A baby monitor is a valuable way to keep a closer eye on your child while they’re young. But with so many options available, how can you pick the right monitor for you?
Here are some of the features to look out for.
Video Quality and Night Vision
You want a clear view of what’s going on. That way, you can see your baby’s face, to get a good sense of what’s happening with them and to look out for any signs of unhappiness – as well as to enjoy those adorable little smiles.
If you’re going to use the monitor to watch while your baby sleeps, then you might also want to consider whether it has a night vision capability. Without it, you’ll struggle to watch your baby at night, which can lead to anxiety when you’re also struggling to sleep.
Expandability
Some systems only have one monitor, letting you keep an eye on one infant at a time. That’s fine while you only have one child and they’re spending most of their time in one place. But if you’re thinking of expanding the family later, or want to prepare for when your baby starts crawling around, then it’s worth considering expandability, with extra cameras in other rooms.
Choosing a monitor that lets you add more cameras means you can adapt to changes in family size. A system like the Paris Rhône 2K HD video baby monitor with smart app can easily be expanded to two cameras, with a split screen view to watch feeds from both.
Connection Security
Your data is precious, and all the more so when it’s showing images of your child. It’s a good idea to choose a monitor with an encrypted or secure Wi-Fi connection. That way, you can ensure the security of the monitoring image, keeping it to you and your partner.
Two-Way Talk and Range
When you’re picking a monitor, you’ll need to ensure that it lets you stay connected all around the house, and even beyond. That means picking one with a range suitable for the size of your home and your family’s needs. Bigger is generally better here, and ranges like the 1,000 feet covered by the Paris Rhône model should cover for anybody’s needs.
It’s also worth thinking about getting a two-way talk feature. With it, you can roam further through the house while still being heard by your baby. A few gentle words from you across the monitor might sooth them more than rushing back into their room when they start to stir.
Sound Quality and Sensitivity
Like picture quality, sound quality will affect how much you can make out. If you want a better chance of following what’s happening, then you want a superior sound system.
Better yet, adjustable sensitivity will let you better monitor your baby's condition when you need to, while letting you tone things down when they’re sleeping badly and you only want to be disturbed for real emergencies.
Battery Life
Longer battery life will ensure continuous, uninterrupted monitoring of your baby. Modern technology can use a lot of power, and that means that high-tech systems often pay for their sophisticated features with poor duration. Look for a system that has a battery life measured in days, not just hours, so you don’t have to worry about it running out.
Room Temperature Monitoring
The temperature of your baby’s room can make a huge difference to their comfort. Many babies find it impossible to sleep if they’re too warm, and that lack of sleep can hinder their development; but a cold room can also expose them to illnesses. You might not even notice the difference for yourself, especially if you’re not in the room, so choose a monitor with room temperature monitoring to keep track of your baby's comfort, like the Paris Rhône 2K.
App Integration
Using a baby monitor used to mean carrying a separate speaker device around with you, but not anymore. If you choose a monitor that can connect to a phone app, then you won’t need to carry that extra device with you. You can view your baby's condition at any time just by glancing at your phone.
Ease of Use and Setup
When you’ve got a new child, you won’t have a lot of time and energy to spare. Don’t waste what you’ve got on setting up an overly complicated monitor - choose one that’s easy to set up and use, so you can save time and energy for other things.
Portability and Price
For the best cost to performance ratio, pick a portable monitor that’s also budget friendly. About 39% of consumers choose monitors in the $100-200 price range, and that’s a good spot to be shopping at, as you can get sophisticated features without blowing the money you were saving for your child’s college fund.
Portability is all down to the size and weight of the device, though app control helps here by reducing the number of extra devices you need for monitoring.
Night Light Feature
You can cut down on devices further by choosing a monitor with a night light feature, like the Paris Rhône 2K HD. This will provide soft night lighting for the baby’s room without you having to put in a light as well.
Choose the Monitor that Best Fits You
You might not be able to take every factor into account, or to buy your ideal monitor on the budget that you have. In the end, what matters is that it suits you and your life. Choose the monitor that best suits your needs and lets you care for your baby. That way, you can have peace of mind while making sure that your baby is safe.
