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Baby video monitors

Points to consider when choosing a baby video monitor plus the opportunity to purchase a range of digital and sensory video monitors to help ensure your baby's safety.


Discuss baby video monitors on our forums, right now! Or, post a comment below.

Baby video monitors build on the flexibility that traditional audio monitors allow by enabling you to see as well as hear your baby while they are sleeping or playing in a different part of the home.

They usually consist of two units; a transmitted fitted with a camera and microphone to be positioned near the baby and a receiver fitted with a small screen on which the baby's picture is displayed to be carried with the parents. While the majority of baby video monitors are sensitive enough to allow you to see your baby clearly during daylight hours, many are also fitted with an infra red function that can be switched on to allow you to see your baby in the dark.

Most camera transmitters are easily positioned and many can be wall mounted so that you can get the best view of your baby, others have the facility to be remotely rotated using controls on the receiver so that you can keep an eye on even the most active baby. It is usually possible to purchase additional cameras for use with a single receiver to ensure maximum coverage of your baby's play or sleep areas.

Baby video monitors are usually available with cables that allow you to transfer the live images onto a television or computer screen. Additionally, some enable you to record the feed taken when the camera component is on, while others have a 'talk back' function that allows you to play music or talk to your baby via the monitor when you are in another room.

Now you know the basics, here are some tips for choosing the perfect baby video monitor:
  • Power - can you alternate between running the units on mains power and rechargeable batteries?


  • Warning indicators - choosing a video monitor with low battery and out of range indicators will make sure you are never caught short.


  • Transmission range - is the transmission range of the monitor large enough to provide signal all around your home and garden? - the larger the range, the more flexibility you have.


  • Screen size - is the screen large enough for you to clearly see your baby's movements?


  • Receiver size - does the receiver fit comfortably in the palm of your hand? - it shouldn't be so heavy that it is cumbersome to carry around.


  • Compatibility - can the video monitor be connected to your TV or computer screen and is it compatible for use in a home with WiFi access to the Internet?


  • Fixtures - is the transmitter easy to position? can the position of the camera be controlled remotely?


  • Additional features - infra red, talk back, night lights, additional camera and receiver availability, record function.
As the majority of baby video monitors use radio waves to transmit picture and audio signals it is possible that some will be disrupted by interference from microwaves, cordless phones and wireless computer networks. Additionally, this use of radio waves also means that it may be possible for neighbours to pick up your signal; for this reason you should never have private conversations when you are in the same room as an active monitor.

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