On testMonitors
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Bosie Boo
Baby Video Monitor |
BT Digital Baby Monitor Plus |
Panasonic DECT Phone |
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About this test
With so many new and improved baby monitors on the market, we thought it was high time we did a big test to see which models perform best.
Our panel of six Southsea mums have spent three months putting various models through their paces. Those tested include traditional analogue monitors ('a no frills choice for those on a budget'), high tech digital options ('great sound quality') and camera monitors ('good for extensive monitoring but not for everyone').
The panel agreed that 'new parents don't have the time to mess about with instructions and some models can be overly complicated - the simpler the better!' They also found that price isn't necessarily a good indication of quality and in this case, the winning model was one of the cheapest on test.
We tested for
- Ease of use
- Sound
- Special Features
- Quality
- Value for money
Points to consider
Monitoring method
There is a variety of monitoring options on the market so it's important to consider how much you're going to be using it and how detailed you want the monitoring to be.
Digital monitors like the BT Digital Plus and Tommee Tippee Sure Sound Deluxe use digital technology to ensure a crystal clear reception and are 'a cut above traditional analogue monitors' which can transmit sounds from other homes in the area.
Digital monitors are more expensive than analogue monitors like the Tomy Walkabout Classic, but seem to be a top choice for parents who want an interference-free, high quality monitor.
Camera monitors like the Bosie Boo and Panasonic Dect Phone are good if you feel the need for extensive monitoring, though our panel agreed that they can make you a bit obsessed and 'if your child is ill or premature, they should be in the room with you where you can hear every breath first hand'.
Sound quality.
According to our panel, sound quality is 'absolutely essential'. Most monitors are equipped with a variety of channels so you can ensure a great reception every time you use them - 'essential if you live in a large house or spend a lot of time in the garden'.
Generally, the digital monitors performed well on sound quality with
the BT Digital Monitor,
Phillips Deluxe and Bosie
Boo scoring tops.
Range
If you want to use your monitor in lots of different areas, range is an important point to consider. Most monitors will transmit your baby's sounds to at least 100m with most of the modern options offering more flexible usage with a 300m range.
Some models, like the Tomy Walkabout Platinum Digital also have a built-in indicator that warns you when the monitor goes out of range, 'a useful tool for trips to friends houses when you don't know how far away you might be from your child'.
Additional Features
Monitors vary in terms of features so it's worth investigating what's included before you buy.
A talk-back facility that allows you to soothe your baby without having to get out of bed is 'great if your baby wakes regularly but you know a few shhhh's will get them back to sleep again'.
Similarly, a sound sensitive lights display will tell you when your baby is awake, even if the sound is turned down - 'a great feature for working parents who need to make important phone calls from home'.
Other features to look out for include a temperature display ('great for summer and winter'), nightlight ('a reassuring little extra for baby') and rechargeable unit that will give you wire-free monitoring without the need for batteries.
Some monitors go even further with alarms, feed timers, lullabies and paging facilities. Our panel felt that these features 'weren't particularly attractive as they're not essential for every day use'.
Awards - which products won?
The BT Digital Baby Monitor Plus was a clear winner in this test with all six of our mums citing it as both the best buy and best value monitor.
The panel described it as 'easy to use with excellent sound quality and great features - all at a very reasonable price'. See how the other monitors faired in the full test results
Where to next:
- Full test results
- Read the reviews:
BT Digital Baby Monitor Plus
Bosie Boo Video Monitor
Panasonic DECT Phone
Phillips DECT Deluxe Baby Monitor
Tommee Tippee Sure Sound Deluxe Monitor
Tomy Walkabout Platinum Digital
- Read and add your own reviews
- Add a review and you could win a prize
- Chat to other mums in our product talk forum
- Visit the babyworld shop
