How a Baby Monitor Works
Nowhere does the term “multi-tasking” apply more than to the parent of a baby or toddler. With the demands of life and household, it just isn't possible to be ever-present with your child, as much as you'd like to. But thanks to technology, it is possible to maintain a vigilant eye, or ear, over your precious little one while being in another part of the house or garden, or even away from home altogether.
What is a Baby Monitor?
Generally, a baby monitor is a type of intercom device equipped with a microphone and a receiver that allows you to remotely view or just listen to the sounds coming from the nursery. The microphone is placed near the child, while the receiver can be placed near, or carried by, the parent or baby's caregiver. It permits remote supervision while the baby is sleeping, to alert for problems, or let you know when baby has awakened - without having to continuously visit the room physically. It allows for a parent to attend to other necessary chores with the confidence that the baby is never entirely left unobserved.
There is a great variety of types of monitors now available: wired and wireless, bi-directional, video, and smart-phone. There is a system available for most any need or budget with a vast variety of features. Some things to look for are range capabilities, quality, price and optional features.
Wired Monitors
As the name implies, these systems use wires to connect the microphone and receiver(s). The primary advantage of wired monitor systems is that they are not subject to interference from other household devices such as mechanical appliances, cordless phones, wireless toys or computer networks, and microwaves. Since they're wired, they also offer increased privacy, eliminating the chance for accidental overhearing by other baby monitor receivers or scanner receivers in the area.
The greatest disadvantage of wired systems is the restriction of a fixed monitor location. It can't be carried around like a wireless device. To allow for monitoring from different rooms in a home, one would have unplug and move the monitor. Alternatively, multiple wired receivers could be used, but that would add significantly to the cost to this relatively cheap system.
Wireless Monitors
Wireless baby room monitors are the most popular choice due to their portability and ease of use. Unlike wired systems, there is no installation needed. The receiver can be carried, clipped to a belt or waistband, or hung around the neck. Most monitors permit a distance of up to 100 feet with the more expensive wireless systems monitoring a range of up to 400 feet.
The primary disadvantages of wireless systems is interference and a potential risk of privacy being breached. This is more of an issue with analog systems that are more subject to interference and from being picked up by other scanning devices. Digital systems have addressed the interference issue and they are less likely to deteriorate in sound or video quality when compared with analog systems. They also provide a higher level of privacy protection.
Video Monitors
Sometimes referred to as “baby cams”, these systems use a video camera, which allows for reception on a television or portable LCD screen. Most models available now include a night vision feature allowing monitoring in even low light situations. They generally employ wireless systems.
Smartphone Monitoring
There is software available for Smartphones, such as the iPhone, which calls the phone number when a sound is detected. It allows the user to listen to the sounds made by the baby with a reach as far as the telephone system network. This can be useful for working parents who wish to monitor the home in their absence; though leaving the immediate vicinity of one’s child is never recommended.
Available Features
Batteries – Some units are able to use rechargeable batteries and include recharging units. This can be a money-saver, though there is the obvious danger that the battery may fail after some time; for instance monitoring your child in a separate bedroom over night.
Crib Soother – This is an option of the system that allows you to activate soothing, gentle vibrations in the baby's crib.
Talkback – This feature allows for two-way reception so you can talk to your baby from another room.
Lullaby Trigger – If your baby stirs, this feature activates a calming lullaby.
Motion Detector Mat – This feature alerts you when your baby moves.
Out-of-Range Alarm – If you move out of the monitor's range, this feature will alert you.
Pager – If you misplace your receiver, this feature allows you to press a button on the baby unit to set off a beeping noise that you can follow to retrieve it.
Temperature Alarm – This warns you when the baby’s room temperature falls or rises out of the range you set.
About The Author
Julian Pollock is an enthusiastic environmentalist and the editor of OrganicFamily Circle, a site that provides useable information for beginners and ardent followers of organic living, ranging from Baby's organic needs to natural de-stressing methods.
