Recommend: Monitors (times 3)

We weren't sure which monitor to register for so we went ahead and registered for a "classic" monitor set and a video monitor. We've used each only a handful of times, so it may be hard for me to give a detailed review on either.


Fisher-Price Dual Private Connection Monitor
Price: $67.99


Pros:
-reasonably priced
-I don't think we've had any problems with interference or static
-comes with 2 receivers!
-clear reception
-10 channels to choose from
-has an LED light display on both sides of the monitor that allows you to see if your baby is crying. This comes in handy if you don't want the volume loud
-the handsets can be wireless or plugged in
-the batteries are rechargeable
-very user friendly screen.


Cons:
-I don't think the batteries were included, but I'm not positive


Recommend: Definitely. We've had no problems with this set at all. I especially like that it comes with 2 receivers!

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Summer Infant Day and Night Video Monitor
Price: $99.99


Pros:
-you can see your baby!
-you can see your baby even if he/she is in 100% darkness
-camera can be mounted almost anywhere
-camera is very adjustable
-has a light feature so you can see if your baby is crying. The light adjusts with the intensity of the cry.
-can buy a second camera for another room and use the same monitor. simply toggle between channels
-monitor screen is a very nice size

Cons:
-black and white picture
-takes 10-20 seconds for the monitor to kick in (which is normal, not a defect)
-volume is limiting. your options are a range from loud to very loud, or mute
-a noisy hum all the time unless it's on mute
-if you mount the camera it isn't easy to transport
-monitor is like a little tube tv. pretty bulky.


Recommend: Yes. We've had no real problems or complaints with this monitor at all. There are, however, other video monitor that got great marks on BRU's website that have handheld monitors that are more portable. Some even give a color picture. The downside is that the screens are much smaller.


If you're dead set on getting a video monitor I'd recommend you try to figure out how the monitor will be primarily used. If you think you'll leave the monitor on your night stand most of the time, consider getting my monitor with the large screen. If you think you will need to keep a constant eye on your baby when he/she is out of site, consider the others that you can clip to your pants and take anywhere.


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Safety 1st Hi-Def Monitor:
Price: $59.99


I got this monitor for no other reason than because it had "hi-def" in the name. My brother works for Comcast and I knew he'd swoon that we had a "hi-def" monitor. After adding it to my registry I remember reading the reviews and for the most part people seemed pleased.

Pros:
- long electric cords so they can stretch long distances from outlets - operate on a rechargeable battery so you don't have to buy batteries - and don't have to be constantly plugged in.
- we personally have never had issues with static or interference.
- I'm assuming it's the same for most monitors, but when you turn off the part that's in the baby's room, the parent side beeps (I guess in case someone breaks in??? I don't know, but it's nice to know if the other side is on)
- reasonable price



Cons:
- you have to hold the power button for a few seconds to get it to come on - I remember being confused at first how to get it on.
- can't have the two sides in the same room or it makes that terrible siren sound when they start picking up each others sounds.
- the outside of the monitor is a hard plastic case, but it's not liquid tight so stuff can get inside that you can't clean out.



Would I Recommend: I haven't had any issues and judging from all of the bad reviews on other monitors due to static, I'd say this is a great option.