Recommendations for a Baby Monitor with Sound & Image

Updated on October 30, 2008
C.B. asks from San Francisco, CA
18 answers

Hi Mamas,

We just moved to a big house on three levels and I cannot hear my baby! I'd like to buy a Baby Monitor that has a good range and has both image and sound. She usually wakes up happy, so by the time she is crying, I've missed an opportunity to keep her happy - plus sometimes she makes noises in her sleep. I do not want a monitor that mounts on the wall because I want to use it in whatever room she happens to fall asleep. Please let me know what you recommend and if there is anything about the monitor that you DON'T like, too. Thanks so much!

2 moms found this helpful

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S.W.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi C.,

We use the Summer video monitor. The handheld monitor is small and portable and comes with an A & B channel, so you can buy a second "eye" and use it in two different rooms. We live in a two story and we have no problem with the range. We also take it outside. It is a bit more pricey, but worth every penny. Good luck!

S.

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C.O.

answers from Sacramento on

We are in the same situation - we use the video monitor called "Summer". It works perfectly!!! Has night vision.

Good Luck -

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M.M.

answers from San Francisco on

we had a video monitor and I didnt think it was worth it. The sounds is enough to tell when your little one is awake and fine or needs you, and I found myself never just staring at the moniter. (I couldnt multi-task while looking at the monitor every few minutes:) I feel that a good moitor with sounds and multiple recievers is all you really need...

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B.L.

answers from San Francisco on

You sound like such a good and caring mom but I have only one thing to suggest to you - it is not your job to keep her happy all of the time. If she wakes up and begins to whimper or cry a little, use it as an opportunity for her to learn self-soothing. It will be a gift from you to her.

When my kids were little there were no monitors so I can't help you on that one.

God Bless,
B.

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B.E.

answers from San Francisco on

We have Safety First In-Sight Baby Video Monitor . It works fine. I was wary, because I read that of all baby products monitors and especially video monitors were the lowest rated. But, we're happy with it. Good luck.
B.

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L.R.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi C.,
I have two video monitors, one from BebeSounds and one from Moby. Both can be mounted to the wall but are easy to take off and use wherever. I prefer the BebeSounds one for several different reasons. It has four channels so you can have more than one camera, you can turn off the video and use it for sound only, and you can adjust the brightness. The Moby one doesn't have as many features. Both have handheld monitors which is awesome. You will probably spend around $200.00 for a good one but worth every penny. I have used the BebeSounds monitor for 3 yrs and after dropping the monitor several times it needs to go in for service, hence the need for the second one. The Moby monitor will go to my mom's house once the other one is repaired. Target has started carrying a few video monitors now, test drive a couple before making a decision. Email me if you have questions, I don't know how I would have survived without one.
Sincerely,
L.

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S.R.

answers from Sacramento on

I love my Summer infant hand held video monitor!!!!! It has a great picture and sound. I have had no problems with it!

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B.B.

answers from Sacramento on

I love the Summer brand monitor. I have the black and white one but now they have a color monitor with an extra audio monitor that you can carry around with you. You can get them at Babies r us.

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A.S.

answers from Sacramento on

I like our Mobi. It has good reception and a clear picture, particularly in the day. The night image is definitely night like, but you can see movement and shapes. It's been great for travel.

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C.T.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi C.,
My husband and I use the "Summer Infant Baby's Quiet Sounds Color Handheld Video Monitor" (Amazon shows 202 customer reviews). I bought this one based on the reviews and on what we saw at Target. I have to admit...this monitor is addictive! Whenever our son is sleeping in his crib and we're out in the living room, I have the monitor next to me and hit the top button (turns on the monitor) every few minutes. Crazy, I know, but I'm okay with slight paranoia until he's out of SIDs range. So, I really love this monitor and highly recommend it. The _only_ thing I don't like is that it picks up static in our place. So, when the monitor is off and I see the volume bars (goes from yellow to red, which means the baby is really really crying) go to red, I'm assuming my son is crying. However, it's just a little static. You can tell the difference though, obviously, when the red bars are constantly going off. Hope this helps!

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J.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I have the Summer Infant Day & Night Video Monitor and love it! We have a 2 story house and it works great from any room. It's great being able to check up on my 13 month old son when I hear him make noises during the night because sometimes he's just crying out in his sleep and not really awake. So, instead of rushing into his room and potentially waking him, I can hold off and make sure if he's really awake or still sleeping. I have a handful of friends who recommended this monitor to me and they love theirs too!

T.S.

answers from San Francisco on

When my son was an infant I had an inexpensive (around $30) audio monitor that worked like a walkie talkie. It was great! I ended up using it for all three of my kids. I think it was by "First Steps."
I'm not sure why anyone would need video, unless you had a baby with special needs/risks. I mean, you're just trying to hear whether or not your daughter is just fussing or truly crying hard, right?
Take care :)

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T.Y.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi C.:
My boyfriend owned an alarm company here in Sac and he has a wireless camera setup for monitoring the baby. We have used it since our little guy has health issues and it definitely makes it nicer and less stressful.
You can actually watch TV and get picture in picture of your little one sleeping, etc.
If you are still looking for one, let me know and when I go home at lunch I will get all the information for you along with pricing.
T.
working mom to 19mo old with VATER Syndrome and GERD and boyfriend/dad watches baby at home.

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J.H.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi,
I labored over our video monitor and did lots of research. I purchased the Mobi and the Summer from Babies R Us. I returned the Mobi b/c the range wasn't so good and the screen is small. The upside is that the piece you carry around is small. I've had the Summer for about 7 mos. and it's great! The range is good - I live on a 1/2 acre. When you get to the edge of the property, the static does kick in. What I don't like: It's big and bulky and even though it has a clip for your belt, it falls off constantly. It also makes a low noise even when there is no noise coming from the baby's room. Thus we keep it very low at night b/c that is annoying! Good luck!

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J.Y.

answers from San Francisco on

I have the Summer Infant Day & Night video monitor and it was awesome at first but now a year later it is hard to even hear my babies bc there is so much static. I would recommend getting a non-video monitor that the range is decent bc you are going to want it to last and also take it places. We needed one when we were in the yard, etc.

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K.L.

answers from San Francisco on

I am also a huge fan of the Summer Infant Baby's Quiet Sounds Color Handheld Video Monitor. I love it so much I have purchased four more this year as baby shower gifts. This model also allows for you to add an extra camera so you can watch two kids on the same monitor. The reception is great as well ... we always go outside for our evening hot tub with this monitor and I have never had an issue.

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S.D.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi C.,

We actually just got a video monitor that we love. It is the Graco iMonitor Digital Color Baby Video Monitor. It runs about $200, but it is great. It is about the size of a bigger cell phone and even comes with a clip so you can wear it. IT has a lot of great features and it has worked great for us! As for the mounting, this monitor can either be mounted or it can sit on the base on a shelf or something. It really does work well!

Good luck with your decision!
S.

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