Baby Monitor vs. Security Camera: Making the Right Choice for Baby Safety

If you want to buy a baby monitor, you might have tons of questions in your mind. You might be thinking whether you can use a security camera as a baby monitor.

In this article, we will discuss the baby monitor vs security camera. We will share the key differences and answer frequently asked questions. It will help you make the right decision and choose the best camera for your needs.

Baby Monitor vs. Security Camera: Basics of Them

What is Baby Monitor?

A baby monitor is specifically designed for monitoring babies at home. You can find audio and video baby monitoring devices. However, video devices are preferred and mostly used.

The video baby monitor is an indoor camera equipped with some special features, such as motion detection, two-way audio, instant alerts, etc. It records everything happening in the room or baby crib and helps you ensure the safety of the baby.

They are of two types. One uses a local radio frequency to transmit video and sound from the camera to the parent unit, which is a display.This type is also called a baby monitor without WiFi. The second type of baby monitor is a Wi-Fi baby monitor that offers remote access and live previews through an app.

The main function of a baby monitor is to allow parents to monitor the baby when they are in different parts of the house or doing home chores. It helps in keeping an eye on the baby and taking suitable actions immediately.

What is Security Camera?

A security camera, on the other hand, is a general camera used for indoor and outdoor security. It is usually used to monitor properties. It records the videos and offers live previews from remote locations.

It might lack features that baby monitors have, but if it is equipped with such features, it can also function as a baby monitor.

Baby Monitor vs. Security Camera: Key Differences

There are some key differences between a baby monitor and a security camera. These are made for different applications and purposes. Let's compare them in detail and have a look at their pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of Baby Monitor

Pros:

• A baby monitor has a built-in speaker and microphone to help you talk with the baby remotely.
• It detects the motion of the baby, persons, and pets in the area and sends instant alerts to your devices.
• It has night vision to capture clear videos at night and monitor the baby 24/7.
• Some cameras even have lullabies and other sounds to keep babies calm and fall asleep.
• It uses infrared LEDs to capture night and low-light videos without disturbing the baby.
• It might have sensors to monitor the temperature and humidity level of the room to help parents provide the most comfortable environment for the baby.

Cons:

• It covers a very limited area around the baby, which might not give complete information on babysitters working in the room and pets roaming around.

Pros and Cons of Security Camera

Pros:

• It covers a wider area and gives more information in a frame.
• There are instant motion alerts on devices to take action quickly.
• Some cameras offer two-way audio to facilitate communication with the baby.
• You can select a specific range for motion monitoring and tracking.
• It can also monitor babies at night through the black & white night vision.

Cons:

• It might have bright LEDs to capture videos at night, which is disturbing for the baby.
• While covering a wider area, it might lower the video quality. So, high resolution is essential.

Can I Use Security Camera as a Baby Monitor?

It depends on the features that the security camera offers.

Firstly, it should have high resolution, preferably 4K, to capture every detail in the frame. It helps in recognizing facial features clearly and sends accurate alerts on the device.

There should be a motion detection feature with instant alerts. You should also be able to specify an area for detection. It should offer remote viewing through an app without any lagging.

Two-way audio is a must. It helps you talk with the baby remotely.

If there is PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom), it would be better. It will help in tracking motion, covering a wider area, and taking a closer look at objects and people.

Last but not least is the night vision, and that too with infrared LEDs. It does not disturb the baby and captures clear videos at night or when the light is turned off.

If the security camera offers the above features, you can install it indoors for baby monitoring.

Best IP Camera for Baby Monitoring

Here are some of the best IP cameras for baby monitoring. These give you a sense of security and a sigh of relief.

Smart PTZ Wi-Fi Indoor Camera - Reolink E1 Zoom

E1 Zoom is an incredible indoor camera for baby, kids, and pet monitoring. Its PTZ features allow you to cover a wider area and offer 3X zoom for close-up visuals. It can automatically track the movements of the baby and pets in a specific area and send instant alerts to devices.

It uses dual-band Wi-Fi to make the connections table and give a smooth live preview experience. It also has two-way audio to facilitate communication. It offers flexible storage, time-lapse, smart detection, night vision, and everything you need to monitor your baby.

16MP Dual-Lens PoE Security Camera - Reolink Duo 3 PoE

Duo 3 PoE is an advanced indoor/outdoor camera. It has a dual-lens, which captures 180⁰ field of view—your entire room. It tracks the motions of the object and gives every detail in a frame. You can use its black-and-white night vision to monitor babies at night without disturbing them.

It is a reliable option for 24/7 security. It also has two-way audio to talk with your baby from anywhere. Its 16MP camera captures intricate details with optimal clarity. You can also customize the motion zone and check the live view without any lagging.

FAQs

1. Do I need a baby monitor?

Yes, baby monitors as a must to take care of the baby. If you do home chores or any other part of the house, you can monitor the baby remotely. Secondly, it helps in monitoring the baby's actions, carrying, and people visiting the room.

2. Are baby monitors better than cameras?

Yes, they are specifically made for monitoring babies. They are equipped with advanced features to ensure the baby's safety and take appropriate measures when required.

3. When should you not use a baby monitor?

When babies get older, about four years or above, it is better not to monitor their every movement and respect their privacy. Secondly, if the baby monitor sends inaccurate alerts or disturbs you for minor issues, it would create a problem. It might disturb your sleep and working hours.

Conclusion

We have discussed baby monitor vs security camera in detail. Baby monitors are specifically designed for monitoring babies. They have incredible features, including two-way talk, night vision, motion detection, and instant alerts. You can also use a security camera instead of a baby monitor. But make sure it has the required features we have discussed. We have also shared some of the best IP cameras you can use for baby monitoring.