Choosing baby video monitors can turn out to be a very challenging task at times, especially if you do not know where to start for.
One thing is for sure, though: baby video monitors come in handy for concerned parents who always want to keep an eye on their child. Not only do these monitors allow you to supervise your child on a 24/7 basis, but they also feature an advanced two-way communication system that allows you to listen and to talk to your child whenever needed.
That being said, here we reviewed and compared five of the most popular baby video monitors available on the market today, and you will also find several important aspects that you should consider when choosing a baby monitor.
These Are The Top 5 Video Baby Monitors For 2018
- Infant Optics DXR-8 (click to check current price on Amazon): You are not likely to find a significantly better baby monitor. If you’re searching for a high-end baby monitor, this is one of your top options.
- Infant Optics DXR-5 (click to check current price on Amazon): Modern and cost-effective baby video monitor that is easy to use, straightforward and very easy to mount
- Motorola MBP36: A good video baby monitor with impeccable image quality
- Levana Lila: an average surveillance system that comes with an affordable price tag and that encompasses most of the basic features you would expect to find in such a system
- Lorex Sweet Peek (click to check current price on Amazon): an affordable and above-the-average video baby monitor
Infant Optics DXR-8 | Infant Optics DXR-5 | Motorola MBP36 | Levana Lila | Lorex Sweet Peek | |
Overall Score | 4.4 Stars Based on 483 Reviews | 4.0 Stars Based on 4556 Reviews | 3.9 Stars Based on 1598 Reviews | 4.0 Stars Based on 127 Reviews | 4.1 Stars Based on 304 Reviews |
Pros | Plethora of advanced features, battery life is very reliable | Fast, crystal clear image, full color video streaming, additional camera capacity | Lullabies programmed, pan, tilt and zoom function | Prolonged battery life, clear and impeccable digital signals | Several lullabies, expandable, extended battery life |
Cons | complaines about the glitchy reception | Reduced battery life | No sound activation sensitivity adjustments | night vision is not clear | Monitor freezes up, night vision is not clear |
Bottom Line | Great and highly flexible monitor | Modern and cost-effective | great choice, mainly because of its impeccable image quality | Average surveillance system | Above-the- average video baby monitor |
Monitor size | 3.5 inches | 2.4 inches | 3.5 inches | 2.4 inches | 2.4 inches |
# of cameras included | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Talk to baby? | |||||
Night vision | |||||
Interchangeable optical lens |
Useful Tips On Choosing The Best Baby Video Monitors
1. Decide On The Type of Monitor You Want
As you may know already, there are several different types of baby video monitors available on the market.
There is the DECT audio monitor, there is the digital monitoring system and the analogue system, all of which offer great digital sound. DECT system are basically digitally enhanced cordless telecommunications baby monitors, which have a microprocessor embedded in it, so that you will only hear your own nursery’s sound, without allowing any other sounds to interfere on your frequency.
Analogue monitors, on the other hand, tend to be the most popular as they are the most cost-effective and widely spread monitors of their kind available on the market. Nonetheless, they are prone to experiencing accidental broadcast, as the analogue signal can be easily picked up by other people’s baby video monitors.
2. Pay Attention To The Signal Of The Baby Video Monitoring System
Different baby monitors have different signals, and the sound clarity also varies greatly. Most of these systems come with a plethora of channels that are put at your disposal, and this aspect is particularly important if you live in a large block of flats where there is a high risk of intercepting other baby video monitor signals, or static interference.
3. Choose The Right Baby Monitoring Range
This aspect is important for parents who live in a big mansion. In a nutshell, the range of the baby video monitoring system simply indicates just how far you can actually travel with the parent unit, and still receive accurate video and audio input from your baby. Most of the monitors these days have an outstanding monitor range of up to 500-600 meters or even more, which is great for those who want to move freely around the house while still keeping an eye on their children.
However, it is also very important to consider the fact that signal travels differently outdoors than it does indoors – it is a lot easier for the baby monitor’s parent unit to pick up the signal outside in open space, where it is not affected by walls and other elements that might interfere with its clarity. At the same time, if you want to use your monitor indoors, then generally speaking you can move freely around 100 meters away from the nursery, without losing signal. Nonetheless, it is very important to read the instructions and the label of the product before buying it – the local seller may also be able to offer you more information on which baby video monitoring system best fits your needs.
4. Additional Features To Consider
Baby video monitors have evolved greatly over the past 20 years, which is great for parents. That being said, the modern systems come with a wide array of useful features and functions that are specifically designed to make baby monitoring easy and hassle-free, while offering parents the peace of mind they need, allowing them to sleep better at night. The low battery indicator is perhaps one of the most important features to take into account when you go out shopping – most monitors inform you when it is time to replace or to recharge the batteries either through flashing lights or with an alarm.
Some monitors also come with sound-activated lights, which basically makes the monitor light up whenever it detects noise in the nursery – this way, you can always supervise your child from your own bed. On the other hand, some monitors are so versatile that they allow you to use multiple receivers, some systems come with two or more receivers for both parents and the nanny (or grandparents). You can also add multiple transmitters to them too, as most baby monitoring systems allow you to add up to four cameras in the nursery, thus providing you with an all round, 360-degree view on your child.