Are you in dire need of a long range baby monitor? Never regret owning a huge house, even if it means your baby’s nursery will be farther down the hall. Pick the best long distance baby monitor and you’ll ALWAYS feel close to your baby. In my opinion, that’d be the VAVA Baby Monitor. Read on to find out why.
As parents of small children, you’ll soon realize that a baby monitor is literally your virtual best friend. It helps you monitor your little one from a distance to ensure they’re ok. But just how long is this distance? Well, that’ll depend on the model you pick. Let’s figure out which model is best for you.
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – VAVA Baby Monitor
- Best Budget Pick – Victure Wireless Security Camera
- Best for Heavy Sleepers – Good Baby Video Baby Monitor
- Best for Twins – Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
- Best Value – Hello Baby Baby Monitor
Taking a Long Look at Long Range Baby Monitors
I’m afraid choosing a long range monitor for your baby isn’t as easy as it sounds. If only it were merely a case of measuring how far your bedroom is from the nursery and picking a model with that specific range. But unfortunately, there are many factors to consider. Plus, it doesn’t help that there are numerous brands to pick from. And with clever marketing and expert advertising, one is always led to believe that every new product is better than the last one! That’s why I’ve put together this brief buyer’s guide to give you a clear cut criterion on how to go about it — the simple way.
Why is Range Important in a Baby Monitor?
We’ve established that having a big home or flat makes having a long distance baby monitor more of a necessity than a nice-to-have device. But that’s not all. What if you want to dash out to the trash can and back? Or grab something from your garage while your little one is sleeping? Attend to a delivery? Or even simply do chores around the house? I know that waking up your baby is certainly out of the question. Even more so if you’ve just managed to put your kid to sleep! If you’re faced with one of these scenarios, only then will you realize that a long range baby monitor is a lifesaver. As you may have guessed baby monitors have different ranges. A unit with a long range can transmit signals coming from your baby room with clarity despite how far you are from your baby‘s room. A baby monitor with a short range? Not so much.
Other Important Considerations
As I mentioned earlier, the unit’s range isn’t the only factor you should take into account. Sure, it’s one of the most important factors especially when you have a spacious home, but also consider other factors to get the most out of your device such as the following:
- Wifi or non-wifi baby monitor: Consider if the unit has to be connected to the internet or not. If you’re worried about being hacked, opt for a non-wifi baby monitor. Here’s my post specifically on this topic.
- Video or audio function: Audio-only baby monitors offer better signal transmission with less interference compared to video monitors. You just need to decide whether you prefer monitoring your baby visually or if you’re content with only acting on sounds coming from your baby’s room.
- High or low frequency: Long range baby monitors operate on a high frequency wavelength. This means that they emit a lot of radiation during the process which may be harmful to your baby. If you’re concerned with the risks associated with using such high frequency devices around your baby, opt for low EMF baby monitors.
- Digital or analog monitors: You have the option to pick between units that use digital or analog signals. Both have their own pros and cons. Digital monitors offer clearer signal transmissions but operate on high frequencies. Analog monitors operate on a lower frequency but are not as secure and signal quality isn’t the best.
- Key features: After all is said and done, make sure you consider if the unit has features such as alarm or vibration signals to notify you when your baby is in distress. Also pay attention to the kind of lights produced by the unit (if any). Certain models come with lights that serve as an indicator when your little one is uneasy. Just make sure you don’t pick a model with bright flashing lights that might end up interfering unnecessarily with your much needed rest. Opt for one with subtle lights. You’ll also need to pick a unit with a long battery life that can keep your monitor powered through the night and won’t switch off when you need it the most. A model with talk-back function is ideal so you can soothe your baby via the unit. If you can find a unit that plays lullabies and monitors the room temperature, that’s an absolute winner.
- Price: Just bear in mind that baby monitors that come with all sorts of bells and whistles will cost you. But in my opinion, some extra features mentioned above are really worth paying for. Just make sure you pick a unit with features you’ll actually use.
Factors That Affect Your Baby Monitor’s Range
Imagine buying a long range baby monitor only to find the signal quality somewhat mediocre. Does this mean you’ve been ripped off by the manufacturer and the range isn’t what they claim it to be? Before fuming at the seller, know that there are certain factors that can affect your baby monitor’s range. Ask yourself the following questions.
What Kind of Walls Do You Have?
Be sure to consider the kind of walls you have in your home. Certain walls disrupt and limit a baby monitor range. Concrete, masonry, and thick timber walls are a few examples. So if you’ve just moved into a new house with thick stoned walls, make sure you pick a model with the highest possible range.
Is Your Home Insulated?
Good on you for having a well-insulated home! Your little one will feel much warmer during those cold winter days. And cooler on those hot days. The only drawback is that insulated materials interfere considerably with your baby monitor range. Again, make sure you pick the unit with the longest range in this case.
What Other Signals Are Being Produced in Your Home?
If you pick a wifi baby monitor it means you’ll need an internet connection. But I’m more than certain that your baby monitor isn’t the only device that will be connected to your wifi. Other devices connected to your wifi will also affect the range and ultimately your monitor’s signal quality. Even warming up your lunch in your microwave can interfere with your monitor’s range. As you know, microwaves operate on a high-frequency band. Signal transmission from television can also weaken your monitor range. Don’t place your router next to the TV.
Best Overall – VAVA Baby Monitor
Crisp and clear real-time images of your little one sleeping are what you can expect from this VAVA Baby Monitor. This is because the monitor boasts three times better image quality than the average monitor. You can even zoom in the unit up to four times if you want to get an even better image of your child. The 900ft range allows you to keep an eye on your baby from wherever you are in your home.
Who It’s For
It’s perfect for both light and heavy sleepers.
Why You Should Consider It
I absolutely love how this monitor features a stable wireless connection. You can expect smooth video quality wherever you are. You can set the unit to your desired sound level from the seven levels provided making it suitable for both light and heavy sleepers. The unit is easy to switch on. You don’t have to deal with any complex configurations or apps to set it up. And it has an impressive 24-hour battery life depending on settings.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 3.23 x 4.76”
- Alert signals: 7 sound levels
- Range: 900ft
- Battery life: long (24hrs)
Pros
- Sleek design
- Clear images
- Easy to use
Cons
- Short power cord for camera
- Small power button
Best Budget Pick – Victure Wireless Security Camera
Next up we have this Victure Wireless Security Camera that offers a reasonable monitoring range of 30ft. The product is laced with all the features you need to keep in touch with your little one. Thanks to the night vision feature you can see your baby clearly no matter the time of night. An alert signal is sent to your phone if any movements are detected in your baby’s room making it double as a security tool for your home.
Who It’s For
This is perfect for newborns that don’t sleep through the night yet.
Why You Should Consider It
Though this monitor is one of the most affordable devices on my list, it’s designed using some of the latest technology for improved operational efficiency. For example, the unit comes with an integrated microphone and speaker that allows you to communicate and soothe your baby when restless. But this isn’t just any two-way communication feature, anti-noise technology is incorporated to ensure clear sound free from interference.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 7.9 x 3.8 x 2.3”
- Alert signals: Alarm
- Range: 30ft
- Battery life: average
Pros
- Versatile mounting options
- Impeccable sound quality
- Clear picture quality
Cons
- Difficult to set up
- Batteries not stable for unit (rather use power cord)
- Two people can’t be logged into the account at the same time (only one person at a time
can watch your baby)
Best for Heavy Sleepers – Good Baby Video Baby Monitor
Next up I have this Good Baby Video Baby Monitor that has an impressive large signal range which reaches up to 1,000ft. You can keep an eye on your baby from almost anywhere in your home, be it upstairs or while doing some gardening in your backyard. This smart wireless baby monitor also comes with a number of impressive features such as the talk-back function. You can soothe your child when in distress without going to his room.
Who It’s For
This baby monitor is suitable for heavy sleepers.
Why You Should Consider It
The unit comes with a night vision function. But not just any night vision — infrared. If you know anything about infrared imagery, you’re aware that it offers exceptional video clarity even under the darkest conditions. The manufacturer also added room temperature monitoring to this unit to allow you to adjust the temperature in your baby’s room when necessary. This unit also plays lullabies which is another huge plus. And it comes with a kickstand for better receiver positioning.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 6.9 x 3”
- Alert signals: Screen auto wake (the unit operates in screen off mode)
- Range: 1000ft
- Battery life: long (12hours)
Pros
- Exceptional picture quality
- Simple to install and operate
- No annoying lights
Cons
- Camera doesn’t rotate as advertised
- No motion detector
- Zooming-in mode limit functions like volume adjustment
Best for Twins – Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
If you want to add a lightweight and portable baby monitor to your nursery consider this unit from Infant Optics. The monitor doesn’t have to be connected to the internet which takes care of your privacy concerns. It has a considerably long range of 700ft. You’ll be kept in touch with your child from a reasonable distance. Because it comes with a remotely moving camera you can check on more than one baby making it perfect if you have twins. This monitor also has a video function so you can see your little one while they sleep. You can also zoom-in to get a clearer picture of your baby’s face. The device also comes with two-way communication and a remote thermometer.
Who It’s For
Parents who are overly cautious about their privacy and don’t want a wifi baby monitor.
Why You Should Consider It
Mind you this is an award winning monitor so the manufacturer must have done something right. Judging from the impressive 10-hour long battery life I’m inclined to agree. This is thanks to the compact 3.5” screen size that doesn’t drain the battery prematurely. But despite the smaller screen you can still see your baby clearly. You can always zoom in if you need to. No need to worry about your monitor running out of power in the middle of the night. The hardware is robust. You’re guaranteed a long lasting and durable unit.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 19.3 x 13.4 x 6.5”
- Alert signals: Alarm
- Range: 700ft
- Battery life: Long (10 hours)
Pros
- Easy to set up because no configurations are necessary
- Screen is dimmable
- Great picture and sound quality
Cons
- Can only be used when you’re at home
- Rather expensive
- Power cord for display unit keeps falling out
Best Value – Hello Baby Baby Monitor
This is yet another baby monitor that offers a long range of 960ft. To add on to the impressive range, the unit will provide you with exceptional video and sound quality. You can view your little one with absolute clarity and soothe them when you need to. Simply talk or sing to your baby using the two-way talk-back function.
Who It’s For
Suitable for parents who want to keep an eye on more than one child.
Why You Should Consider It
I love how affordable this unit is despite the impressive features it comes with. To top it off, the monitor comes with a long battery life. The monitor also plays lullabies for your little one to help calm them down when in distress. And it has multiple mounting options; you can mount it on the wall or table.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.1 x 2.1″
- Alert: Alarm, LED indicators
- Range: 960ft
- Battery Life: Long
Pros
- You can pair up to four cameras
- Impressive night vision
- Accurate room temperature
Cons
- No white noise feature as advertised
- Might start freezing after some time
FAQ
What could be the reason behind my monitor continuously losing signal?
This can arise as a result of numerous issues. It may be because of unstable internet connection, incorrect set up, low battery or interference from other electronic devices. Always make sure that your camera and monitor unit aren’t too far apart and be sure to always fully charge up your unit before use.
How do I reset my baby monitor?
To rest your baby monitor, always follow the user instructions as stipulated in the product manual. But generally with most smart monitors, you simply disconnect the unit from the power supply, wait for approximately 15 seconds then reconnect.
Conclusion
Who doesn’t want a monitor that it’s easy to set up, offers exceptional picture and sound quality and has a fantastic battery life? Pick the VAVA Baby Monitor and that’s exactly what you’ll get. The fact that I can adjust the sound level to suit my comfort levels is pretty useful. Quite frankly it’s hard to fault this product where performance and durability are concerned. This makes it worth every single penny. Sure, it has a small power button but that certainly isn’t a deal-breaker. I’d have loved to opt for the cheaper options but they come with a few tradeoffs that I don’t feel like dealing with when monitoring my child. If it’s not usability issues like a power cord falling out, it’s the unit coming with features that aren’t advertised. At least with the VAVA Baby Monitor, you do get what you pay for.
Last update on 2024-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API