A monitor lets you keep a watchful ear or eye on your baby that’s resting or sleeping in another room... and lets you have some peace of mind that your little one is safe and sound!
Audio ONLY • Monitors sound in the room. Typically, the transmitter goes in the nursery near the crib and gets plugged into the wall. The parent unit can be plugged into the wall (in the bedroom, for example) or can run on batteries (if it will be moved around the house). Many models either come with two parent units or can be expanded to include two or more.
Audio/Video • Monitors sound and transmits video as well.
Motion Detection • Some models incorporate a motion detector that goes under the mattress and alerts the parent or caregiver if the baby is still for too long.
Frequency Band The closer the monitor’s frequency is to that of another device, such as a cordless phone, the more likely you’ll hear static or cross talk. Always consider what other wireless devices you run in your home. A 2.4 GHz monitor may seem superior to a 900 MHz model, but not if you are running cordless telephones – or a wireless connection – on the same frequency.
DECT Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications – a frequency band (1.9 GHz) reserved exclusively for voice-only applications by the Federal Communications Commission.
Multiple Channels Some monitors offer only two channels; others, as many as 60. Changing channels can often eliminate interference from other wireless devices. Some models use an “auto-select” feature to automatically find a free and secure channel.
Sound Lights Many models have lights that turn on when the baby makes a sound – the louder the cry, the more lights light up. This feature is very helpful in a noisy room and it allows you turn the volume down and still know when your baby is crying.
Vibrate Alert Some new models have a "vibrate" feature, similar to that found on cell phones or pagers, to quietly alert you when your baby is awake or crying. This can be helpful in noisy environments, but the parent unit has to have contact with the caregiver – either in a pocket or strapped to the waist.
Out-of-Range Indicator A light or beep that lets you know you’ve reached the range limit of the monitor. Models without this feature emit static when they are out of range, but this is not as definitive as an out-of-range indicator.
Low-Battery Indicator Typically, the transmitting unit (in the nursery) is plugged into the wall and the parent unit runs on batteries (if it’s going to be moved around the house). Some models have a light or an icon on an LCD display that lets you know the batteries in your parent unit are running low.
Extra Parent Unit If you have two parent units, you can keep one receiver near your bed and use the other around the house – or both caregivers can listen at the same time.
Walkie-Talkie Some models with more than one parent unit allow you talk through the receivers.
Intercom This feature allows you to remotely speak to your child in his crib by pushing a button on the parent unit.
Auto Playback or Music Allows you to record a voice message for your baby or play lullabies or other soothing music.
Expandability Some models can be expanded to add more cameras, a VCR, or web cam so the system covers more areas in your house. Others have additional parent units you can buy.
Parent Unit Finder If you’ve lost the parent unit, you can press a button on the child unit to make the parent unit beep. However, the parent unit must be turned on for this feature to work – and if you leave the parent unit on, the batteries may go dead before you find it.
Some monitors can be attached to the crib rail – which makes it possible for the transmitter to either fall into the crib accidentally or to be pulled in by the baby. However, since nearly all of the monitors can clearly pick up your baby’s sounds five feet away or more, there is little reason to attach the transmitter at all.
Also, for your “social” safety, make sure that you watch what you say when up in your baby’s room. If you have guests in another room (where you left the parent unit), they might be able to hear you! Also, if you have an analog monitor, a neighbor might be listening in on the same frequency. (Note: Some video monitors share frequencies as well, and you might find that one channel shows the nursery – of your neighbor! Which means that they might be able to see yours, as well.)
Uses DECT technology and offers an intercom feature so you can hush your baby back to sleep without even entering his room. Philips also makes a cordless phone that uses DECT and does not interfere with the baby monitor. (And we like the look to this monitor – especially the cool round base!)
900MHz BabyCall Nursery Monitor NTM-910
Features auto playback/music so you can record a voice message for your baby or play lullabies or other soothing music.
iMonitor Digital Baby Monitor 2795DIG
Audio/Video • Monitors sound and transmits video as well.
Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor 1.8" Screen
Operates on 900 MHz frequency. Features indoor and outdoor range of more than 650 feet, auto night vision, auto channel selector, low battery and out-of-range indicators, and rechargeable parent unit with belt clip.
High-Def Digital Video Monitor
Features auto playback/music so you can record a voice message for your baby or play lullabies or other soothing music.
Baby Camera Monitor
We wish this one was available in the US! Isn't it just adorable?
Motion Detection • Some models incorporate a motion detector that goes under the mattress and alerts the parent or caregiver if the baby is still for too long.
Angelcare Movement Sensor with Sound Monitor
Features a motion sensor that goes under the mattress pad to monitor baby’s movement.
