{"id":16388,"date":"2015-07-11T06:45:54","date_gmt":"2015-07-10T23:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/?p=16388"},"modified":"2015-07-11T06:45:54","modified_gmt":"2015-07-10T23:45:54","slug":"how-to-choose-a-baby-monitor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-baby-monitor\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose A Baby Monitor"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"
\n\"Baby<\/a>
\nIf you’re in the market for a baby monitor…either for you or for a friend, you’re in for a surprise. \u00a0There are so many choices today, it’s overwhelming. \u00a0How do you know which one is the best one for your needs…or that of your friend’s? \u00a0It’s enough to make your head spin.<\/p>\n

The first thing to do is to take a deep breath. \u00a0\ud83d\ude42 \u00a0Remember, there was a day before baby monitors even existed and mothers were still able to successfully care for their children. \u00a0So any monitor available today is a help over no monitor.<\/p>\n

I say this out of my own experience. \u00a0I agonized over which monitor to choose, the one that would suit my needs the very best. \u00a0And after buying a baby monitor with a nice video screen to watch my baby, I found I often would forget to take the monitor with me when I went downstairs. \u00a0Nonetheless, I was still able to hear my kids’ cries just fine.<\/p>\n

Today, there are a lot more options, in fact, I searched Walmart.com <\/a>and found over 400 baby monitors! \u00a0Ugh! \u00a0To\u00a0help make the process a little easier, we have put together this baby monitor guide to help you make an more informed choice as to what to look for in a baby monitor to accommodate your anticipated needs.<\/p>\n

Types of Baby Monitors<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are four\u00a0main types of baby monitors:<\/p>\n

\"VTech<\/a>

VTech Safe&Sound DM221-2 DECT 6.0 Digital Audio Baby Monitor with Vibrating Sound Alert $49.98 at Walmart.com<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Audio<\/strong> – allows you to audibly hear your baby and noises s\/he makes. \u00a0Audio monitors work great. \u00a0They allow you to hear your baby and visibly show you their volume too through lights, which is very helpful when you’re having a conversation with someone so you can see at a glance when baby may need you.<\/p>\n

\"Angelcare<\/a>

Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor Deluxe AC401-2P $85 at Walmart.com<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

2. \u00a0Audio with Sensor<\/strong> – comes with a pad you put under your baby’s sheets. \u00a0If the baby doesn’t move for a period of time, you are alerted with an alarm. \u00a0These monitors were created to help people worried about SIDS- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. \u00a0SIDS affected\u00a039.7 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2013<\/a>. \u00a0Fortunately, this number has been steady decreasing.<\/p>\n

\"Levana<\/a>

Levana Jena Digital Baby Video Monitor with 8 Hour Rechargeable Battery and Talk to Baby Intercom $79.99 at Walmart.com<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

3. \u00a0Video<\/strong> – allows you to use the monitor’s receiver to visibly see and hear your baby from another room. \u00a0What mom doesn’t LOVE to see her baby sleep? \u00a0Video is great for watching your baby play quietly in their crib too. \u00a0Be careful though, watching your little one is habit forming and can easily distract you from the chores you were hoping to get done while your\u00a0baby sleeps! \u00a0Though not absolutely necessary, video is a great way to peek\u00a0in on the baby without having to open the door.<\/p>\n

\"WeMo<\/a>

The Belkin NetCam sells for $119.96 at Walmart.com and can be seen from your phone app<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

4. \u00a0WiFi<\/strong> – gives you the added benefit of checking in on your baby via an app at a further\u00a0distance – either from the backyard, a restaurant, or your office.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Top Features<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are many features available on today’s baby monitors. \u00a0Here are some top considerations to take into account…<\/p>\n

Analog\/Digital<\/strong> – Analog signals are cheaper, but the quality is not as good and your privacy can be jeopardized. \u00a0Digital signals convert sound into data so others cannot listen in<\/p>\n

Two-way Communication<\/strong> – gives you the ability for you to speak or sing to your baby, allowing him\/her to hear you<\/p>\n

Plays Lullabies<\/strong> – you can\u00a0play lullabies to sooth your baby<\/p>\n

Sound-Activated Lights<\/strong> – allows you to turn down the volume while you\u00a0vacuum or have a conversation and still see if your baby is crying through the intensity of the lights on the monitor<\/p>\n

Multiple Transmitters <\/strong>– a limited number of baby monitors have multiple transmitters, so you can monitor 2 or more kids’ rooms at once<\/p>\n

Multiple Receivers –<\/strong> some baby monitors offer more than one receiver so you can have one upstairs and one downstairs, for example<\/p>\n

Out-of-Range Indicator<\/strong> – to let you know you have stepped out of range from seeing\/hearing your baby<\/p>\n

Low Battery Indicator<\/strong> – important so you can change batteries before they run out and you don’t realize it<\/p>\n

Belt Clip<\/strong> – allows you to attach a baby monitor to your waistband so you can keep it with you as you go throughout the house<\/p>\n

WiFI\/Internet based\u00a0<\/strong>– a limited amount of “baby monitors” give you access to also watch your baby from your phone or tablet…even when away from the house while someone else is watching the baby. \u00a0Most Internet-based video cameras are not “true” baby monitors and are more surveillance cameras.<\/p>\n

Rechargeable Batteries<\/strong> – look for receivers that are rechargeable and come with a charging station so you don’t need a wired AC connection or need to replace batteries frequently<\/p>\n

Vocabulary<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Here are some helpful terms to know about monitors…<\/p>\n

Range<\/strong> – the number of feet away a receiver\u00a0can still be in contact with its base – some can communicate up to 1,000 feet away, allowing you to possibly even hear your child from your backyard patio<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Night Vision<\/strong> – ability to see your baby when the lights are out, though the picture won’t be as clear<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Room Temperature Sensors –<\/strong> tells you the temperature of the baby’s room<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Interference<\/strong> – can be caused if other items in the house (cordless phones, game consoles, laptops, Bluetooth devices, etc.) share the same radio frequency band<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Frequency<\/strong> – the signal on which the monitor communicates to its base. \u00a0Frequencies vary from 49 megahertz (the cheapest) to 2.4 GHZ to 1.9 GHz (DECT – most expensive)<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
DECT<\/strong> – Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology –\u00a0encrypts the signals between the monitor and its base<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Pan and Zoom Camera<\/strong> – allows you to remotely pan the room and zoom in on details, unlike stationary cameras that cannot move<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why Not Just A\u00a0Camera and Phone?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"SmartCam<\/a>

SmartCam HD Pro $170.32 at Walmart.com<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

Why get a baby monitor at all? \u00a0Can’t you just set up a video camera and monitor the baby from your phone or tablet?<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
You can certainly monitor your baby…and your home this way, although it can be a little more complex and at times unreliable.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Cons<\/span><\/strong>:<\/div>\n
To set up a WiFi camera, you need to know how to connect to camera onto your WiFi network. \u00a0Often times, it’s a detailed code with odd numbers and letters and it can take some time to enter it into the camera’s app…if you even know where you filed away the passcode.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
It’s reliability can suffer due to it’s reliance on an Internet connection and \u00a0possible loads on your home’s WiFi use (due to streaming, gaming, etc.). \u00a0You can rely on your cellular data signal, but if it’s a cloudy day, you may not be able to connect to your camera at home.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Remember, you won’ have the visible signals to let you know if you’re baby is crying. \u00a0Despite using your own supplied monitor (phone or tablet), this option does tend to be pricier than buying a baby monitor with video receiver.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pros:<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n
That being said, using a WiFi camera and an app on your phone is be very rewarding as well, as the range is much further than having to be at your house. \u00a0You can also share the app and viewing privileges with your spouse or even grandparents by allowing logins and private passwords on the app.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Another benefit is that you can add additional\u00a0cameras so you can watch multiple kids’ rooms, the pool, the front, door, you name it all from one app.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Dependent upon the camera you buy, you will be able to pan the room and zoom in on the baby. \u00a0Some cameras even allow you to record, video \u00a0allow for 2-way conversation, have built-in night vision, and you can even be alerted via text or an email when movement is detected.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

A Mom’s Perspective\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Our top recommendations would be to buy a digital baby monitor with sound activated lights and two-way communication.\"Family \u00a0If you’re ultra concerned about privacy, then purchase a DECT monitor. \u00a0The size of your house is important when choosing the range. \u00a0We recommend a range of 800 feet+. \u00a0A stronger signal can get through more walls.<\/p>\n

A video camera is not necessary, but greatly enhances the experience and helps comfort moms in knowing baby is alright. \u00a0It is also beneficial in helping you to assess whether you need to go in and help your baby or watch him\/her self-sooth him\/herself. \u00a0Without a video monitor, you can only gather clues through assessing sounds.<\/p>\n

If you work and a caregiver takes care of your baby, the best option would be a WiFi camera to keep tabs on baby from your phone. \u00a0It’s not the best option for home because your phone\/tablet will eventually shut off and you won’t have an always-on monitor.<\/p>\n

You can find any of these cameras at Walmart.com<\/a> and many baby monitors are in Walmart stores as well. \u00a0If you’re having a baby, Walmart now offers a baby registry <\/a>in stores and online. \u00a0If you see something you like while in the store, you can use the Walmart app to scan it into your baby registry.<\/p>\n

Your friends and family likewise can use the Walmart app (iOS <\/a>and Android<\/a>) and search for your name to buy things off your registry in-store. \u00a0After they buy it, they can scan their receipt and the item matching your registry will automatically be taken on the list to reduce duplicate gifts.<\/p>\n

\"7648-4_WMTS_Look<\/a><\/p>\n

Walmart<\/a> has an expansive supply of baby monitors, furniture, clothing, feeding, and other items to make enjoying and caring for your baby easier.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"walmart<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Not sure which features of a baby monitor would best suit your needs? Concerned about privacy and interference? See our baby monitor guide before you buy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16393,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[793,10,13,14],"tags":[2081,1684,1689,943,2663,1937],"class_list":["post-16388","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accessories","category-how-to","category-kids","category-moms","tag-baby","tag-baby-monitor","tag-cameras","tag-surveillance-cameras","tag-video-cameras","tag-walmart","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/p-content\/themes\/atahualpa342\/images\/articles\/2015\/07\/Baby-Monitor-Basics-Main.png?fit=570%2C315&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16388","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16388"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16388\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16393"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16388"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16388"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnectedmom.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16388"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}