Baby monitors have come a long way since I last had a baby. My interest was piqued at learning about one of VTech‘s new monitor that had a temperature sensor, split-screen viewing and the option to monitor more than one child or room at a time. My goodness! Parents can now have a virtual high tech security system just to watch their kids nowadays.
We wanted to get a closer look and took up VTech’s offer to give a review sample for a spin. One of our Bellyitch readers, Lauren, a third-time mom-to-be tested out the VTech Safe&Sound Bear 2 Camera Full-Color Video Monitor (VM341-216).
First off, she said she thought that the teddy bear-shaped camera was cute and would look great in the baby’s nursery. It’s white and matches the decor. There was a second camera that she placed in her 8-year old son Ethan’s room so she could keep an eye on him too after she’d send him to bed at the end of the night. Both cameras feature automatic night vision and full-color video that display on a large 4.3-inch LCD. Lauren found the size of the screen was ample and she didn’t have to squint or lean in closer to check in on the kids.
For the baby, there is a built-in lullaby and soothing sounds setting so baby can be comforted without having her enter the room. It would be perfect when it is time for sleep training. Also, given that a big cause of concern over SIDS death is overheating, the monitor’s temperature sensor can help mom make sure the nursery isnt’ too hot.
Again, she too found it neat that you can choose from multiple viewing options, including single view (one camera only), split-screen viewing (all paired cameras at once) and patrol mode (single view that transitions to a different camera every seven seconds). Very convenient and inventive!
With the talk back intercom, Lauren can give her 8-year old instructions from downstairs. The sound and transmission worked two stories down, Lauren said.
The unit can be placed on a table or mounted to the wall to avoid tumbles. It has 9-level of sound indicator and if she is working in the backyward or folding clothes in the basement, she can clip on the receiver to her waist and keep it moving. Multi-tasking is where it’sat!
Feedback/Final Thoughts: Lauren’s favorite feature is the monitor and the fact that the screen is large enough and she can see the baby even in the dark. It was easy to assemble and set up straight from the box. The retail price is $199 which Lauren said she thought was actually reasonably priced for what you get. The sound came thru for her loud and clear for her and she said she would recommend this product so people can kp an eye on baby while in another room.
