When you’re not in the same room as your child, a baby monitor has one purpose: to keep an eye on him or her. However, the baby monitor market is crowded these days, with gadgets that do far more than their initial purpose — we’re talking a baby security camera with a variety of functions, from night vision and two-way audio to wearable monitors. That’s true, you can now buy a monitor to track your baby’s heart rate, breathing, and sleep, as well as shoot images and videos, receive temperature and humidity alerts, and more. And, with high-definition video, noise-canceling features, and smart allergy, the technology behind popular baby monitors has evolved.
Comparisons of baby monitors are not apples-to-apples. However, choose the monitor that best meets your needs and test it first – Is it appropriate for the layout and needs of your home? Is it audible and clear? Is the video sufficiently clear? These are a few questions that will help you make an informed choice.
Top 7 Baby Monitors
Types Of Baby Monitors
1) Audio Monitors
Audio monitors are the cheapest but also the most basic sort of baby monitor. They reduce background noise so you can hear your baby. Even if the device is mute, some of these monitors have sound-activated visual indications that assist you in realizing how loud your baby is wailing.
2) Video Monitors
A video monitor is the most frequent sort of baby monitor utilized by most parents. Many parents value the peace of mind that video monitors can bring, thanks to features such as huge screens, night vision, and the option to zoom in on their child.
3) Movement Monitors
Movement monitors, especially ones with a video component help keep an eye on your baby’s movements. They come in the form of a button or a sleeping pad, monitor your child’s body temperature, sleeping positions, and breathing.
4) Wireless Monitors
These digital monitors connect to your existing wireless networks, allowing you to keep an eye on your infant from the comfort of your own home using your smartphone or tablet. You can record your baby’s activity with several of these baby monitors.
BUYER’S GUIDE: Factors to consider Choose the Best Baby Monitor
1) CAMERA AND VIDEO QUALITY
Most decent video monitors now feature HD video, and because you’ll be watching in a dark room, you’ll want something with exceptional night vision. Consider the camera’s lens: more expensive models may include a wide-angle lens that allows you to see the entire cot, a zoom option, or the ability to follow movement and pan and tilt automatically.
2) BATTERY LIFE
If you want to avoid dealing with cables, you might want to go with a battery-operated machine. However, avoid choosing one that quickly depletes batteries, since this can quickly become costly. If you do choose a battery-powered monitor, make sure it has a visible low-battery warning for safety.
3) POWER SUPPLY
Because some monitors (especially video monitors) must be plugged in at all times, make sure you can properly put the baby unit with all cords out of the way of small hands. Audio or “wireless” monitors can be powered by batteries or equipped with a power supply.
4) RANGE
Many baby monitors come with their analog or digital signal built-in. Digital is now the standard, but double-check before you buy. The maximum range of this signal will be listed in the product specifications: this is the distance between the parent unit and the cot or crib.
5) Wi-Fi CONNECTION
While most monitors have their built-in signal, others will link to your home Wi-Fi and have an app you can download to your phone. This offers up a slew of additional possibilities, including improved range, video recording and storage, and maybe the ability to see the live broadcast from various devices (such as a parent unit and a smartphone).
6) CRYING AND MOVEMENT ALERTS
Most movement alerts and tracking are provided by movement monitors and wearables, which keep a watch on your child’s respiration throughout the night. Many of the higher-end video monitors, on the other hand, may be set to wake up – and even capture video – if your baby moves or makes a sound.
7) TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION
Many monitors offer two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with your child via the audio or video unit. Some even have light shows, lullabies, soothing sounds, or white noise playing in the background.
8) EASE OF EXPANSION
Do you have many children or are you thinking about expanding your family in the future? If that’s the case, you might want to seek a system that can be expanded with more cameras. Being able to watch all of your children on a single screen is significantly more convenient than plugging in, charging, and monitoring two or more separate devices.
9) TEMPERATURE AND NIGHT VISION
A room temperature reading is standard on many TV monitors. Because newborns haven’t fully acquired the art of controlling their body temperature, it’s critical to be able to immediately check the room’s temperature. On most displays, night vision is also included.
10) TRACKING
Some baby monitors go beyond merely a monitor and track your baby’s vitals, such as heart rate, breathing, and sleep habits.
11) RADIATION
Baby monitors do emit radiation. Frequency waves are used by any form of transmitting device–whether it’s your phone, a radio, or a baby monitor–to convey messages to the receiver. You should also always read and follow the set-up instructions for your baby monitor because they note the exact distance you should install the monitor away from your baby.
Top 7 Baby Monitors
1. Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
Are you looking for a baby monitor that has an optical zoom lens? Then get this baby monitor with adjustable lens technology and keep an eye on your baby’s every move. You can quickly convert from a standard lens to a zoom and wide lens with this. You can observe your baby’s activities with a 3.5-inch LCD screen because the videos are not pixelated or grainy-textured.
- Durable/ Portable
- The setup is simple.
- High-quality
- A battery that can be recharged
- LED indicators that are actuated by sound
- Up to four cameras can be added.
- Expensive
- No option for recording
2. Eufy SpaceView Baby Monitor
This device’s 2900 mAh battery lasts 17 hours in power-saving mode and 7 hours in display mode. To keep a close eye on your baby’s activities, you can zoom in two times and use a wide-angle lens. Also included is a built-in microphone and speaker for a two-way audio conversation with your child.
- Durable
- Portable
- The battery can be recharged
- Coverage of the entire room
- Expandable multi-camera capability
- Expensive
3. VTech DM112-2 Safe & Sound Digital Audio Baby Monitor
Are you looking for a high-quality audio baby monitor? Then this gadget is ideal for you! This baby monitor comes with two parental units. It eliminates any extraneous sounds that may cause hearing disturbance in the wireless transmission between the two parental units and one kid monitor. The energy source for this baby monitor is two AAA batteries, and the device falls into sleep mode automatically to assist extend battery life.
- Affordable
- Simple to transport
- The outdoor range is good.
- Communication in both directions
- Sound-activated LED indicators
- The battery may not be long-lasting
4. HelloBaby 3.2-Inch Video Baby Monitor
To increase the quality of cordless/wireless technology, this baby monitor with a 3.2-inch LCD screen may be coupled with up to four cameras. With a wide range, this device also has a two-way conversation capability that allows you to talk with your baby and a zoom option that allows you to see your infant up close. It has several beneficial features,
- Long-lasting
- Simple to transport
- Installation is simple, and the night vision is excellent.
- Good range and connectivity
- It’s possible that volume control isn’t easily accessible.
5. SereneLife Wireless Video Baby Monitor
Get this wireless baby monitor with excellent audio quality and a color LCD screen that is crystal clear. The infrared night vision feature allows you to keep an eye on your child as they sleep. This baby monitor has a 24-hour battery life and allows you to schedule push notifications and recordings.
- Durable/Portable
- Activate the alarm system
- Pre-installed lullabies
- Monitoring the temperature in the room has some drawbacks
6. Serene Life Baby Monitor
The Serene Life wireless baby monitor is a child home monitoring gadget that may be taken anywhere. It is equipped with a dual system. It has a built-in microphone speaker that is reliable, convenient, and secure. You can effortlessly speak back to your infant thanks to the two-way communication, and it also extends the wireless range.
- Built-in thermometer helps determine the temperature of the room
- 0.3 MP image processor provides excellent video and picture quality
- Has an intuitive navigation system
- The battery life is not impressive enough
- There is no choice in the settings to lessen the volume
7. Philips Baby Monitor
The Philips Avent Dect baby monitor allows you to keep in touch with your child throughout the day. Because of the long battery life, this monitor has a long operation period. Another feature that distinguishes it is the high range warning, which alerts you when you move too far away from the monitor.
- Has a dependable signal and a high degree of security
- It boasts excellent vision and image quality
- Two power sources are included, as well as a long-lasting and dependable battery
- Allows users to adjust the display and receiver loudness to their satisfaction
- It detects static sounds
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What’s the point of having a monitor?
For any parent, having a baby monitor is a crucial safety net. These gadgets can be used to continuously monitor your baby’s vital signs, especially if they have chronic illnesses like asthma or heart problems that could lead to cardiac arrest and necessitate emergency medical attention.
2) How do you pick the best one for your requirements?
First, select if you want a system that only includes a baby band or one that includes numerous goods, such as baby bands, baby base stations, and baby wristbands allowing parents to be alerted when their child runs out of their line of sight. Another thing to think about is how much money you’re willing to spend right now on this product vs long-term choices because certain systems will give you more flexibility in the future than others.
3) How to mount the baby monitor?
You should either install your baby monitor on a tabletop or on a wall. For better and safe viewing, the baby monitor should be mounted at least 3 ft away from the crib.
CONCLUSION
Taking care of a baby without assistance has never been easy, but modern technology has introduced a slew of new solutions to the market that will benefit new parents. Most of these monitors come with a good range and connectivity that makes them easy to carry and move around in your house.