Rating baby monitor

A newborn has appeared in your family that needs constant parental care. At moments when the child is sleeping, you can give time to home cares or yourself. In order not to disturb children's sleep once again, when entering the room, and always be sure that everything is in order with the baby, surveillance can be entrusted to a modern monitoring device - baby monitors. In this article, we'll look at popular models, their characteristics, the rules for choosing a device and compile a rating of the baby monitor based on user reviews.

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When can not do without a baby monitor?

Someone like this device seems superfluous, but without a baby monitor can not do without harming your personal life and the health of the child in the following cases:

• If you live in a cottage or you have a large apartment, the rooms have good sound insulation. The baby monitor will instantly respond to the child's awakening and crying.
• Being in a country house or in a country house while a child is sleeping, you can safely do the right things in the yard - take care of plants, fry shish kebabs, take air baths, sunbathe, etc.
• Also an indispensable device if your baby sleeps on the balcony orin the courtyard in the fresh air. Baby monitors with the function of monitoring the temperature of the environment will help to notice that the child can freeze.
• If you have pets or older children who can not go to the baby while he is sleeping, the baby monitor will let you know that they have gone there.
• Some baby monitor models are equipped with the baby's breath control function, which is especially useful in the period of baby's illnesses associated with respiratory system diseases - colds with difficulty breathing, asthma, apnea syndrome, etc.
• Baby monitor with night light function will allow the child to cope with nightly fears, and also help to teach the baby to sleep in his room in the crib.
• This device can be useful also when the child leaves the infant age. The baby monitor can be used as a toy-walkie-talkie, or monitor the child during his stay in the playground.

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How the baby monitor works

The baby monitor is a wireless communication device between the child and the mother that works by radio waves using the radio. It consists of two receiver and transmitter blocks:

1. The receiver( parent block) is located at the parents' side.

Important! There are models in which it can be worn on the arm like a watch or fastened to a belt or belt of trousers.

1. The transmitter( children's unit) installed next to the baby catches all sounds and transmits them to the receiver.

Important! The best baby monitor is so sensitive that even if it is at a distance of one and a half to three meters from the baby, it can pass to the parents when the child turns, sneezes, coughs, hiccups, groans, etc. Therefore, the mother can be near the baby by the time whenhe is going to finally wake up and cry.

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How to choose the baby monitor?

There are many models of this device on the market. To understand which baby monitor is better, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the main criteria for making choices.

Surveillance Modes

Baby monitors can have several surveillance modes:

1. Sound - this is the basic mode. The volume of the device can be adjusted or turned off.
2. Light - when the sound mode is turned off, you can continue to monitor in this mode. On the parent block, the corresponding indicator lights up, if the children's unit has caught and started transmitting sounds.

Important! Some models are equipped with not one, but several lamps - the louder the sound in the room of a child, the more their number lights up.

1. Vibrating. This mode of notification is very convenient if the parent unit is worn on the hand or attached with a special clip to the clothes.

Important! Some restless mummies, in order to not miss anything, include two or all three modes at the same time. This affects their psychological state - there is no constant experience for the left "unattended" crumbs, so a woman can calmly engage in planned activities.

Types of communication between the

units. The baby monitors come with one-way and two-way communication:

1. With one-way communication, the mother only listens to the baby and is not able to answer him. This is enough if the device is purchased only to monitor the sleeping child.
2. In the case of two-way communication, the baby can hear what his mother says, you can calm the crumbs. And later, when the child grows up, you can use it to communicate with a child walking alone in the yard. Accordingly - such a baby monitor is better. But it should be noted that models with two-way communication are more expensive, so before buying, you need to determine the tasks that you assign to this device.

Important! The baby monitor can become a means of communication between family members in the country, in the forest, etc. It can also be used as a radio for communication between cars when traveling together in cars.

The range of the baby monitor

The maximum distance at which stable transmission and reception of the audio signal is ensured depends on the model of the baby monitor:

• The average values ​​are 100-150 meters.
• For use in the apartment you can do with a device that operates within 30-50 meters.
• And here for use in the country, in a country house it is better to purchase a more powerful device.

Important! The best baby monitor provides uninterrupted communication between the units at a distance of 300-400 meters. It should be noted that these figures are valid in open areas. In the room they are much less, which is due to the influence on the radio signal of various obstacles in the form of walls, furniture, etc. Also influenced by working electrical appliances.

The baby monitor constantly checks for the connection with the baby, and an alarm signal will sound on the parent unit as soon as the mother leaves the reception area.

Technologies for receiving and transmitting information

According to the technology of reception and transmission of information, baby monitors are divided into digital and analog. Their main differences - as a link and in price.

Analog models - features:

• The main plus of an analog baby monitor is a low cost.
• The disadvantages are susceptibility to interference from other devices, fewer channels, manual tuning and poor communication quality.
• An analog signal is easier to overhear if you set up a normal receiver for the desired frequency.
• Sound distortion is also possible, which is unacceptable for two-sided models.

Important! If the device is needed for use in a small apartment and only to listen to a child, then the analog model is quite suitable.

Digital models - features:

• Digital baby monitor is more secure and of higher quality.
• It transmits a clearer sound, has more channels for tuning and provides a confident reception without interference.
• The advantages of digital models include pure sound, automatic channel switching, no interference and confident reception.
• Less is a high cost.

Important! If you decide to purchase a two-way model, then the best baby monitor is a model with digital communication. The kid will hear the parental voice without distortion and as naturally as possible.

Power sources

Batteries, rechargeable batteries and 220V network are used as power supplies of the audio monitoring system.

Important! The best baby monitor is the one in which both units can operate from all the power sources listed.

Features of each power option:

• If the model works only from the network, then the parents are deprived of mobility, as they will be forced to be near the outlet to which the device is connected.
• In the case when the device only works on batteries, it should be borne in mind that they quickly sit down. Here it will be useful to save energy of batteries - if in the room where the transmitter is installed, for a long time there are no sounds, the baby monitor automatically switches to this mode. When the sounds appear, the child's unit is activated and the audio signal is broadcast to the parent unit.

Important! Both units are equipped with indicators that indicate that the device is connected to a power source. The indicator changes color if the batteries are soon discharged, and then completely dies.

In some models, in such cases, an alarm is issued at the receiver. To communicate with the baby was continuous, you should replace the batteries or switch to alternative power supplies.

Additional functions of

Additional functions of the device should be considered, perhaps your best baby monitor should be equipped with one of them:

• Nightlight. The children's unit, reacting to the child's crying, automatically turns on, and extinguishes itself after a few minutes after the onset of silence. Effectively look luminous toy figures in the form of a bear, a little rabbit, a fairy-tale house, etc.
• Night projector. Light images are projected onto the ceiling, and the child will observe with interest the changing pictures.
• Music box. This function is also turned on automatically, responding to children's crying. To the child quickly calmed down, melodies or sounds of nature are played. Depending on the model, the number of music fragments can be from one to ten.

Important! You will not disturb the baby if you can remotely control the music device and nightlight from the parent unit. Thus, you can adjust the lighting, change the volume of the sound of the melody, without going into the child's room.

• Clock with alarm and timer with countdown. This function is equipped with a parent block. Convenience is that after setting the right time, the device will remind you that it's time to feed your child or give him a medicine.
• Thermometer. A built-in digital thermometer will always show at what temperature a child sleeps. The function is especially useful if the baby is sleeping on the veranda, on the balcony or when the window is open.

Important! Also there are models equipped with sensors for breath control, humidity control, etc. All additional functions affect the cost of the device.

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A bit about the video monitor

The main difference of this device is that not only the sound but also the image is transmitted to the parent unit. The children's unit is a miniature video camera with a microphone, and the receiver is a monitor.

Depending on the model, the main differences are as follows:

• mass of the monitor - from 300 g at the baby monitor of the new generation to 2.7 kg at the simplest and cheapest;
• monitor size - from 1.8 to 5.5 inches diagonally;
• chroma - the image can be black-and-white or color.

Features of work - functions, actions, power:

• The use of infrared technology allows you to work with the baby monitors even in total darkness - the built-in light sensor automatically switches the camera to night vision mode. In this case, a black and white image is transmitted to the receiver.
• Due to the presence of a socket for connecting a TV antenna, it is possible to use the monitor as a mini-TV.
• It is also possible to connect to the AV-input of a TV, VCR, MP3, DVD, CD-player, computer, etc., which will allow you to listen to music, watch movies, programs. In this case, if the smallest sounds appear in the baby's room, the baby's sound and image translation is automatically turned on, because the camera is always monitoring your child.
• In addition, the parent unit can be connected to the TV and watch the child on the big screen. Or to switch to a recorder and record video with the kid's participation unnoticed for him.
• Some models can additionally connect one or three video cameras, which will significantly increase the viewing angle of the baby monitor.
• This device works both from batteries or rechargeable batteries, and from the network.

Important! It should be noted that the baby monitor has less coverage, depending on the model, 90-150 meters in open space.

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Which baby monitor to choose?

To understand what kind of baby monitor is better, the rating of baby monitors will help. Leading positions in the ranking are occupied by manufacturers of Philips, Tomy, Motorola, Switel and Maman. Below are the most popular models of these brands.

Philips Avent SCD505

The first place in the ranking of baby monitors occupies the Philips Avent SCD505 with DECT technology. This very reliable and sensitive model is equipped with such functions:

• The sound quality allows you to hear the slightest rustle or sound in the baby's room. It is possible to adjust the volume of the sound - when set to a minimum, the light indicators will work.
• Protection against interference in the air, thanks to DECT technology. The choice of a channel of 120 free is automatic, the connection is constantly checked and encrypted. Guaranteed that your child will hear only you, and your baby's sounds only you.
• Presence of two-way communication.
• Energy saving function ECO.
• The receiver can work 24 hours without recharging.
• The parent unit has a clip for attaching to clothing or a strap to hang over the neck.
• The receiving range is 330 meters and when the connection is lost, the parent unit warns about it.
• The presence of the night lamp and music box function.

Important! Disadvantages of the model - high price, inscriptions and menus in English.

Tomy Digital TF500

The second place in the ranking of baby monitors is the digital baby monitor Tomy Digital. It is recognized as the best for newborns and has such characteristics:

• Ability to distinguish the voice of the baby from other sounds.
• Protection against interference in the air, thanks to DECT technology.
• Automatically selects the appropriate communication channel from 120 possible.
• Communication range 350 meters.
• Presence of two-way communication.
• Ability to attach the parent unit to the belt.
• Indicators of a light signal( with silent mode), air temperature, low battery charge and loss of communication.
• The power supply of the child's unit is a battery, the parent battery is a battery.
• The presence of a night lamp and the ability to control it using the remote.
• Possibility to complete the baby monitor with one more parent unit.

Important! The disadvantages are the absence of a display.

Motorola MBP 16

Honorable third place in the ranking of the baby monitor occupies the Motorola MBP 16. It is so successful due to the following qualities:

• The ability to transmit a signal without interference, thanks to DECT technology.
• Ability to distinguish the voice of a baby from other sounds.
• Presence of two-way communication.
• Ability to attach the parent unit to clothing using a special clip.
• The communication range is 300 meters.
• The power supply of the parent unit is the battery, the child unit is operating from the network.
• Presence of the function of warning about loss of the communication zone.

Motorola MBP 11

Motorola MBP 11 takes the fourth position in the ranking of baby monitors, they have much in common with the 16th model, but there are differences:

• The range is 300 meters.
• DECT technology for signal purity.
• Sensitive microphone.
• Light indication in silent mode.
• Attachment to the strap on the parent unit.
• Availability of rechargeable battery.
• Loss of communication warning function.

Important! Disadvantages of the Motorola MBP 11 and Motorola MBP 16 are the lack of display and the power of the children's unit only from the network. The fifth most popular in the ranking of the baby monitor is the Maman FD-D601.This analog model is reliable and convenient. Its main functions are:

• Range of action is 300 meters.
• The video on the LCD screen shows what the child is doing - awake or asleep.
• Presence of a temperature sensor.
• Parental and children's units work both on batteries and on the network.
• Lights when silent, discharges the batteries and exits the communication range.
• Power saving function.
• The ability to adjust the volume.
• The presence of a special attachment to clothing.

Important! The disadvantage is the analog type of communication.

Switel BCC 50

Excellent assistant for parents is the monitor of Switel BCC 50 from the Swiss manufacturer. The main characteristics of this model:

• Presence of 8 communication channels.
• Ability to control the volume of the signal.
• The range is 2 km.
• Power saving function.
• Two-way communication.
• Backlit display.
• The device works both on batteries and on the network.

Important! The disadvantage is the high cost.

Having decided on the basic functions that should be equipped with a suitable device, you can easily select the best baby monitor. This acquisition will greatly facilitate your life - you can safely deal with everyday problems while sleeping a child and be sure of the safety of your baby.