Monitor

For many parents, price is no object when it comes to the health and safety of their children. Therefore, they want the “best” baby monitor money can buy. However, what’s best for one home and baby may not be appropriate for another. With the choices available on the marketplace, parents can find a baby monitor loaded with all the features needed to customize an application ideal for their specific needs.

Consider these features:

Combine Sound, Video and Movement into One Monitor

Some deluxe models enable two-way communication so the parent or caregiver can verbally soothe and comfort baby without journeying into the nursery. Some parents may want to record and store images and sounds of baby’s surroundings and caregivers’ actions (think “nanny cam”) for an extra level of security and surveillance. There’s even the capability of monitoring multiple cameras from one hand-held receiver; this technology is compatible with standard wireless security cameras.

Smartphone Apps

The latest innovation in baby monitors is a smartphone app for iPhones and Androids that facilitates wireless surveillance of baby. Monitor a camera-equipped device such a tablet, smartphone or laptop with a smartphone app. Or with wi-fi, the caregiver can simply use a wi-fi modem to transmit video images from a surveillance camera to a personal computing device or wi-fi equipped LCD monitor or TV, thereby eliminating the use of a smartphone or similar item in the nursery.

Wireless Portability

Older model monitors used power cords, making the receiver stationary, and limited caretaker mobility to one room. Nowadays, most monitors are equipped with a wireless, battery-powered receiver with a LCD screen. Its small size (many fit comfortably into one’s pocket) allow the caregiver to carry the monitor throughout the home yet still be vigilant to baby in the nursery.

Be aware that radio interference can degrade the quality of the transmission between monitor and receiver. To eliminate this possibility (and improve security) choose monitors with Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) 6.0 signaling. Originally developed for cordless phones, this technology is ideally suited for baby monitors.

Monitor Transmission Range

Many parents are blessed to dwell in a large, comfortable home. Some live on larger-sized properties or apartment complexes. For these parents, transmission range of a baby monitor is definitely a consideration. Monitors are available that transmit up to 2,000 feet without interference, permitting the caregiver the freedom to move without worry anywhere in the home or garden and yet still be within the range.

Other Options

A low battery light is essential for wireless models. If the batteries of your baby monitor suddenly deplete overnight, baby may be exposed to several hours without parental monitoring. A low battery indicator on the receiver unit will warn caretakers that battery power is weakening before the monitor shuts down. Look for models with power-saving sound activation; this option sends the monitor into standby mode if  no sound is detected.

Also handy is a silent or vibrating option, useful when excessive noise hinders the caretaker from keeping a close eye on the receiver  unit. Should one be vacuuming, working outdoors or immersed in a raucous environment, a receiver can vibrate to indicate that the monitor senses sound from baby’s nursery. No one wants to miss baby crying because the TV or stereo is on.

Another convenience is lighted models. When a quiet atmosphere is required, the receiver can indicate via LED displays the emanation of soft, moderate or loud sound levels from baby’s nursery. Many parents find it much more convenient to use visual alerts instead of audio for monitoring baby’s activities.

Depending upon how noisy or quiet a child is when sleeping, an adjustable sensitivity control allows the caretaker to regulate sound levels to accommodate baby’s sleeping habits and decrease the chances of false alarms.

Conclusion

While this primer has only begun to examine the wide range of baby monitors and their various models, the parent or caregiver should now have an idea of what is available in the market. For the conscientious consumer who wants only the best baby monitor for his or her child, remember that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” product. Compile a list of features that are absolutely necessary as well as desired ones and then compare products side by side. Not only is this is the best way to make an informed choice, the educated consumer can then compare prices of different products.

How to Choose a Baby Monitor

Here is a video by BabyGearLab with some tips about choosing a baby monitor: