Video Baby Monitors

Choosing the best video baby monitor can often be confusing to new parents, especially with all of the various brands and models currently on the market. Different features, frequencies, technologies and price ranges can sometimes add to the confusion and make the research process very time consuming. Here at Baby Monitor Zone we have compiled a basic guide to help you choose the right baby video monitor for your particular needs and price range. We have also included out top 3 recommendations for the best ones available today.

Our Top 3 Video Baby Monitor Recommendations

This digital baby video monitor has received some incredible reviews and awards. Our own research has compared it to some of the best baby monitor brands and models, however, the features and price range make this one of our top choices.

The Lorex Live Snap is another great digital baby monitor that has won numerous awards and consistently high reviews. You can also read our detailed review of the Lorex LW2003 Live Snap baby monitor.

For those that don’t need a digital baby monitor but want an impressive number of features, the Summer Infant Day and Night Color Handheld monitor is a great choice. Analog monitors tend to be cheaper than digital, and this monitor is the best in its class when it comes to overall performance.

Two Types of Video Baby  Monitors

There are actually two different types of baby video monitors, largely determined by the radio frequency used: Analog and Digital. Analog monitors use a frequency typically found within the 49MHz or 900 MHz range while digital baby monitors typically use 2.4 GHz frequency, often encoded specifically for the receiver unit. What this means is that analog baby monitors can run a much higher risk of more interference from other electronic devices or even other baby monitors using the same frequency.

Digital video baby monitors make a better choice if you are in close proximity to your neighbors since the majority of them use a frequency that is used more infrequently and also can be securely encoded for signals that can only be picked up the receiver. They are not 100% immune to interference but you run a much higher chance of a clearer, private signal. Digital monitors do tend to be more expensive, however, and depending on your particular situation, an analog baby video monitor can perform just as well at a lower price point.

You may have also heard of DECT or digitally enhanced cordless telecommunications monitors – these use the 1.9 GHz frequency which has the most secure signal transmission. However, at this time they are only found in audio only baby monitors such as the Philips Avent SCD510 DECT Baby Monitor.

Common Video Baby Monitor Features To Consider

Color LCD Screen
Many monitors have excellent displays based on LCD technology. Choose a receiver that has a clear display and resolution, for both color and night vision video.

Portability
If you are going to be moving around your house while your baby is sleeping, make sure to purchase a system that includes a portable receiver with rechargeable batteries. Sizes can range from larger handheld models to ones that are slime and compact, similar to a smart phone.

Night Vision
Most video monitors should have this capability and if they do not then we would advise against the purchase since most of the video will not be usable during night time or when the baby’s room is dark.

Sound Lights
For those parents that work at home, sound lights are a great way to turn down the volume of the receiver while taking calls. They provide a visual indicator of the level of noise detected in the baby’s room.

Battery Indicator
This feature is critical as it provides an early warning system that your monitor is about to run of of power. A monitor that has shut down is basically useless and can actually be dangerous if no sound of video is being transmitted from the baby’s room. Make sure that the monitor you purchase has this essential feature.

Range
One important factor to consider is the range of the baby monitor. The range depends on your location, line-of-sight, and distance from the room. It can be very important to note the specified range of your monitor and compare it to the actual distance in your home.

Out-of-Range Indicator
This is a very useful feature for testing the range of the monitor as well as when you are outdoors. Most models will either flash or display pulsing lights when the monitor is not receiving a decent signal.

Additional Cameras and Scan Modes
Multiple cameras can add an extra dimension to the baby monitor’s capabilities. It is a great idea to choose a system with this feature if you plan to monitor more than one room or have more than one child that needs to be monitored simultaneously. Some families use additional cameras in their front door as an extra security camera. Typically, devices with this feature will often have scan modes which allow for rotation between cameras at set intervals or the ability to do split screen views of all cameras at once.

Pan and Zoom
After 4 months of age, babies often move about in the crib. From our experience, with a typical camera setup the baby will sometimes move to the side or out of the camera angle completely. With pan and zoom features you can control the camera remotely and make sure that you can view your baby at all times.

Volume Control
Almost all of the products currently available have this feature, which allows parents to adjust the volume of the receiver.

Additional Receivers
For those that want more than one care giver to have access to the camera, multiple receivers are a great option. Both receivers are tuned to the camera and receive the same signals.

Rechargeable Batteries
Having rechargeable batteries means greater portability and flexibility for the parents to move around the house while keeping track of their baby. In addition, some models have rechargeable batteries for the camera as well, which means that the entire system can be easily transported and set up quickly.

Sensitivity Controls
This feature controls the level of reception of the baby monitor. Use this to make sure that ambient noises like a fan are not broadcasting through the receiver.

Talk Back
It can often be soothing for a baby to hear their parent’s voice, even if the parent is not in the same room. This feature allows for 2 way communication between the receiver and the camera. It is also a great feature as the kids get older so you can tell them to “Go to bed!”

Baby Video Monitor Buying Tips

Choose Digital Over Analog If Your Neighbors Also Have Babies
Often it’s better to be safe than go through the hassle of returning an item. If you are in close proximity to your neighbors who also have babies, chances are they also have a baby monitor. If you both own an analog system, there is greater chance for mixed signals and interference. A better option is to choose a digital video monitor with secure channel so you can keep your privacy.

Check Other Electronic Devices
Other devices such as cordless phones, wireless speakers, bluetooth etc may share a similar frequency to your baby monitor. It is best to check before you purchase a new monitor to make sure that they do not share a similar frequency that can cause interference. If it’s too late to return the item, make sure to keep any conflicting devices far away from the camera and receiver unit for the best signal.

Check The Return Policy
Before you make the commitment to purchase a baby monitor, make sure that you research the return policy in case the monitor does not perform as well as you want it to. Return policies are usually on the receipt or online order confirmation.