In the past, the only baby infant monitor available was the wired variety, which connects the transmitters and receivers together. The benefit of such a system is that you can never stray out of range, you always know where the receivers are and you won’t have any chance of interference from household appliances, cordless phones, microwaves, wireless internet or the neighbors’ baby monitors.
However, this unit must be installed by a professional (much like a security system) in one, fixed place and there will be no mobility. On the other hand, a baby video monitor can be set up by parents in a matter of minutes and allows the parents the option to roam freely around the house, with the receiver worn around the neck or clipped to a belt.
While a digital or analog baby monitor isn’t an essential child-rearing item, many parents feel they are being more attentive when using one.
One wireless monitor to consider is the Graco Ultra Clear II. The Graco baby monitor is a budget product that has received positive reviews for its excellent reception and sound quality.
Bonus features include a night-light and sound indicator lights, so you can simply see when your baby is crying, rather than be startled by the sudden, shrill shrieks. The system also comes with two parental unit monitors, which is a nice bonus.
In consumer video baby monitor reviews, many parents give the UltraClear II 5/5 stars. However, like many other monitors, interference can be a problem in busier areas, so you might want to upgrade to the $60 Graco iMonitor system, which offers even better clarity.
The only cons listed for this item are that the monitor is too sensitive and that the volume can only be turned off, not kept down low. Prices range from $36.99 at Amazon to $44.95 at Ebay. Target and Walmart also carry this product if you need it right away.
The Bebesounds Angelcare Movement Sensor with Sound Monitor is a moderately priced wireless baby monitor that comes with two receivers. The primary perk of this baby monitor system is that it comes with a motion-sensing mattress pad that detects movement and alerts parents if the baby has not moved in 20 seconds.
However, there is always the possibility of irritating false alarms for the rare soundly-sleeping baby that tends to not wiggle around at all. Sold at Target, Epinions, Walmart, Lilaguide and Amazon, the average price of this system is around $75.
The wireless baby monitor is practical for many parents who want a little bit of freedom and mobility around the house, while the baby sleeps. Many buyers are first-time parents who are prone to worrying about meeting their baby’s needs or parents of a premature infant who worry that their baby may fall ill.
The baby monitor system is, of course, no substitute for actual parenting, but it’s a nice comfort when it’s sleep-time for the baby.