Baby Monitor Road Test
Whether you want to keep tabs on the nursery via video or vibration, find the right frequency for you.
By JD Rinne
- LCD digital baby monitor
This sophisticated monitor has a modern-looking module that goes in the baby's room and a light, sleek receiver for you. The device has excellent sound clarity and very little interference. Unique features include room-temperature records, two-way communication, and two choices of calming lullabies that can be turned on and off remotely to help your baby fall asleep.
$200, Philips, Amazon
- Private Connection Monitor
This durable set includes a monitor for the baby's room and two receivers for you. With ten channels to choose from, there is virtually no interference, and these batteries recharge much faster than other monitors'. Also impressive is its range—up to 800 feet.
$60, Fisher Price, Amazon
- imonitor vibe
Your unit has an adjustable vibration setting, which alerts you when there's a noise in the nursery, but the feature works only when the receiver is using battery power (something not made so clear on the package). Nevertheless, it's great for when you're watching a movie or entertaining company. When set for sound, the monitor has great sound clarity and little interference.
$90, Graco, Babies R Us
- 900 MHz Wireless Color Handheld Video Monitor
A two-inch viewing screen with night-vision capabilities allows you to see your baby clearly during daytime naps or in the middle of the night. It does pick up a bit of interference, but the video feature helps demystify any confusing sounds you might hear.
$165, MobiCam, Babycenter
- Hi-Def Digital Video Color Monitor
This video monitor also has night vision, but the clever sleep mode saves battery power. (When a sound is made, the screen comes into view.) However, the picture is small, barely in color, and a bit fuzzy. The monitor is also prone to picking up a bit of interference.
$250, Safety 1st
Photography by Ethan Palmer
