Baby Monitors: Reviews

If you have a house full of electronics, you will likely have trouble finding a baby monitor that doesn't get interference from wireless networks, cordless phones, microwave ovens and remote-control toys. Although it's… expensive, the Philips Avent SCD510 operates on a 1.9 GHz frequency -- eliminating interference from other electronics (Philips guarantees it). Since it's a digital baby monitor, it also eliminates the chances of accidental eavesdropping. Features include automatic channel switching (between 120 different channels), a walkie-talkie feature, out-of-range and low-battery warnings and sensitivity control (so you can adjust for ambient noise like an air conditioner). We did read a few complaints that the cradles failed to recharge the batteries, and that the volume on the parent unit is too low. However, if you've had trouble finding a baby monitor that doesn't conflict with your other technology, the Philips Avent SCD510 is worth a look.

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The Sony BabyCall Nursery Monitor NTM-910 costs much less than a digital baby monitor. The catch is that it's an analog monitor, which means it is subject to interference with other electronics and other baby monitors,… and if your neighbor has a similar monitor, they may be able to accidentally eavesdrop. One advantage that the Sony BabyCall Nursery Monitor NTM-910 may have over other analog baby monitors, however, is a 27-channel range that parents say virtually eliminates static and clicking. Another advantage is that the receiver comes with rechargeable batteries as well as a power adaptor. Altogether, if you're not worried about interference, reviewers concur that the Sony BabyCall Nursery Monitor NTM-910 is the best inexpensive baby monitor. A dual-receiver version is available for about $15 more.

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Parents don't need a video monitor, experts say, but some find them reassuring. However, reviews for video monitors in general aren't very good. The Summer Infant Day & Night Handheld Video Monitor is an exception, with… better reviews than most. The Summer Infant monitor has a color display and 900 MHz audio monitoring; both function at a range of up to 350 feet. The monitor has a belt clip, so you can walk around with it. An additional camera (*Est. $75) is available for monitoring more than one room. Most users of this video monitor say that picture clarity is good enough to justify the price, although a few complain of audio static and interference with other electronics. The Summer Infant Deluxe Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor with a larger 2.5-inch screen (*Est. $180) is available, but many parents say the smaller screen is sufficient.

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While many professionals (including the American Academy of Pediatrics), say that movement-sensing monitors are not necessary and have not been shown to prevent the occurrence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), these… units offer many parents peace of mind. The Angelcare Movement Sensor with Sound Monitor gets the best reviews. It's also the most basic and most affordable option. The Angelcare has an audible alert that lets you hear each of your baby's movements. A two-receiver version is available for about $40 more. The biggest complaint among Angelcare owners is occasional false alarms.

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