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Buying Guide: Monitors

• The Basics
• Types of Monitors
• Safety Tips

The Basics
Monitors make it possible to keep watch over your baby from another area of your home or yard. A monitor can give you the comfort of being able to hear or see your baby, as well as the chance to enjoy some time of your own. Consisting of a radio transmitter and receiver, these handy devices let you stay aware of your baby's movements without having to remain in the nursery. A transmitter unit is placed in the nursery with baby, and the receiver unit stays with the parent. Some monitors include more than one receiver unit for convenient placement throughout the home. Receivers are often portable, and many can be clipped on and taken wherever you go. You'll even find some monitors with waterproof receivers that you can bring into the shower.

Once you get your monitor home, test the range and reception of the monitor. Make sure you know the limits of how far the signal will travel from transmitter to receiver in and around your home. Since monitors operate by transmitting radio signals, they are subject to interference from terrain, walls, and other devices. A monitor with multiple channels will minimize interference. If you intend to use your monitor for extended periods of time, you may opt to use an AC adapter to avoid frequent battery replacement. You'll find that monitors can operate on batteries, electricity, or a combination of both. There are also many units that are rechargeable.

Types of Monitors

Audio Monitors
Audio monitors transmit sound only, but most feature an LED display that lights up in sync with any transmitted sound. Audio monitors may feature multiple channels, which will help to minimize interference.

Video Monitors
Video monitors allow you to not only hear, but also see your baby. The transmitter unit functions as a camera and the receiver unit features a screen that displays baby's every movement. Some video monitors feature infrared technology, which allows you to see baby in total darkness.

Intercom Monitors
Intercom monitors function much like audio monitors, only they allow two-way communication between the transmitter and receiver units. Simply push a button, and baby will be able to hear your soothing voice.

Digital Monitors
Digital monitors offer the best sound quality and the utmost in privacy. They operate on multiple channels, and automatically scan to find the best transmitting frequency in seconds. When transmitting, digital monitors use an encoded signal so that no one else will be able to pick up your transmissions - even if they have the same monitor. A digital monitor can also eliminate interference from other transmitting devices.

900MHz/2.4GHz Monitors
These more powerful monitors have a much longer range than traditional monitors. They are ideal for families with a very large home or yard, and provide superior sound quality.

Browse our full selection of nursery monitors.

Safety Tips
A monitor is a big help for parents, and to get the most out of your monitor you'll need to use it properly. Below are some guidelines for the safe use of monitors.

• Never leave your child unsupervised. A monitor should not be used to justify leaving your child alone while playing.
• Unless your monitor is certified to be waterproof, do not place it near water. As with all electrical devices, monitors can present a shock hazard.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the use and placement of your monitor.
• Avoid placing your monitor in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
• Monitors are fragile devices - handle them with care.
• Place your monitor out of the reach of older children.

Monitors are a great way to give parents two things they want most - a way to keep constant watch over baby, and a little extra time. And even though you can't put time on your registry, a monitor might be the next best thing!

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