When it comes to your baby’s safety, you need to choose nothing but the best. Therefore, look for an option that offers features, functionality, and portability and also falls within your budget. As challenging as it may sound, the list shared above will have most of your boxes ticked without breaking your bank.
Moreover, this guide will highlight the top features of a practical and useful baby camera to make the decision even easier. You may not need all of these in your baby camera, but having the essentials will ensure better safety for your baby.
Keep reading to clear the noise, and dive into this guide for more information on the best baby cameras.
Do You Even Need a Baby Camera/Monitor – Find out!
Buying a baby camera is an important decision to make. Most first-time parents are confused about whether investing in one is a good idea. Here’s the deal:
- A baby camera is not for you if you are always available for your child and live in a smaller house. You don’t need a monitor to keep an eye on your baby if you can immediately hear your baby or if your baby sleeps in your room.
- You definitely need a baby camera if you have a bigger house and you can’t immediately hear your child, even if you’re in the house. Monitoring your baby during the day as well as at night becomes necessary with a baby camera.
Generally, if you’re too careful about your baby’s safety (which you should be), then getting a baby camera does not harm you. Parents can rest assured their baby is doing well and safe, even if they’re not in front of them. You can have a peaceful sleep knowing you will be alerted if your baby needs you.
Having said that, a baby camera is not a replacement for a parent or a caretaker. While these cameras are incredibly helpful in ensuring your baby’s safety, especially with the latest models that feature an array of impressive technical capabilities, they’re not humans and cannot tend to your baby in case of an emergency. It is just a useful tool that you can rely on as a third pair of ears and eyes.
What to Look for in the Best Baby Camera
As mentioned above, the baby cameras available today are more than your old, basic models. Today, these cameras can do so much more than just alert you if your baby starts crying. However, it is essential to sort the necessary from the vague and get a camera that caters to your specific requirements.
Here are some standard features that a baby monitor may offer you:
Digital vs. Analog
These two types are pretty similar, but a digital baby camera transmits signals to the receiver by encrypting the sound, and the analog one will do the same without encrypting the data. This is why the latter are less pricey. However, there could be a risk of encountering interference from cordless devices. To fix this problem, look for a 1.9 GHz band instead of a 2.4 or just pick the digital monitor instead.
Range
This feature is what makes a baby camera helpful. It is pointless to invest in a monitor if you have to stay in a short-range, where you can hear your baby directly. These are more suitable for larger homes because the reliable devices will offer you a long range to alert you when your baby wakes up.
Night Vision
This one is self-explanatory and is an essential feature you shouldn’t miss. Night vision allows you to see your baby even in the dark. A dim table light in your baby’s room is enough for this feature to work.
Multiple Camera Support
This is an excellent feature if you have more than one child. All WiFi baby cameras come with this option.
Voice Activation
Also known as VOX, the baby camera will alert you as seen as your kid is awake, even if you’re not looking at the monitor.
Battery Life Indicator
If you’re choosing a battery-operated baby camera, pick one that doesn’t deplete batteries fast. Also, having a feature that indicates a low battery is crucial to replace the batteries in time.
WiFi
Units that run on WiFi and can be paired with a smartphone have become more popular with parents who’re out and about running errands and still want to keep a check on their baby. However, it is important to remember that such a device would only be useful with a solid internet connection.
Additional Safety Features You Cannot Miss
And there are some more features you may consider:
Talk Back Feature
This feature allows you to speak with your baby from a distance. This helpful feature enables you to soothe your baby in case of an emergency or just reassure them that you’re on your way.
Health and Safety
The baby camera is for your child’s safety. It should by no means pose any threat to them. For instance, devices with cords should be appropriately adjusted so no cables are lying around the bed that could harm the child in any way. Also, reduce the exposure to electromagnetic radiation as much as you can.
Security Concerns
Unfortunately, there have been hacking incidents with baby cameras too. Imagine a stranger interacting with your baby while you’re away or asleep. These security concerns are real, and it’s important to understand the risks to be able to protect yourself and your family against these intrusions.
Since this is only possible with Wifi options, make sure you learn more about preventing baby camera hacking for maximum safety.
Best Baby Cameras – FAQs
When should I start using a baby camera?
The moment you feel comfortable putting your baby to bed with a monitor, you can start using a baby camera. Usually, that doesn’t happen until a few months, which is good.
Is a baby camera worth buying?
You don’t need a baby camera if you’re always going to be around your baby and plan to co-sleep in the same room/bed. However, this device is worth every penny if your baby is going to be in another room. A baby camera will help you keep an eye on your baby and catch any
discomfort that your baby may be experiencing while you’re in another room.
The camera would allow you to see your baby and alarm you in case of a problem, offering you peace of mind while you sleep.
Do I need to be worried about the baby cameras giving off radiation?
If you have a wireless baby camera, there must be a small amount of radiation too. These radiations are produced when the monitor starts transmitting info. While the exposure is not threatening, as a parent, you must take specific actions for your baby’s safety.