| There are two basic types of baby monitor: audio | | | | the constant surveillance of baby's every |
| and video. Audio monitors operate within a | | | | whimper, breath, and movement. For some |
| selected radio frequency band to send sound | | | | parents, that's reassuring. For others, such |
| from the baby's room to the receiver. Video | | | | non-stop monitoring is nerve wracking. So keep in |
| monitors use a small wall- or table-mounted | | | | mind that a monitor isn't a must-have. If you live |
| camera that transmits images to a TV-set-like | | | | in a small house or apartment or feel as though |
| monitor. | | | | you'd like a break when your baby's |
| Still another way to keep tabs on baby is with | | | | sleeping--which is legitimate--it's O.K. to go |
| movement sensors, under-the-mattress pads that | | | | monitorless. |
| alert you when his or her movement completely | | | | Consider your home and lifestyle. In many |
| stops for more than 20 seconds. While some | | | | situations you may appreciate a monitor with |
| parents may find movement sensors reassuring, | | | | sounds and lights so you can also "see" your |
| bear in mind that they're not medical devices and | | | | baby's cries. If you'll be taking business calls during |
| shouldn't be used in place of prescribed heart or | | | | naptime, you may want to be able to turn the |
| breathing monitors to detect conditions such as | | | | sound down very low and rely on the lights. A |
| sleep apnea. Nor should you rely on them to | | | | video monitor can also serve the same purpose, |
| prevent sudden infant death syndrome, the cause | | | | but it's very expensive and not very portable. |
| of which is still unknown. | | | | Similarly, if you have a large house, you may |
| WHAT'S AVAILABLE | | | | want a monitor with two receivers rather than |
| The major brands are BebeSounds/Unisar, | | | | just one, although that can be a convenience in a |
| Evenflo, First Years, Fisher-Price, Graco, Safety | | | | small home as well. And, in general, look for |
| 1st , and SBC/Phillips. | | | | monitors with features that make them easy to |
| Price Range: Baby monitors we tested ranged in | | | | move about, such as a compact parent unit that |
| price from $20 to $50 for audio monitors, up to | | | | clips onto your belt. (Try it on before buying, if |
| $150 for audio/video monitors, and around $100 | | | | possible; we found the antennas tend to poke the |
| for movement sensors. | | | | wearer.) |
| IMPORTANT FEATURES | | | | Choose between audio or audio/video. A good |
| A baby monitor's challenge is to transmit | | | | audio monitor will let you know whether your |
| recognizable sound over a distance with minimal | | | | baby is awake or asleep, moving or stationary. |
| interference from other wireless devices. Here | | | | Our tests showed only so-so picture quality from |
| are some additional features to look for when | | | | the one video monitor Consumer Reports rated. |
| buying a monitor: | | | | You can tell that your baby's eyes are open, for |
| Compact parent unit. The smallest parent units | | | | example, but you can't distinguish much detail. |
| are about the size of a fat wallet. You can use | | | | Mind the frequency. None of the baby monitors |
| the integral belt clip to free your hands, but the | | | | Consumer Reports tested was immune from |
| antenna may poke you. | | | | static. The closer your monitor's frequency is to |
| Extra parent unit. This unit can stay in, say, your | | | | that of another device the more likely you'll hear |
| bedroom while the other is carried about the | | | | static or cross talk. You may reduce interference |
| house. | | | | if your monitor lets you switch to a different |
| Battery for the child unit. All of the child units we | | | | channel within its frequency band, as do all the |
| tested can be plugged into the wall for power, but | | | | models Consumer Reports tested. |
| four also can use either 9-volt, AAA, or AA | | | | Consider your phone. Choose a monitor that |
| alkaline batteries (not included). All the parent units | | | | operates in a different frequency band than your |
| have this option. The battery option is useful in | | | | cordless phone. Most newer cordless phones are |
| the event of a power failure and also allows you | | | | 2.4 gigahertz or 900 megahertz. If you have a |
| to take the unit where there are no outlets, such | | | | 900 MHz cordless phone and a 900MHz monitor, |
| as outdoors. | | | | they can interfere with each other. |
| Rechargeable batteries included. This | | | | Check the range. All the models Consumer |
| money-saving feature is provided with the parent | | | | Reports tested that claimed a signal-distance |
| unit of some models. You can buy rechargeable | | | | range met or exceeded it in our open-air test. |
| or alkaline batteries for the other parent units. | | | | Pick a model with an appropriate signal range for |
| Low-battery indicator. A light or tone warns of | | | | your home. Some home-construction materials, |
| the need to recharge or replace batteries in the | | | | such as concrete and metal, can reduce the |
| parent unit. Some models also have indicators for | | | | range, however. |
| the child unit. | | | | Learn the return policy. Since you often can't test |
| The following features are nice but not necessary: | | | | monitors before you buy them (there usually |
| Intercom. Pushing a button and speaking into the | | | | aren't display models available, and conditions in |
| parent unit lets you reassure your baby that | | | | the store maybe very different from those in |
| you're on your way. | | | | your home), learn the return policy of the store |
| Video monitor. The Summer Infant monitor we | | | | or Web site where you're buying or registering. |
| tested has a video monitor, but its so-so picture | | | | You'll want to be able to take back a monitor in |
| quality limits its usefulness. | | | | case you're unhappy with it for whatever reason. |
| This feature works better in theory: | | | | (Common problems include static and interference |
| Finder feature. A model by The First Years | | | | from cordless phones or answering machines, |
| promises to help you find a misplaced parent unit. | | | | even the ambient sounds of an air conditioner or |
| Press a button on the child unit to make the | | | | a neighbor's barking dog.) |
| parent unit beep. Unfortunately it doesn't work if | | | | Certification. Although as electrical products they're |
| the lost unit has been switched off. | | | | Underwriters Laboratories-listed, no specific |
| HOW TO CHOOSE | | | | certification program exists for these products. Of |
| Performance differences. More money gets you | | | | course, as equipment that generates, uses, and |
| more extras, not necessarily greater safety and | | | | can radiate radio-frequency energy, baby |
| security for your child. | | | | monitors have to comply with Part 15 of the FCC |
| Recommendations. Test an audio baby monitor in | | | | rules within the US. That means that the device |
| the store to see how it fits in your hand and how | | | | may not cause harmful interference and must |
| it feels when you clip it on. Video monitors | | | | accept any interference received, including |
| continue to be pretty pricey. If you buy one, you | | | | interference that may cause undesired operation. |
| may discover that an audio monitor is all you | | | | A few models, amounting to about one million |
| really need. Also use the following tips and | | | | units, have been recalled in the late 90s and again |
| Consumer Reports' Ratings, available to | | | | in 2003. Problems have included faulty wiring that |
| ConsumerReports.org subscribers, to choose the | | | | could pose a smoke and fire hazard as well as |
| best monitor for your needs. | | | | batteries that can rupture and irritate the skin. |
| Decide how much you want to monitor. The | | | | Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of |
| latest generation of baby monitors claims to allow | | | | U.S., Inc. |