When deciding whether to use a digital or analog baby monitor, consider your location and the monitor's proximity to other electronic devices in your home. A digital baby monitor will protect your privacy if you have close neighbors with infants and minimize interference with other devices. Try to find out which frequencies your favorite devices use and select a cheap baby monitor that operates on a different frequency. A baby monitor that lets you know when you're out of range or about to run out of battery power will keep you from going crazy wondering whether it has stopped functioning whenever you hear silence. Many baby monitors can blaze through batteries in a single night or even a few hours, so choose one with rechargeable batteries and AC adapters to save money. Keep in mind that distance ranges on low-cost baby monitors are notoriously inaccurate, and make sure you understand the store's return policy so you can take back any budget baby monitor that doesn't work in your home.
|
Technology
|
Frequency
|
Power Options
|
Range
|
Indicators
|
|
Sony BabyCall NTM-910
estimated price $40
|
Analog
|
900 MHz
|
AC adapter, rechargeable batteries
|
120 feet
|
Out-of-range, low-battery, and sound indicator lights
|
|
Fisher-Price Remote Control Musical Audio Monitor
estimated price $50
|
Digital
|
2.4 GHz
|
AC adapter, rechargeable batteries
|
800 feet
|
Out-of-range, low-battery, and sound indicator lights
|
|
Graco iMonitor Vibe
estimated price $45
|
Digital
|
900 MHz
|
2 AC adapters, rechargeable batteries, battery backup for child unit
|
2,000 feet
|
Sound-activated vibration; out-of-range, low-battery, and sound indicator lights
|
|
Summer Infant Secure Sounds Digital Monitor
estimated price $65
|
Digital
|
2.4 GHz
|
2 AC adapters, recharging base, battery backup for child unit
|
650 feet
|
Out-of-range, low-battery, and sound indicator lights
|
