Reading time: 5 mins. Baby monitors have recently become valuable tools for parents, providing extra convenience, flexibility and peace of mind while looking after their little ones. However, as with many modern devices, concerns about baby monitor safety have sparked some debate. So don’t worry, it is completely natural to have thoughts like “do you need a baby monitor?” and “are Wi-Fi baby monitors safe?”. We’re here to help. In this guide, we will answer questions like: By the end of this article, we hope to alleviate any concerns you may have and help you make an informed decision that ensures the safety of your loved ones.
Baby monitors work by picking up sounds via a transmitter placed in the same room as your infant. These sounds are then transmitted by radio waves to the receiver (or baby monitor).
Place your baby monitor’s camera out of your infant’s reach, preferably high up on the wall, ceiling, or a tall shelf for a clear view. The monitor’s transmitter (or microphone) should be placed closer to the infant, so that sounds can be detected easily.
There are many different reasons why some parents decide to use a baby monitor. Some of the most common reasons may be:
There are many different baby monitor types and models available, each with different features that enable you to keep a close eye on your infant, even in a different room. The three most common types of baby monitors are:
Audio monitors transmit any sounds from an infant’s location to the receiver. This makes them a useful device for when an infant is in another room, allowing you to hear if your baby is awake.
Pros:
Audio monitors can typically be more affordable and easier to use than other models. If you are wondering “are baby monitors safe from hacking”, the risk is much lower with modern audio monitors since they do not connect to the internet.
Cons:
However, audio monitors are limited to transmitting audio information, meaning you will be unable to visually see how your infant is doing. Audio monitors can also pick up unnecessary background noises, which could cause you to miss more subtle changes.
Audio monitors can also emit some electromagnetic radiation (EMF) like many other devices in the home (phones, smart doorbells, etc.).1 Keeping your baby at least 3 feet (1 metre) away from these devices can reduce their exposure.
Regardless, if you want to know “do you need a baby monitor”, audio monitors can be handy for checking on your infant during naps throughout the day or when you have left the room.
Unlike audio monitors, video monitors allow you to visually see your infant with a live video feed. Depending on the model, some video monitors come with specific features such as night vision and audio capabilities.
Pros:
Thanks to the addition of the live video feed, you can use video monitors to visually check on your infant. This can offer some peace of mind to parents who have concerns about their infant’s safety while they sleep. This makes video monitors especially handy for watching over older infants who may not sleep in the same room as you.
Cons:
Video monitors are likely to be more expensive than audio monitors. Some parents may also find that they check their infant’s well-being excessively with video monitors, even for the smallest movements. Like audio monitors, video monitors can also emit some radiation.
While some video monitors connect to a handheld unit, more modern models can connect to Wi-Fi. So, if you are wondering “can baby monitors be hacked”, there may be more of a risk with Wi-Fi connecting baby monitors than non-Wi-Fi monitors. But more on that in the next section.
Wi-Fi-based or wireless baby monitors can transmit real-time video and audio signals using a wireless internet connection. As long as the connection is stable, the monitors can transmit live video and audio feeds to a phone or tablet.
Pros:
Wireless monitors are extremely accessible, allowing you to monitor your baby from virtually anywhere. Many Wi-Fi monitors also include advanced features, such as motion detection and temperature sensors, designed to keep your infant safe and your mind at ease.
Some baby monitors can send you clear signals with and without Wi-Fi, such as the Philips Avent Connected Baby Monitor. This advanced video monitor uses SenseIQ technology to instantly see your infant’s sleep status and breathing rate with a stable connection that doesn't require a wireless connection at home. That way, you can keep a close eye on your infant and be reassured wherever you are.
Cons:
Are Wi-Fi baby monitors safe? The main concern associated with baby monitors that connect to your home Wi-Fi is that they are much more at risk of security breaches and hacking. This is especially more likely if your Wi-Fi is not secure, or password protected. Wireless baby monitors also emit slightly higher radiation.
While Wi-Fi monitors allow remote access from anywhere, this is entirely reliant on a stable internet connection; poor or unstable Wi-Fi is likely to result in losing the video feed. Unsurprisingly, Wi-Fi baby monitors can also work out to be more expensive than your standard video or audio monitor.
Connected
Connected Baby Monitor
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We already touched on these worries briefly, but if you are having concerns about the safety or security of your baby monitor, it may be best to...
There are no official guidelines for when to stop using baby monitors. However, it is generally agreed that by the ages of 2 to 4, the need for constant supervision typically begins to decrease. At this stage, children become more independent and are better at communicating their needs themselves. It’s important to note that this transition can vary from child to child, so this is really a personal choice for parents to make.
“So, do I need a baby monitor?” you might be wondering. Baby monitors are a great invention that provide parents with greater freedom and peace of mind. However, like many things related to infants, they should be used wisely. You should now have everything you need to make an informed decision about whether a baby monitor is right for you.
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