Different Types of Baby Monitors

Finding the monitor type that fits your needs

The array of baby monitor choices is staggering. There are analog and digital sound monitors, video monitors, and movement monitors, each with a variety of options.

Baby Sound Monitors
Sound monitors are available in both analog and digital models. Analog baby monitors are the least expensive and can still be a good value. Models are available with multiple receivers, long distance reception, and belt clips. Many have wireless capability with battery or AC operation, and may come with rechargeable batteries. Digital monitors have the same options, and give clearer sound, wider reception range, and less interference from radios and other electronics than analog models. When choosing a portable model, an out of range indicator feature is an option to consider. Whether you chose analog or digital, look for a model that minimizes static and has the reception range you need.

Baby Video Monitors Video baby monitors combine sound monitors with video. Models are available with LCD displays, multiple cameras, automatic camera scanning, and infrared night vision technology. Some manufacturers offer portable models and models for your car. Screen size varies widely with video monitors. Portable models have smaller screens, but have more flexibility for busy parents. As with sound monitors, look for an out of range indicator on portable models. Consider which options are more important for your lifestyle before purchasing a video monitor. Keep in mind that picture quality, sound quality, and reception range determine how useful the monitor is to your family. Baby Movement Monitors Baby movement monitors or movement sensors fit under the baby's mattress and detect even the smallest movement. When baby is completely still for 20 seconds, an alarm will sound. Some models are available that monitor sounds as well as movements. To ensure correct operation, install movement sensors on a flat surface and check installation instructions carefully. These units are wireless baby monitors, so make sure you have an adequate supply of batteries on hand.

Audio baby monitors are actually radio transmitters. When there is a sound in baby's room, the monitor sends a signal to the receiver. As long as the receiver is within range, it picks up the sounds. There are two basic types of audio baby monitors - analog and digital, both types of monitors transmit the sound from baby's room to the receiver, but what is the difference?

Analog audio baby monitors operate on radio frequency that transmits a FM signal while the monitor is on. Most use a fixed frequency of 49MHz, 900MHz, or 2.4GHz. Your receiver will pick up this signal, but so will other receivers that are operating on the same bandwidth.

It is possible that your neighbor's baby monitor receiver will pick up your monitor's signal. It is possible to hear CB radio calls, cordless phone, and cell phone conversations through your receiver. If you can hear others, they may hear you. To minimize the problem, turn off the monitor when you are not monitoring baby. If your house has aluminum siding your signal is somewhat less apt to be picked up by other receivers.

Digital audio baby monitor signals provide more privacy. Digital monitors scramble the signal before transmitting to the receiver where the signal is then unscrambled. It is more difficult for another receiver to pick up a scrambled signal. Digital monitors have a larger reception range than analog, some advertising up to 2000 feet. Another plus is that digital models have less static and less interference from your other household electronics. Before purchasing a digital monitor, make sure it has digital technology and not just digital sound.

Whether the monitor has wireless capability or not has no bearing on the privacy of the transmission. In baby monitors, wireless equates to battery operation, not the use of a router like a wireless internet connection.