Wireless Video Baby Monitor Latest Review
Most consumers admit in their baby monitor reviews that they initially scoffed at the idea of spying on their babies with video monitors. At first, it just seemed excessive, as who needs to see every yawn, gurgle, giggle or sour-puss scream anyway? Yet, often, an expectant mother gets a video monitor at a baby shower or the tech-geek spouse convinces the frugal spouse that this would be a cool idea. Unsurprisingly, even the most reticent consumers instantly became hooked to the concept of having a wireless video baby monitor around the house.
For some parents, hearing a baby's gurgles or incoherent ramblings through an audio baby monitor system is enough to know that the baby is safe and sound, while hearing the screeches and the screams is enough to know the baby's up and needs something, if not everything. Yet, especially for first-time parents, there's always so much curiosity as to, "What is the baby doing in there? Is the baby up? Did we hear the first sounds of a half-cry? How long does it really take the baby to fall asleep in there? Did the baby sleep during nap-time today?" The wireless video baby monitor is an exciting device used to capture some of the baby's unseen moments, without disrupting crucial sleep time.
Every parent has done it at least once. You thought the baby was awake, you opened the door to peek and -- oops, well, the baby's awake now! It can be difficult to discern a baby's moans, gurgles and murmurs from outside the door or through a walkie-talkie type monitor, which is why the wireless video baby monitor is becoming so popular. Anyone who has ever used one of the old-school, analog monitors and encountered a sudden, shrill shriek that unpleasantly startled them will no doubt agree that it would be ideal to have a video infant monitor where one could simply look up to see if the baby is awake, rather than listening for the (deafening) tell-tale signs of unhappiness.
The audio-only, baby monitoring systems have a lot of cool features. You can talk to your spouse on another walkie-talkie or speak back to the baby like with an intercom. You can activate lullabies, night lights and check the temperature of the infant's room. Yet, the next step in evolution was naturally the advent of the wireless video baby monitor, which allows you the ability to see exactly what your baby is up to, either on a larger LCD baby monitor screen, on a smaller handheld video monitor or on your own television set. Some of the more advanced systems offer color baby monitor choices, multiple camera monitors, zooms, pans and night vision. Many parents purchase this "luxury" system reticently, wondering if it's really necessary, but quickly find that they love watching their baby giggling, chatting, waking up and falling asleep.
When purchasing a wireless, video monitoring system, you'll need to consider how you intend to use it first. Some 5" to 7" video baby monitors attach underneath cabinets in a more permanent way, while others can be propped up on any nightstand or countertop. Another category of receivers are the handheld varieties, allowing you the ability to roam freely, while watching your baby on a smaller 1.8" screen. The actual baby monitor camera may be mounted to the wall, attached to the crib or affixed to a bookshelf. Can you pan, tilt, zoom or get a wide-angle view of the room with your camera? These are all options to consider, and it's important to note that they do not come one standard way, across the board.
Another feature to consider for your wireless video baby monitor device is how many of each unit you'll need. For instance, a standard baby monitor system will come with one camera and one screen. However, some systems offer an optional two-parent handheld unit, a video screen and a handheld unit, or multiple cameras for watching more than one room and baby at a time. For some people, a more advanced system might be the best fit.
Another feature to consider for your wireless video baby monitor is the resolution/picture quality you require. You'll need to decide whether black-and-white will suffice, or if you want one in color. Some systems also come with night-vision so you can watch your baby in the dark, without disturbing him or her. Some of the older models have bulkier screens, whereas the newer models offer flat-screens, LCD baby monitor screens and high-definition technology screens. Your screen can range anywhere from 1.8 inches to 7 inches. Do you need an output to your computer or TV screen? These are all factors to consider.
There are many additional special features for a wireless video baby monitor today. Some monitors enable parents to speak back to their children through a portable handheld unit. You may even be able to remotely access several different soothing lullabies, a night light, gentle vibrations, a mini-light-show or nature sounds for a discontent baby, all by pressing a single button! These features are often referred to as "baby soothers" and can be found on some of the more high-end models by Summer Infant, for example.
There are many popular models of wireless video baby monitor systems to choose from. The MobiCam Color Video Baby Monitor ($117 at Amazon) offers night-vision, TV hookups, lightweight units and no cordless phone interference. The Safety 1st baby monitors ($186) have versatile crib/table/wall mount options, excellent resolution, zoom/pan and limited interference. Summer Infant video monitors ($105) come with large screens, color/night vision, audio-only mode and multi-room monitoring. Lastly, the Graco baby monitor, called the iMonitor, comes with a handheld unit, has great sound clarity and exports to TV.
One last thing to consider for your wireless video baby monitor is interference. Digital monitors have less trouble with this than analog baby monitors, and remote locations are less at-risk than more rural, spread-out households. In some cases, parents will see their neighbors' babies if they're using the same brand of monitoring system, or household appliances and cordless phones will send static and jumbled pictures through. It's important that you gather warranty information in case you need to return a product. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for with wireless baby monitors: if you buy a cheap-o product, you'll get interference. If you're willing to pay a little more, then you should be able to find something in the $200 to $300 range that works just fine.
A wireless video baby monitor is an excellent way to keep tabs on your baby. Some parents revel in the joys of parenthood and love to watch their baby chatter in the crib, laugh, giggle or call for mommy and daddy. After all, these quiet moments can be an ideal time to capture some great footage for a family video! Other parents like the ability to switch on the screen and see if their baby is awake yet, so they don't have to open the door and disturb the baby's slumber. Additionally, these wireless baby monitors are great for babies with colds, colicky kids, premature babies, handicapped children or for a number of other situations where vigilance is crucial.
Privacy Policy And Terms Of Use
|