Video Baby Monitors

Video monitors get mixed reviews and are expensive

While most parents will be fine simply hearing the sounds of their child, there are others who need to see the child as well, either by choice or necessity. For these parents, there are increasing options, though most experts and parents say that none of them is ideal.

Some reviews say the MobiCam AV Wireless Audio/Video Monitoring System (*Est. $110) is a good choice. The 900 MHz MobiCam AV Wireless Audio/Video Monitoring System has a wireless handheld receiver with a small 2-inch-diagonal color screen. Its range is about 300 feet, and the transmitter unit has a small spherical camera with an infrared mode for nighttime viewing. You can expand this system to control up to two camera units with the same receiver. It may also be linked with a television, another audio video device or even the Internet with an optional connection kit (*Est. $70). The camera unit sits in one place and you cannot control the angle of the camera with the monitor.

Reviews of the MobiCam AV Wireless Audio/Video Monitoring System are mixed. While some say that video quality is good; others say that the picture looks blurry, not like the one shown on the box. Users express concerns about interference, and some even say the screen is simply too small. The receiver takes four AA batteries, but reviews recommend using the power adapter as much as possible, since it eats up batteries pretty quickly. Several users on Amazon.com note that the MobiCam AV Wireless Audio/Video Monitoring System does not interfere with their home wireless systems since their home systems work on 2.4 GHz. Though some say the picture is great, others say there's a lot of static. Many users do say the MobiCam AV Wireless Audio/Video Monitoring System works well in a darkened room due to its night-vision feature.

Owners of the Summer Infant Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor with 1.8-inch Screen 02090 (*Est. $170) have very few negative remarks other than remarking on being able to view neighbors' children (when neighbors happen to have the same monitor). While there is the occasional complaint about static, most parents say sound and video are both good. The advertised range is up to 350 feet, but some parents say it doesn't reach that far. Since the Summer Infant Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor with 1.8-inch Screen 02090 operates on a 900 MHz frequency, it's not likely to get interference from a home wireless network. As with the MobiCam AV Wireless Audio/Video Monitoring System, it has the flexibility to work with either rechargeable batteries or A/C adaptors.

The Summer Infant Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor with 1.8-inch Screen 02090 is equipped with a belt clip for the monitor and two A/C adapters. The actual monitor is equipped with an on/off video control for audio only, two channels, night vision to see in a darkened room and sound lights that move with baby's sounds. The camera has a flip stand, or you can use the wall mount and hardware to mount it on the wall. A deluxe version (*Est. $190) is available with a 2.5-inch screen.

Summer Infant has another video baby monitor in its lineup: the 2.4 GHz Secure Sounds Digital Color Video Monitor with Remote Controlled Crib Soother 02280 (*Est. $190). Features of this video baby monitor include a 1.8-inch color LCD screen, LED sound lights, an audio-only mode and rechargeable batteries with a 10-hour run time. The crib unit also comes with a nightlight and a selection of lullabies and nature sounds. Overall, the reviews have not been particularly favorable. The primary complaint on Amazon.com seems to focus on interference with other wireless devices, and while there is general agreement on improvement in security, there appear to be enough other issues that its overall rating at Amazon.com is only average.

Another relatively new entry into the video baby monitor market is Graco's iMonitor Video Baby Monitor with Vibration 2797VIB3 (*Est. $160), which receives mixed reviews. About a dozen owners at Amazon.com think it's okay, but nothing special. Users like the vibration alert feature, but notice a distinct delay in both the sound and video. A number of owners tested the Graco against other brands, and say they prefer the other monitors.

Note that professional reviewers, including ConsumerReports.org and "Baby Bargains," really don't recommend video baby monitors at all, saying that they are prone to interference, especially from microwave ovens. Most say video monitors are just overkill for anxious parents. However, some parents really seem to like the idea of video monitors.