Baby Monitors - Wireless Vs Wired

Baby monitors are a very useful monitoring items for carers or parents as they provide the freedom to lay down their baby to rest while they carry on doing the usual household jobs – or maybe watch TV - knowing that their baby is being safely monitored. Technology has moved on so much in recent years and there are many choices of baby monitor that are now available. The wired type of monitor was the only one, but today the popular choice is the wireless baby monitor. It is helpful to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages for each being make a choice of which is most suitable for you.

These systems essentially consist of two electronic devices: a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter unit is placed near to the baby for monitoring while they are sleeping and the receiver is used by the parent or person caring for the baby to listen or watch the baby when they are asleep.

Baby monitors come in two flavours which are wired or wireless. Wired baby monitors, as the name implies use wires to connect the transmitter and receiver together. The main and really only advantage of a wired system is there will be no chance of interference from household items and appliances such as a neighbors baby monitor, a cordless phones, microwaves and wireless home networks. However, there will be a cost to install this kind of system but the main problem is the restriction of the fixed position of the receiver unit. Being wired, it has to be installed in one location and cannot be picked up or moved around like the wireless unit.

Alternatively, the wireless baby monitor is much, much better as it is less restrictive. It’s a popular choice due to its flexibility and portability. No installation is required for this device so it can be up and running in a matter of minutes. They allow the parents to move all around the house as the receiver unit and can be carried with them either clipped to a belt. You can always listen to your baby wherever you are in your house, kitchen sitting room or garden or wherever, provided you are in range.

The main drawback to the wireless baby monitor is the issue of interference. Most units have the option of choosing different frequencies thus minimizing interference so they will not interfere with other household equipment. FM units have the most issues with regards to interference but there is a solution to this problem. With the advancement in technology, digital or DECT baby monitors address the problem of interference and make it a thing of the past. Digital monitors are much clearer and more responsive and will not deteriorate in quality like an analog monitor system.

One other concern is the operation range in which the device will work successfully. You don’t want to be wandering so far away from the transmitter unit so you can no longer hear your baby. The good news is most monitors allow a distance of up to 100 feet range through obstructions which should be more than adequate for most properties.