What is a baby monitor, principle of operation, device and selection rules - Setafi

Understanding how a baby monitor works is quite simple. In fact, these are 2 walkie-talkies - the nursery transmits a signal to the parents' device. Thanks to this, you can hear everything that happens in the child's room. How the device is arranged, and how to choose the right model, is described in detail below.

How does a baby monitor work

Before you buy a suitable model, you should understand what it is - a baby monitor, and how it works. The device is a walkie-talkie consisting of 2 components:

1. The most sensitive to sounds is placed next to the child.
2. The second radio is in the parents' room. It is equipped with a clip that can be attached to clothes and carried with you.

Regardless of which baby monitor to choose, the models are made of safe materials and do not have protruding parts, small parts that could injure the child.

The main purpose of the device is to respond even to faint sounds from the baby and transmit them in the form of a radio signal. It is instantly read by the parent's walkie-talkie, thanks to which you can immediately find out what is happening in the children's room.

Main functions of the device

The main purpose is the transmission of sounds from the child to parents in the form of a radio signal. Along with this option, many devices have additional ones. When learning how to choose a baby monitor for a newborn, you can consider both basic and advanced models that allow you to:

• control the temperature;
• control humidity;
• monitor the baby's breathing;
• play a lullaby;
• evaluate the noise level by the indicator (special diodes light up on the parent device);
• connect to several parent radios (for example, separately for mom and dad);
• give soft light (night light mode);
• talk with the baby (in this case, microphones are installed on both walkie-talkies).

Selection guide

When choosing one or another model, you should prepare an overview of a number of different types of nannies. In addition, it is necessary to study several technical characteristics, the most important are:

1. The radius of action is one of the significant parameters, showing the maximum distance to which the signal arrives unhindered. For an apartment, 30-40 m is suitable, and for a private house it is better to consider models of 100-200 m.
2. You can also understand how to choose a baby monitor by the presence of two-way communication. This is a useful option that allows you to talk to your child from a distance and calm him down even before entering the room.
3. If you make a baby monitor with your own hands, it can interfere, and the waves can intersect with other devices, for example, from neighbors. To avoid this, it is better to purchase the device in a store. Such a device can connect to different channels, so you can tune in to a specific wave.
4. The case material is optimal if it is made of sufficiently durable plastic (the thicker the better).
5. Considering which baby monitor is better, you should pay attention to the number of receivers. The minimum is 1 device, but if there are many children or rooms, you can purchase 2-3.
6. Fastening - the parent unit must be equipped with a clip or other fixation with which it can be put on the arm, neck, belt or clothing. If necessary, you can find a wall device.
7. Power type - better from a battery with sufficient capacity. Battery-operated devices may fail due to discharging.

Additional functionality

We can say about the baby monitor that this is a device that may have additional convenient functions. If they are really important, it is better to purchase an advanced model with the following options:

• the ability to activate by voice - allows you to save energy due to the fact that the radio is turned on only after the child begins to make sounds;
• baby monitor via phone - the ability to control from a smartphone using a free application;
• an indicator that notifies you of a connection break;
• memory cards for saving video clips (only relevant for devices with a camera);
• the vibration signal will be useful if you wear the receiver on your belt or in your pocket; but in any case, the device will emit both a vibration and an audible signal;
• the battery life of the baby monitor radio is optimally 12 hours.

Instructions for use

A baby monitor from a smartphone and regular models always come with instructions. The general rules for use are:

1. First you need to familiarize yourself with what a baby monitor is and how to install it correctly.
2. Insert batteries or charge the battery.
3. Turn on the child and parent unit.
4. Place the baby unit at a distance of 1 m from the sound source, such as a smartphone.
5. Turn it on and adjust the volume level.
6. Place the baby unit on a flat surface at a distance of 1-1.5 m from the child.
7. Set up and test the device.

A baby monitor is a really convenient device that allows parents to stay in constant contact with the baby, regardless of which room he is in. Considering the purchase of a model, it is better to take it with a margin (signal reception at a distance of at least 50 m). This is due to possible interference in the form of walls and other obstacles. If the device is powered by a battery, it must be charged every day.