How to choose a video baby monitor. What is this device and how does it work?

There are several proven ways to choose a video nanny. One of the main parameters is related to the signal transmission range. There are also additional useful options, for example, night lighting, a memory card slot and built-in files with lullabies. Tips for choosing, rating the best models, as well as a description of the instructions for use can be found in the presented material.

What is a video baby monitor

It’s easy enough to understand how a video nanny works. The set consists of at least 2 devices:

1. Children's module with a digital camera.
2. Parent module with receiver and screen.

The children's module films the child on camera and transmits an encoded signal using DECT technology. The receiving (parental) device is equipped with a decoder, which almost instantly decrypts the signal and displays the corresponding image on the screen.

Moreover, both the children's and parental units work autonomously, i.e. from batteries or built-in battery. In this sense, there is not much difference which video nanny to choose. The video can be viewed not only from the device for parents, but also from a TV or PC.

Types of devices

Many users wonder whether a video baby monitor is necessary. On the one hand, there is a baby monitor that costs less. But it only transmits sound, and it is not always enough to understand what is happening in the room. Therefore, it is best to actually purchase a device with a camera.

To do this, you should prepare an overview of video nannies and their types. There are 3 main types:

1. Classical (analog) model has an affordable price and easy setup - no additional equipment needs to be connected. It works stably, does not freeze, but the quality of the image and especially the sound is not so high.
2. Digital nanny – transmits data via W-Fi or through its own wave. Allows you to monitor your child not only from the parent unit, but also from a smartphone, TV or tablet (you need to install a special application).
3. IP model - This is also a digital device, but unlike the previous type, it is equipped with an IP camera that works via Wi-Fi. The main advantage is that you can connect any number of devices and maintain control from anywhere where there is a stable Internet connection.

From this description it is clear that a baby monitor or video baby monitor is better. Although devices with radios are indeed cheaper, they do not transmit images. Therefore, it is most convenient to use devices with video and a screen.

Tips for choosing

If you are considering what to choose - a baby monitor or a video baby monitor, and which model to choose, you need to study several technical characteristics at once. The following parameters play the most important role:

1. Signal reception range - 30-50 m is enough for an apartment, but for a private house it is better to take it with a margin of up to 200-300 m.
2. The presence of an interference suppression system allows you to receive a clear signal from a baby monitor or video baby monitor.
3. Screen diagonal – you can choose even a small one, for example, 61 mm, since the image can be displayed on a smartphone and even on a TV.
4. PTZ camera - the device must be equipped with a drive.Moreover, turns can be made by controlling the children's module from the parent unit.
5. The battery capacity should provide an operating time of 4-8 hours.
6. The camera should be equipped with LED backlighting with a soft glow for comfortable use at night.
7. Some devices also have thermal sensors that allow you to control the temperature.
8. Motion detector - the parent unit immediately gives a signal whenever there is any movement in the children's room. Similarly, the device must be equipped with a light indicator that will light up when any sound appears.

There are other ways to choose a high-quality video baby monitor. It’s good if the models are equipped with additional useful functions:

• VOX - the ability to detect children's crying using a microphone;
• auto tracking – in advanced models, the camera automatically follows the movement;
• melodies with lullabies;
• memory card slot (allows you to save quite a lot of videos);
• vibration signal - additional lighting for parents;
• IR sensors – for monitoring your child at night.

Instructions for use

Before installing the device, you should read the instructions for the video baby monitor. Application features differ depending on the model, but there are general rules:

1. Insert batteries or charge the battery to 100%.
2. Place the baby unit next to the baby (distance 1-1.5 m). It can be placed on a plane or mounted on the wall.
3. Turn on the cameras, wait until the indicator turns green.
4. Install the monitor (parent unit).
5. Make sure that the indicators are lit correctly (not flashing).
6. We can say about the video baby monitor that it is a kind of video phone. Before using it for the first time, it is important to test the operation, assessing the quality of image transmission.

Review of the best models

Now it’s clear what a video nanny is and why it is needed. To understand this even more deeply, you can consider several models that are most popular among buyers:

1. Hello Baby HB24 is one of the best devices in terms of price and quality ratio. It is distinguished by its compact size, night vision option, built-in lullabies (8 melodies), two-way communication. In addition, the device is equipped with a temperature sensor that allows you to control the temperature in the room.
2. Maman BM2600 provides stable communication at a distance of up to 300 m without obstacles and up to 100 m in an ordinary apartment (obstacles, walls). The display is quite large, 2.4 inches diagonal. Using this device as an example, you can understand what a video baby monitor is. This is a stand-alone device that runs on a battery, but if necessary, it can also be connected to the network.
3. Miniland Digimonitor 3.5 Plus 89174 – a description of this type of video baby monitor can begin with a range of up to 250 m. Provides two-way communication, operates in “night vision” mode, plays 5 lullabies. It is possible to connect additional cameras.
4. AngelCare AC327 is a model that allows you to control both the movements and breathing of the child. Operates within a radius of up to 250 m. Provides two-way communication, measures temperature, and operates in night vision mode.
5. iBaby M7 is an original model that only includes a baby unit. You can use any gadget as a parent device, for example, a smartphone or tablet (a free application must be installed on it first). You can receive a video signal at any distance.

When figuring out which video baby monitor is best, you shouldn’t forget about user reviews.It is better to give preference to proven models that reliably receive a signal at a distance of up to 200-300 m. Moreover, it is worth keeping in mind that not a single device replaces parental control 100%. A nanny should be considered only as an additional, but not the main means.