The Best Baby Monitors On The Market Today

Getting Started with Baby Monitors

As a new parent, one of the first purchases that you'll probably want to make is on a baby monitor. Baby monitors have come a long way in the last decade, offering a wide range of different features that set each one apart from the rest. Because there are so many different brands, types and models of baby monitors on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one is the best fit for you. Some of the main differences between baby monitors today include their price points, signal strength, sound sensitivity, video monitors and movement detectors. You should never buy a monitor simply because of it's brand, but because it lives up to your standards and expectations.

Types of Baby Monitors Available

Baby monitors can be broken down into several different categories. This includes your typical baby sound monitor, baby video monitor and baby motion monitor. Sound monitors enable you to simply hear the sounds that your baby makes from the transmitter to the receiver. This is typically one of the most portable options and may include additional receivers for your convenience. Video monitors is ideal for parents who want the extra comfort of being able to see what their baby is doing. These monitors include a camera withe microphone that transmits both the image and the sound to the receiver. Motion monitors are a little bit different, as they do not typically transmit sound or movement, but rather detect motion from a sensor that is placed under the crib mattress.

Baby Sound Monitors

• Available in analog and digital models with transmitters that pick up the sound coming from the baby's room and send them to the receiver.
• A small and portable device so that parents can listen to their little one from anywhere around the home.
• Often includes two receivers that work either wirelessly or while plugged into an electrical outlet.

Baby Video Monitors

• Transmitters are typically handheld devices that feature either a black and white or colored screen where live video can be seen.
• Some larger models may need to stay in one place and be plugged into an outlet for them to work.
• Some models have the ability to stream stream video to the internet so that they can watch their baby from anywhere with an internet connection or on their smartphone.

Baby Motion Monitors

• A sensor that is placed under the crib mattress to detect when your baby moves.
• An alarm on the receiver will sound if motion has not been detected for more than 20 seconds.
• Some motion monitors have the ability to transmit sound to the receiver as well so that parents are able to listen for breathing and crying.

Typical Baby Monitor Features

All baby monitors have one thing in common and that is to provide parents with some sort of comfort to know that their little one is safe in his or her own room. Features will normally vary from one baby monitor to the next. Here are some of the typical features that you will find on most baby monitors.

• Channel Options. Most baby monitors include the ability to switch between two or three different channels. This is so that your monitor will not interfere with other signals in the house. Setting it on the correct channel can also improve the overall sound and video clarity that the monitor transmits.
• Pan/Zoom/Tilt. Baby video monitors include pan, zoom and tilt features. This allows you to see your baby and his or her room from a wide range of angles. Zoom in for a close-up view or pan around the room to see what's going on in there.
• Volume Adjustment. All baby monitors include the ability to adjust the volume. The sound can be turned up or down so that you are able to hear your baby easily.

Brands of Baby Monitors

When shopping for baby monitors, you will notice several different brands to choose from. This includes Summer Infant, Angelcare, Avent and more. Angelcare is known for their quality movement monitors while Summer Infant is known for their video monitors.

Baby Monitor Shopping Tips

Here are a few tips and things that you should keep in mind while shopping for a baby monitor.

• Research the different baby monitor brands before models. You may be able to narrow down your choices by knocking out entire brands completely.
• Look into the different features of the monitor. What may be the best some someone may not be the best choice for you.
• Test the baby monitor out if available. This allows you to see the video and sound quality before the making the purchase so that you know what to expect.