Deciding to purchase a video baby monitor is an important decision for all new parents. A video baby monitor allows you to keep an eye on your little one from anywhere in the house, providing added peace of mind and reassurance that your baby is safe and sound while they sleep.
While a video baby monitor is not a requirement, this product is another item that makes parenting a little easier. If you value the peace of mind that comes from being able to watch your baby then it may be a good option for you.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of having a video baby monitor as well as some things to consider before investing in one.
Benefits of a Video Baby Monitor
Keeps an Eye on Your Little One
A video baby monitor makes it possible for you to see your baby from anywhere in the house. This means you can continue to go about your daily tasks and chores while still keeping an eye on them- even if you’re not in the same room.
A baby monitor will never replace a parent or caregiver, so it’s not suitable to only leave the baby monitor on and then leave the home.
Helps You to Sleep Better at Night
Knowing that you can check in on your little one with a video monitor allows for extra peace of mind when it comes to bedtime. Having visibility into their sleeping area will help ease any worries you may have, allowing you to sleep better at night.
You may not sleep soundly because let’s face it, you’re always going to be checking in on your baby but it does help ease your nerves a bit.
When I first set up a baby monitor (we used the Summer Infant brand) in my daughter’s room, I used to watch it like TV! I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Once I paired the baby monitor with an Owlet Smart Sock, I felt a little better. I was able to set the baby monitor up and move around the house to work while she slept, do laundry or just watch tv in the living room while she napped.
Are Baby Monitors Secure?
Modern technology has its benefits, but it also comes with plenty of risks. Baby monitors are no exception. While many parents rely on baby monitors to keep a watchful eye over their little ones, they should be aware of the potential risks associated with them.
With the ability for hackers to gain access to sensitive personal information, there is a real possibility for any information passing through baby monitors to be compromised.
It is incredibly important to keep your baby monitor safe from hackers. The best way to do this is to invest in a secure monitor that offers the latest encryption and other security features.
Make sure to always use a trusted, secure network to connect your baby monitor, either through a router or by hardwiring it directly into the modem for an even more secure connection.
Lastly, be sure to check for manufacturer updates regularly—not only will this help make sure your monitor is updated with the latest security patches and improvements, but it can also help protect you against new potential risks.
Baby Monitors and Radiation: Harmful?
Equally concerning are reports that suggest electromagnetic radiation from baby monitors can cause sleep disruption and other serious health problems in both children and adults.
While there is still ongoing research into this area, most baby monitors are low-power and emit low levels of radiation that should not pose a significant health risk.
It’s always wise to take common sense precautions, such as positioning the monitor away from your baby’s head, using cordless monitors where possible, and taking the battery out of battery-powered devices when they’re not being used.
If you’re concerned about radiation risk, you could try finding a model with low-frequency signal.
Video Vs Audio Baby Monitors
So should you buy a baby monitor that just does audio? Both audio and video options offer reliable help.
With audio only monitors, the sound is usually quite clear so it is easy to hear if your baby is crying or making any other noise that may need your attention.
Audio monitors tend to be cheaper than video models and use less power.
Babies have extremely active sleep cycles and wake often to ensure their safety and comfort in their environment
With the video baby monitor option, you visually see what is happening when you hear a noise, and make sure they are alright.
Baby Monitor Use and Time
Knowing whether you need a baby monitor right away or how long you will use one depends on a couple of things: the age of your child, the size of your home, and personal preferences.
For newborns, it can be essential in terms of providing extra peace of mind by monitoring their breathing and sleeping environment.
Once your baby gets older you may wonder how long you will use a baby monitor.
A baby monitor continues to be useful throughout your baby’s life and through the toddler stage as well.
Many parents choose to use their baby monitors up until the age of 3 or 4 or when their child is more aware of their surroundings.
If your baby can walk and self-soothe for example, it may be reasonable to try going without the monitor for short periods of time at first.
If you live in an apartment or other small space you may find that getting a baby monitor right away isn’t useful, given the proximity you already have.
Remember though, if you are hesitant or unsure even with gradually transitioning away from using a baby monitor, don’t feel pressured to do so—each family is different! You can always experiment again with going without the baby monitor further down the line if you’re open to that idea.
Baby Monitors Vs Security Cameras
So many modern security systems come with small portable indoor use cameras. So should you just use this instead?
Baby monitors and security cameras are two great investments for any parent or homeowner who is trying to maintain a safe home environment.
Baby monitors can provide peace of mind by allowing you to keep an eye on your little one from anywhere in the home, while baby monitors also come with additional features like night vision and temperature sensors.
Security cameras, on the other hand, are designed to keep your home and belongings secure from unauthorized visitors. These types of cameras range from 360-degree designs that allow you to monitor all sides of your property at once, to motion-activated systems that alert you whenever movement is detected.
Using an indoor security camera may instead of a baby monitor may have the option of using motion detection. Be sure to configure this camera setting so as to not set off an alarm in the middle of the night.
As a caregiver to a young baby you may be entering the baby’s room a few times a night and you don’t want the alarm activating when you were simply coming in to check on your baby.
The last thing you want is to trigger a loud alarm when your baby is finally sleeping!
If you plan on using the security camera (Wyze indoor cameras are a popular option) as a baby monitor when your child is older then it may also notify you if they climb out of the crib because the camera can detect motion.
Most indoor security cameras come with some sort of subscription plan you may or may not already be paying for.
You may be able to stream the security camera video directly to your phone or another device for added convenience.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Video Baby Monitor
Cost
Like most purchases, budget is always important to consider when investing in a baby product like a video monitor. It’s important to weigh out the benefits of a video monitor versus the cost in order to make an informed decision.
A basic model may come with the requisite features for an affordable price, but higher-end models often offer more features and better sound quality, with a steeper price tag.
Make sure to check out any additional costs such as installation fees or subscription fees that may be associated with the monitor you choose.
It may also be helpful to compare prices across different retailers both online and off in order to make sure you are getting the best deal possible on your baby video monitor purchase.
Features and Setup Process
Taking note of the features and setup process can help you decide which type of monitor is best for your needs.
Different models come with various features that may or may not be important for you, such as sound, night vision, two-way talk capabilities, etc.
The monitor should provide clear imagery in order to give the parent or caregiver peace of mind. Night vision gives you the ability to monitor your child at night without a light on in the room.
Video quality ranges from HD to standard definition, and certain monitors may even offer in-depth analytics on your child’s sleep patterns.
Two-way talk lets you speak to your baby through the monitor, and sound sensors allow you to be alerted when your baby cries.
The setup process should also be straightforward and easy to understand, as you don’t want the hassle of trying to figure out complicated instructions when all you want to do is keep an eye on your little one while they nap.
Check reviews to see what other parents are saying about east of installation or ask relatives or friends for their experience with using models.
Battery Life
Paying attention to how long the battery life lasts on different monitors is also important in making a decision. Some require frequent charging while others may last up to 8 hours or more before needing a recharge.
Make sure the monitor has a low battery alert feature so you know when your device needs to be charged again.
Range
The range is are also a key thing to consider when choosing a monitor. You’ll want to make sure you have clear visibility of your baby from anywhere in your house, so pay attention to the range.
The range refers to how far apart the transmitter (the parent unit) can be from the receiver (the baby unit). If you have a larger house or would like more flexibility to move around your home, look for a model with a long range that goes well beyond the standard 32-foot distance. Before choosing a specific model, take time to read product reviews and get an idea of what other people think about its performance; this will help ensure that you choose a baby monitor with reliable and consistent range.
Deciding which video baby monitor is best for your needs can seem overwhelming at first. However, by weighing out the benefits and considering some key factors before buying, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for you and your family.
