subject: Baby Monitors - How To Choose The Device That's Right For You [print this page] If you're thinking about buying a baby monitor then you are probably very confused by the huge range of different options that are available to you. However, by considering the key differences that exist between different types of device, you can ensure that you find the product that's right for you and your family.
Conventionally baby monitors consisted of just a microphone which was placed in your baby's room and a portable speaker to receive and output the sounds. While these devices can still be purchased they are almost obsolete and have been largely superseded by baby video monitors. In addition to being able to transmit and receive sound these also transmit video which can be viewed on a hand-held portable receiver. In this way you can both see and hear your baby from anywhere in your house thus ensuring their safety and well-being. In addition all modern devices come with a night vision mode so that they can be used during the daytime and at night.
Whether to go for an established brand or a less well-known manufacturer can be a difficult decision as products marketed by less for known companies tend to be significantly cheaper. Paradoxically however the big brands tend to be more reliable and offer a significantly better after sales service. For this reason most parents would prefer to pay a bit more for the reassurance that they get from going with a brand that they know and trust.
The transmission power is another important consideration and will depend on the size of your home. If you live in a small home then a device capable of transmitting over distances of 170 feet should be more than sufficient. However if you live in a larger home with multiple bedrooms or want your device to work in the garden then you should go for a baby monitor that is capable of transmitting over distances of 300 feet or more. Regardless of the size of your home however the more powerful the device the less interference you will experience from other electrical products.
The screen size of a baby monitor has the biggest overall impact on price as just a small increase in screen size can result in a 50% increase in the final cost. A 1.5 inch screen is big enough to be functional but the image may appear blurry. A 2.5 inch screen will produce a crystal clear image if you are willing to pay that much more.
If your baby is a bad sleeper some baby monitors come with the facility to play lullabies to aid sleep. These can be started remotely from a button on the handheld video receiver unit so you don't even need to enter your baby's room. A device with a built-in night light can also help to promote sleep.
