Baby Monitors

A baby monitor is probably the single most used baby item a parent will use. Choosing one can be hard because there are so many options. When selecting one, look for the following: A low-battery indicator: If the batteries quit, you won't hear baby, so you need to know right away when to replace the batteries or plug it in. Size: The smaller the model, the more easily you can carry it with you wherever you go. Multiple receivers: Some models come with two receivers which is nice because you can leave one next to where you sleep and carry the other around. With certain brands, you can purchase additional receivers. A sound activated light: Normal household noise can drown out a baby's cries, but with a sound activated light you'll know with just a glance whether or not baby is awake. The right bandwidth for you: Some high-end models offer a wide bandwidth (up to 900 megahertz) for better clarity. That's fine if you live in a suburb or out in the country. But if you live in an area with a lot of potential interference (portable phones, cell phones, other monitors, and so on), a low bandwidth, such as 40 megahertz, will serve you better in the long run.Baby monitors can cost anywhere from $40 to $90 for radio models — the price depends upon the frequency level — and up to $300 for those with the video option.Here are my top three baby monitor picks:Graco iMonitor Multi Child Digital Baby Monitor $116.00Monitor two children OR two rooms at the same time! Two color sound lights let you "see" which child you are listening to as it switches between rooms. Adjust volume AND length of time to listen for each room. Digital security for complete privacy so you can't hear your neighbors and they can't hear you. Rechargeable batteries with docking station make it super convenient. Compact parent unit with belt clip for easy mobility. It comes with two child units and two parent units.Summer Infant Baby's Quiet Sounds Hand Held 2.5" Color Video Monitor $174.95The Baby's Quiet Sounds Hand Held 2.5" Color Video Monitor is small, lightweight with a 2.5" screen and color camera with 900 MHz technology for superior clarity and range. Night vision allows you to see baby in a dark room. Rechargeable batteries last up to 10 hours with a 350 ft. range. You can even turn off the video at night and just use the audio feature!The First Years - 49 MHz Two Receiver Monitor $34.99You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a nice baby monitor. With 49 MHz technology, lightweight portability and sound lights that let you see baby's activity level, The First Years 49 MHz is a great choice. It includes two receivers so you can keep each receiver in a different room or so two listeners can have a monitor handy at all times. Plus, low battery indicator provides extra reassurance that when your monitor is quiet, it just means that baby is sleeping-not that your monitor isn't working.Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable baby monitors. ... more