The joy and excitement of motherhood are unlike any other experiences, but the preparation for the coming of your child is a meticulous aspect of becoming a parent.
Bottom-line: You have to do it correctly. This reason is why baby monitors are one of the most key purchases that soon-to-be parents make for their new child.
A baby monitor allows you to keep tabs on your baby while you are away from them. Buying a baby monitor may be one of the best investments that a parent could make since these devices do not only offer safety to their child but also offer a peace of mind for the parents.
In the Post
- Best Baby Monitor Buying Guide
- Our Top 10 Best Baby Monitors
- 1. VTech DM221 Digital Audio Baby Monitor
- 2. Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
- 3. Smilism Video Baby Monitor
- 4. Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor with Temperature Sensor
- 5. Snuza Hero Baby Movement Monitor
- 6. Willcare Baby Monitor
- 7. Honrane 3.2inch Video Baby Monitor
- 8. Philips AVENT DECT Baby Monitor
- 9. iBaby Monitor M6S 1080p Digital Baby Monitor
- 10. Wansview Home Camera
- Wrap-up
Best Baby Monitor Buying Guide
When it comes to baby monitors, there are numerous brands, options, and models available, covering all kinds of functions you never knew you needed, which is why choosing the right one can be a little perplexing. Here we will go through 5 factors that you need to take into account when buying the right baby monitor.
Before you start searching for the perfect baby monitor, do note that baby monitors fall into three main categories.
Traditional Audio Baby Monitors
These alert the parents when the baby starts crying or seems uncomfortable or restless. Things to look for in a traditional audio baby monitor:
- Number of channels
- Rechargeable parent unit
- Belt clip for portable convenience
- Light display on the parent that shows noise level even if the sound is turned down.
- Low battery indicator
- Night light on baby unit
- Two-way transmission – so you can talk to your baby from the parent unit.
- Temperature gauge – keep in mind that the ideal nursery temperature is around 18C (65F)
Audio/Visual Monitors
These baby monitors take this step further by allowing the parents to hear and see their child. Audio/visual monitors comprise of a camera with a microphone and a receiver unit with a speaker and TV screen. Here’s what you should look for in an audio/visual baby monitor:
- Night Vision: Sounds obvious but some don’t have this feature! This feature is essential for nighttime viewing.
- Number of Channels: Assists you in finding the best channel but can also allow you to add additional cameras later.
Sensor Baby Monitors
Also referred to as respiratory baby monitors, sensor monitors offer peace of mind to parents by instantly alerting them of any changes in their baby’s breathing patterns (if it becomes uneven or stops altogether)
- Mattress Type: Some sensor baby monitors don’t work properly with a spring mattress, so make sure the one you buy isn’t such.
- Mattress Thickness: Check your mattress thickness. Some are allowed for thicknesses up to 12cm and some for around 14cm.
- Mattress Base: Sensor baby monitors work best on a flat base, which should be no problem with a cot. However, if you plan to use it in a Moses basket, put the basket on a flat base.
Our Top 10 Best Baby Monitors
1. VTech DM221 Digital Audio Baby Monitor
VTech DM221 is an attractive white and silver baby monitor that makes use of DECT 6.0 digital technology that allows for excellent sound quality.
Special Features
- DECT 6.0 offers crisp and clear transmission, eliminating any white noise you hear from other analog monitors.
- 5-level sound indicator to help you visually monitor the level of sound in the baby’s room
- Belt clip to go hands-free
- Parent unit can be set to beep if link is lost and rechargeable battery is low
- Rechargeable battery
The sound is so crystal clear and allows you to hear every little noise your baby or the surroundings make.
Furthermore, the battery lifespan is an impressive 18 hours, and the monitor has a vibrating sound and a 5-level sound indicator so you can see the sound level in your child’s room. Plus, the nightlight is also a great addition.
Pros
Cons
None
2. Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
The Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor has an easy-to-use parent unit, an automatic pairing system for devices, and a long battery life.
Special Features
- Large 3.5 inches full-color LCD in a compact and sleek unit with a retractable antenna, as well as a sound-activated, LED display
- Remote pan, digital zoom, and tilt
- Long battery lifespan – 6 hours with screen on and 10 hours with power-saving mode
- The monitor comes with one Optical Zoom Lens. However, you will have to purchase Wide Angle Lens separately
- First-ever monitor that features an interchangeable optical lens capability – enabling you to zoom and customize the viewing angle
- Convenient quick-key volume, alarm function, brightness controls, battery power indicator, temperature indicator and out-of-range warning
- Built-in data encryption for extra security
It is one of the bestselling and most reliable baby monitors in the market today, and the brand, Infant Optics, is the first ever to produce baby monitors that feature an interchangeable optical lens capability, which means you can tailor the viewing angle for the particular environment. The baby monitor can also be paired with an add-on camera unit.
Pros
Cons
3. Smilism Video Baby Monitor
The monitor allows you to keep a watchful eye on your baby from wherever you are.
Special Features
- Two-way audio communication, whether it from within the house, from work or anywhere you are.
- Features a pothook shelf, and it can be set at 360 degrees without a lot of effort.
- Very easy to use. All you need to do is plug in the device, press the button at the back, and you are good to go.
- Accurate temperature monitor that provides you the correct information regarding the temperature condition in your home. This way, you can make sure that the baby sleeps in a room that is neither too hot nor too cold.
- Can connect up to 4 cameras. And since Smilism doesn’t sell cameras separately, we recommend Anmeate Add-on Camera (Child Unit) to customers who are looking to buy additional cameras, which are sold separately and are a good choice.
It features a two-way communication audio that lets you talk to your baby and even hear them laugh, play and sing. Whether you are taking a stroll in the garden, cooking in the kitchen or sipping tea in the balcony, you can rest assured knowing that your baby is safe and well.
The monitor also features automated infrared night vision to monitor your child in lowlight conditions and also facilitates multi-camera expandability. Lastly, the temperature sensor ensures that your baby is always comfortable.
Pros
Cons
4. Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor with Temperature Sensor
This is another unit that picks up every little sound your baby makes and also alerts you to their cries.
Special Features
- DEC technology ensures crystal clear sound and zero interference, with a range up to 300 meters.
- Nightlight, lullabies, and a talkback system all make it a comfortable experience for your child.
- Temperature indicator makes sure the temperature in your baby’s room is not extreme.
- Docking station and vibration alert for the parent unit
This system uses DECT technology, which is a completely secure and private connection, guaranteeing total privacy and zero interference. You don’t have to worry about your neighbors accidentally tuning into your monitoring frequency.
Moreover, Philips Avent features a two-way talkback communication system that can be used within a range of 330 meters. This means you can monitor all your house without having to worry about going out of range.
It also comes with a customizable temperature sensor with a vibration alert, along with optional lullabies and a night light.
Pros
Cons
You may also like: Avent Nipple Sizes
5. Snuza Hero Baby Movement Monitor
This Monitor is a wearable monitor that attaches to your baby’s diaper and tracks their abdominal movement while they sleep.
Special Features
- After 15 seconds of no abdominal movement, the monitor starts to vibrate gently to help rouse the baby
- If no abdominal movement is detected for 20 seconds, the audible alarm starts ringing
- The baby monitor features a 3.6-volt lithium-thionyl-chloride battery
- Alert type includes: low battery, movement ticks, and movement indicator lights
It a lightweight and portable baby monitor that features a unique vibration stimulation and an audible alarm that beeps in case movement is not detected.
Pros
Cons
6. Willcare Baby Monitor
Willcare is just one of the many companies that have mastered the art of baby monitors. Their baby monitors have been around for a long time, and they are best known for their two-way communication monitors.
Special Features
- The Talk-back features help comfort your baby and offer you more freedom.
- Noise reduction eliminates the slightest sound in the background. The audio quality also helps you hear every little sound your baby makes.
- The operating range could be up to 160 feet indoors and 1000 feet outdoors.
- The parent unit features a 600mAh rechargeable battery and offers a lifespan of around 20 hours
- Other commendable features include connection loss alarm, low battery alarm, a belt clip, and a one-year warranty.
This device uses wireless technology with a signal strength of 2.4 GHz, which allows you to talk to your child even from remote locations. Plus, it keeps the transmission secure and secret, and also comes with a noise-reduction mic that delivers a crisp and clear sound with zero interferences like static or white noise.
The night light on the top of the monitor can be used to comfort the baby in darkness, and the light button can be easily controlled through the button resent on both the parent and baby unit.
Pros
Cons
7. Honrane 3.2inch Video Baby Monitor
This is a wireless baby monitor that enables you to keep an eye on your child from anywhere in the house.
Special Features
- Temperature sensor system
- two-way audio
- 100% security and privacy thanks to 2.4 G wireless digital encryption transmission
- Plug & play
- 900ft signal
- Comes with 8 lullabies, volume adjustable
It is equipped with a two-way talk back audio system so that you comfort and talk to your child in real time. An extremely user-friendly unit, all you need to do is plug the camera and switch on the power button.
You can also manually rotate it around 360 degrees, up or down 120 degrees, and put it anywhere that offers you the 360-degree view that you are going for. The 3.2“ crystal high contrast color display with advanced automatic infrared night vision allows you to keep a close eye on your child whenever you desire.
Pros
Cons
8. Philips AVENT DECT Baby Monitor
This Philips Monitor allows you to stay connected with your baby 24/7. This reliable unit features a long operating time, crisp, clear sound quality, and a very soothing night light that will surely comfort your baby in the darkness.
Special Features
- DECT technology promises a crystal clear sound with zero interference, with a range around 300 meters.
- Parent unit is battery or outlet powered
- Features a comfort night light
- Five sound-activated LED lights to indicate sound level
- Variable volume control allows you to adjust the volume to your preferences. To hear over noisier activities, all you need to do is turn up the sound, or dial it down during quieter times.
- Completely wireless. The entire system is wire optional. Both the parent unit and the baby unit run on batteries.
Furthermore, the monitor’s range warning, its convenient battery, and sound-level indicators will keep you informed, so you are always in touch with your tiny tot.
With up to 300 meters outdoors and 50 meters indoor range, Phillips Avent DECT is a great tool to check up on your baby at most times.
Pros
Cons
9. iBaby Monitor M6S 1080p Digital Baby Monitor
iBaby Monitor allows you to follow your child’s every move in a 360 view and 110 degrees tilt!
Special Features
- 1080P full HD video crisp resolution
- Night vision
- Supports dual-band Wi-Fi routers
- Allows you to play lullabies and bedtime stories, snap photos, record videos, listen and talk.
- Comes with a free Android and iOS app with free parenting education stories and baby care tips
The monitor moves gradually in response to your finger’s movement on your smart device display. With this unit, you can receive sound alerts in real-time, play lullabies, record your voice, connect your iTunes music, post, and share pics, and enjoy numerous other features.
Pros
Cons
10. Wansview Home Camera
The device is a delicate Wi-Fi camera for monitoring your baby, pet, elder employees, and nanny.
Special Features
- Vivid 720P HD allows you to see crystal clear images
- With an outstanding audio quality, you can easily hear what is happening in your home
- Excellent night vision enables you to see 20 feet in the dark.
- Automatic infrared lights allow you never to miss a beat
With a 720P HD video, ¼ inch CMOS sensor and H264 image compression, this home surveillance offer great money value considering it costs under $50.
Furthermore, it features an easy setup system “one key Wi-Fi configuration,” a 120-degree viewing angle, and can be easily mounted on the ceiling, the walls, the tables and almost any other place in the house.
Pros
Cons
Wrap-up
Choosing a monitoring system for your baby can be pretty complex given the fact that most of them these days come with so many options. There are baby monitors that do their basic job, while others offer numerous extras, most of which we don’t need.
When buying the right baby monitor, you should primarily take into account factors such as its size, audio/video quality, and other features that are genuinely helpful, such as a wall hook, a night light, a belt clip, etc.
Don’t get carried away and splurge on a product that you know packs luxury features, features that won’t be of much use to you. Taking your time to assess the kinds of features and aspects you would want in your monitoring system is important so that you can begin your search for the best baby monitor.
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