The arrival of one or more babies in the home brings happiness, unprecedented feelings and many joyful moments, but it also brings anxiety, stress, fatigue and sleeplessness. A baby monitor system will help new parents enjoy some moments of peace and rest, and will also reassure them when, for practical reasons, they cannot be right above the cradle or the baby's cot .

To choose the baby monitor that suits your needs, there is a wide range of options, with many different features. Let's look at the basics of these, which will help you choose the best baby monitor for your baby!

Types of intercom systems

Audio-only baby monitors

These are systems that transmit only sound and do not have a screen so you can see your baby at the same time. There are one-way and two-way communication models. The first ones simply transmit sounds from the transmitter placed in the baby’s room to the receiver located in the parent’s area.

The two-way communication models give you the ability, by pressing a button, to talk to your baby to calm them down in case they are crying, sing them a lullaby, or read them a story (although you will certainly do that in person).

The audio systems now feature high-sensitivity microphones, which allow you to hear every sound clearly from your baby, even the faintest ones.

Baby monitors with video & sound

With this type of intercom systems, in addition to hearing the baby’s sounds, you can also see it at the same time thanks to the camera with the built-in microphone on the transmitter and the screen on the receiver. 

Most of them offer the ability to monitor the baby during the night, since they have infrared night vision function. In addition, among baby monitors with a camera you will find devices that operate with WiFi, which offer many more functions for monitoring the baby and its environment, and others that operate via radio frequency.

How will you choose the right baby monitor?

The first thing you should decide is whether you want audio only or both audio and video, which we saw above. Then, you should take into account the features and functions that meet your needs and suit your space. Keep in mind that an intercom system that combines a camera and WiFi connection offers more and more advanced features than a simple audio device. 

What are they? Let’s take a detailed look:

DECT Technology 

This is the acronym for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. This technology eliminates signal interference and provides data encryption for secure monitoring and protection of your privacy. It is especially important, particularly when there are other baby monitors nearby, firstly because the system’s performance quality is affected and secondly because images from neighboring systems may interfere (and vice versa), which raises privacy and security concerns.

Range (and alert when you go out of range)

Most intercom systems today have a maximum range of 300 meters when used outdoors. Indoors, in the home or apartment, the range is reduced to 50 meters, as obstacles such as walls, furniture, etc. interfere and affect transmission. Each device states in its technical specifications the range, both outdoors and indoors, so you can determine whether it meets your needs. In addition, it is very important that some devices have an audible alert when you go out of range and you no longer have control of the baby monitor because you have moved away from the transmitter.

Access from wherever you are

Intercom devices that use Wi-Fi to connect to your home network allow you to have access to live video and audio of your baby from anywhere you have an internet connection. That way, even when you return to work and your baby is sleeping at home with grandma, grandpa, or whoever is taking care of them, you can still take a quick look to make sure everything is going well.

Screen size & resolution (and other features)

If you choose a video intercom system, pay attention to the size and screen resolution for better image quality. In addition, you can find baby monitors with a color screen, touchscreen, camera with digital zoom, infrared night vision and pan/tilt capability so you can have a full view of the room.

VOX function 

The device is activated by sound. The baby unit remains on standby while the baby is sleeping and automatically activates when any sound or crying is detected, thus saving energy. 

Sound indicator

This function alerts you, usually with a light when a sound is heard from the baby’s room. It is especially useful in cases where you may have turned on a vacuum cleaner or extractor hood, as well as for people with hearing difficulties.

Ability to connect more cameras 

Some baby monitors feature a multi-screen function so that images can be transmitted to more than one device, allowing more family members to watch the baby at the same time. Some also offer the ability to connect additional cameras, so you can monitor multiple rooms without having to move the baby monitor constantly.

Connection via app

Many brands offer available apps that "take" the baby monitor's capabilities to the next level and give you the ability to upgrade it by adding features that make everyday life with your baby easier, and to control it through your smartphone .

Lullabies, waves, nature sounds & lights

Many baby monitors will become your right hand in the nursery and a valuable ally for a calm and undisturbed sleep (for both baby and you). They feature a variety of nature sounds, birds, rain, waves, heartbeat sounds and other white noises that can be activated, switched, and turned off at the time you choose. In addition, they have soothing melodies and lights that turn on, creating a sense of security for the baby, or even a projector with images that will calm your little angel.

Room Temperature & Climate 

It is a useful feature offered by many intercom systems, which shows the temperature inside the baby room and the humidity level, informing you whether the conditions are good for your baby’s comfort and health.

Eco mode for less radiation & energy saving

To reduce radiation and protect the environment, there are baby monitors with an eco mode that activates when the baby is still. The intercom unit transmits a signal only when the baby moves or is restless. 

Intercom with breathing detection, sleep quality, etc.

On the market you will now find especially advanced intercom systems that connect with sensors placed under the baby mattress and alert you in case of apnea, innovative specially designed socks with a sensor for monitoring heart rate and oxygen levels, or a bracelet with readings of pulse and the baby’s sleep quality.

Other features that may affect your purchase:

• Power supply: Mains power or rechargeable battery
• Operating autonomy 
• Mounting method (if it has a stand & whether it is included)

What to watch out for when using a baby monitor:

Placement of the base/camera at a safe distance from the baby

Place the transmitter in a location that is inaccessible to the child (especially if it has cables) and at a distance of about 2-3 meters. If the device has a camera, you should place it in a position where you will have a full view of the room and the crib.

Put the receiver or screen in a visible location

Place the receiver or screen on a counter, desk, or table, so that you can easily monitor the monitor or hear the sounds from the room of the baby. Some systems have a clip for a belt or a strap for the neck, so that you always have the receiver or monitor with you.

Do not rely solely on the baby monitor

Nothing can replace personal supervision. With the intercom device, you will hear the baby when they cry or scream, but in some cases, excessive silence can be worrying. Check it regularly for safety.