Babies are precious, and if you’re anything like me, you know that their safety is the number one thing on your mind. As parents, we also know that we need to be able to sleep without our children in our beds. A well-rested mom and dad means that the baby can get the attention and care they need. One of the best ways to actually get some sleep is to look into buying a long range baby monitor. This will allow you to still keep a close eye or ear on your baby while your sleeping in a separate room.
Best Long Range Baby Monitors List
Long-range Baby Monitors Reviews
Philips Avent DECT SCD570/10
While there are many other best long range baby monitors that offer different features at varying prices, the Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor has many great quality-of-life features included that can improve the way you can look after your child while attending to various daily activities around the house. The battery in this model can be a little inconsistent at times. You should also be warned that the LEDs are a bit bright, and the monitor isn’t great for parents who are light sensitive.
At around the $150 price point, you can expect to get a quality product with the state of the art advancements to give you and your baby a sense of security and soothing lights and sound that are emitted through the monitor’s night mode. Through the clear audio transmitted to other features such as temperature monitoring and the talkback function, you can have peace of mind knowing that this is one high-quality product from a well known and trusted brand. Read full review.
Vtech dm221
The VTech DM221 Baby Monitor is an excellent budget baby monitor with tons of features that excel above standard analog monitors with both sound clarity and features that can satisfy any parent’s need for a sense of security for their child. Features such as DECT audio that can soften white noise interference, a simple to read LCD display for all necessary information, LED and vibration alerts, and the portability, as well as the battery life of the parent unit, can even stand up against other monitors on the market.
With a price as low as $40, you would be hard-pressed to seek another baby monitor like the VTech DM221 with this much value and feature set. Read full review.
Babysense Video Baby Monitor
The Babysense monitor gives you the ability to see your little one while you work around the house. It has a 2.4 inch LCD screen and several zoom features to let you clearly see your child. The unit has night vision and the ability to go into an eco mode. This allows your monitor to turn off if your baby is sleeping soundly, saving you battery power. There is also a talkback feature that will let you speak to your child with the press of a button. This allows you to soothe your child even when you’re working outdoors.
This monitor comes with a one year warranty and usually costs around $60. It has LED light indicators that alert you to sound and a lithium-ion battery that can last between six to eight hours. The baby unit does plug into the wall, while the parent unit needs to be charged. Read full review.
Infant Optics DXR-8
The Infant Optics is an award-winning monitor with a staggering price point. The monitor uses a high-powered stream to instantly connect the parent and baby units. This means that there is no delay in the video or audio. It features a talk mode, zoom feature, and you can even buy additional camera lenses. The battery for the parent unit can last between eight to ten hours. You can cut-off the screen if you want the monitor to last longer. The monitor can be set-up to work with multiple babies, and every purchase comes with an extra parent unit. This way, both you and your partner can watch the kids.
This monitor costs around $165, which is higher than most models out there. It doesn’t have features like a lullaby mode or a night light. Still, it does have everything you need to monitor your child like LED indicators and an alarm to alert you to feeding times. If you don’t mind the high price, then this may be the monitor for you. Read full review.
Eufy Spaceview Baby Monitor
This monitoring system is perfect for those looking to keep a close eye on their little one through a brilliantly designed camera system that gives a full range of a child’s room all to a compact HD wireless display. Although for the price point, you are mainly paying for basic functionality without any of the features that other slightly more expensive units have to offer. That being said, the Eufy SpaceView Baby Monitor is still a viable option for those looking for a high-quality camera unit for that added bit of security to your child’s space while still saving money compared to more varied high-quality options.
With the range, image quality, and sound clarity, you can be sure that you are receiving an excellently made long range baby monitor. This monitor cost around $150, which is another monitor that is a bit on the higher range. Read full review.
What to Look For in a Baby Monitor?
There is no gadget you should buy without proper research, but a baby monitor is extra important. Keeping an eye on a child, especially a newborn, is incredibly time-consuming. If you are not going to be physically next to them, then you want a device that is going to work and work well.
There is no room for faulty equipment when it comes to our little ones. Below we are going to go over everything you need to know to pick out a monitor that will work and ensure your baby is heard around the clock.
Specs
The specs of your model are nothing to play with. You want a model that is built with durable technology and features. Even the simplest long range baby monitors need to work and transmit well. If they don’t, then you shouldn’t even waste your time trying them out. To begin with, how big is your house? Do you find yourself ever having to step outside to get the mail or tend to your garden? While I don’t recommend going too far from your house, even I need to water the plants next to my deck or get the mail some days.
You want to get a monitor that can be used all the way across your house and a little bit outside. If it cuts off the moment you close the door, then it may not be the monitor for you. Every single monitor should give you it’s range if it doesn’t, then don’t bother buying it.
Some models will also come with clips that make the monitor easy to carry around. Clips can attach to your pants or belt so that you can remain hands-free while taking care of chores. You should also consider looking into how durable a baby monitor is. Most can’t be around water and can be easy to break if they are dropped. If they have an antenna, then you need to be careful not to bend or break it. This is especially important if you plan to leave the model in the crib with your child.
Talk Back Features
One feature I like to look for in a monitor is the talkback feature. This handy addition allows you to speak into your parent unit to your child in the other room. For babies that tend to briefly wake-up, this can be a better way to help them fall asleep. If you are putting your child in a playpen, then you may just want to check in with them as they play. Talking to your baby is important in helping develop their language skills, and often children are delighted just from the sound of your voice. These units will have an easy to press button that begins and ends the transmission when you release it.
Audio Only
Tons of cheaper baby monitors will be audio-only. Audio is an incredibly important aspect of your monitor. You should look for a model that can pick up on low sounds.
The parent unit should be able to give you a crystal clear output. You don’t want a monitor that doesn’t have an audio dial either, while some knock-offs may be missing this feature, most brand name monitors have a way to turn the parent unit up and down. This ensures that even if the rest of your family is being loud, you can hear the baby.
In addition, you can get monitors that have LED indicators that will react to audio. This gives you an additional indicator that your child has woken up.
Motion Monitors
Another popular type of monitor are the ones that detect motion. These can be especially useful if you have a quiet baby. These monitors will flash or turn the video on whenever they detect your little one moving about. Some can pick up the tiniest of movements while others will only pick up more frequent movements that likely mean your baby is actually awake. Keep in mind that for babies that squirm a lot in their sleep, motion monitors may not be the model you want to go for. For babies that don’t move much in there sleep, though, this can be a great add-on for audio or video monitors.
Video Monitors
I prefer monitors that give you both sound and audio. This way, I can hear and see that my baby is sleeping or playing peacefully. There are tons of video monitors out there, and they are becoming standard place. Most of these monitors are in full-color and have near-instant video streams. Many monitors will even have zoom modes, and some of the more advanced models will let you adjust the camera angle so that you can always get a clear shot of your babies face. If you feel like being a bit extra, you can look for a monitor that can mount to the wall or crib for a better angle. You should also check to see if the monitor has night-vision. This is another must for me as I like to be able to check in on my baby even at night.
Modes
A lot of modes are optional features, that for the most part, you don’t really need. One of my favorite extras is the lullaby mode. This mode will play lullabies to the baby as they fall asleep. This is a fun mode for those of us who don’t really like to sing and can help soothe a child back to sleep.
Another popular mode is the night light mode; this is great for children who just don’t like to sleep in the dark. Monitors with this feature will put out a soft light at night that illuminates your child’s room without keeping them awake. This is a handy feature if you have limited plug-ins in your baby’s room.
Alarms
Another fun feature that most modern monitors have is the ability to set alarms. These alarms are a great way to remind those of us who are busy about feeding time. You can set multiple alarms throughout the day to let you know when it’s time to start making a bottle are trying to get your baby to nap. Some alarms can even be set so that you know when it’s time to stop what your doing and spend some time playing with your baby. Baby monitors can be better alarms than the one on your phone if you tend to carry them around with you.
Connectivity
The next thing we want to look at is how the units connect to each other. Most models, especially audio units, will use simple radio frequencies to send audio quickly. These units are simple to set-up, and many are already tuned in to the correct channel to pick up the baby unit. Other units will use a more advanced streaming technology to quickly deliver video to the parent unit. These monitors are often a bit more pricey, and depending on the model can be pretty instant. If possible, you should always aim for monitors that don’t use wi-fi or an app to connect. These monitors are completely safe from hackers, and there is virtually no way to get access to the feeds.
If you do want a monitor that connects with wi-fi or an app, look into it heavily. You will want to ensure that it uses encrypted settings to keep your information safe. While there are some huge bonuses to being able to view your child using an app, it may not be the safest way to go.
You will also want to check reviews and user feedback for monitors. Many monitors can be interrupted by cellphone use, microwaves, or other appliances. This can be rather annoying and make monitoring your child around the clock harder. While most monitors with disrupted signals can simply be set away from these objects, other models will be disrupted completely. Watch out for user complaints about faulty or spotty connectivity, especially if it involves objects that you will be using throughout the day.
Thermometer
One important mode that many modern-day monitors have come to have is temperature monitoring. These monitors will come with a built-in thermometer to give you an accurate and up to date reading of the temperature of the room. This can be especially useful on cold winter nights or days where it is particularly hot. Babies, just like us, can have their sleep cycle ruined by uncomfortable temperatures.
The monitor will let you know when things begin to get uncomfortable before you even notice. Just simply adjust the temperature in your house when things start to get too hot or too cold.
Power Saving Modes
Tons of monitors will have power saving or eco modes. These modes help you to use the monitor for longer without having to worry about constantly charging the battery. These modes will often let you turn off the lights on the monitor in order to use less battery. Some advanced monitors will have an automatic mode that will turn off when it detects your child is sleeping. When your child begins to stir or make noise, the video will turn back on, letting you know they are beginning to wake up. These modes are usually optional for people like me who like to see their child even when they are sound asleep.
Multiple Monitors
While this won’t be a concern for everyone, for those of us lucky enough to have twins are several children at a young age, it’s a must. Being able to connect a single parent unit to multiple baby monitors can be an important feature. This saves you money by not forcing you to buy multiple systems and ensure that you can monitor all your children in one place. Most monitors will let you hook up for the additional camera or audio monitors to the system. Just pair them to the adult unit, and you should be able to switch between the different cameras. Some units will even come with more than one parent unit. This will allow both mom and dad to keep a close watch on the kids.
Battery
Baby monitors, like any other device, require power in order to operate properly. There are a few different options out there for powering your baby monitor. Most sets will have the parent unit be mobile, while the baby unit simply plugs into the wall. Others will have multiple monitors that are all plugged in. Most parents will want to have a mobile monitor, though. In this case, your monitor will either be reachable using an ion battery or take normal batteries that will need to be switched out every so often. If possible, you should even look for a rechargeable monitor that the battery can be replaced in. Replaceable batteries can save you a ton of money as you won’t have to purchase a whole new unit.
Charging Times
The charging times of each monitor will vary from model to model. For the most part, though, monitors should only take a couple of hours to completely charge at most. Some models will take near three hours to charge, but normally you won’t see a charging time of longer than this. You will want to pay special attention to how long it takes your monitor to need to recharge. Most monitors can last between six to ten hours before they will need to be put back on the cradle. Monitors that use video and audio usually have shorter battery lives, but turning off the video can help extend this.
If a monitor is noted for quickly running out of power or the battery degrading, then you should avoid the model. Some cheaper models will have batteries that quickly burn out. If the battery isn’t replaceable, then you may end up having to replace the whole unit. This can be a pricey process that most parents will want to avoid.
Price and Warranty
I feel like it’s especially important to talk about the price of a long range baby monitor. There are a lot of cheap alternatives on the market, and most of these are not safe to use. Platforms like Wish will sell cheap monitors for as little as ten dollars. I like low prices, but this is not the purchase you want to roll the dice on. Most of these monitors are cheap and half-work at their best. They may use bad frequency or not connect to each other properly. If you get a video model, you will probably have a bad image if they even transmit at all. Do some research, especially if it’s a cheap model to ensure it’s a trusted brand. If you find a monitor that is from a strange seller and uses and app/ the internet, do not use it.
Monitors can range between $30 to upwards of $170 depending on the brand and the features. Audio models are generally the cheaper choice, while video models are more expensive. The more features a monitor has, the higher the price will be. The most important thing to check is if the product works well and if the audio is clear. Some cheaper models will be fine for moms that just want the basics, but you should never skimp on audio quality.
Warranty Length
I go over this fact with every item I review, but for monitors, I can’t stress this enough. If it has a short warranty or doesn’t have one at all, do not buy it. Warranties are companies’ way of saying that they know a product can last for a specified amount of time without issues. Don’t expect a monitor with a month-long warranty to last. Don’t take a cheaper product without a warranty, it will cost you more money in the long run and could cut out on you right as the warranty gives out.
FAQs
When were long range baby monitors invented?
Baby monitors have actually been around for decades now. Surprisingly the first long range baby monitor was invented in 1937 by Eugene F. Mcdonald. The first monitor used simple radio signals to transfer audio back and forth, similar to walkie-talkies at the time. Since then, these monitors have evolved to use different frequencies and be even more accurate and helpful to parents.
Do you need wi-fi for long range baby monitors?
Most monitors do not need wi-fi. There are a few devices that will use wi-fi to give you an on the go view or connect to an app. When buying these models, look deeply into their security as connecting any camera to the internet can make it subject to hacking. This is a personal decision, and parents who know more about internet safety may feel confident in using a wi-fi enabled monitor.
Can all baby monitors be hacked?
No, monitors that don’t connect to the internet can’t be hacked. For the safest monitor, choose one that works off of radio signals that don’t interfere with the local police of law enforcement. Most official baby products will use special frequencies that will only connect the parent and baby units. It’s best to look for monitors that need to be synced together in order to be used.
What should I look for when buying a baby monitor?
Look for named brand monitors with good reviews. I advise only buying a monitor from reputable or first-hand sellers online like Amazon. If you’re buying a monitor in person, go to stores that would have representatives familiar with the product. While stores like Gamestop have been noted to sell baby monitors, new parents may want to avoid this as they will need more help in learning about the product. You should also check to make sure the monitor your buying sends signals well and has a long battery life. Also, check to see how the device works around phones and other devices known to disrupt radio signals.
When should I stop using a baby monitor?
This may seem a bit silly to some parents, but best long range baby monitors can be used for quite some time and just aren’t for babies. Even some four and five years old will need close monitoring at times. If you need to take a phone call or you have friends over, you can set up a monitor to watch your kids. This way, you can ensure they aren’t designing intrigue pieces of art on your wall or getting into fights as many siblings do. Monitors are especially helpful if you have toddlers that like to get into everything. Remember that kids are naturally curious, and there is no shame in using technology to keep a closer eye on them.
While you probably won’t need a monitor for older kids, it’s up to you to know when it’s time to put the monitor away. All kids are a bit different, and some get into more trouble than others.
Conclusion
No matter what type of mom you are, a long range baby monitor can help you have peace of mind. Monitors allow you to sleep and do chores around the house while keeping an eye on your child. As say psychotherapists – it’s really important. Like any baby item, though, it’s important to learn about each monitor and only by approved products. There are several different types of monitors out there at all different price points. You just need to set a price limit and make a list of the features you want most in your monitor. Afterward, just look for the product that gives you everything you want for the lowest price. Don’t be sold on expensive fancy looking models that have fewer features than ones that are far cheaper. Some monitors are just as good but will cost you less money to purchase.
