Buying Guide: Baby Monitors

A baby monitor can provide security and peace of mind. Based on subtle difference in design and features, it can be challenging to choose the right baby monitor. Here is a guide to choosing the monitor that will be a perfect fit for your family.

What Are My Options?

• Sound Monitoring: Sound monitors will allow you to clearly hear the sounds in your baby’s room. You will be able to wake quickly and tend to your baby’s needs as they occur.
• Video Monitoring: Video monitors relay both sound and picture. Some monitors will allow you to pan around a room or zoom in and out.
• Movement Monitoring: Movement monitors typically operate through a physical sensing mat that is placed under a baby’s mattress. If movement ceases, the monitor will alert the monitor holder with an alarm. Movement monitors must be calibrated ahead of time for optimal functionality.

Should I Purchase Several Monitors?

A monitoring unit will typically include a main power supply as well as a parent unit that can be transferred from room to room. Parent units have limited battery power, which means you will have to recharge your device, move the power supply with you, or invest in a second monitor for continual coverage.

What Is The Range On A Monitor?

The range of a particular monitoring system refers to the distance at which the monitor can function if there are no obstacles between the main supply and the monitor. As you look at ranges, keep in mind that you will mostly likely be using the parent unit in a different room from the main supply.

How Clear Is This Monitor?

Clarity refers to how clearly a video image or sound will be transmitted to your unit from another location. While a higher clarity monitor will allow you to hear subtle sound changes, be prepared for more background noise and static. Some monitors come equipped with sound activation features to filter out irrelevant background sounds.

In general, the sound or video transmitted by a monitor will be less clear the further you get from the corresponding monitor. Wireless phones may interfere with sound quality and produce interference.

How Do Sound-Activated Monitors Work?

Sound-activated monitors can tune out background noises and turn on only when they are triggered by the sound of a baby’s cries. The monitor will automatically amplify these sounds to get your attention quickly.

A sound activation feature may be labeled as “microphone sensitivity,” “sound sensitivity,” “voice activation,” or “background noise filters.”

Sound-activated monitors will typically allow you to hear all of the sounds occurring in a particular room if you choose to engage the monitor’s full capabilities.  You can enable or disable the feature as needed.

How Long Will A Monitor’s Batteries Last?

Most monitors will provide a standard battery life of six hours before a fresh charge is required. A longer battery life will allow you to avoid recharging your device frequently or moving the power supply around with you as you move the monitor.

If you purchase two monitors, you can keep one monitor charged at the main power supply point and keep the other monitor with you as you move through a home. Battery life can lessen over time, but you can invest in new rechargeable batteries to return your monitor to optimal condition.

A quality baby monitor is an essential, both for keeping your baby safe and for providing you peace of mind in caring for your child. There are many different options available when shopping for a baby monitor. Often, the best way to go is with the monitor that feels right for your nursery.

For a great selection of monitors click here.