Baby Planning: Gear - The Video Monitor
When all you do is install baby nurseries, you learn a thing or two about the differences between certain baby related products.
Most products we assemble and test are similar from brand to brand. However, one that is not similar is the baby video monitor. There are a few things I would recommend to a client before choosing a video monitor.
1.) Know your space. Remember, most cameras require an outlet for power. So determine where the crib is or will be and then find the safest outlet to mount the camera above. Generally this is an outlet that is close to the crib, but not on the crib wall. You want the outlet close enough so that baby can be seen in the crib, but far enough away that baby can't reach the cord. This is sometimes tricky.
2.) Decide what monitoring system is best for you. You have a choice between a smaller hand-held monitor and a mounted monitor which is larger. Generally parents like to mount the larger monitor in their kitchen.
3.) When shopping for your monitor, whether to purchase or register for, look at the mounting capabilities. Not all video cameras mount and I would say this is crucial. Very seldom do we have a safe space close to baby where we can set a camera, especially with a cord attached. This is one reason I do not like the mobile systems (shown below).
4.) KEEP THE BOX!! If it turns out your camera cannot be mounted safely with the cord out of reach of baby, take it back! Otherwise, the monitor will have to be removed once baby starts becoming mobile.
Monitor's We Have Installed and Tested:
Summer Infant (Complete Coverage Video Monitoring System Shown) This monitor by far is always the easiest to install. We never have a problem with placement. The camera's arm is easy to adjust in order to assure the camera will capture baby. I love the handheld monitor. It makes more sense than a mounted monitor. The downsides we hear from clients is that the monitor's battery life is not as long as they'd like. Others say that the picture quality is not as sharp as they'd hoped. Remember, the signal will vary from house to house.
Mobicam Digital Wireless Despite the reviews online, this not my favorite monitoring system. First of all, unless they've improved it in the last 6 months, the camera does not mount. It must be placed on a hard surface (hence the 'mobi'). I get this for moving it to baby's play area, etc, but it is not very functional for the nursery. Second, the camera eye does not adjust easily in order to best view baby. We've had to actually use adhesives as mounting tools to prop the camera in a position (on a hard surface) in order to capture the best image. Very annoying. Lastly, the camera must be plugged in. "Wireless" does not refer to the camera, only the monitor. Again, I believe the purpose of this monitor is to be able to move it with baby but, our experience is that because the camera eye doesn't move easily, the camera must be closer to baby in order to capture baby. You should never have a cord that close to baby, especially as they become mobile.
Another Option Head to the Spy Store!
An alternative to the standard baby video monitor is having a closed circuit system installed. Samantha and her husband had a small camera installed in their baby's nursery that was wired into their TV so that they could monitor in any room. With the technology today, you could install something similar to a "nanny cam" and even watch online. Maybe you're working in your study and have a small screen up to keep an eye on baby.
It goes without saying, video monitoring systems are not a necessity, but they can be a lot of fun, especially for new parents!