Sunday, November 21, 2010

Buying a baby monitor is an excellent investment for any parent or parent-to-be. We take a look at six baby monitors that are available on the market.

Years ago when people had much larger families and most mothers were home makers, it was much easier to keep an eye on the baby. One of the children could also be assigned to watch over the baby, and overall babies were not really left alone very much. In modern times things are quite different. After giving birth the mother is very busy at home to look after her newborn baby. No mother wants to neglect her child at any time. Luckily there are baby monitors that has given parents a huge amount of freedom and peace of mind.

Now you can leave your baby alone in his or her room and you will be alerted when your baby cries or does not move for a while.This allows a mother to continue washing the baby`s clothes and do the other things like taking a much needed nap.

What you should look for in your baby monitor.

It should have a baby station (transmitter) that is placed next to the baby and a receiver that is carried by the parent. The longer the range the better. Volume control will also help a lot as you can adjust the volume to your situation. The better the sound quality the better for you. This help you to distinguish between harmless gurgles that you know and between sounds that will require your immediate attention. Rechargeable batteries with a long battery life will help you very much. You will find light signals and a temperature sensor very useful. Movement alarms or baby breathing monitors are also brilliant as it may help you to prevent your baby falling victim to sudden infant death syndrome. We had a chat with a few mothers with baby monitor experience, and looked at the units available to give you a better insight of what is available out there.

We take a look at a few monitors on the market:

  • Angelcare AC 420 sound monitor
  • Chicco  Baby Control Video Digital  Monitor 
  • Angelcare AC401 – Movement and sound
  • TOMY Digital Plus
  • Phillips AVENT DECT SCD530 
  • Lindam Baby Talk  

Angelcare AC 420 sound monitor:

This is a very reliable baby monitor with all the basic functions that any would expect.


Features:

    * Range: between 80 meters and 100 meters (indoors)
    * Volume control
    * Sound lights to see and hear baby's sounds
    * 8 channels to minimize interference
    * Battery or AC adaptor operated
    * Voice activated
    * Parents Unit rechargeable

This is an extremely reliable monitor.The magnetic field strength is very low which is a very worthwhile point to take notice of.Extremely reliable and hardy unit. Magnetic field strength is low, which is a very worthwhile point to note. This is not the model that everyone is talking about. That model is the AC 401. This monitor does not have the sensory monitor pad and has no movement or temperature detection.


This unit is best for:Any parent looking for basic functions that is very reliable. Use the money you save to buy some extra diapers.


Chicco Baby Control Video Digital Monitor:

This baby monitor is for parents who does not trust everyone and like to keep an eye on the situation. Also great if you love to look at your baby the whole time.

Features:

    * Video camera which works in the dark and can be adjusted to suit your needs
    * Voice activation
    * 150m range of use
    * digital technology for interference-free reception
    * rechargeable batteries

The main focal point if this monitor is that you are able to look at your baby. It is a very classy product and the camera function is certainly fantastic. It is however not a "must have" to have a video baby monitor, but it does have its advantages.

Best for: Those with really cute babies and the less trusting mothers who need an eye on the situation all the time.

Angelcare AC401 – Movement and sound

This is the ideal monitor for parents that like a lot of feedback.

Features:

    * Under-the-mattress Sensor Pad detects every movement baby makes
    * Optional 'tic" sound to hear baby's movements
    * Adjustable sensitivity
    * Alarm sounds after 20 seconds if absolutely no movement is detected
    * Sound lights to see and hear baby's sounds
    * Nursery room temperature display on the Parents unit
    * Choice between voice activation or  continuous sound reception
    * Alarm vibration option on Parents Unit

After all the talks with the mothers, this unit was chosen as the favourite.The main reason they chose this one is because of the sensor pad.This is recommended by many mothers that enjoy the extra sleep that this monitor affords them. For paying a bit extra we found it to be better than the AC420 because this one  has the temperature and movement sensor.The screen that the chicco have is also nice but if you are watching the price then this is the ideal baby monitor.

Best for: Those who would like as much feedback as possible. My favourite of the bunch.


TOMY Digital Plus

Most people will be satisfied with the look, feel, and performance of the TOMY baby monitor.

Features:

    * DECT technology interference free, clear sound and 100% privacy
    * Low battery and out of range alarm
    * LCD temperature display
    * Two way talkback so parents can reassure baby from afar
    * Belt clip for hands free convenience
    * Vibration mode
    * A pager to help locate the parent unit if misplaced.


This is in the same price range as the Angelcare 401. Although this monitor offers all the functions you need it is not as sharp as the AC401. If Philip Stark turned his attention to baby gadgets he would be drawn to the TOMY. The two way talk function of this monitor is also a very nice function to have and is not found on many other baby monitors.

This monitor is good for anyone. It has solid performance and any person should be happy with the look and price of the TOMY

Phillips AVENT DECT SCD530

If you do not know how to sing lullabies then this is the monitor for you.

Features:

   * 5 Lullabies
   * Battery low indication
   * Monitor the humidity and temperature in the baby`s room
   * 330m operating range 
   * Belt clip, neck cord and travel bag
   * 24 hour operation time
   * Vibration alert
   * Two way communication
   * Auto out of range warning

With such a long range it is almost possible for you to take a stroll around the block and still listen in on your baby. Another top end monitor that might actually have designed around iPod docking station to promote the lullaby option. As impressive as any other, but once again, not all the functions focused on are essential.

Best For: Quality audio and parents who can’t sing lullabies.


Lindam Baby Talk Baby Monitor

If you are on a tight budget the this monitor is for you.

Features:

    * Digital thermometer
    * Adjustable volume control
    * Rechargeable and portable
    * Range of up to 200m
    * Built in night light
    * The Baby unit features a comforting night light and a choice of 2 channel frequencies reduces the risk of interference


The Lindam is lowest in price by quite a long way. That does not mean it’s not a decent buy. The standard is really high with a fantastic choice of monitors. The Lindam still does the job but beware of less clarity due to only two channels frequencies – the others all have many more channels and better systems for more efficient clarity.The range is also quite good.

Best if you are on a tight budget, but you might want to spend a little bit of extra money to go for something a little better.

If you want to have a look at more baby monitors and baby breathing monitors please click here to visit our amazon powered store.

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