How does a baby monitor work

How Do Video Baby Monitors Work?

If you are expecting a little one as a new addition to your family, then you know that as a parent, your child’s well-being comes first above everything else. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that your little one is doing well is unmatched.

So if you are bringing your bundle of joy home from the hospital, you want to make sure that everything is in place. You will want to be able to know what is going on with your baby all the time. That is where video baby monitors come in!

Baby monitors have, over the years, become an essential part of infants’ nurseries. This fantastic technology allows parents to balance between taking care of their child and daily activities. Parenting is not supposed to be stressful, and these modern technologies are continuously helping to take some of the burdens off of parents.

So then comes the question; how do video baby monitors work? By the end of this article, you will have all you need to know about video baby monitors. Read on to discover!

Typical Workings of a Baby Monitor

The technology behind almost all baby monitors comprises of two key components – a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is usually placed in the baby’s nursery while the parent/caregiver has the receiver in another part of the house. The transmitter sends signals to the receiver, allowing the caregiver to monitor their young one via the receiver remotely.

There are different types of baby monitors, and therefore, the signal sent out by the transmitter to the receiver usually depends on the style. The good thing about baby monitors is that you can go about with your day-to-day activities without worry unless you get a distress call or notice something wrong at the little one's end.

Video baby monitors have quickly gained popularity among parents and caregivers since they allow you to not only hear your little one but see them too. Whether you are a frequent traveler or busy at home, a reliable baby monitor can help make your days and nights easier.

How Video Baby Monitors Work

The most basic baby monitors that were first invented relied on the transmission of audio signals through radio waves. Since that time, several advancements have been made, and currently, modern baby monitors have audio, visual, and even several sensors that can monitor movement and breathing.

These advanced baby monitors utilize motion detection technology, and some of them use internet technology for transmission. Let us take a look at the different types of baby monitors and how they work.

Audio/Analog Baby Monitors

These are the oldest type of baby monitor. They operate by having a transmitter –  usually a microphone – that picks up sounds around your baby’s crib, sending them to a receiver via high-frequency radio waves. This signal is mainly to avoid interference from other standard radio frequencies.

Newer versions of audio baby monitors can search multiple frequencies to find open bands within which to operate. This ability makes them better in terms of lower signal interference, and the concept was used to develop video baby monitors.

Video/Digital Baby Monitors

On the other hand, video baby monitors are more advanced compared to analog baby monitors. They, too, have a single transmitter and receiver but transmit signals differently. The transmitter, in this case, is usually a camera with a microphone. 

Digital baby monitors transmit signals via encrypted codes over multiple frequency bands in a partially random pattern, familiar only to the baby monitor set.

This transmission method is known as Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), and it facilitates video transmission while securing the signal and minimizing frequency interference. The encrypted message is decoded at the receiver, and therefore there is a less likely chance that you will pick up any sounds from the surrounding.

These baby monitors cost slightly more than analog baby monitors since they provide secure and better quality transmissions. They also offer more superior, reliable and accurate monitoring.

Most new video baby monitors have a two-way communication feature. This technology utilizes radio waves and allows signals to be sent and received through the transmitter and the receiver. This way, apart from just monitoring, you can also talk to your toddler from any room in the house. Babysense video baby monitors have an extended range of up to 960 feet. 

This handy device allows your toddler to feel your presence around them when you talk to them, even when you are not in the same room. The Babysense Compact Video Baby Monitor V24R offers you this great feature.

These new models also often come with several other convenient features such as:

• Pulse monitors (only if you purchase a bundle including a breathing movement monitors)
• Motion monitors
• PTZ (Pan/Tilt/Zoom) camera functionality 
• Preset lullabies 
• White noise
• Night lights 
• Infrared 
• Night vision
• Other low light options

All of these features assure you that your little one is safe round the clock.

Babysense video baby monitors also have a temperature feature, which allows you to know whether your bundle of joy is feeling a little too cold or too hot. They also have a fantastic  ECO/VOX mode that saves power, and either come with PTZ cameras or cameras that offer a 360 degrees manual pan, and a 90 degrees tilt. 

You can now check in on your little one without having to go into their room. The lullaby and white noise feature that comes with Babysense video monitors help you sleep train your little one without physically interfering and putting them back in bed. It teaches them independence and self-reliance early.

Wi-Fi Based and Smartphone Video Baby Monitors

The constant advancement of internet technology has allowed for the development of innovative baby monitoring. It is now possible to monitor your little one from any part of the world, so long as you have a good internet connection through these new types of video baby monitors.

The Wi-Fi-based baby monitors are advanced digital baby monitors that transmit signals to a local Wi-Fi router, sending these signals to your smartphone or tablet in real-time as long as you are connected. This takes off some of the anxiety that comes with leaving your little bundle of joy as you resume work.

Many of these new models of baby monitors are compatible with smartphones, and once you download the companion app, you are ready to go. The smartphone now acts as the receiver for this type of baby monitor. Further, any of them are equipped with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP), which allows you to talk to your little one or the babysitter through the app in real-time.

Wi-Fi-based baby monitors also allow you to record and keep whatever is transmitted, and therefore, you can observe your little one's sleep patterns, prove that they are climbing out of their crib, or just store the footage for the future. These can be stored in memory cards, computers, or even cloud storage.

Similar to other internet devices, Wi-Fi-based baby monitors can experience communication-related issues due to poor network signal, signal jamming/disruptions, or if you are sharing the same network in a highly-populated area. Also, in power outages, you lose the live feed feature unless you have a power backup.

The main disadvantage that comes with Wi-Fi-based baby monitors is their more frequent hack and intruder attempts. With devices connected to the internet, the chances of hacking are never zero.

It is also vital that your Wi-Fi router is password protected to prevent intruders from accessing it. Make sure to use a strong password that you cannot easily bypass because the router’s security determines privacy.

For this reason, many parents choose  not to invest in a WiFi monitor and, instead, choose one that is less susceptible to hackings such as those from the Babysense range. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions? Here are some of the frequently asked questions about video and other types of baby monitors. 

How Private Are Baby Monitors?

As a parent, your main aim is to ensure that your little one is shielded from the prying eyes of intruders. Therefore, it is common for you to have questions concerning the privacy and safety of these baby monitors and the signals that they transmit.

The type of baby monitor that you are using will determine the security of the signals transmitted. For instance, analog/audio baby monitors broadcasting on an open channel can be prone to hijacking the signal if someone close by gets on the same track.

On the other hand, digital/video baby monitors are not easy to compromise because of Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology. Signals from these baby monitors are encrypted, and only the transmitter and receiver know the channel switching pattern. This encryption makes it very hard for them to be accessed by an intruder.

In the internet and technology era, Wi-Fi-based baby monitors are the most affected in terms of hacking. Because they use Wi-Fi routers that utilize internet protocols (IP), a hacker can stage an attack from anywhere in the world. This does not mean that attempts are usually successful.

To enforce high security on your Wi-Fi-based monitor, you should ensure that a strong password secures your connection. It is also important that the firmware of your devices are all up-to-date to help you counter any intrusion attempts.

Nonetheless, the well-being of your little one is the main priority, and therefore you should not deter yourself from having a baby monitor. So long as a strong password protects your connection, it is difficult for hackers and intruders to access your baby monitor.

Privacy is a crucial matter;  Babysense monitors are encrypted and have a closed circuit. What this means is that Babysense non-WiFi video baby monitors are hack-proof. A hacker would need military-grade technology while in the same room as the baby monitor to attempt to gain access. And even then, it still will not be easy.

How Do You Set Up Your Baby Monitor?

Setting up your baby monitor is one of the most common concerns among parents, especially new parents. Similar to most home installations, you cannot just randomly decide to mount a baby monitor anywhere. You need to consider the safety of your toddler, the best viewing angle, among others.

When installing the baby monitor, it is recommended that it is set up somewhere out of the little one’s reach. Babies are curious and will want to explore any foreign items they notice. This can not only pose harm to your baby but the potential damage to the device.

It is also essential that when installing the baby monitor, you choose a location that offers a clear and ideal view of the baby’s room and crib. You should ensure that you can see your little one and their surroundings.

If you intend to move the baby monitor around depending on where you and your baby are in the house, then permanent installation on the wall is not advisable. You can place the gadget on a shelf or a table, out of the baby’s reach wherever you are in the house. Ensure that you have a clear shot of the baby and the surroundings even when placing it on a shelf or table.

For a permanent mounting of the baby monitor, you should choose a location you are confident you will not want to be changed later to avoid inconveniences. If you use cables, it is appropriate that you hide any from the child. If necessary, you can use cable covers. The well-being of your baby should guide all decisions and setups.

Why Do You Need One?

We live in an era of fast-paced and career-driven lifestyles, and bringing up a child has become increasingly challenging in these circumstances. Juggling between work and family life is increasingly important since we cannot be at several places simultaneously.

However, modern tools have made it possible to carry out our day-to-day activities while keeping an eye on our beloved little ones. New models of baby monitors come bundled up with so many incredible features that unburden parents. The efficiency and flexibility are exceptional, and you are assured that even as you carry on with your work and daily activities, your baby is safe.

Conclusion

Parenting should not be a scary affair that makes you cringe at the thought of it. In today's highly demanding environment, some assurance that someone has your back can go a long way. The feeling of connection and reassurance despite the separation distance helps parents get through some of the most challenging times.

Babysense has a variety of modern video baby monitors to select from. You can even observe two children in separate rooms through a single-parent unit via the split-screen option. Babysense baby monitors are secured by state-of-the-art FHSS technology, making them hackproof.

You can rest peacefully at night knowing that your baby is safe and sound when you use Babysense devices. Even when they become mobile and move around more, the PTZ option allows you to move the camera around quickly and track their movements.

Since 1991, Babysense has been a trusted leader in the baby monitor industry and has only gotten better with the years. You cannot have eyes on your little one every moment round the clock, but Babysense video baby monitors give you this feeling.

How Do Baby Monitors Work? Here Is All You Need To Know

Mar 01, 2021

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Are you expecting a newborn baby soon? Or are you a first-time parent? Well, let us start by congratulating you on this big achievement. The excitement that comes with parenting is now going to be part of your life. How you go about it means a lot for your mental health and baby’s growth.

A close up picture showing a parent monitoring his baby

One of the guaranteed ways to ensure that your newborn is safe is through the use of best baby monitors. But how do baby monitors work? In this article, I’ll help you know more about baby monitors and how technological advancements has helped new parents to live a stress-free lifestyle.

Don’t you want to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep knowing very well that your baby is doing well? Isn’t it a nice thing to know when it is time to feed the baby or even change diapers? These plus many more reasons are what make these monitors stand out. Without taking too much of your time, let’s get into the main agenda which is ‘’baby monitors’’. Take a look.

How do baby monitors work? Many people keep asking this question, it is not you alone. Well, it is worth noting that baby monitors usually have two components –  a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is always placed next to the caregiver whereas the transmitter is usually left in the newborn baby’s room.

A picture showing two parents monitoring their baby on bed

If the transmitter detects some unusual movement from the baby, it sends a signal to the receiver. It is this signal that is interpreted by the receiver and the necessary attention given to the baby. The signal is usually dependent on the type of baby monitor; whether it is an audio model, video model or a one with both.

In this arrangement, you or the caregiver can easily notice anything unusual happening to the baby. In the event of an emergency or any discomfort from the baby, you can easily notice even from far. The good thing about these baby monitors is that you can go about your work without any worry unless you get a distress call from the baby’s end.

Audio baby monitors were the first invention of mankind as far as baby monitors are concerned. Technological advancements have seen the introduction of video monitors which are a little more advanced with additional features to help divert the attention of the baby thus dispelling unnecessary concerns.

The most advanced baby monitors are currently designed with sensor pads for more accurate detection of any slight baby movements or otherwise. So how do these two different types of baby monitors work? Which of the two would you recommend to a parent? Well, let’s have a look at both the audio and video baby monitors in more detail:

a. Audio/analog baby monitors

These monitors operate in a similar way as FM radios. They operate based on the principle of frequency modulation. Sounds made by the baby are broken down into very small signals which are picked by the transmitter and delivered to the receiver through radio frequencies. The receiver does the work of processing the small sound signals and eventually converts them back to audible sound from the baby’s end.

A close up picture showing a home camera watching sleeping baby

The process of breaking down the sound at the transmitter and the converting it back at the receiver happens in a seamless manner without any interruptions. Remember, if there happen to be any interruptions in this process, you might end up getting the wrong information at your end. To ensure that possible interruptions from the likes of wireless telephones and other analog baby monitors are minimized. Analog monitors are designed to work at very high frequencies compared to the other common radio frequencies.

This audio-only baby monitor focuses on the cries of a baby. The transmitter picks up any sound around the baby’s crib. It is therefore recommended that you minimize any noise emissions in the background. The presence of other noisy equipment in the background can cause some misjudgment. Can you imagine how painful it is to be woken up in the middle of the night with the thought that your baby is probably uncomfortable only to find your tiny bundle of joy deeply asleep?

Always make sure there isn’t any noise in the baby’s crib if you happen to have the audio baby monitor on. The latest audio monitors are capable of searching multiple frequencies to find open bands to operate at. This makes the newer versions better in terms of reduced signal interference. However, they’re still not well secured as an external device can be tuned to collect the signals before being transmitted elsewhere.

A picture showing a baby audio monitor isolated

b. Video/Digital baby monitors

These are the more advanced versions of audio monitors. Just like audio monitors, video monitors have a single transmitter and a single receiver. The difference between these two types of baby monitors only comes into play in the kind of signal transmission. In the digital monitors, signal transmission is done in encrypted codes which are sent over different frequency spectra.

The encrypted message is picked up at the receiver where it is decoded. The process of encrypting the data is key as it helps keep off possible environmental interruptions. This is actually a more secure way of finding information  regarding your baby’s wellbeing in the crib.

With digital monitors, there is no likelihood that you’ll pick up any sounds from the environment. They are more secure with high quality sounds compared to the analog models. These improvements come at a cost though, as the digital monitors are more expensive.

Apart from the two most common baby monitor types above, the latest models combine the two to give analog video baby monitors which combine the individual principles from each model. This leads to a more superior, reliable and accurate monitor. Isn’t it this accuracy that you yearn for?

A close-up picture showing a baby monitor

Currently, there are baby monitors that resemble walkie-talkies. This way, both of you (the caregiver and the baby) can listen and talk to each other. The two-way communication is possible due the presence of radio waves. The radio waves are picked up by the transmitters and sent to the receivers which are available at both ends.

The good thing with this type of baby monitor is that you can speak directly to your baby from whichever part of your house you’re located. This has a high chance of making the baby feel you are around. You can therefore go about your chores with a lot of ease. This is another handy type of the baby monitors.

A closeup picture showing a baby monitor walkie-talkie

Have you ever thought of monitoring your baby from work? Well, this is a possibility in the current world. Remember you have to resume your daily duties including going back to your work station. But the anxiety doesn’t just disappear that easily with resumption of work. In fact, this even comes with a lot of unease.

To curb this, you need to go for a wireless baby monitor that can help you know of your baby’s safety from whichever part of the world you are at. Most of the Wi-Fi enabled models come with cameras that enable live video feeds. With these more advanced models, you can actually store the videos and images in computers, memory cards and even the cloud for future reference.

With a smartphone, you actually don’t need a receiver. Most of these types are built with Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) which allows you communicate with your babysitter or baby real time. Just like other cellphones, these devices are prone to communication outages due to poor network and power outages.

A picture showing a young couple enjoying knowing how a baby monitor works

The above four are some of the most common baby monitors you can always come across whenever you’re the market for these handy devices. Technological advancements will definitely lead to the introduction of some more sophisticated monitors. So, be ready for these plus some more to come.

Have you asked yourself questions like where exactly do you need to install the baby monitor? Well, just like most of the home installations, you can’t just wake up and decide to mount a baby monitor just anywhere within the little one’s crib. There are a number of factors you need to consider right from the baby’s safety and best viewing angle among others.

It is always recommended to mount the baby monitors on the wall. This way, they are kept out of reach of children. Besides, you can get clear shots of the baby from the video baby monitors.

If you intend to use the baby monitor across different rooms in the house, then permanent installation onto the wall shouldn’t be your thing. We would recommend that you just place it on a shelf from where it can be removed to other locations. Whether wall-mounting or a simple placement on a shelf, always make sure that the gadget is kept out of reach of the baby so that it’s not knocked over.

For wall mounting, pick a spot that will give you a clear view of the entire baby’s room. If power cables are used, make sure they are hidden from the baby; you can use cable covers. The use of shelves on the other hand is quite convenient as you can move your baby monitor to different locations.

How secured and safe are these signals you are relying on for your baby’s comfort, safety and general well-being? Can these signals be accessed by unauthorized gadgets or persons? How prone are they to hacking? And can they be hacked in the actual sense?

Any parent’s intention is to keep away intruders from their baby’s room. However, this cannot be completely assured as the baby monitors, both audio and video, can be accessible to intruders. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t deter you from ensuring your baby’s safety is well guaranteed.

For audio monitors, hacking is always a quite simple thing. Just hijacking the frequency of the radio signals then interrupt them by placing another gadget in between. The web and Wi-Fi based baby monitors are currently the most affected in terms of hacking. The use of internet protocols (IP) in these smart models has challenges as they can be hacked from anywhere in the world unlike for audio models that the hacker must just be nearby.

Having looked at “How do baby monitors work”, it is important that we also have a look at an ideal baby monitor that you can consider taking home to use for your baby. In this section therefore, we will simply make your work simpler as you’ll just pick a great product from the word go.
Vtech baby monitors stand out in the market as the best as they are reliable, convenient and less expensive. Vtech has got both audio and video monitors from which you can choose from. We specifically like the Vtech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor due to its simplicity.

It is no doubt that baby monitors are very important in a child’s growth process. From the assurance to the caregivers and parents, to the safety, mobility, flexibility and even connection between the parent and the baby regardless of the distance of separation, you’ll agree with me that this is actually a necessity.

What is more satisfying than going about your duties knowing very well that the baby is very safe? However, as you have read above, these baby monitors are also not well-secured against intruders who might want to have access to your data. It is therefore recommended that you look for a model that is somehow well-protected from external forces whenever you want a new one.

Don’t you want to have your baby unexposed? The paranoia of signal hacking shouldn’t deter you from buying these gadgets though. Look at the bigger picture of your baby’s safety at the expense of signal hacking.

Is there anything that you feel we’ve left out that is so important as regards baby monitors? Does this information meet your expectations? Feel free to share your thoughts with us.

Baby monitor. Baby monitor work | Home Advisor

You have a little baby. He's been a month or more. The baby has a routine. You already know when he should sleep and when he can wake up to eat. A lot of chores and household chores have accumulated around the house, and you could do them, but you are afraid to leave the baby unattended. Suddenly, the baby will suddenly wake up and cry if you are not around. To make life easier for mothers and solve this problem, a baby monitor was invented and has long been used in practice.

The baby monitor is an electrical device that looks like two walkie-talkies. It is small in size. It consists of two parts: a parent unit and a children's unit. In order not to confuse the blocks with each other, a baby is drawn on the children's block, and a mother is drawn on the parents' block.

How the baby monitor works.

How the baby monitor works

The baby monitor works either with batteries or rechargeable batteries. Depending on the configuration of the device, the kit includes an electrical adapter or charger. If the baby monitor is powered by batteries, it is better to immediately buy batteries of the appropriate type. They are more expensive than conventional batteries, but in subsequent use they will justify themselves. You do not have to spend money on the periodic replacement of batteries, which is required for constant use of the baby monitor.

The baby unit must be installed where your baby sleeps. The baby unit picks up all the sounds in the baby's room and transmits them to the parent unit.

The parent unit is located next to the parents. The unit receives a signal from the baby unit, and you can hear everything that happens in the baby's room. If the baby wakes up, moves, hoots or cries, you will hear all this and can immediately come to him.

What you should pay attention to.

Choosing a baby monitor

When choosing a baby monitor model, you should pay attention to such a characteristic as the range. Usually on the packages of baby monitors they write in large bright letters “Range of action 250 meters”. But this value is indicated only for ideal conditions, where there are no walls and no other interference, and it is calculated based on the technical characteristics of the device. When using the device in real conditions, the range performance deteriorates by an order of magnitude. In ordinary apartments, walls interfere with signal propagation, and other electrical appliances interfere. When using cheap models of baby monitors, parents have to walk around the room for a long time to catch the signal from the baby unit.

When choosing a baby monitor, you should be guided by the safety of the device for the child. Expensive and high-quality models meet all the requirements and safety standards. But do not place the device closer than a meter from the baby's crib. Therefore, very cheap models of baby monitors should make you suspicious, because they can be unsafe to operate.

Transmitted signal type.

Choosing a baby monitor

Baby monitor models are divided according to the type of transmitted signal. Cheap models use analog signals. Good models use a digital signal. There is no fundamental difference. But you are using an analog model of a baby monitor, and if your neighbors have a model of the same type, you risk your baby monitor picking up the signal of the neighbors and hearing the neighbor's baby cry, and not your own. When using digital models of baby monitors, such trouble will not happen to you. Digital devices encode the signal and, if necessary, automatically change the signal broadcast frequency.

Additional functions.

Some expensive baby monitors are connected to the telephone network. In the event of sound in the baby's room, where the baby unit of the baby monitor is installed, a call will automatically be made to the specified phone number, and you will hear on the phone what is happening with the baby. But this, most likely, will be a little-used function of the device, for which you should not overpay.

Additional functions of the baby monitor

Some models have special LEDs on their body. You can turn off the sound on the parent unit, and if there are sounds in the baby's room, you will not hear a sound, but your LED will light up. This feature is useful when you need to perform some operation in complete silence. For example, you put an older child to bed, and control a small toddler.

There are baby monitors with two-way communication, like two walkie-talkies. Such models not only transmit sounds from the baby unit to the parent unit, but can also transmit the voice of the parents to the baby unit so that the baby can hear you. For example, the baby woke up and starts crying, while you go to him, you can talk to him through the baby monitor, soothing him with your voice.

Baby Monitor Installation Rules:

Baby Monitor Installation Rules

1. Read the instructions for using the baby monitor carefully and take into account all the features of your model when operating the device.

2. Before placing the baby unit and parent unit, check if the baby monitor works properly in the same room. Turn on both units, make sure the batteries are charged, the transmitted sound is of high quality and does not contain interference.

3. Adjust the volume on the device in advance.

4. Place the baby unit at least one meter away from the baby's crib, with the microphone turned towards the crib.

5. Check the charge of the batteries and remember to charge them periodically.

6. If you connect the baby unit directly to the mains via the power adapter, make sure that the cable and the adapter itself are not accessible to the baby.

If you purchase a baby monitor, you will feel the benefits of using it and the possibilities that you will have. You no longer have to constantly monitor and check your baby, once again, risking waking him up. You yourself will not worry about every occasion from any rustle or noise from the street, and think that your baby has already woken up and is afraid of loneliness.

Good luck with your purchase! We hope you find our tips helpful.

Why do I need a baby monitor?

Today's baby products industry has made life much easier for parents who worry about their child's safety while they're away. However, it is difficult to keep track of small children, even at home: in the kitchen or in the bathroom, the voice of the baby can simply not be heard. In the country, this problem is exacerbated, because most of the time adults spend in the garden or on the veranda. It is for these purposes that the digital 9 is intended.0005 The baby monitor is a compact wireless device capable of transmitting sounds over long distances. The baby monitor consists of a baby unit with a high sensitivity microphone to be placed in the baby's room and a parent receiver that can be carried around. Any sounds from the baby's room will be instantly transmitted to the parent unit, and if the child is awake, you will know about it even before he starts to cry.

What

Our online store sells baby monitors and baby monitors, so whatever you choose, we can offer you the best models of these digital devices. We sell the latest models of video and baby monitors from the AngelEye brand, which produces inexpensive, high-quality, reliable and proven models with advanced functionality. Regarding the fact that buy - baby monitor or video baby monitor, the answer to this question depends on the purpose of their purchase and on the specific conditions of use.

The video baby monitor, unlike the baby monitor , allows you to not only hear, but also see what is happening in the children's room on the LCD screen. Baby monitor , for its part, has other advantages, the main of which are the long distance of work and versatility. The baby monitors we offer have a range of up to 100 meters! If you have a large apartment with a complex layout or a country house, then it is more expedient to buy a baby monitor . This device is less sensitive to obstacles for the passage of an audio signal, moreover, when working in a summer cottage baby monitor is more convenient than baby monitor.