Baby monitor for newborns: what is it for and how to choose

Functions and purpose of a baby monitor

The device performs a number of functions. Parents themselves choose what is more important to them. Someone buys a simple device that will give a signal when a child cries. And some people choose additional functions that make caring for their baby easier.

Thermometer

Some baby monitor samples show the temperature in the children's room. Its value is displayed on the parent block. In the device menu you can enter the maximum and minimum temperatures and monitor the alert. The thermometer itself is installed on the children's unit.

Humidity sensor

This is a great helper for mom who will remind her to change her diaper. The humidity sensor, attached to the diaper at one end, is completely safe for the child and does not interfere with his movement. The other end connects to the baby power supply.

There are air humidity sensors, but they are used less often; for parents, an ear or a wet diaper is more important.

Presence function

The baby monitor emits a signal at a certain distance. If by chance the parental unit is far from you, the signal sent will indicate the place where you need to return to continue monitoring the baby.

You can connect a breathing monitor. This is when a sensor is attached under the mattress and tracks every movement and records the baby's breathing. The monitor will immediately notify you if it does not detect fluctuations within 20 seconds. This is necessary when a newborn baby and the mother urgently need to go to another room.

One way or two way communication

Two-way communication, when parents not only hear, but can walk with the baby from a distance. This makes communication easier; when the child grows up, the baby monitor can be used as a walkie-talkie.

When parents do not want to buy an expensive device with many functions, they can purchase a baby monitor with one-way communication. Information that the baby has woken up arrives at the unit, the parents go to the nursery, it is no longer possible to talk from a distance here, you have to run to calm them down.

Built-in ringtones

To make it easier for mothers, there are baby monitors with built-in lullabies. Music is regulated from the adult unit. While the child is awake, they play calm music and a lullaby before bed. And mom can cook food in the kitchen at this time.

Visual reception sensors

Such sensors are used so as not to disturb the peace of other family members. Perhaps there are guests in the house, or other children are learning lessons, crying from the nursery will not be heard. Visual sensors will turn off the sound, and special indicator lights will blink to indicate the baby is crying. You need to install the unit in a visible place so as not to miss the signals from the light bulbs. This is convenient when mom washes or cooks; extraneous noises won’t interfere.

What types of baby monitors are there?

Today, children's stores offer a wide range of “babyphones” in different price categories. The more expensive the baby monitor, the more interesting options it has.

Parents just have to decide which features they really need:

1 Baby monitors with a night light are especially popular. If the baby begins to make noise, the device turns on low lighting so that when the child wakes up, he will not be afraid of the dark.

2 There are baby monitors that can transmit an alarm to the parent unit if the child's breaths become less frequent than usual.

Such a device is a must-have for a child suffering from breathing or heart problems.

3 Incredibly, some baby monitors can put your baby to sleep themselves!

Children's units in such devices are equipped with a filmstrip mechanism - pictures will change on the ceiling above the baby's crib along with lullabies.

4 There are baby monitors with feedback. Manufacturers of modern models have achieved fairly clear sound transmission, so that the baby recognizes the mother’s voice, and perhaps it will be possible to calm the baby down without even going into the nursery.

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5 A separate type of baby monitors is video baby monitors. They transmit not only voice, but also pictures, so you can constantly monitor everything that happens in the children's room.

6 Some baby monitors can be used not only while the baby is sleeping, but also during games. For example, the device can be equipped with a development complex, and the body is made in the shape of a cartoon character.

7 Important! The most important pricing factor is broadcast frequency. The higher it is, the safer the device is for the child, and the more expensive it is, accordingly.

Do not skimp on your child’s health and give preference to devices with a broadcast purity of at least 8 MHz.

Types of baby monitors

The device, which helps monitor the behavior of the child in the crib, is being improved by manufacturers; the functions of the device are becoming more modern and reliable.

Depending on the type of signal, baby monitors can be digital or analog.

Digital baby monitor

A device with a signal that is encrypted for other radios. The sound is very clear, without interference. The noise of the vacuum cleaner being turned on does not affect it. The device has over 10 channels. If one does not accept the connection, then another one replaces it and the baby monitor does not fail.

The digital device has many additional functions to facilitate monitoring of the child, which are mentioned above.

Conclusion - many functions, the signal sound is cleaner, but expensive.

Analog baby monitor

In such a device, the frequency of signal reception from the nursery may be affected by extraneous noise in the apartment. When household appliances are running, parents may not hear the baby's voice.

Since the signal is not encrypted, such a baby monitor can easily turn into a listening device. If someone is talking near the receiver, another radio picks up the signal with the voice of the person speaking.

Conclusion - the device is easy to operate, costs less, but is sensitive to interference.

By food type

The device can be battery operated or rechargeable. Depending on this, the baby monitor is equipped with a charger or an electrical adapter. If the device is battery-powered, then buy a battery, since the batteries will have to be changed often, and this is a big expense, the device works almost constantly.

Baby monitor: how does it work and how does it work?

The device includes 2 blocks. One is near the child, the other is with the parents. The signal is transmitted over a distance of up to 50 meters in a closed area, for example, in an apartment, and up to 300 meters in an open space. The sound is picked up by a microphone and transmitted to the receiver. If the child cries, starts to groan or toss and turn, the baby monitor will immediately notify the parents about this.

Some devices have a communication channel selection function. You can select a channel where the signal reception quality is better. The devices operate on batteries, accumulator or mains. Models that operate on batteries or an accumulator can be carried with you, which is very convenient.

Install a “baby unit” next to your baby’s crib or bassinet. Now you have everything under control. All sounds that are heard in the child’s room will be picked up by the “parental unit”.

Parents can wear their part of the device like a watch or fasten it to their belt.

What is important when buying a baby monitor

Manufacturers offer a large selection of devices that help mothers do housework, relax, and at the same time keep control of what happens to the child in the nursery. What to consider when choosing a device:

• range of the baby monitor;
• power supply;
• alert signal;
• additional options.

The distance at which the device fully operates is chosen depending on the housing and the expected interference. Signals are transmitted over distances from 30 m to 800 m or more. The signal coverage radius is indicated on the packaging. You need to know that this value is calculated for an open area, without interference.

The baby monitor with the largest signal radius is chosen for use in the country. There the child spends a lot of time in the fresh air, perhaps sleeping in a stroller or playing on the playground. The sensor will promptly inform you that mother's help is needed.

Data transfer type

Analog baby monitors are the simplest and easiest to use models. Such radios are configured manually by scrolling the wheel and listening to the radio broadcast. Unfortunately, analog baby monitors cannot boast of signal reception range and accuracy. Their obvious advantage is their relatively affordable price.

Advice! It is recommended to use analog models only for short distances. Optimal in an apartment with thin panel walls.

Digital baby monitors are a more modern option. A distinctive feature is the purity of the received signal. The sound coming out of the speakers is transmitted digitally, making it clearer. It is much easier to understand the breathing of a sleeping child through such a gadget. Setting up and switching channels when a wave is lost can occur automatically, so that the user does not even know that the device at some point lost connection with the second unit. A very convenient feature for parents doing housework.

A digital baby monitor with feedback is an interesting toy that can be used to diversify a child’s leisure time. True, this device has a significant drawback - it costs much more than its analogue.

How to choose a baby monitor based on the alert signal

The main purpose of the device is to instantly transmit a signal from the nursery to the parent unit. This is implemented in three ways:

• vibration signal;
• sound notification;
• light signal.

Each of them was discussed above. If you use one signal, you can miss it due to some reason. It is advisable to combine all 3 types. The vibration signal is considered the most reliable. The baby monitor is attached to the arm, placed in a pocket, and then the vibration is difficult to miss. This device option will greatly help parents with hearing loss.

Be sure to pay attention to whether or not there is a device charge level signal.

way of eating

. There are two options: from the network or batteries (batteries). The advantages of the first option are that there is no risk of the device turning off due to the battery running out or running out of battery power. But with such a device you are deprived of mobility. You won't be able to carry it with you. Accordingly, the second option allows you to move around with a baby monitor, but the batteries need to be periodically charged, and new batteries need to be purchased. Therefore, preference should be given to models that can operate both from the mains and from rechargeable batteries.

Installation and rules for using a baby monitor

Before you start using the device, be sure to read the instructions on how the baby monitor works; each model has its own rules for the location of the device and its connection:

1. First, check the operation of the device in one room. When the units are turned on, make sure the quality of the signal, that there is no interference and the batteries are working.
2. Adjust the volume on the device itself.
3. Install the baby unit from the child at a distance of 1-3 meters.
4. The microphone is strictly directed towards the crib.
5. Check the charge of the batteries and monitor them throughout the entire period of operation and charge them promptly.
6. If the device is powered from the mains, then the adapter and the wire itself are securely hidden from the baby’s eyes so that he cannot reach them.

Why is a baby monitor dangerous?

As we have already said, the exchange of information between the children's unit and the parents' unit occurs via radio waves. On sale you can find baby monitors with a critical broadcast frequency of 5 MHz and below.

But even with a broadcast frequency of 8 MHz, the device emits a strong electromagnetic field (EMF), under the influence of which a child’s unprotected body spends up to 12 hours every day!

To make sure that the radiation is huge, it is enough to measure the radiation near the baby monitor and in other places in the room.

Believe me, the radiation level will be 1000 times higher than normal.

First of all, the baby’s nervous and immune systems are vulnerable.

EMR (electromagnetic radiation) heats tissues, affects intercellular metabolism and, often, becomes the cause of oncology.

It is also not useful for parents to wear the receiver in close proximity to the body.

But if the effect of EMR on an adult manifests itself in irritability, insomnia, and increased blood pressure, then the child cannot report his well-being in any way except by crying.

It is precisely this kind of “unreasonable” crying, morning lethargy, bad mood and apathy that is a serious signal for parents - this means that instead of proper rest, the baby’s body and nervous system are struggling with EMR.

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EMR damage tends to accumulate over a long period of time.

The American Academy of Pediatricians and the Canadian Society of Pediatricians insist that for full development, children under 2 years of age must be completely protected from EMR.

As studies conducted by scientists from two countries have shown, stimulating a baby’s brain with electromagnetic waves in 49% of cases leads to the development of behavioral deviations, and in 34% to problems with memory, attention, and the ability to communicate.

Children exposed to radiation are characterized by mood swings, weakened immunity, and frequent colds.

Top best baby monitors

• Philips was named the favorite manufacturer of devices that help parents . AVENT models are of excellent quality. More advanced with DECT technology, protected from interference and eavesdropping.
• TOMY DIGITAL company produces baby monitors of equally excellent quality, with a reliable signal and a number of necessary additional functions.
• There are several other manufacturers, such as Chicco , Brevi Baby Monitor , and others. If your financial situation allows, then take a closer look at the models of these manufacturers.
• You don’t always have the finances for an expensive baby monitor, then you can choose the Maman . This is an analog device, of course of lower quality, but if the apartment is small, it will make monitoring the baby quite easy.

In fact, the price of any device is acceptable and will justify itself. The cost of a baby monitor ranges from 2-6 thousand rubles. If you want to not only receive a signal when a baby is crying, buy a video baby monitor, they are more expensive. There you can control your actions with greater reliability. On the screen you can see how the baby behaves.

The best baby monitors for older people

Rating:

• Motorola MFV700 (digital with infrared LEDs for shooting in the dark, USA-Taiwan);
• Goscam 830E (digital video baby monitor, Hong Kong);
• Philips AVENT SCD 610/00 (video baby monitor with breathing monitor, Netherlands).

To monitor the elderly, the same baby monitors are used as to monitor a baby. If there is a bedridden patient in the house, then a transmitter is attached to his bed or near it, and the receiver is located next to the person caring for him.

By design, baby monitors for the elderly can be:

• wireless;
• digital with monitor and video camera.

All types have stands for walkie-talkies, a clip for attaching the receiver to a waist belt, and the ability to mount to a wall.

Main characteristics:

• indoor coverage radius – 30-60 m (for digital models – up to 100 m);
• night vision radius for video nannies (in complete darkness) – 5-7 m;
• Battery continuous operation time is 5-6 hours.

The following are important additional functions for older people:

• automatic night light switching function;
• respiratory function monitor;
• observation in complete darkness;
• vibration mechanism for people with hearing impairment.

Digital video baby monitors are especially effective, allowing you to monitor a seriously ill elderly person through an LCD screen.

Pros:

• constant monitoring of an elderly person without being with him around the clock;
• the possibility of quick assistance in case of emergency;
• obtaining images even in the dark.

Minuses:

• high price;
• limited range.

The best battery-powered baby monitors

Rating:

• Ramilli Baby RA400 (with vibration signal, UK);
• EvenFlo (USA);
• Maman FD-D601 (China);
• Snuza Duo (with breathing monitor, South Africa).

It features two batteries and consists of:

• transmitter - children's unit;
• receiver - parent unit with light battery charge indicator;
• 2 radio stands;
• 2 power supplies;
• 2 bases for recharging batteries.

Baby monitors are often designed accordingly. The children's block is made in the form of a toy or a baby is drawn on it, and on the parent block, respectively, the mother.

Main characteristics:

• number of channels – 2 (to minimize interference);
• indoor radio coverage – 30-100 m;
• Battery operating time before recharging is 5-6 hours.

Additional functions may include:

• night light;
• thermometer for measuring temperature in the children's room;
• system for playing lullabies or children's songs and melodies;
• function of connecting to the telephone network (when the sound is recorded, a call is received to the telephone number);
• replacing sound with a light signal;
• vibration signal;
• efficient energy consumption mode;
• respiration monitor;
• high humidity alarm function.

Pros:

• affordable price;
• a large number of additional functions;
• continuous operation without recharging up to 5-6 hours.

Minuses:

• the need to periodically charge batteries;
• In many models, only parent units are equipped with batteries, while children’s units operate on replaceable batteries;
• Over time, hearing deteriorates.