How to Use Your Smartphone as a Baby Video Monitor
October 4th, 2011There are several ways that a smartphone can be used as a baby video monitor or simply just baby monitor these days. Some include extra equipment, and there are also applications that you can download.
iBaby is an application created by Cyan Media. The software is only one dollar to download. When using this app, it stops your phone from going into sleep mode. This allows your phone to double as a night light, with a kid-friendly image. You set the sensitivity level and how you want to be alerted and on which device you want to be alerted. Basically, you can leave Daddy’s phone with the baby and be alerted on Mommy’s phone if there are any noises detected above your set sensitivity level.
iTunes has a Baby Monitory app for sale by CodeGoo. Their app costs $4.99, and functions the same way. Leave your phone with baby – it will illuminate a relaxing glow. You program which phone number you want to be alerted on, and if a loud noise is detected, a phone call will be placed to that number. You can then listen in to hear what is going on with your child.
Another application is called ‘Noise Alert’. This application is available free of charge. Its functionality is the same as the other two. Also, the application allows you to set a sleep interval. Setting a sleep interval allows you to save some battery life. Noise Alert is created by the Android market.
An iPhone can be a used as a baby video monitor?
These programs are really handy when you are away from home and do not have access to typical monitors. The con is you have to leave your phone with the child, so you miss out on some quality angry-birds time, but you have peace of mind over how your child is doing. Also, if your child is old enough, they could possibly wake up and see your phone and be tempted to stay up late and play angry birds themselves!
There are also ways to use your iPhone as a baby monitor that involves extra equipment. Obviously, these cost more than the apps that you just download, but you get way more. These are high quality enough to be your full time baby video monitor. One example is from Seedonk. Seedonk makes a variety of wireless internet cameras that you can control from your smartphone. One camera they have is called the Bambino, which was designed as a baby video monitor system. The Bambino’s full retain price is $189.00, but can be purchased from their website for $114.01 (a savings of $74.99). The Bambino also comes with a 30-day refund or exchange, a one year warranty, and 12 months of Seedonk premium service. This is really neat because you can just pull up the camera on your smart phone and see live video of your baby, and even take pictures of them. If you wish, you can also share the camera with other members of the family too. So if you allow it, Grandma and Grandpa can even see live video of the sleeping baby. (Although, I don’t blame you if you wouldn’t want to share!) The camera is completely wireless, so you can conveniently place the Bambino wherever works best for you, without worrying about cords draping everywhere.
Image by Witer via Flickr
There is also an iBaby system created by iBaby Labs, inc. that functions in a similar way to the Seedonk version. This one is not available yet, but should be on the market very soon (it was set to release Fall 2011, so keep your eyes open). Currently, price is set to be about $199.95.
Some concerns I am sure you might be having when thinking about whether this style of baby monitoring is for you or not. Do not worry.
Will I have to leave the lights on in order to see my baby on the baby video monitor system?
The camera systems come with infrared lights, so even in complete darkness, you will be able to see clear footage of your child.
Can anyone start watching my camera or hack into it?
The transmission channels are all securely encrypted. Your audio and video are completely safe and secure. Those who you choose to share it with, will be able to view it, and no one else.
How is the picture and audio quality when it comes through?
The picture and audio are always crisp and clear with their advanced digital wireless technology.
All in all, there are a ton of options out there on the market if you are looking to turn your smartphone into a baby video monitor. There are good options, both as a situational substitute, or as your baby video monitor for everyday use.
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February 16th, 2012 at 7:05 am
I just knew that even Smartphone could already used in ensuring the safety and security of our babies. Thanks for this. I believe that many parents would be grateful for this.
baby monitoring