Some people may have heard discussions on the relatively recent debate between security cameras and baby monitors. Security cameras have become new alternatives for monitoring your baby. But what is the difference and which one is best? Should you even consider using a security camera to keep an eye on your little one? In this article, we will take a look at the differences, similarities, and features of both to determine which is best for you.
Video Baby Monitor
Baby monitors have the primary benefit of being specially created for monitoring your baby. What does it mean? They are a full package of what you need and even what you might not need. Some models come, of course, with audio and video monitoring. The camera it comes with does not require any type of setup or installation. Sometimes they even come with four different cameras if you have two or more children. All you need to do is position the camera in the nursery so that you have a clear view of your baby.
You can easily adjust the settings of the baby monitor — things such as volume, the LCD monitor it comes with, night vision so you can check on your baby during sleep or in case they are crying. You might also have a talkback feature where you can soothe your baby or even choose to play lullabies and relaxing melodies. The cameras can be tilted, zoomed in and out as necessary.
Security Camera
The security camera uses an internet connection for streaming. Usually, security cameras use software which needs to be installed on a computer before being able to use it, so it needs more setting up than the baby monitor. The security camera might be an option if the baby monitor’s custom features (such as melodies, temperature, humidity monitoring) do not appeal to you. Security cameras often include features such as night vision, talkback, and pan, zoom and tilt abilities.
Which One is Best?
There are quite a few differences between a baby monitor and a security camera. The main difference you will quickly notice is that baby monitors have by far more features compared to a security camera. Baby monitors also include the camera and the parent’s unit, which can be taken around the house. On the other hand, the security camera can be viewed on a computer or the smartphone using the internet.
The main concern with a security camera is safety. Because it uses an internet connection, this can be hacked into; therefore, you need to take precautionary measures to ensure that the connection in your house is safe.
A security camera has the advantage of allowing you to set up as many cameras as you wish, while a baby monitor can support up to a maximum of four cameras. Additionally, a security camera can be installed on different devices at no cost, while some baby monitors offer the option of purchasing only one more parental unit. You could also opt for baby monitors that use the internet, so it streams the data to your mobile device, even when you are away from the house. However, this is unsafe for your baby as it can easily be hacked.
One might argue that baby monitors are more convenient to use, considering that there is little to no setup, and they include a wide range of features. If you are looking for extra benefits, such as playing melodies to soothe your distressed baby, temperature and humidity monitoring, and you are concerned with safety issues, baby monitors might be the best option for you.
If certain features are more critical for you, such as being able to watch your baby from different devices, a security camera is more suitable. Additionally, if you need more than four cameras, a baby monitor cannot provide this feature for you.
Final Considerations
Overall, the debate over baby monitor vs. security camera is mostly dependent on your needs. Baby monitors were specially created to keep an eye on your little one, so you can benefit from a wide range of features when monitoring your baby. But other people prefer a security camera because of their main benefits: adding more than four units and being able to watch it from multiple devices.
The main drawback of the security camera is that it uses an internet connection to send the data. Hackers can easily compromise this, and strangers could watch your baby. Make sure you strengthen your security measures if you go for a security camera. Additionally, some baby monitors also come with the feature of using an internet connection.
Bottom Line
The whole argument can be settled by establishing your absolute needs and requirements. Keep in mind that whichever you choose, safety and security should always go first. So in the baby monitor vs. security camera debate, it comes down to which option you see as the best for you and your family.