A baby monitor is like a radio transmitter or walkie
talkie that allows you to keep tabs on your baby or toddler by sound, sight or both.
They come in two parts, the transmitter which is the part that stays near the baby,
usually near the crib and the receiver that stays with you.
Various models have different features and range widely in price. There is usually
one transmitter but there can be two and there are usually one or two receivers,
some are wired, others portable and as small as a cell phone. They allow you a tremendous
amount of freedom to get things done around the house with peace of mind, always
knowing that baby is safe. The monitors also come in handy when caring for a sick
child or adult so investing in a monitor is a good idea; it is a purchase that could
service you for many years. The pricier models can transmit both ways so baby can
hear your soothing voice no matter where you are in the house. Many models can also
run on batteries, some come with rechargeable batteries.
There are a few drawbacks with any electronic device such as interference from concrete
walls, cordless phones, or other types of monitors. Other baby monitors can interfere
with what your monitor receives if you are in close proximity to other people. One
rule of thumb is if you have a 900Mhz portable phone don’t purchase a monitor that
is listed at 900Mhz.
Compactness:
The smaller the model, the more easily you can carry it around the house.
Portability:
If the unit runs on batteries it should have a belt clip to make it easy to carry
with you.
Low-battery indicator:
If batteries run down, you may not hear your baby so look for one that has an alert,
a light is acceptable but an audible alert such as a beep, is even better.
Sound-activated light:
For those times when you are creating your own noise (such as talking on the phone,
vacuuming or watching TV) you might miss your baby's cries but with a sound activated
light you will know something is going on even with the volume turned down.
Double receiver:
Some models come with two receivers- referred to as “parent units” so two people
can monitor baby at the same time or you can leave one in your room and keep one
with you as you move around the house. Some manufacturers allow you to purchase
additional receivers.
Multiple receivers:
Multiple receivers allow you to monitor multiple spaces so if you have more then
one child you can scan as many rooms as you like. However, too many monitors in
one household can cause potentially cause interference.
Correct bandwidth:
Higher-end models offer a wide bandwidth for better clarity which works well for
people who live in areas that are not heavily populated. If you live in close proximity
to your neighbors, such as an apartment building or condominium you may want a lower
bandwidth so you hear your baby but not the neighbors, their cell phones or portable
phones and other monitors. The closer the monitor is to another frequency the more
static Low bandwidth is around 40 Mhz, high band width is around 900 Mhz.
Cost:
Baby monitors range in cost from $40 or even below
to over $200 and generally the lower end models don’t last as long and don’t have
the same level of sound quality. The old adage that - you get what you pay for,
is usually true but when in doubt choose the middle ground. If you want the features
of the higher end video monitors compromise with a smaller, black and white monitor
with less receivers, try to find a model that allows you to upgrade later on.
Additional Features:
More then one channel: good for finding the best reception
Adjustable angle cameras: perfect to create the best access to baby
Auto night sensors: acts as an automatic night light which is convenient for baby
and parent
Wall mountable: handy when the monitor is a permanent fixture or you are in cramped
quarters.
Color coded lights: used on systems with multiple units to monitor different rooms,
allows you to color code each room
Channel auto-scan: finds the best channel for the clearest transmission
Range: gives you the maximum amount of feet that should be between the baby and
the transmitter
Automatic infrared night vision: allows camera in a video monitor to display baby
at night so you can still see as well as hear your baby even late at night
Power saving mode for receiver: the same as with a computer, when no activity is
present the receiver goes into a lower mode to save on battery life.
Video cable: a very interesting feature on higher end models that allows you to
see your baby on your TV
Look for the monitor that fits your lifestyle and your budget. The following examples
will give you some idea of what you might like:
Fisher-Price Sounds 'n Lights Monitor (Approx. $20.00)
Basic features common to higher end models plus a night-light on the transmitter
and a low battery indicator. Also, has five LED sound lights to see baby's call,
volume control, AC/DC operations and a power light. This is a good basic audio monitor
from a well known company.
First Years 49 MHz Two Receiver Monitor(Approx. $36.00)
Audio only-includes 2 receivers, a 450 foot range, high quality speakers and 2 channels.
Belt clips, sound lights can be wall mounted. There is a battery power option and
2 A/C adaptors are included. Monitor works on a lower band width - excellent for
people who live in close proximity to other people, or other electronic devices
that could interfere with the unit’s reception.
Fisher-Price Ready 2 Wear Monitor(Approx. $60.00) Small
digital monitor with wristwatch sized receiver. This model features multiple strap
options including wrist and arm band with clip and utilizes clear-channel technology
and sound lights. It’s the perfect choice for the techie-minded parent who wants
ultra portability on a lower budget.
Summer Infant Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor
(Approx. $165.00) This is a technologically savvy video monitor that is small, lightweight
and has a 1.8 inch color screen. Features night vision, two channel reception, a
350 ft. range, belt clip, power saver and a rechargeable battery. This monitor is
definitely an excellent higher end choice.
Safety 1st High-Def Digital Color Video Monitor(Approx.
$236.00) High-Def Digital Color state-of-the-art video monitor with wideband audio
clarity means no dropped picture or sound, no interference and a 650 foot range.
Features auto-night vision, auto channel selector, secure sound lights, low battery/out
of range indicators, rechargeable parent unit with belt clip and baby unit is battery
operated or can be plugged in. This is a wonderful high end video monitor designed
for years of use.
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