Monitors

Baby monitors work much like the walkie-talkie's we all loved as kids, only one-way instead of two. A great invention that allows mom and dad to rest comfortably knowing that they can hear their baby at the opposite end of the house. Unfortunately, in addition to hearing your baby, you will probably hear a lot of other things as well. This includes other monitors, cordless phone conversations and even police calls. The baby you hear crying on your monitor could even be the next door neighbor's child instead of your own. Although most monitors have two channels to reduce interference, you may still have problems in some areas. This occurs because monitors share the same frequency with other monitors, cordless phones and scanners. Most work on a 46-49 MHz radio frequency. Some new baby monitors are working on the 900 MHz frequency. This may prove better in avoiding static and interference from other radio sources, however it will not eliminate the problem.

Most monitors provide the option of operating on batteries or regular current (plugging into a wall outlet). It is wise to plug it in as often as possible since batteries don't last very long and replacing them can get costly. However, this is a beneficial feature since it allows mom the freedom to move around the house carrying the receiver with her. The transmitter should be located no more than 10 feet from baby's crib for best reception. Antennas are usually flexible and covered with a cushioned sleeve. Although it may not appear so, they are fragile and you should not be carrying the monitor by its antenna

Evenflo Monitor & Intercom

The Evenflo Monitor and Intercom is a highly sensitive monitor that allows you to hear your child’s every breath with only minor interference from cordless phones. It offers a variable light display that allows you to see the sounds, indicating the noise’s intensity with lights. You can monitor your child’s room without turning the volume on, a great feature when your entertaining and don’t want your company to hear your child wailing. The parent unit features a rechargeable battery that allows you to carry the receiver with you throughout the house or in the backyard without having to plug it in again and again. At night, plug the receiver into the ac adapter and it will be recharged by morning. When the receiver is out of range or the transmitter is off, the receiver unit will sound a warning beep. Perhaps the best feature of this monitor is the intercom option. If your child wakes up in the middle of the night, you can soothe him by singing a lullaby without having to leave your bed. Simply press the talk button and your child will hear you on the other end. The many features of this monitor combined with the sensitivity and lack of interference makes this a great choice that will make life a little more convenient for mom and dad.

Fisher Price Direct Link Privacy Monitor

A highly sensitive monitor that features privacy protection through a special scrambling system. You can feel secure that it is your child you are hearing on the monitor and that neighbors aren't picking up your conversations. Also includes a variable lights display that allows you to see if baby is crying while volume is turned down, a great feature when company is over.

Graco Ultraclear Monitor

This standard no frills monitor offers a clear and effective signal at a low price. Both the transmitter and receiver can be battery operated or work with the included ac adapters, a great feature when traveling. Unfortunately, this model does not include a low battery indicator and the batteries do not seem to last very long so you should test them regularly to make sure the unit is operational.