Are Digital Baby Monitors Safe For Children?

Today, almost everything has gone digital. Cellular phones, computers and even simple household appliances, such as telephones and microwaves, have all switched to digital technology. However, the growing concern of many is whether these hi-tech gadgets can be considered safe for our health, especially in gadgets such as baby monitors that are usually placed in such a close distance to children.

A lot of parents nowadays fear that if they use a digital monitor to help them keep watch of their child, they might be exposing their offspring to too much of electromagnetic radiation and this may cause significant damage to the child’s nervous system. Children, after all, are much more prone to damage as their systems are still developing at such a young age. So we ask the question that many of these parents want to know, is it really safe to use digital baby monitors for children?

What is Electro-SMOG and How Does It Threaten Our Health?

Electro-SMOG is the electromagnetic energy that is emitted by common gadgets in our home such as our televisions, cordless phones, microwaves and digital baby monitors. Studies have been made over the years claiming that too much exposure to electro-SMOG can result to health problems affecting the nervous system of the body. A person may have such initial symptoms of headaches, disruptive sleep patterns, chronic fatigue and abnormal behavioral patterns in children.

How Are Baby Monitors Different from Other Gadgets with Electro-smog?

Because of the huge possibility of the electromagnetic energy used in the digital technology of modern baby monitors, a lot of parents are fearful for the safety of their child. But on the other hand, manufacturing companies of these digital monitors claim that the amount of radiation that their baby monitors emit are at levels that do not pose serious danger to children.

Phillips is one of these manufacturing companies that claim that the level of electro-smog released by their gadgets are 10,000 times lower from the safety norms that are accepted internationally. The company also adds a recommendation that for parents to have total peace of mind, they can position the monitoring device at least a meter away from the child.

Going digital in such technologies has many benefits, but there really are minimal risks involved. The digital models of baby monitors have proven over the years to be better in reception as compared to that of the older analog version. These models have also proven to be much better at providing privacy for the family. However, for many parents who are concerned with the safety of their child, switching to modern technology can certainly be frightening.

But as long as one knows how to set certain prevention methods such as placing the monitor at a safe distance from the baby (at least one meter) and not adding a lot of other appliances inside the baby’s room such as televisions or computers, then much harm on the child’s health can greatly be prevented. Always keep in mind that the monitor’s distance from the child is very important.

The greater the distance of the monitor from the child, then there is also a greater reduction to the amount of exposure to radiation. Most manufacturing companies nowadays have also been improving their products to make them less health threatening.

In conclusion, parents can always have the option for opting to the hi-tech digital baby monitors especially because its many benefits, but if fear for the safety of the child is still present, always remember that there are precautions that one can follow to minimize risks.

Selecting a Digital Baby Monitor

Of course, you want to make sure that your baby is protected and watched at all times. And, even when you’re at home with your little one, there are still several times throughout the day where you may not be in the same room with your baby. This is why you’ll need to start shopping for digital baby monitors, and you can do this without having to leave your home.

The main reason that parents get digital baby monitors is so they can complete other chores around the house while their baby is sleeping or playing in another room. You will need to ensure that the monitor you select is not on the same frequency as other electric devices that you own in order for you to be able to know when your infant is crying and needs you. This is the rationale behind the video baby monitor, which is fast becoming a popular choice. So, if you are unable to hear your infant due to technical issues, you will still see him/her on your monitor, and be able to respond appropriately if the infant needs you. This option is more costly. However, users believe you get what you pay for.

If you opt for the audio digital baby monitor, both one-way and two-way models are available. Determine which feature meets your needs. If you only need to be able to discern baby’s weeping or activity, a one-way monitor will do the trick. If you choose a two-way monitor, not only will you hear any sounds your infant makes, but your infant can also hear you. This might be nice if you are unable to respond immediately to your baby, but want to reassure him or her with your voice. Older children, in particular, might benefit from this feature.

As you compare digital baby monitors, you will want to consider how big your house is. The larger your home, the higher the frequency required for clear sound quality. Also, homes with more thickly insulated walls will benefit from the higher capacity that accompanies a higher frequency monitor. This will increase the range of the monitor, so that you can hear your child’s cry clearly–even if you’re on another story of the house. Portability is critical. You need to be able to carry the monitor throughout your home so it can accompany you on any task necessary. That way you can still keep an ear out for your baby.

Online retailers offering monitors are plentiful. If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your couch, you can still find the model that fits your needs. Amazon.com has a great selection, as well as reviews from past customers, and Overstock.com will offer you great prices on monitors from trusted name brands.

Baby monitors have made life so much easier for parents these days. Finding the best baby monitor for your needs is the only hard part, because there are so many to choose from!