Baby Monitors
Since I had Alf, I have always always always wanted a video monitor but for one reason or another (usually budget and the fact our normal digital sound ones worked 'fine') we never upgraded. I promised myself that when Soph came along I would get one, but yet again it wasn't to be and other things became a priority. After reading lots of reviews, it seemed that it definitely wasn't one of those purchases worth skimping on.
There are so many reasons to consider a video monitor, my main ones are; having reassurance without risk of waking baby, seeing what they are up to if you hear movement and my favourite of all - simply enjoying watching them sleep.
I was delighted to be asked to review the Motorola MBP853 video monitor and although we've decided to keep Soph where she is for now, I couldn't wait to see what she gets up to while she chatters to sleep in her cot and watch to see her settle after a cough. Friends that have video monitors have always recommended Motorola so I was intrigued to see the image quality in person.
Features
- HD WiFi connected monitor
- 3.5 inch colour LCD parent unit
- Live streaming from baby camera
- Remote pan, tilt, digital zoom allowing a 300 degree view
- Room temperature monitor
- Infrared night vision
- Lullaby player
- Two way communication via high sensitivity microphone
- Connects to Hubble app (can be accessed world wide).
Now, I'm sure just by reading that list of features you are already as wowed as I was finding out all that this gadget is capable of. I love the idea of being able to check baby's room in the night, especially as we have pets that quite often get stuck in her room.
I love the idea of the Hubble app and thinking of things like my husband being away with work but being able to connect to baby to read her a bed time story or sing her to sleep. I also love the idea that when baby gets to that awkward stage in a toddler bed (we all know it's coming!) I will be able to see what she is up to and intervene at any signs of silliness.
Setting Up
This monitor was extremely easy to set up! I popped the camera in Soph's room after the parent unit had had it's initial charging, then simply popped on the camera, followed by the parent unit and we were good to go. It took some playing around to find the right spot, especially as we didn't really want our little performers to get a clue as to what was going on, or we may never get to sleep. I couldn't help but think what a great spying/security device this will be when we go away from home too, never mind a brilliant baby monitor.
Image Quality
The image quality on this is pretty good, I was really pleased with it and I loved the full colour. This isn't as clear as your regular TV but pretty impressive for a monitor of this kind and it is possible to see baby's face when she woke up which was nice.
At night time, the night vision kicks in for a more black and white image, but again this is clear enough for purpose and you can see baby well. Visibility wise, having the option to tilt, zoom and pan the camera from the parent unit, means that you can investigate babies room, zoom in to check they are sleeping or trying to climb out their cot! I love seeing all the little positions that Soph gets into and putting images to the little sounds we are so used to.
At night time, the night vision kicks in for a more black and white image, but again this is clear enough for purpose and you can see baby well. Visibility wise, having the option to tilt, zoom and pan the camera from the parent unit, means that you can investigate babies room, zoom in to check they are sleeping or trying to climb out their cot! I love seeing all the little positions that Soph gets into and putting images to the little sounds we are so used to.
Using the Hubble App you are able to record video and takes stills from the camera unit which we found pretty funny, especially when big brother Alf had gone in Soph's room thinking we didn't know what he was up to! He now thinks we are some kind of magic. You can also purchase storage via the app to save video footage for 30 days. This would be perfect for security purposes or reassurance of a babysitters reliability.
Hubble App
As I've already mentioned, you are able to take stills from the app, which we love. It's very easy to set it up and can be accessed from anywhere with Android or iOS. The best thing for us about this app is that we are forever forgetting the monitor and having the 'did you bring the baby monitor down?' conversation, followed by rolled eyes. This way, we can use the app instead!
You can control the camera unit from the app, just like the parent unit, by popping on a lullaby, changing the view or checking the temperature in baby's room. Very cool!
The Units
Firstly the camera. I love the design of the camera, it's a good size and feels good quality. It's lightweight and easy to set up in situ. It has a nice long cable which is perfect for our house that is seriously lacking in plug sockets! The camera doesn't make any scary noises when you pan or tilt it which I think is really important in a kids room, especially as they get older, and wiser. It's a pretty discreet unit which as an adult I find a little creepy looking but I'm sure that's just me as it reminds me of the Flight of The Navigator film. The camera is very well designed though and looks very cool and modern - I love the white plastic!
The parent unit is a good size as not to lose it every five minutes and the large 3.5 inch screen is great for having good nosey at baby and watching your little bundle snooze. The handset is extremely easy to use with simple buttons down each side, you learn your way round very quickly but I would have loved buttons that glowed as it meant switching a light on initially to control it until I learnt the buttons off by heart.
I love this unit, it looks so much nicer on display that our old digital sound only monitors, which on reflection look a bit like little toilets - this 'mini TV' looks so much cooler!
The parent unit is a good size as not to lose it every five minutes and the large 3.5 inch screen is great for having good nosey at baby and watching your little bundle snooze. The handset is extremely easy to use with simple buttons down each side, you learn your way round very quickly but I would have loved buttons that glowed as it meant switching a light on initially to control it until I learnt the buttons off by heart.
I love this unit, it looks so much nicer on display that our old digital sound only monitors, which on reflection look a bit like little toilets - this 'mini TV' looks so much cooler!
The Verdict
This monitor is a luxury buy (IMO) at around £169.99 from various retailers, but my oh my is it worth it. If you can stretch to this little treasure for your little one, then definitely do it! This is currently on offer at Amazon as below.
This monitor gives you the total peace of mind and reassurance you need 24/7, offering a clear image, clear digital sound and so much more. My favourite things about this monitor are the Hubble app which is just genius, I love that I can zoom in, tilt the camera and pan round the room. I loved putting images to some of the little sounds we hear, especially in the mornings when Alf gets in Soph's cot and they play games together and sing songs - adorable.
The only downside for me is that the buttons don't light up, so initially I had to pop the light on to control it but you soon get used to the buttons by feel, so it's not really a huge issue. I also found the battery would last an evening but would need charging when we went to bed.
This monitor gets a huge thumbs up from me, I'm such a worrier that this would have been a total godsend if we had it from day one with both children and more than anything I just love being able to see my babies when I want to.
This monitor gives you the total peace of mind and reassurance you need 24/7, offering a clear image, clear digital sound and so much more. My favourite things about this monitor are the Hubble app which is just genius, I love that I can zoom in, tilt the camera and pan round the room. I loved putting images to some of the little sounds we hear, especially in the mornings when Alf gets in Soph's cot and they play games together and sing songs - adorable.
The only downside for me is that the buttons don't light up, so initially I had to pop the light on to control it but you soon get used to the buttons by feel, so it's not really a huge issue. I also found the battery would last an evening but would need charging when we went to bed.
This monitor gets a huge thumbs up from me, I'm such a worrier that this would have been a total godsend if we had it from day one with both children and more than anything I just love being able to see my babies when I want to.
Disclosure: I was sent a sample camera for review purposes. All thoughts and words are my own. This post contains an Amazon affiliate link.
