Best Baby Products | baby monitor buying guide

Baby Monitor Buying Guide

Monitors

Basics
Types
Features
Age Range
Safety Tips
Cost Range
Buying Tips

Basics
Although a monitor is not a necessity, it can give you the added reassurance of monitoring your baby when you aren't (can't be) in the same room. Monitors allow parents to keep an eye - or an ear - on their child even when they're not in the same room. The location of your baby's nursery will decide which monitor is best suited to your specific needs. You may need a monitor with a wide transmittal range, one that offers interference blockage, one which allows you to view your baby or one that monitors your baby's movements.

Types
Audio: The basic Audio Monitor lets you listen to your baby from another room. The unit consists of two parts, a transmitter which sits near the baby, and the receiver or parents unit which you take with you from room to room to hear all of your baby's sounds. Some models feature multiple receivers for 2 parents and even a clip to attach the receiver to your belt.

Audio/Movement Monitors: For added reassurance, an Audio/Movement Monitor features a sensor pad to place under your baby's mattress to detect movements and breathing. The unit features 3 parts: a transmitter, receiver or parents unit, and a sensor pad. Although this monitor does detect breathing, it should not be considered a preventional method for SIDS.

Audio/Video: The Audio/Video Monitor allows you to both hear and visually monitor your baby. The unit consists of a small video camera and a black-and-white television set. The camera can be positioned near your baby's crib on a bedside table or wall mounted. The camera records all of the movements and sounds your baby makes and then transmits the information to the screen. Some models feature VCR connections to enable you to permanently record all of your baby's precious movements. Other models use infrared technology, similar to night vision, to enable viewing of your infant in the dark.

Features
Frequency: Audio Monitors transmit sound signals through radio waves and operate on frequencies. Frequency gives you an approximate measurement of how far the transmitter can be away from the receiver and the range at which you will get the least interference. Different monitors feature channel selections so that you can choose a channel with the least interference. The least expensive monitors operate on 49 MHz frequency. However, the minimal channel choices will leave you prone to interference from cordless phones and even other nursery monitors. Monitors operating on 900 MHz are less susceptible to interference and offer a further transmittance than the 49 MHz. The 2.4 GHz offers the widest range possible and is just starting to be used in Audio/Video Monitors.

Low Battery Indicator: Audio Monitors that are battery operated or have rechargeable bases should have a low battery indicator light and/or sound. The light and/or beep will remind you to either change worn batteries or recharge the unit.

Power Source: Transmitters and/or receivers that are battery operated while allowing for easy portability. However, they will cost you more money in long run by having to replace worn out batteries. Some models use rechargeable batteries or A/C adapters. The most efficient feature rechargeable bases for both the transmitter and receiver.

Visual Sound Indicators: Some monitors feature red indicator lights in a light display or sound bar that flashes each time your baby makes a sound. The longer bar of light indicates a more intense sound. This feature is particularly useful when vacuuming or doing another chore which would prevent you from hearing your baby's cries.

Age Range
Each type of monitor has a different age range. Audio Monitors can be used from newborn through the toddler years. Some models even feature a portable transmitter that be clipped to your ever curious toddler for 2 way communication. Audio/Movement Monitors use sensor pads which limit the monitoring of your baby to the crib. Audio/Video Monitors can monitor your newborn through the toddler years. Although once your little one is mobile, it becomes more difficult to visually monitor your baby using the camera.

Safety Tips

Keep the monitor safely tucked away from your baby and out of reach as the adapter and cords could pose a strangulation risk.
Using a monitor in a bathroom or kitchen could pose electrical hazards if located near water.
Do not leave your baby unattended for extended periods of time, even with the monitor.
Although a monitor is a useful tool, it cannot replace the best monitor of all, you.

Cost Range
Monitors range in price from the low $20's to as high as $400. Audio Monitors start at about $20 for a basic model. The price increases with additional features such as multiple channels and a higher frequency. Audio/Sound Monitors start at $115 and Audio/Video Monitors start at about $200. At any cost, no dollar amount can be placed on the added peace of mind a monitor gives you.

Buying tips

Purchase a monitor with a rechargeable receiver to avoid spending on batteries that will wear out quickly.
Low battery indicator lights are important for monitors that run on batteries and rechargeable receivers.
Volume controls are useful for those times when you don't need or want to hear absolutely every slight noise your baby makes.
Lightweight and compact receivers are easily portable and may even include a belt clip.
Research the frequency of each monitor before purchasing to ensure the best reception for your needs. Flexible antennas on both the transmitter and receiver are a good way to ensure a clear signal.
Monitors that feature multiple channels help cut down on interference.
Infrared technology in an Audio/Video Monitor is important if you would like to monitor your baby even in the dark.

Browse our selection of Baby Monitors