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In Search of the Best Baby Monitor

Are you searching for the best baby monitor? Monitors are a terrific peace of mind for parents. They allow you to walk away from your sleeping baby without worrying that you are out of earshot. Being able to take a shower, sleep soundly for those 4 hours between feedings, or even work in the garden while your newborn baby is sleeping...is a sanity-saver.

Monitors come in various types, with a wide range of prices, and with many varieties of "bells and whistles". How do you know what the best baby monitor is for your particular situation? Let's look at the different types and options that are available and the problems that might be associated with them.

Baby monitors can be divided into 5 different categories:

Analog baby monitors are the least expensive option on the market. These monitors operate on frequencies (49 MHz, 900 MHz, or 2.4 GHz) that are used in other electronic devices in your home, such as cordless phones, cell phones, microwaves, and others. This means that annoying static and interference can be a problem.
Another problem is interception. This is when your monitor picks up an unscrambled signal from your neighbor's monitor or cordless phone (which could be interesting...until you think that the reverse interception could also occur!). I personally have experienced this when an unknown neighbor broadcasted her phone conversation over my baby monitor (that is, until I turned it off...right away...OK, I listened for just a minute!).
If you do not have close neighbors, an analog baby monitor may work fine for you. If you don't want to spend the extra dollars for one of the other monitor options, be aware that static and interceptions (both directions) may occur.
Digital baby monitors are the next step up in our quest for the best baby monitor. Most operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency and are scrambled so that you maintain your privacy if the signal is intercepted. These may still have problems with interference/static, especially with your home wireless routers.
An even better option would be to find a digital monitor that operates on the newer DECT (digitally enhanced cordless telecommunications) 1.9 GHz frequency. These are less common, but are found to be rated highly in parent reviews for their lack of interference AND interception. They are more expensive though, and can be harder to find in stores.
These digital monitors tend to have a greater electromagnetic field than the analog monitors. The current thought is that these fields may produce negative health effects, so be sure that the unit is placed at least 4 feet away from your baby.
Baby video monitors are for the parents who want the added benefit of being able to see their baby. These monitors receive mixed reviews for the picture clarity and interference problems, but the newer models seem to be gaining in the ranks. They also may have the interception problem if someone nearby has a video monitor or even an automobile camera for backing up! A very cool option with some of these video monitors is webcam kit. Which brings us to...
Webcam monitoring It could be that the best baby monitor is not really a baby monitor at all! Using a webcam is an up-and-coming alternative that may be appealing. By setting up a webcam near your baby's bed, you can watch and listen to your baby's snore from your home or office pc (co-workers may not appreciate the audio feed). Another benefit would be that grandpa and grandma will also be able to check in on their sleeping darling.
The drawbacks??? Don't accidently leave it turned on at night if you share a bedroom with your baby and you have given out the password to others. AND...If you are technically challenged (like me), you may need to ask your brother-in-law to set it up. Check out this article that walks you through the set up process.
Baby movement monitor/sensors are available along with the audio monitors. These monitors have a sensor pad on which your baby sleeps. If no movement (breathing) is detected for 20 seconds, an alarm sounds. Most parent reviews describe false alarms, but seem to like the peace of mind nonetheless.

Here are some of the available "bells and whistles" on varieties of monitors.

temperature readings and alarms to let you know when the temp is not optimal
lullabies played on the baby unit
night lights
pager for locating lost receivers - especially handy for the dad who can never find the TV remote
various ranges - important if you have a large house or want to be outside
vibrate option
2 way communication so that you can soothe your baby with your voice
channel options - the more the better
multiple receivers
rechargable batteries

Check out any of the baby monitors below. You are sure to find one that meets your needs AND your budget.

In your quest for the best baby monitor, please remember that not every monitor will work well with your particular set-up (home lay-out and electronic devices). Make sure that you buy from a place with a great return program, and pay attention to their policies.