What is a baby monitor, operating principle, device and selection rules

Understanding how a baby monitor works is quite simple. Essentially, these are 2 walkie-talkies - the nursery transmits a signal to the parents’ device. Thanks to this, you can hear everything that happens in the child's room. How the device works and how to choose the appropriate model is described in detail below.

How does a baby monitor work?

Before purchasing a suitable model, it is worth understanding what a baby monitor is and how it works. The device is a walkie-talkie consisting of 2 components:

1. The most sensitive to sounds is placed next to the child.
2. The second radio is in my parents’ room. It is equipped with a clip that can be attached to clothing and carried with you.

Regardless of which baby monitor you choose, the models are made of safe materials and do not have protruding parts or small parts that could injure the child.

The main purpose of the device is to respond to even faint sounds from the baby and transmit them in the form of a radio signal. It is instantly read by the parent's radio, so you can immediately find out what is happening in the children's room.

Basic functions of the device

The main purpose is to transmit sounds from the child to parents in the form of a radio signal. Along with this option, many devices also have additional ones.When learning how to choose a baby monitor for a newborn, you can consider both basic and advanced models that allow you to:

• control temperature;
• control humidity;
• monitor the baby's breathing;
• play a lullaby;
• evaluate the noise level using the indicator (special diodes on the parent device light up);
• connect to several parental radios (for example, separately for mom and dad);
• give soft light (night light mode);
• talk to the baby (in this case, microphones are installed on both walkie-talkies).

Selection instructions

When choosing one model or another, you should prepare an overview of different types of baby sitters. In addition, it is necessary to study several technical characteristics, the most important are:

1. Range is one of the significant parameters that shows the maximum distance over which the signal can be transmitted unhindered. For an apartment, 30-40 m is suitable, but for a private house it is better to consider models of 100-200 m.
2. You can also understand how to choose a baby monitor by the presence of two-way communication. This is a useful option that allows you to talk to your child at a distance and calm him down before coming into the room.
3. If you make a baby monitor yourself, it can cause interference, and the waves can intersect with other devices, for example, those of neighbors. To avoid this, it is better to purchase the device in a store. Such a device can connect to different channels, so you can tune in to a specific wave.
4. The case material is optimal if it is made of sufficiently durable plastic (the thicker the better).
5. When considering which baby monitor is best, you should pay attention to the number of receivers. The minimum is 1 device, but if there are many children or rooms, you can purchase 2-3.
6. Fastening - the parent unit must be equipped with a clip or other fastener with which it can be put on the hand, on the neck, to a belt or clothing. If necessary, you can also find a wall-mounted device.
7. Power type – preferably from a battery with sufficient capacity. Battery-powered devices may fail due to discharge.

Additional functionality

We can say about a baby monitor that it is a device that may have additional convenient functions. If they are really important, it is better to purchase an advanced model with the following options:

• possibility of activation by voice - allows you to save energy due to the fact that the walkie-talkie turns on only after the child begins to make sounds;
• baby monitor via phone – the ability to control from a smartphone using a free application;
• indicator notifying about connection break;
• memory cards for saving video clips (relevant only for devices with a camera);
• The vibration signal will be useful if you wear the receiver on your belt or in your pocket; but in any case, the device will emit both vibration and a sound signal;
• The battery life of the baby monitor radio is optimally 12 hours.

Instructions for use

Smartphone baby monitors and regular models always come with instructions. The general rules of application are:

1. First you need to familiarize yourself with what a baby monitor is and how to install it correctly.
2. Insert batteries or charge the battery.
3. Turn on the children's and parent's units.
4. Place the baby unit at a distance of 1 m from the sound source, for example, a smartphone.
5. Turn it on and adjust the volume level.
6. Place the baby unit on a flat surface at a distance of 1-1.5 m from the child.
7. Set up and test the device.

A baby monitor is a truly convenient device that allows parents to stay in constant contact with their baby, no matter what room he is in. When considering purchasing a model, it is better to take it with a reserve (signal reception at a distance of at least 50 m). This is due to possible interference in the form of walls and other obstacles. If the device is battery-powered, you must charge it every day.