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Usage
Infant movement monitor with integrated audio monitor and sound indicator lights.

Price $80.10

Summary

This infant movement monitor with an integrated audio monitor, works as advertised, has a good features, and acceptable audio. Although some households with wireless devices may experience static in the audio.

The Good

• Good movement accuracy
• Includes audio monitor
• Nice features

The Bad

• Lacks a functional belt clip
• Some audio static

Full Review

Product Purpose

The Bebe Sounds Infant Movement Monitor is designed to monitor the movement of an infant. The unit checks that there are small movements (like breathing) every 20 seconds. If the child doesn’t move during a 20 second period, the alarm sounds.

The theory is if the parent is warned of a problem immediately, they can help the infant. While NOT stated on any of the boxes, it is assumed movement monitors can be used for detecting Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) symptoms. Also called “cot death” and “crib death”, SIDS is responsible for about 1 death per 2,000 births. Please see Wikipedia.org for more information and risk reduction discussions.

Baby movement monitors can be used from birth up to about 12 months old. This monitor also has an audio monitor that can be beyond 12 months.

Setup

Setup takes some time. The directions must be followed closely for the product to work properly. Because it operates at 49 MHz, there may be interference with other electronics operating at this frequency (see the blog). There are two possible channel settings that may reduce interference. It is very important to make sure all cords stay out of the reach of the baby to avoid a strangulation accident!

Batteries and Charging

A nice feature is both the parent unit and baby unit can be plugged in, or powered by 12 AAA batteries (not included).

Range

The signal for movement and audio was good up to 100 feet.

Audio Quality

There is some audio static and the monitor has a wide range of volume adjustment. The audio quality is average compared to similar audio only monitors.

Performance and Features

The movement monitor usually worked as advertised. To simulate a lack of movement, we removed the baby and placed a bag of dog food in the baby’s crib. In our tests, it beeped once before the 20 second mark, then continued to beep after 20 seconds until the adult reset the unit. The monitor does not stop beeping when the child moves again. We called the company (now Graco) and asked the representative if this could be turned off. She advised it is designed this way to get the parent’s attention.
We did have one odd experience where the baby was removed, the unit beeped for about 10 seconds, then stopped beeping for about 62 seconds, then repeated the cycle. We don’t know if this was a malfunction or a problem with our testing because we could not repeat this odd experience.
Features:

• Sound indicator lights provide a visual display of baby’s sounds
• Battery backup power, for parent unit and baby unit
• Movement sensor, to verify baby is breathing
• Controls for volume and channel
• Optional “Tic” feature so you know it is working, but we found this very annoying
• Low battery indicators
• Adjustable sensitivity, good for adjusting against unexpected interference, say from a subway rumble or the vibration of an air conditioner

Design

The Bebe Sounds Infant Movement Monitor incorporates several good design features including a broad base that doesn’t tip over, large buttons, adjustable sensitivity, and technology that works in most situations. The aesthetics are clean and simple. We don’t understand why the monitor needs to beep in the baby’s room (in addition to the parent unit) because this wakes up baby during false alarms. We called the company (now Graco) and the representative advised this is by design and cannot be turned off.

Manufacturer Specifications

Parent units: 2
Frequency: 49 MHz
Channels: 2
Range: not stated

Buywise.Com Range: about 130 feet

Category: Infant movement monitor and audio baby monitor

Parent Unit Included?
(required) Baby Unit Included?
(required)
Power Options Batteries (Displosable)
Power cord No
Yes Batteries (Displosable)
Power cord No
Yes

Review Date: June 30th, 2008

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