Summer Infant Day and Night Handheld Color Video Monitor with 1.8" Screen - Silver
by Summer Infant, Inc.
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List Price: Category: Baby Product See more product details |
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Baby Products Reviews of Summer Infant Day and Night Handheld Color Video Monitor with 1.8" Screen - Silver
Customer Review: Used for ONE YEAR... disappointed.
Summary: 2 Stars
Monitor shopping is tough. Unfortunately, I'm right there again. I'm writing now because it's nice to hear from people who've been using these monitors long-term so that you know how they "age." My biggest advice is to SAVE YOUR RECEIPT.
We bought the Summer Infant Day/Night video monitor for our first baby a bit over a year ago. We loved having the video b/c our baby's nursery is upstairs while our room is downstairs. It worked well for the first 6 months or so. At that time, the battery to the parent unit died. We could no longer use it without plugging it in. You can order new batteries through Summer Infant, but I would consider getting a monitor that takes regular batteries so that you can change them as often as necessary without a special order.
Having to plug/unplug it as we moved around the house affected portability, but was not a huge deal. Fast forward a couple of months (about 8 to 9 months of use), and the connection for the power adapter to get plugged in started getting really loose. The volume could not be heard at low levels, so I had to crank it up to be sure I heard her. Or what was worse, it would lose the connection for audio altogether, and I wouldn't know it had no audio until I woke up the next morning, and it was silent while my baby was wide awake in her crib! Static interference also worsened at this point. It was very annoying to have to adjust and readjust the positioning of the unit to get a clear signal. I tried to duct tape the cord in a good position, but that didn't work.
A couple of nice features: the video quality is fine. It's not choppy at all. Be aware, though, that it always looks black and white if your nursery is kept pretty dark. (Didn't matter to me... I could still see the baby just fine.) I did like the volume wheel, too. Having a wheel means you have more control over the exact volume you want. I'm a light sleeper, so at night I wanted it as soft as possible so I wouldn't hear every sigh or whimper, but I would be able to hear her if she really needed me.
One minor annoyance. The lights that indicate there is noise in the room are a nice feature to have, BUT the lights were so bright on this thing they would wake me up. (I did mention I'm a light sleeper, though!) I had to put 5 layers of masking tape over the light bar to help dim it enough for me.
No complaints at all on the camera.
So, I unfortunately, did NOT have my receipt. I'm sure Summer Infant would have sent me a replacement if I'd been able to take advantage of the warranty. Now I'm monitor shopping again. I hesitated to buy another Summer model, but I'm going with the new BabyTouch monitor. I bought the BabyTouch and the Lorex LiveSnap to compare. I've only been using the BabyTouch for a couple of nights, but so far I'm pleased. And believe me, the receipt is in a safe place! (And if you're interested, I did not care for the features/lack of features on the Lorex. I couldn't even use it one night, and I returned it the day after receiving it.)
Whatever store you buy from, ask what their return policy is on items that you open and try out. Buy Buy Baby is very return-friendly, while BabiesRUs is not. Amazon is always a good seller in my opinion, and I'm returning the Lorex to the opened and tested. Don't be afraid to try out multiple monitors to see what you like best. Nothing is perfect (which is frustrating considering the amount of money you're spending), but protect your warranty so that you won't find yourself in my position.
Customer Review: Clear picture, minimal static, OK battery life
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using this monitor every day during naps and every night for about 12 hours a night for the past year. I'm very happy with my purchase, and have many times said, "I love this monitor" while clutching it to my chest. Now that my baby is standing and crawling, it's nice to be able to see if my baby trying to climb out of the crib. If I had gotten a sound-only monitor, I wouldn't be able to see my baby playing and climbing in her crib.
Overall, I definitely recommend this monitor! If the price is a hindrance, try this: most baby registries will give you a 10% off registry completion. So all you have to do is register for the monitor, and then buy it after your due date (which is when they'll mail you the 10% off coupon).
Here are some things about the monitor that I'd like to point out:
The pros
- No static: I can take this monitor to all ends of the house-- no static! I can even take it outside to about 3 car lengths away from the bedroom before it starts having trouble picking up the signal.
- EXCELLENT picture quality: My camera is positioned such that you can see the entire crib mattress. The picture quality is EXCELLENT; As long as the crib bars don't block my view, I can clearly see whether my baby's eyes are open or closed.
- Flexible camera angle: The camera itself is easy to position. The camera pivots left to right and tilts up and down. You can get it in pretty much and position you want.
- Good color video: The color video during the day is actually pretty good. The colors are a little bit muted. You can definitely tell what color your baby's shirt, pants, and crib sheet are, but I'm not sure you'd be able to tell skin color variations (for example, when your baby is crying, their nose and eyes might be red) unless the camera is actually in the crib with the baby. I used to put the camera in the crib, but this was in the beginning before my baby reached for and played with toys.
- OK Battery life: In the beginning, the battery life was excellent. I could use it all day without the charger. Now that the receiver has been heavily used for a year, it only has about 2 hours before losing life-- and this is without using the video picture. (that's another thing: it's nice to be able to turn off the video picture for when you know the baby is sleeping.) But don't get me wrong! I didn't even expect the battery to last this long because, in general, rechargeable batteries do not keep their charge over an extended period of use.
The cons
- Unstable receiver: The receiver is easy to knock over. There is a little flap that the receiver leans back on, but it's too narrow. I think if it were redesigned somehow, it would be much nicer.
- Sound lights too bright: The sound lights are really bright! At night when I'm having trouble sleeping, the sound lights seem to make it just that much harder. I usually just turn it really close to the wall or turn it upside down into the sheets when it bothers me.
- Pricey: I paid 169.99 and it definitely was expensive. Obviously this monitor is not a necessity, but for those who have the means to buy it, and you're going to buy a monitor anyway, I'd recommend this one.
Customer Review: quirky for sure, but...
Summary: 4 Stars
Brilliant for naps and monitoring play time for a child who is old enough for a little freedom. I love how my daughter has no idea how I know when she tries to jump on the bed! I've used it for naps in the swing from newborn on up and for naps otherwise.
We are on our third year with this monitor system. We've used it in two different rooms of a one level house. Both locations work equally well. I never use it outside, however, due to static. It just doesn't work well enough.
Shortly after we got this video monitor the volume dial became very sensitive and quirky and would only work well if tweaked to just the right spot. Basically, we have two volumes that amount to normal and loud. Those are the two choices.
The other tricky thing is that we have only a couple of sweet spots in the house to place the video display / sound receiver unit. If it is not placed in a very specific spot it will have a very noisy picture and static sound that would be way too annoying to even bother with. Thankfully one of our sweet spots is in a convenient place so it works for us.
If positioned correctly, the sound detected in the monitored area is very sensitive and helpful. The picture is ok, but don't expect to get a highly detailed, informative picture unless the camera is positioned very close to the pictured area. In doing so, you limit the area that is monitored visually which might be fine for a crib which I did actually use it for briefly right after we bought it. The way I usually use it gives me a general sense of where the child is in the room.
Bottom line for me is that I have had tons of use out of this video monitor system, as it is used daily. I've found ways to make it work for us. We love technology and gadgets but the truth is we haven't investigated what might be interfering with our units because we have been able to get around it.
If you already co-sleep, this can be a good tool for helping keep nap time safer, together with a completely safe baby proof, low level sleep environment and physically going in to check often as needed. I really like this co-sleeping book for anyone interested: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Nights-Parents-Family-Peaceful/dp/0312275188/ref=pd_sim_b_2
If you intend to use it for night time I would search and find the review titled, "Beware - No Security". That would give me pause if I were going to monitor night time sleep. But I don't yet so I am not as worried about it. Maybe consider buying from a place with a liberal return policy.
Customer Review: This is our 2nd one, we love it!
Summary: 5 Stars
Bought one of these monitors for our son, who is now over 2. Just bought the identical one again for our baby due later this summer. The original one still works, although after more than 2 years of daily use, being dropped a hundred times, handled with wet hands, etc., the battery life is pretty short. Also, we're still using it to keep an eye on the 2 year old, so...
Bought the same monitor because we've never had any problems. We have a wireless modem, and it's actually hiding under the crib. We've never had any problems with interference. Our house isn't huge, about 1700 sq ft, but the monitor works great throughout the house and out into the yard. I often take it outside during naps to get some yard work done. No problems.
With 2 monitors, I just set one camera on A and the other on B. I can easily use one handheld and switch between the 2 rooms, or use both handhelds so each one is on it's own room. I have them both set up now, and the kids rooms are side by side. Still no problems with interference.
The night vision is very good, especially if you keep the camera within 6 feet or so of the baby. The camera over the crib is hanging on the wall, about 5 feet above the mattress level. I can hear breathing sounds and see with great detail, day or night. The camera in the "big boy" room is mounted on the wall much higher and across the room from the bed so I can see a good majority of the room (to see what he's up to if he's not in his bed). I can't see my son as well with this distance, but that's also partially because his comforter has a lot of color and design, so it's hard to see him at night. The daytime pic is fantastic, although don't expect great color. On a very sunny day you will get color, but not true to life color. The color isn't so important anyway - it's being able to see your child and know they're okay.
Oh, and even in the big boy room with the camera far from the bed, I can hear my son turn in his sleep because I can hear the covers rustle. VERY good sound quality.
If you do experience any static, it can usually be eliminated by just moving the monitor slightly.
There are lots of monitors with more bells and whistles, but this monitor is simple to set up, easy to use, and delivers excellent sound and picture quality. I bought another one because I am so pleased with the first one, which again, we've been using for more than 2 years. Worth every penny!
Customer Review: best video monitor I've used
Summary: 4 Stars
Initially, I thought a video monitor would not be necessary - until the actual day came when it was time to move my daughter to her crib in her own room! The first monitor I tried was the Baby's Quite Sounds minature Blk & Wht TV monitor (also by summer Infant products) that we kept bed side on the night stand - reception was adequate, but the large screen casted so much light when you were trying to sleep, that you had to keep the video off and only turn it on when the baby made a noise.
Having the handheld monitor is soooooo much better! I can take it anywhere in the house and the reception is great (unless I am using it while on the cordless phone which is also 900 mHz)! We also have a wireless system is our home and we can use the monitor simultaneously without interference to either. Additionally important to note is that I have been able to use this video monitor in combination with the BeBe Sounds Anglecare Sensory Monitor (for SIDS prevention) without any difficulty or interference between them. The Angelcare Sensory Monitor is also wonderful if you are considering a SIDS monitor as well!
The only draw back is that at night the video monitor sometimes wakes me up due to static (however, this is due to where we place the monitor, and can usually be adjusted for better reception if the problem occurs).
Additionally, this monitor comes in two models with the only difference being the screen size (my model, #02100 has a 2"x2" color TFT screen or 2.8" diagonally, and the other model sold here (#02090) has a smaller 1.8" color TFT screen - you can check with the company online for store availibility & further information if you are interested in the larger 2.8" screen).
According to the company site, you can also purchase an additional camera (for $99.99, model # 02100-01) to view another child or room on the other channel if needed. The additional camera is listed under features for model number 02100 only; however, the customer service rep. had said that the screen size was the only difference between the two handheld models, so it would probably work or both. If the additional camera is important to you, I would double check with the company first before purchasing model 02090. Hope this was informative and helpful to anyone seriously considering purchasing this brand of monitor!