Your Guide To Buy The Wireless Video Baby Monitor

Most consumers admit in their baby monitor reviews that they initially scoffed at the idea of spying on their babies with video monitors. At first, it just seemed excessive, as who needs to see every yawn, gurgle, giggle or sour-puss scream anyway? Yet, often, an expectant mother gets a video monitor at a baby shower or the tech-geek spouse convinces the frugal spouse that this would be a cool idea. Unsurprisingly, even the most reticent consumers instantly became hooked to the concept of having a wireless video baby monitor around the house.

When purchasing a wireless, video monitoring system, you'll need to consider how you intend to use it first. Some 5" to 7" video baby monitors attach underneath cabinets in a more permanent way, while others can be propped up on any nightstand or countertop. Another category of receivers are the handheld varieties, allowing you the ability to roam freely, while watching your baby on a smaller 1.8" screen. The actual baby monitor camera may be mounted to the wall, attached to the crib or affixed to a bookshelf. Can you pan, tilt, zoom or get a wide-angle view of the room with your camera? These are all options to consider, and it's important to note that they do not come one standard way, across the board.

Another feature to consider for your wireless video baby monitor is the resolution/picture quality you require. You'll need to decide whether black-and-white will suffice, or if you want one in color. Some systems also come with night-vision so you can watch your baby in the dark, without disturbing him or her. Some of the older models have bulkier screens, whereas the newer models offer flat-screens, LCD baby monitor screens and high-definition technology screens. Your screen can range anywhere from 1.8 inches to 7 inches. Do you need an output to your computer or TV screen? These are all factors to consider.

There are many popular models of wireless video baby monitor systems to choose from. The MobiCam Color Video Baby Monitor ($117 at Amazon) offers night-vision, TV hookups, lightweight units and no cordless phone interference. The Safety 1st baby monitors ($186) have versatile crib/table/wall mount options, excellent resolution, zoom/pan and limited interference. Summer Infant video monitors ($105) come with large screens, color/night vision, audio-only mode and multi-room monitoring. Lastly, the Graco baby monitor, called the iMonitor, comes with a handheld unit, has great sound clarity and exports to TV.