Baby Monitor Rating





A newborn has appeared in your family who needs constant parental care. In moments when the baby is sleeping, you can take time to do household chores or yourself. In order not to disturb the child’s sleep once again, going into the room, and always be sure that everything is in order with the baby, you can trust the monitoring with a modern control device - baby monitors. In this article we will look at popular models, their characteristics, rules for choosing a device and make a rating of baby monitors according to user reviews.

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When not to do without a baby monitor?

To someone, such a device will seem overkill, but you can’t do without a baby monitor 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 area of ​​the apartment, the rooms have good sound insulation. The baby monitor will allow you to instantly respond to the awakening of the child and crying.
• While in the country or in a country house, while the child is sleeping, you can calmly do the necessary things in the yard - take care of the plants, fry the barbecue, take air baths, sunbathe, etc.
• It is also indispensable if your baby sleeps on the balcony or in the yard in the fresh air. Baby monitors with the function of controlling the ambient temperature will help you notice that the child may freeze.
• If you have pets or older children who should not go to the child while he is sleeping, the baby monitor will let you hear that they have gone there.
• Some models of baby monitors are equipped with the function of monitoring the child’s breathing, which is especially useful during illnesses of the baby associated with lesions of the respiratory system - colds with difficulty breathing, asthma, apnea syndrome, etc.
• A baby monitor with nightlight function will allow the child to cope with nightly fears, and will also help to teach the baby to sleep in his room in the crib.
• This device can be useful even when the child is out of infancy. The baby monitor can be used as a walkie-talkie, or to control the child during his time on the playground.

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The principle of the baby monitor

A baby monitor is a wireless communication device between a baby and a mother, operating via radio waves on the principle of a walkie-talkie. It consists of two blocks - a receiver and a transmitter:

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

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.

2. A transmitter (children's unit), installed next to the baby, picks up all the sounds and transfers 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 tell parents when the baby is tossing and turning, sneezing, coughing, hiccuping, groaning, etc. Therefore, the mother can be with the baby by the time he is going to finally wake up and cry.

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How to choose a baby monitor?

There are many models of this device on the market. To understand which baby monitor is better, you need to familiarize yourself with the main criteria by which to make a choice.

Observation Modes

Baby monitors can have several observation modes:

1. Sound - This is the main mode. The volume of the device can be adjusted or muted.
2. Light - when the sound mode is turned off, you can continue monitoring in this mode.The corresponding indicator on the parent unit lights up if the child unit has caught and began to transmit sounds.

Important! Some models are equipped not with one, but with several bulbs - the louder the sound in the child’s room, the more they light up.

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

Important! Some restless mothers, in order not to miss anything, turn on two or all three modes at the same time. This affects their psychological state - there is no constant worry about the baby left “unattended”, so a woman can calmly do the planned things.

Types of communication between blocks

Baby monitors come with one-way and two-way communication:

1. With one-way communication, the mother only listens to the baby and does not have the opportunity to answer him. This is sufficient if the device is purchased only to monitor a sleeping child.
2. In the case of two-way communication, the baby can hear what his mother is saying, you can calm the baby. And later, when the child grows up, it can be used to communicate with the child walking independently 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 decide on 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 walkie-talkie for communication between cars when traveling together on cars.

The range of the baby monitor

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

• On average, indicators are 100-150 meters.
• For use in the apartment, you can do with a device that operates within 30-50 meters.
• But 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 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 smaller, due to the influence of various obstacles in the form of walls, furniture, etc. on the radio signal. Working household appliances also have an effect.

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

Information reception and transmission technologies

According to the technology of receiving and transmitting information, baby monitors are divided into digital and analog. Their main differences are in the quality of communication and in price.

Analog Models - Features:

• The main plus of the analog baby monitor is its low cost.
• The disadvantages include susceptibility to interference from other devices, fewer channels, manual tuning and poor communication quality.
• It is easier to eavesdrop on an analog signal if you tune a regular receiver to the desired frequency.
• Sound distortion is also possible, which is unacceptable for two-way models.

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

Digital models - features:

• The digital baby monitor is protected and of higher quality.
• It transmits cleaner sound, has more channels for tuning and provides reliable reception without interference.
• The advantages of digital models include clear sound, automatic channel switching, no interference and reliable reception.
• The downside is the 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 parent voice without distortion and as naturally as possible.

Power supplies

The audio control system uses batteries, rechargeable batteries and a 220V network as power sources.

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

Features of each food 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 operates only on batteries, it should be borne in mind that they quickly drain. This will prove to be useful for saving energy of batteries - if there is no sound in the room where the transmitter is installed for a long time, the baby monitor automatically switches to this mode. When sounds appear, the child’s block is activated and transmits an audio signal to the parent block.

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 goes out.

In some models, in such cases, an alarm sounds at the receiver. In order for communication with the baby to be continuous, replace the batteries or switch to alternative power sources.

Additional functions

You should consider the additional functions of the device, perhaps your best baby monitor should be equipped with one of them:

• Night light. The children's unit, responding to the crying of the child, automatically turns on, and automatically goes out after a few minutes after silence. Luminous toy figures in the form of a teddy bear, a hare, a fairy-tale house, etc. look spectacular.
• Night Light Projector. Light images are projected onto the ceiling, and the child will be watching with interest the changing pictures.
• Music Box. This feature also turns on automatically in response to baby crying. So that the child calms down faster, melodies or sounds of nature are played. Depending on the model, the number of musical fragments can be from one to ten.

Important! You do not disturb the baby if it is possible to remotely control the music device and nightlight from the parent unit. Thus, you can adjust the lighting, change the volume of the melody without entering the child’s room.

• Clock with alarm clock and countdown timer. This function is equipped with the parent unit. The convenience is that by setting the right time, the device will remind you that it is time to feed the baby or give him medicine.
• Thermometer. The built-in digital thermometer will always show at what temperature the baby is sleeping. The function is especially useful if the baby is sleeping on the veranda, on the balcony or with the window open.

Important! There are also models equipped with sensors for breathing control, air humidity control, etc. All additional functions affect the cost of the device.

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A bit about video nannies

The main difference of such a device is that not only sound, but also 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, their main differences are as follows:

• monitor weight - from 300 g for new-generation video nannies to 2.7 kg for the simplest and cheapest;
• monitor size - from 1.8 to 5.5 inches diagonally;
• color - the image can be black and white or color.

Features of the work - functions, action, nutrition:

• The use of infrared technology allows video nannies to work even in complete darkness - a built-in light sensor automatically puts the camera in night vision mode. In this case, a black and white image is transmitted to the receiver.
• Due to the presence of a jack 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. At the same time, if even the smallest sounds appear in the baby’s room, the broadcast of the sound and the baby’s image will automatically turn on, because the camera always watches your baby.
• In addition, the parent unit can be connected to a TV and watch the child on a large screen. Or commute to the recorder and record a video with the baby unnoticed by him.
• One or three video cameras can be additionally connected to some models, which will significantly increase the viewing angle of the baby monitor.
• Such a device works both from batteries or rechargeable batteries, and from the network.

Important! It should be noted that the nanny has a smaller range - depending on the model, 90-150 meters in open space.

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Which baby monitor to choose?

To figure out which baby monitor is better, the rating of baby monitors will help. The leading positions in the ranking are occupied by manufacturers Philips, Tomy, Motorola, Switel and Maman. Below we consider the most popular models of these brands.

Philips Avent SCD505

The first place in the ranking of baby monitors is held by the Philips Avent SCD505 baby monitor with DECT technology. This very reliable and sensitive model is equipped with the following features:

• The sound quality allows you to hear the slightest rustle or sound in the baby's room. It is possible to adjust the sound volume - when set to minimum, the indicator lights will work.
• Protection against interference on the air thanks to DECT technology. Channel selection from 120 free channels is carried out automatically, communication is constantly checked and encrypted. It is guaranteed that your child will hear only you, and the sounds of your baby only you.
• The presence of two-way communication.
• ECO energy saving function.
• The receiver can work 24 hours without recharging.
• The parent unit has a clip for attaching to clothes or a strap to hang over the neck.
• The reception range is 330 meters and if the connection is lost, the parent unit warns about this.
• The presence of nightlight and music box functions.

Important! The disadvantages of the model are the high price, inscriptions and menus in English.

Tomy Digital TF500

In second place in the ranking of baby monitors is the digital baby monitor Tomy Digital. She is recognized as the best for newborns and has the following characteristics:

• The ability to distinguish a baby's voice from other sounds.
• Protection against interference on the air thanks to DECT technology.
• Automatic selection of a suitable communication channel from 120 possible.
• The communication range is 350 meters.
• The presence of two-way communication.
• The ability to attach the parent unit to the belt.
• Indicators of a light signal (in silent mode), air temperature, low battery and loss of communication.
• The power source for the baby unit is batteries, the parent for it is the battery.
• The presence of a nightlight and the ability to control it using the remote control.
• The ability to understaff the baby monitor with another parent unit.

Important! The disadvantages include the lack of a display.

Motorola MBP 16

An honorable third place in the ranking of baby monitors is occupied by the Motorola MBP 16. The baby monitor is so successful due to the following qualities:

• The ability to transmit a signal without interference, thanks to DECT technology.
• The ability to distinguish a baby’s voice from other sounds.
• The presence of two-way communication.
• The ability to attach the parent unit to clothes using a special clip.
• The communication range is 300 meters.
• The power supply of the parent unit is a battery, the children's unit is powered by the network.
• The presence of a warning function about the loss of communication zone.

Motorola MBP 11

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

• The range is 300 meters.
• DECT technology for signal purity.
• Sensitive microphone.
• Light indication in silent mode.
• Fastening to a belt on the parent unit.
• The presence of a rechargeable battery.
• Communication loss warning function.

Important! The disadvantages of Motorola MBP 11 and Motorola MBP 16 are the lack of a display and the power of the children's unit only from the network.

Maman FD-D601

The fifth most popular baby monitor ranking is 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 sleeping.
• The presence of a temperature sensor.
• Parent and child blocks work both from batteries and from the network.
• Light indication during silent mode, battery discharge and when leaving the communication range.
• Energy 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

A great helper for parents will be the Switchel BCC 50 baby monitor from a Swiss manufacturer. The main characteristics that this model is equipped with:

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

Important! The disadvantage is the high cost.

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Stock footage

Having decided on the basic functions that a device suitable for you should be equipped with, you can easily choose the best baby monitor. This purchase will make your life much easier - you can calmly deal with everyday problems during a child’s sleep and be sure of the safety of your baby.