How to choose a baby monitor: basic parameters and the best models

Currently, a video baby monitor is understood as a special device for remote visual control over a child. Traditionally, a device has two main parts:

children's module (camera and built-in transmitter);
parent module (portable receiver with a monitor).

The camera's transmitter transmits video and audio recordings from the room with the child to the monitor that the parents have. Therefore, mom and dad are always aware of what is happening in the nursery and what the naughty child is doing now.

Video monitoring tools appeared on the market after baby monitors. In general, their purpose does not differ from the tasks of less advanced predecessors, but, unlike not the most popular radio devices, video tracking devices were able to win parental love in a short time.

The reason for the prevalence of this type of equipment lies in its important advantage - baby monitors not only transmit sounds from the nursery, but also observe the child directly. And this is very important, because the absence of sounds is not always good. But the video broadcast allows you to see the whole picture in full.

The popularity of baby tracking devices has led to the fact that they are now produced by many manufacturers, as a result of which there is a huge number of baby monitor models on the market, differing in a variety of parameters, functionality, design and cost.

Do you need this device?

The question of whether a device is needed for video tracking of a child is up to the parents. We will simply list the main advantages of this kind of devices.

The purchase of a video monitoring device allows parents to leave the children's room while the child is napping or playing. That is, the mother frees her hands in the literal sense of the word: she can cook dinner, talk on the phone with a friend, watch TV and even run to a nearby pharmacy or store.

The most modern gadgets (we will talk about them later) have advanced functionality. With their help, you can keep track of an ordinary nanny whom you trust your child. In addition, surveillance is conducted online or recording is in progress. You can also see the baby from anywhere in the world.

It is usually recommended to purchase a device in the first days of a child's life. In this case, you can hear and see the baby tossing and turning and spitting out the pacifier. At 6 months of age, babies can sit up and generally become more mobile, so the possibility of falling out of bed cannot be ruled out.

If the baby is looked after around the clock, then the older child is watched mainly only during sleep. Especially often, a baby monitor is purchased if a grown-up baby is transferred to a separate room. The device reduces parental anxiety.

The answer to the question of at what age you can refuse a baby monitor will depend on the individual characteristics of the baby. If he is distinguished by excessive activity and mobility, then the video monitoring device will be relevant even at the age of five.

The main varieties of videnian

Gadget manufacturers offer parents several types of visual control devices, each of which has certain advantages and disadvantages. According to the type of signal, all baby monitors are traditionally divided into three large groups.

Analog

If a couple of decades ago the first baby monitors were equipped with wires that ran from the children's bedroom to the parent's room to a large black and white monitor. Today's devices do not require this kind of contact between the transmitter and receiver, but operate at a specific frequency, intercepting signals through the air.

This makes it possible to provide an adequate quality of the transmitted picture, despite the rather low power characteristics of the transmitter. The power level of the transmitted signal is set taking into account the requirements of the World Health Organization.

The main disadvantage of analog video monitors is the possibility of interference from other wireless devices operating in the same frequency range. The source of distortion can be Wi-Fi access points, radiotelephones or video surveillance systems.

In addition, there is a threat that the signal from such a gadget may be intercepted (accidentally or maliciously) by third-party devices, as a result of which curious neighbors or criminals can track everything that happens in the children's bedroom.

The most modern analog video control devices have functionality similar to that of gadgets with DECT technologies: smooth sensitivity adjustment, the ability to control camera rotation, night vision, connection of other video and audio devices.

There are also quite primitive models of analog gadgets on the market - with a small range, without a feedback function with a child. In such devices, there is no notification that the signal has disappeared and the batteries are discharged.

Tigex Excellence Video Couleur

A video baby monitor with an analog type of signal is intended primarily for monitoring a child. However, this device is successfully used to look after a sick person or an elderly relative. The set includes a display, camera, TV cable and two network adapters for the parent and baby unit.

Pros:

high-resolution color monitor;
you can adjust the angle of view of the camera;
IR illumination for night observation;
function of turning on the camera by sound (you can adjust the sensitivity mode);
notification of low battery and out of range;
the monitor can be connected to a recording device or TV;
the camera can be mounted on the wall;
the monitor and the camera are powered by AC and batteries (not included).

Minuses:

weak security of signal transmission channels;
rarely found on the market;
the signal is weak, does not work well in the apartment;
pictures may shake and vibrate.

Market review shows that analog baby monitors are now losing their popularity and relevance. The fact is that parents for almost the same money can purchase a more perfect and, what is important, safe digital device with extended functionality.

~~Tigex Excellence Video Couleur~~

Digital

Compared to the previous type of gadgets, the digital video baby monitor provides better signal transmission and optimal image thanks to DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication) technology.

Another important advantage is the increased confidentiality of data, since interception of digital signals by other devices is unlikely. In addition, distortions from the effects of other operating equipment are almost completely eliminated.

Digital devices for video monitoring usually allow the connection of several (usually up to four) cameras for simultaneous monitoring. A similar function becomes in demand when a child moves around the apartment or it is necessary to track several children at once.

Owners of digital devices can also select recording and playback formats (ASF, AVI, MOV), add time and date to the recorded video, activate the device by voice, and remotely control the zoom.

In addition, modern gadgets of this type have built-in lullabies, are equipped with two-way communication (the parent can calm the baby with a voice at a distance), can be used to determine the temperature in the room, as a device for monitoring baby breathing.

Which video baby monitor is better to buy - analog or digital? A review of various models and parent reviews shows that analog devices are purchased solely because of their greater affordability. If there is no need to save the family budget, then the choice is given to digital devices.

Luvion platinum 3

The predecessor of this model is the Luvion Easy baby monitor. In the described device, new functions have been added, the screen has been increased to 3.4 inches, and the same shock-resistant plastic is used. The result is a modern and high-tech device for quite reasonable money.

Pros:

a digital signal that is completely protected from interference and possible interception;
bright and clear color screen measuring 8 centimeters;
long range - up to 250 meters (provided there are no obstacles);
infrared night illumination, operating at a distance of up to 5 meters;
the ability to connect up to four independent security cameras;
the transmitter is switched on and off using the sound sensor (you can choose the sensitivity setting from three options);
the receiver has a built-in battery;
there is a 2-way voice feedback with the child;
there is a built-in temperature sensor with display of parameters on the monitor of the parent unit;
a feeding timer that tells your baby to eat.

Minuses:

the baby unit is "powered" only from the mains;
no auto tracking function.

~~Luvion platinum 3~~

Philips Avent SCD620 / 52

Philips Avent SCD620 is another good digital video surveillance device that allows you to track your child's activities both day and night. The night vision function turns on automatically and allows you to see an incredibly clear picture.

In addition, Philips Avent baby monitor allows parents to hear even the slightest rustle in the children's bedroom, and to reduce power consumption, simply turn on ECO mode.

Pros:

reliable, secure connection of the child and parent unit;
clear picture in night vision mode;
special mode to reduce power consumption;
the parent unit does not require recharging for 10 hours;
function of two-way communication with the child;
there are recorded lullabies;
indication of the battery charge level in the parent unit;
you can adjust the sensitivity to sound;
automatic out-of-range warning;
remote control of camera tilt and rotation.

Minuses:

the baby unit is "powered" only from the mains;
high price.

~~Philips Avent SCD620 / 52~~

Other brands and models

Among the manufacturers of high-quality and popular models of digital video monitors, the following companies are also distinguished:

Maman (both baby monitors and baby monitors are available for sale, for example, Maman BM 2000);
Motorola (parents can purchase such popular models as the Motorola MBP621 video baby monitor, Motorola MBP854 connect);
Balio (baby monitor Balio VB-06);
iNanny (digital video baby monitor iNanny with LCD display 2,4 ', iNanny NM108);
Ramili (Ramili Baby RV900).

IP video baby monitor (Wi-Fi baby monitor)

Not so long ago, a new type of visual control and monitoring devices for children (a subspecies of digital devices) appeared on the market - the IP video baby monitor.

They are distinguished by truly unlimited possibilities for broadcasting a signal - you can follow a child even from the other side of the world. A tablet or smartphone acts as a receiver. In the latter case, you must first install a special software application.

What are the benefits of a Wi-Fi baby monitor?

You can monitor your child at any time, from anywhere, even from another hemisphere. The only condition is for the Internet to work in the house with the baby and the observer.
Some models allow not only to follow the baby, but also to take photos, as well as video recording and save them to a memory device.
These baby monitors have excellent signal transmission quality, so the images are clear, with high resolution. Many models have a zoom option that allows you to zoom in and out of the picture.
IP-baby monitors are necessarily equipped with two-way communication. That is, parents can not only see and hear the child at a distance, but also talk to him.
No special parental unit is required, since smartphones connected to the Internet can act as a receiver and monitor. It is only important to download and install a special free program in advance.
Multiple cameras can be connected and an unlimited number of users can be monitored. This means that the baby can be watched not only by parents, but also by grandmothers living in another city and even a country.

The disadvantages include the dependence of signal transmission on the stability of the functioning of the home Wi-Fi router. In addition, the stability of the signal will depend on the congestion of the frequency at which the gadget operates.

AngelCare AC1100

This baby monitor is one of the best baby monitoring devices with built-in Wi-Fi and a breathing monitor. In addition to the declared possibility of remote control, the device allows you to track how a newborn baby is breathing. The nanny will signal danger if the child does not move and breathe for 20 seconds.

Thanks to the availability of Wi-Fi, adults can now watch the baby not only from the next room, but from anywhere in the world. The parent unit is a standard monitor included in the kit, as well as a smartphone or tablet.

Pros:

the distance at which the device operates is 200 meters (in open space);
the signal is protected from interference, distortion and interception;
the sensor Pad monitors the baby's breathing and movement;
sensitive IR diodes provide a clear picture even at night;
a night light spreads soft light in the room, helping the child to sleep without fear;
two-way communication with the baby;
temperature control in the children's room;
indication of low battery charge and exit from the signal coverage area;
the parent and child blocks are "powered" both from the mains and from batteries.

Minuses:

high price.

~~AngelCare AC1100~~

So, the main types of baby monitors have been identified. However, in order to choose a truly ideal device, it is necessary to take into account both basic and additional parameters and characteristics of devices for video monitoring.

Range of action

This parameter traditionally depends on two conditions:

the transmitter power of the baby unit;
the presence of obstacles in the path of the video signal.

In the vast majority of devices, the transmitter power of the baby unit is about 200 - 300 mW. With such indicators and in line-of-sight conditions, the picture will be stably broadcast to the monitor of the receiver, located at a distance of 150 - 300 meters.

More expensive and advanced baby monitors have a power of 500 mW, therefore, in line of sight conditions, the image from the transmitter is displayed without any problems on the monitor of the receiver, which is located at a distance of 450-500 meters.

But this is ideal, because in fact, the device is purchased for a country house or apartment, in which there are always various obstacles, for example, walls and partitions. With such data, a transmitter with a power of 200 - 300 mW will transmit a signal only 40 - 50 meters. But in most cases, this distance is sufficient.

If there are any additional barriers and barriers or walls are of increased thickness and massiveness, experts recommend buying more powerful 500-megawatt models.

Static and PTZ cameras

Cameras for video surveillance devices for children are of two types - static or rotary.

In the first case, the cameras do not have an electric drive and are not able to change the position in space and the angle of view remotely. To set or change the field of view, every time you have to run into the nursery yourself and carry out the operation manually.Typically, the field of view is 70 - 80 degrees.

For tracking a sleeping or newborn child, a static camera may well work, but it will be problematic to control a waking and running or just a grown-up curious baby using such a device.

The PTZ cameras are equipped with an electric drive. This design is distinguished by four degrees of freedom, the camera can be controlled from a distance - rotate up and down, left and right, tracking every movement of the child and everything that happens in the children's bedroom. The field of view is 310 (horizontal) and 180 (vertical) degrees.

Thus, the PTZ camera can be controlled from the parent unit out of line of sight of the device. The parent changes the field of view, being not just in another room, but even outside the apartment or house.

There are also conditionally PTZ cameras. That is, they cannot be controlled from the parent unit, however, you will not have to manually set the viewing angle either. Usually the device is equipped with a remote control, which allows you to give the camera the desired position.

Installation method of the baby unit

The baby unit can be installed in two main ways: stationary or mobile.

In the first case, the camera is firmly attached to the wall or ceiling. This type of installation is justified in a situation where supervision and control are needed only in one room, permanently and for a long time. Another reason is the desire to protect the device from the encroachments of the little researcher.

Mobile baby blocks are distinguished by the presence of a footboard for firm attachment to a tabletop or a flexible stand for installation on a crib. This option has an important advantage - the device can be carried from place to place.

But the mobile device also has a minus - an enterprising child is able to "neutralize" the controlling device at the most inopportune moment, wanting to study the design features.

Baby unit nutrition

The power supply of the transmitter and the camera overlaps with the previous parameter and can be three different types:

autonomous (the power source is the battery, "finger" or "little finger" batteries);
stationary (transmitter and camera are powered from home electrical network);
mixed (the transmitter and the camera are powered by both the battery pack and the mains).

Each way of eating has its own pluses and minuses, so the choice of a device should be thoughtful, considering how and where the baby monitor will be used.

For example, if the device is planned to be attached to a wall or ceiling in a children's bedroom, then a video baby monitor with a stationary type of power supply should be purchased. In this case, you do not have to constantly charge the battery, change batteries and spend money on their purchase.

If the child sleeps in the nursery, plays in the living room, and you often go to a country house or regularly leave the baby in a stroller or arena in the open air in your yard (private), the best option is an autonomous way of feeding the baby unit.

The mixed type of power supply of the camera and the transmitter is suitable for those parents who use the device stationary and mobile. However, in this case, you will have to pay a slightly larger amount for the device, since such a model costs a little more.

The most powerful PTZ baby monitors rarely come with a rechargeable battery or batteries as they require a lot of power. Therefore, they are most often powered by a home electrical network. This should be considered if you want to purchase a mobile device.

Monitor features

In the parent units of video surveillance devices, flat monitors with TFT LCD screens (thin-film transistor liquid-crystal display) are used.

The most important monitor parameters include:

Screen size;
screen resolution;
angle of view (the amount of deviation from the center at which there is no degradation of the image).

Screen size is measured diagonally, that is, the distance from the lower left corner of the monitor to the upper right corner. Moreover, the value of this indicator is traditionally expressed in inches. You can buy a baby monitor with a diagonal display from 2.36 to 7 inches.

The second indicator is the screen resolution, or the number of dots per unit area. The clarity of the displayed picture also depends on this parameter. Displays with resolutions of 320 × 240, 628 × 582, 640 × 240, 640 × 480, 1440 × 234 are most often commercially available. The higher the indicator, the higher the image quality, respectively.

The viewing angle of the monitor will depend on the type of panel being used as the display surface. Today, in the production of monitoring video devices, panels are used that are capable of providing a viewing angle of up to 140 degrees.

Image brightness and night vision

The brightness of the displayed image can be adjusted manually or automatically, it all depends on the cost of the product. In the cheaper ones, you have to set the settings yourself, expensive devices automatically change the brightness depending on the illumination in the children's bedroom.

The night vision function allows the device to work in complete darkness, while parents can control children's sleep without turning on the bedroom light, which is really important for preventing sudden awakenings.

A similar function is realized using infrared illumination. It is a ring of several special LED elements placed around the camera lens and operating in the spectral zone invisible to the human eye.

When the night vision mode is on, the camera of the baby unit will distinguish everything at a distance of up to 10 meters, however, the picture that the parent will receive will be of sufficient quality, but in black and white.

Infrared illumination turns on automatically after special sensors set the minimum illumination threshold. This "selectivity" allows you to save battery or battery power.

Microphone and sound sensor

Many baby monitors do not just transmit the picture, but also pick up sounds in the children's bedroom. All noises will be transmitted through a speaker or headphones, which are more convenient if you have to constantly move around the apartment.

Noise is picked up with a microphone. Most often, this acoustic element is also a sound sensor. In this case, it will turn on only when a certain noise occurs in the room, the rest of the time it is off, which saves battery or battery power. At the same time, parents themselves can adjust the noise level, which will serve as a catalyst for turning on the microphone.

Speaker in the baby unit

This function provides feedback to the child, that is, parents not only hear the cry of a newborn or baby, but can also calm him down even before they are directly approached. Usually babies, having heard their native voice from the speaker, quickly fall asleep.

Modern baby monitors allow you to record a certain number of melodies in the memory of the baby unit for the purpose of distracting and calming the baby. Some models are equipped with lullabies that turn on before falling asleep or at the moment when the baby wakes up in the middle of the night.

Presence and microclimate detectors

Some good and rather expensive models of video surveillance devices have built-in presence sensors that respond not only to the movements of the child, but also to the appearance of foreign objects (both people and animals) in the room. The sensor transmits an alarm signal to the parent unit.

Humidity and temperature sensors inform parents about the state of the microclimate in the newborn's room. Seeing these parameters on the display, mom or dad decides whether it is necessary to include a heater or a humidifier in the nursery.

Some digital video baby monitors are equipped with a breathing sensor. If the device equipped with this function does not catch the baby's breath for a short period of time, it sends a signal to the parent unit. The presence of such a sensor reassures parents who are afraid of stopping the child's breathing in a dream.

Quadro mode

This mode is available in professional video surveillance devices used in security firms. Such a function is now installed in digital video monitors, but it is still quite rare and only in expensive models.

Many modern video surveillance devices for a child allow you to simultaneously connect several additional cameras, purchased separately. This is convenient if you want to track not only the nursery, but other rooms as well.

The QUADRO mode is convenient because the monitor of the parent unit is automatically divided into 4 zones, each of which displays a picture transmitted from a certain camera. But in order to see everything carefully, it is better to purchase a parent unit with a wide monitor.

Connecting the baby monitor to a TV or computer

Modern technologies allow you to connect video monitoring devices to a TV or computer. But this is only possible if the appropriate connectors and ports are available. The vast majority of baby monitors are equipped with an audio output and an AV output.

The first connector is intended for connecting headphones or speakers to the device. AV-out makes it possible to connect the parent unit to a TV or computer in order to monitor what is happening in the children's bedroom from their screens.

In addition to the connectors described above, in the children's unit there is often a port for an SD or microSD memory card. The presence of these functions allows parents to record sounds or pictures. This is important if the mother wants to capture the first step or the first word of the child, or to control the actions of the nanny.

Instructions for use

So, the choice of the best baby monitor has been made; moreover, the device for monitoring the child has been purchased. It remains to assemble and configure the device. To do this, you should carefully study the official instructions. We are Let's present the main steps:

When choosing a place for installing the baby unit, you need to take into account that the entire room must be in its view. This is necessary so that there are no invisible areas in the room in which the child can "hide".
Turn on the baby and parent units, check their joint functioning. If in the process of work there was interference, do not immediately worry. Try to move the receiver to a distant room, perhaps the interference is due to too close location of the transmitting and receiving parts.
The next step is to adjust the camera focus, viewing angle. This is done either manually or automatically, it all depends on the model of the controlling device.
Adjust the monitor of the parent unit by setting the required contrast, image brightness, adjusting the volume. Check the operation of the main sensors available.
Choose a location for the display. It can be attached to a wall, placed on a table, refrigerator or shelf, or attached to a belt. Again, it all depends on the design features.

The transmitter and receiver can be powered by mains power or batteries. You can fix the charge level using built-in indicators. If you are forced to save energy and charge, then experts advise to turn off the video and put the device into baby monitor mode.

Also, try to position the camera in such a way that the child cannot reach it. From this point of view, the most convenient place can be a high cabinet, mezzanine, upper wall area or ceiling. It is better if the distance from the camera to the child is at least 1 meter.

Another important point is compliance with safety regulations. Do not cover the transmitter or camera. All devices must be ventilated, generate heat outside. In the best case, if the baby monitor overheats, it will simply fail, in the worst case, a fire is possible.

As a conclusion

The best baby monitor is the one that suits you in terms of functionality and cost. Before making a purchase, experts advise you to study the rating of the best models, read the description of each device, watch a video review and read parental reviews.

The optimal model can be considered a device that easily transmits the image to the parent unit, allows you to track the movement and microclimate in the room, record video to a memory card. Happy shopping!