Are Baby Monitors Safe?

Let’s be honest, being a parent these days can be hectic. We've got a million things to do and not enough time to do them. That's where the idea of a baby monitor starts to become appealing. With a baby monitor, we can keep a watchful eye on our kiddos while we knock out our to-do lists. Whether we're folding laundry or having dinner with friends, a baby monitor gives us the freedom to keep an eye on our babes from any room in the house. But what is there to consider when shopping for baby monitors? Not all baby monitors are created equal, so it's super important to do your research and find a monitor with the safety features your baby needs to stay safe and secure.

Baby Monitor Safety Issues

If you're a new parent or soon-to-be parent, you may be pondering the potential benefits of using a baby monitor or anxiously googling whether they're actually safe to use. It's totally understandable to be cautious, as the reality is there have been various safety incidents with baby monitors over the years and several recalls due to safety concerns. In 2013, Angelcare Movement and Sound Baby Monitors were recalled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission after 2 reported fatalities caused by the child pulling the cord of the sensor pad, causing strangulation. In 2016, the CPSC recalled the Lorex Care ‘N’ Share video baby monitor, due to burn hazard after “488 reports of batteries overheating and expanding”.

Unfortunately, it’s not just physical safety caregivers have to be concerned about when looking into baby monitors. For example, in 2020, it was discovered that the iBaby Monitor M6S contained multiple security problems that allowed “hackers to grab any saved pics or videos, view live video, and even capture[...]personal information.” Even worse, “anybody who has one of these devices and the necessary network skills can access cloud-stored videos and pictures uploaded by every other baby monitor of the same type”, according to PCMag.

Scary stuff, right? The last thing any parent wants is to put their child’s physical safety at risk, or have their private images of and data shared with online predators. But don't worry, we got you covered. Let’s talk about baby monitor safety and go over what to look for when choosing the perfect one for your baby.

Essential Features For Baby Monitor Safety

When selecting a baby monitor, safety should be your top priority. A crucial feature to consider is a secure connection that's challenging to hack. This is especially crucial for monitors that use Wi-Fi or connect to the internet. Hackers can exploit network connections on monitors that connect to the internet or Wi-Fi. However, some baby monitors don't need a Wi-Fi or internet connection, making them less vulnerable to hacking attempts. Look for a monitor that doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi or internet or, if you choose to use a monitor that connects to the internet or Wi-Fi, ensure you take extra precautions to prevent baby monitor hacking and protect your baby's privacy and security.

Apart from a secure connection, it's important to consider the materials used in the monitor. Toxic materials can harm your baby's health. For instance, some monitors contain BPA, which can cause developmental problems. Opt for a baby monitor made of non-toxic materials which are safe for your baby.

In addition, a reliable power source is essential to avoid potential hazards such as electrical shocks or fires. Some baby monitors include a temperature sensor that helps to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for your little one. It's advisable to choose a monitor that meets safety standards and has undergone third-party testing to ensure its reliability and safety. Some baby monitors come with encryption technology to prevent unauthorized access to your baby's data.

Other Baby Monitor Features

Other convenient features to look for when browsing baby monitors include a wide transmission range, HD camera, night vision, and vox mode. A wide transmission range allows you to move around your home freely while still keeping an eye on your baby, and a high-quality camera and night vision ensure you can see your baby clearly, even in low light conditions or complete darkness. Vox mode is another useful feature that alerts you when your baby makes noise.

Modern baby monitors have come a long way and now offer many additional features to help keep your baby safe and comfortable. Monitors with bidirectional intercoms allow you to communicate with your baby from another room, and some monitors even include lullaby features that can help soothe your baby to sleep.

One baby monitor that ticks all the boxes is the SoyMomo Baby Monitor Pro. This monitor has a private connection, a transmission range of up to 1000 feet, as well as a wide-angle lens with an HD camera that captures every moment. It also has temperature sensors, two-way audio, vox mode, and night vision, providing parents with everything they need to keep their baby safe and secure.

Choosing the wrong baby monitor could put your baby's safety, and even life, at risk. Look for monitors made with safe materials, which have undergone 3rd party testing and make sure to find one that guarantees a secure private connection. Consider features like wide transmission range and HD camera for added convenience, and don't forget to take advantage of the additional features modern monitors offer, such as bidirectional intercom, night vision, and lullaby mode. Consider the SoyMomo Baby Monitor Pro for a high-quality and safe option.