A baby monitor takes the responsibility of watching over your little one naps while you are doing other jobs somewhere around the house. The best baby monitors can be a blessing for anxious parents as they grant a better night’s sleep with less stress and more rest. Even though there are many users complaining about short lifespan battery, audio interference, poor privacy, and short reception range, the newest models are working hard to overcome these issues.
The market might flood you with tons of offerings from audio detection to high-definition video display to wireless features that can connect to your phone and other devices. Therefore this article aims to guide you through this sea of options and at the end of the day you can decide whether or not purchasing a baby monitor.
How many types of baby monitors are there?
As the technology innovation is developing dramatically day after day, today’s baby monitors generation introduces lots of new and advanced features for safer and better protection of your kids. There are many ways to categorize the types of baby monitors, but here we mention the most common division of five monitor types.
Audio Monitors
The sound from your baby’s room, while he/she is sleeping, will be transmitted through audio monitors so you can listen to it. The best audio baby monitor should be able to minimize the background noise while staying focused on sound from the baby. You might prefer ones with a light element such as LED light which will be brighter as the baby cries louder. This means you still can recognize the alarm even when the monitor is on mute. Audio monitors normally cost less than their video partners.
Video and Audio Monitors
With a wall-mounted or tabletop camera, you are able to watch as well as listen to your little baby through a video monitor when using this model. Some advanced features like touch screens or multiple cameras are also worth considering if you have many kids and a big house. Most
baby video monitor reviews Social 2 point out that the size of the receiver’s screen is an important factor of this type. You will want to have a big enough screen that lets you see your little one clearly enough.
Analog Monitors
The signals are sent in a straight shot from the analog monitors to the parents without being encrypted. So sometimes the sound from your baby’s room may interfere with other receivers’ monitor systems in the neighborhood and vice versa.
Digital Monitors
Unlike the analog design, digital monitors encrypt the transmissions before sending it to the receivers and assure higher security. That’s why they are a little bit more expensive than the analog monitors, however, the improvement in sound quality and privacy can justify the pricing difference.
Wireless Monitors
These are baby monitors that work with iPhone, which means they can connect to your wireless network and accept mobile devices or computers as the receivers. High-quality models can even send notifications to your smartphone or tablet whenever there is a change of motion or sound in the baby’s room.
What is the best baby monitor?
The first and foremost factor that makes the best baby monitor is the ability to transmit the signals clearly. Here are several essential features to look for the best baby monitor out there.
Frequency band and DECT technology
Many wireless appliances such as microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, laptops, cordless phones, and other baby monitors share the 2.4GHz frequency band. That’s why if your monitor shares the same band, it will easily get interference from other wireless devices. So you should choose a model with a different frequency band from most wireless products and the DECT (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology. A monitor features DECT will assure to minimize the interference and improve the sound clearness.
Battery
Since it is almost being used all the time, the monitor battery drains pretty fast. Some models even burn through batteries at an unbelievable rate. It’s recommended to use a monitor with an electrical cord and/or rechargeable battery for both the receiver and the part in the nursery. Checking out the baby monitor battery ratings for more insights.
Night vision technology
With the infrared light or "night vision" function, the video and audio monitor enables the view when your baby is sleeping in a dark room. About the audio monitors, some feature a night light in the baby’s room and you can activate it by remote.
Motion and sound detectors
Many monitors are capable of ignoring background sounds and motions so their receivers only turn on when the baby makes strange noises like crying or movements like rolling over. This feature, in addition, helps extend the battery’s life.
Out-of-range indicator
When you reach the limit range of the monitor, it will notify you by a light or beeping sound. Those monitors do not possess this feature might use static as the only indication for out-of-range reception. If your house is large and sometimes you have to go outside to the backyard, for example, consider buying a monitor with a greater range.
What price tag of a baby monitor is?
The price of a monitor relies mainly upon its functionality, even the
best rated baby monitors are no exception. In the case of audio monitors, you have to spend from about $25 to $150 and the price ranges from about $80 to $300 when mentioning video/audio models. The more expensive the price tag, the more features a monitor will have. Nowadays, you can find models with high-definition color monitors, clear night vision, breathing detection, or even vibration ability. You should be a wise buyer as the higher price doesn’t synonym with higher quality.
Useful buying tips
The below tips will help parents to quickly make their mind when choosing their best fit among
top rated baby monitors - The Best baby monitor review.
- Consider Digital over Analog. The signals from digital models are encoded so the sounds and images transmitted are safe.
- The size of your house and your lifestyle matter. For example, you normally have to mute the monitor for working during your baby’s nap time, then a model with LED lights is a good pick. In another case, your house is too big so you will need a monitor with more than one receiver to be sure you are not out of reception range at some places.
- Check out the warranty and return policy. Make sure to purchase the baby monitor from a reliable seller which provides good customer service and allows you to return or exchange the product in case there are any problems. To know which seller is a trustworthy one, you can read baby monitor reviews and ratings.
It’s all about your personal situation when it comes to deciding whether or not to add a baby monitor to your necessary baby care items list. If your house is small or maybe you don’t like that kind of close surveillance, you might see that you won’t need a monitor at all. On the other hand, many parents can only have peace in mind, when they leave their kids sleeping alone, by knowing every change of whimper and movement. Hopefully, you will find this article useful here and there. Thanks for staying with us!
