A baby monitor is an invaluable way to keep tabs on your little one while you’re out and about. But it’s essential that you select one suitable for your home, parenting style, and baby’s age group.
When selecting audio and video products, there are plenty of choices to consider. Many have additional features like the ability to do a split screen viewing of multiple rooms, for instance. When searching for the ideal option, take into account features like:
Audio
Audio baby monitors are the perfect solution for parents who don’t need video surveillance but still want to hear their child’s cries without disrupting them while they sleep. Grandparents who don’t have time or energy to deal with full-featured baby monitors but still want to check in on their grandchild when necessary can benefit from audio baby monitors as well.
When selecting an audio monitor for your baby’s room, sound quality is the most important consideration, though the split screen feature shouldn’t be ignored either. A clear connection that’s free from static and background noise will enable you to hear all of your baby’s important cries clearly. Furthermore, make sure the audio is transmitted using DECT technology which eliminates interference from other devices in your house as well as close by neighbors.
Another factor to consider is signal range, which can be essential if you live in a large house or spend much time outdoors. Furthermore, make sure your monitor has an extended battery life so that you won’t need to recharge it frequently.
Furthermore, certain models are better than others at capturing sound in noisy rooms. If you have trouble hearing your baby’s cries due to background noise, look for an audio monitor with active noise reduction which helps filter out unwanted sounds.
Some models of audio baby monitors allow you to speak through the parent unit, so that you can communicate with your child. This feature comes in handy as your baby grows, especially if you need to speak to them when not present in person.
You should also take into account whether your audio receiver can be turned off when your baby is sleeping. This helps avoid them waking you up in the middle of the night.
Other features to look for when selecting an audio monitor include a camera that’s easy to view and adjust remotely, and clear transmission. Some models offer physical screens so you can observe what’s going on, while others use wireless signals to relay video to whatever device you control. You should also choose a model which works well in dimly-lit rooms as well as having an extended battery life.
Video
Video baby monitors give you a bird’s-eye view of your infant. Not only can you see them in full HD, but you can also keep an eye on the temperature in their room and hear what they’re up to through two-way talk.
Some Wi-Fi video monitors also come with infrared night vision, allowing you to check on your little one even when it’s dark. Many come equipped with pan, tilt and zoom functions that are useful for spotting movement in the room as well as checking if they’re sleeping soundly without disturbing them with a light.
Models with temperature sensors are available, which will adjust your room’s temperature according to external conditions. This feature is especially beneficial for newborns who often struggle to regulate their body temperatures.
Some of these cameras can be plugged in for charging, saving you money on battery life. On the other hand, other models are portable and can be taken anywhere.
It’s essential that your camera not be placed too close to your baby, which we see on Scoopearth, as they could easily grab at its cable. Ideally, place it above their cot or somewhere on a wall where it won’t be pulled away accidentally.
We especially appreciated that the parent unit’s screen had a vibration alert, notifying us when there was activity in the nursery. This feature comes in handy when guests come over and things get loud, as well as for keeping an eye on your baby while you’re busy taking care of household tasks or catching up with work during the day.
Finally, I appreciated the adaptive night light on this baby monitor which changed colors when dark and turned off when the room’s lights were on. Not only did we save money by not purchasing a separate nightlight, but it made using the device easier for my wife who often works late into the evenings.
The VAVA Wireless Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio is an economical choice that provides all the essentials. It’s reliable, runs smoothly, and is user-friendly for added convenience.
Split Screen Systems
Split screen systems are an ideal way to keep an eye on multiple rooms and children without having to switch back and forth between monitors. This is especially helpful if you have more than one child or kids that like to explore and move around the house.
For optimal viewing pleasure, a split screen monitor should offer an extensive transmission range (approximately 1000 feet). Furthermore, look for cameras with high quality images as poor images can obscure details in the room.
For older children, a pan and tilt feature can be useful to adjust the camera’s angle of view to get a better overview of an area. You may also use zoom function to keep tabs on a baby or toddler.
Some split screen models also come with a night vision feature that lets you see your child even in low light conditions. This can be especially handy if they’re taking naps or waking up during the night.
Models with two-way audio feed allow for easy communication with your child through a voice activated speaker. Some even come equipped with lullabies, making them great for bedtime reading or other quiet activities.
Another advantageous of a split screen system is its time-saving capability; you no longer need to switch between monitors or navigate menus. Furthermore, these types of monitors tend to be more cost-effective than other types.
The VAVA Dual Camera Baby Monitor is an ideal option for parents who want to monitor two children simultaneously. Setting it up is simple, and it comes complete with all necessary accessories like a quick start guide, user manual and warranty extension.
Remote Pan and Tilt function enables you to quickly locate active toddlers, while 4x zoom helps you see when your little one is sleeping. It has an impressive transmission range as well as a long battery life of up to 24 hours.
Wireless
Wireless baby monitors allow you to keep an eye on your little one from anywhere with a mobile app. While these devices tend to be more costly than analog or video models, they provide plenty of functionality such as temperature monitoring and sleep tracking.
Wi-Fi is the most common method for connecting a monitor to a smartphone, though some models use cellular or other connections. This can affect range, lag time and clarity. According to Shapiro, password protecting your network and only giving out your monitor’s password to people you trust are important precautions.
Modern wireless baby monitors typically operate on a 2.4 GHz frequency, which works well with most home devices. Unfortunately, this frequency may be more vulnerable to hacking attacks than older frequencies, so be sure your network is secure before purchasing anything.
If you don’t need Wi-Fi connectivity, audio-only monitors are your ideal solution. Many of them feature a wide range of sound sensitive lights and even the capability of playing white noise or lullabies for improved sleep for your baby.
These budget-conscious options may not be perfect, but they provide more than enough for most parents. They’re easy to set up and can work across the whole house with relatively foolproof security – which can be especially helpful if you have young children who might try to mess with their new device.
Typically, the best wireless baby monitors offer superior video quality, two-way communication and mobile app support. Some even come equipped with night vision cameras – a lifesaver in case your child wakes up during the night!
When shopping for a wireless model, be sure to look one that offers an adequate range. This is especially crucial if you plan to venture outside your home as you don’t want the signal dropping out or being blocked by walls and floors.
The Wyze v2 is one of the most popular monitors on the market, and for good reason: It’s easy to set up and can be shared by multiple family members. Plus, it boasts plenty of useful features like color night vision, two-way audio, as well as smart alerts that track breathing or sleep changes.
