Vtech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor Review

Looking for a baby monitor that can suit your everyday needs without the hassle of holding a monitor while handling other everyday tasks? Then the Vtech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor is definitely one to keep your eyes on. It has excellent features to make daily tasks a breeze. Below, I have all the information you’ll need to make an educated decision of whether or not this baby monitor is suited for your household’s needs.

- Small size with a belt clip makes it easy to carry
- Excellent battery for a parent unit
- Great low price for excellent functionality
- Baby unit not battery operated, only works with power adapter
- At longer distances, some static can pop in between units
VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor Features
The VTech DM221 features a compact, easy to carry size that can be attached to your belt via a clip so you can go about your day without the worry of losing the monitor. This allows you to check-in without setting it down or performing your daily chores with only one hand available. With clear voice transmission with the help of the ever-excellent DECT technology.
You and your baby can perfectly hear each other with clarity without any static noise emitted through the speakers. Worried about leaving your baby when stepping out of your house to water the plants or check your mailbox? With plenty of distance between, this baby monitor can stay connected with your child for up to 1,000 feet between both units.
Specs
The VTech DM221 has an easy-to-read LCD screen with all the information you need at your disposal without the hassle of relying on trial and error. The front even displays sound levels through a five-level LED system. This is for when any noise is registered in your baby’s room. This works even when your unit’s volume is set at its lowest level. The unit also act as a night light for your child to add a soothing soft glow to their room. Both units feature a talkback system where you can talk to your child remotely through a second unit. This way you can hear their voice as well with excellent speaker quality.
Modes
Through the parent unit that you carry to keep an ear out for your baby’s needs. You can adjust the volume level indicated through multiple LEDs on the front of the monitor. At the highest level, you can clearly hear any small noise your baby makes. For times when you need a little peace and quiet, you can easily set the volume to its lowest level. The volume is still high enough as this setting to still keep informed of your baby.
The noise level indicators light up, letting you know if your child is distressed. If you need more of an auditory cue to any sound your baby may make, you can set the parent unit to vibrate to alert you. Even if you don’t immediately see the light on the front of the monitor, the vibrations will alert you to the needs of your little one.
Battery
The VTech is divided up into two separate units, a baby unit that is placed near your baby. The parent unit can be carry with you conveniently thanks to its small size. The baby unit connects to a power outlet through the included power adapter. It must be placed down on a flat surface close by to your child. The parent unit contains a rechargeable battery that can last an amazingly long 18 hours on a full charge. This is despite the unit’s small size.
When the parent unit is on low battery, it will let you know through the onscreen display. From there, all you will need to do is simply plug in the unit to a power outlet with a power adapter. If there are no available places to charge your parent unit nearby, you can remove the rechargeable battery and replace it with 2 AAA batteries.
Cost & Warranty
The VTech DM221 retails originally for $40 but can be found on discount on numerous major online retailers such as Amazon.com or Best Buy. It is one of the cheaper models on the market, but lets you hear your baby perfectly clear. This particular VTech baby monitor comes included with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. This will cover defective units or any in need of repair.
FAQs
How to link VTech Baby Monitor DM221-2
Set both the baby and parent units 3 feet apart from one another in the same room and power both units on. Once turned on, both units should automatically detect one another and should be linked. If you’re not sure if they are connected, check the onscreen display as it should say “Linked” when ready.
What app works with the VTech DM221 Baby Monitor
Currently, there are no applications that can link with the VTech DM221 Baby Monitor except for the parent and baby units themselves.
How to change channels on VTech DM221-2 Audio Baby Monitor
In order to change which parent unit you’re using, simply press “Page” on the baby unit which will ring any powered-on parent units nearby. When you are ready just press any button on the parent unit you wish to use or press the “Page” button on the baby unit again.