Pricewatch tests for different baby monitors
BT Digital Baby Monitor 100€86.99
HIGHS
Clear sound, no hiss. Melodies to encourage sleep are CD-like in quality, but in our tests they failed to induce sleep, except in parents
LOWS
Base station casts a light that’s too soft to change a nappy or make up a bottle by it
VERDICT
Hard to fault
****
Baby Care SCD487/05 DECT Baby Monitor€78.64
HIGHS
Price, compact, clear sound. Soft but useful nightlight. Volume can be turned right down, so parents can use the light indicator to monitor wails
LOWS
Finding one. We searched all over Dublin, including the Philips store, before finding it on amazon.co.uk (price includes delivery)
VERDICT
Top dog
*****
Fisher Price Remote Control Digital Monitor€99.99
HIGHS
Handset is toy-like and offers soothing music and sea sounds
LOWS
Fiddly buttons. Easy for a tired parent to inadvertently set off the ambient sounds. Background hiss and no docking station
VERDICT
Pricey and loud
***
Philips Tomy Walkabout Baby Advance€42.79
HIGHS
This sturdy analogue option is cheap with no bells and whistles
LOWS
If you’re looking for a monitor that will hiss noisily in your livingroom, pick up random interference from neighbours, offer no volume control, light indicator or docking station while introducing you to a whole jumble of easy-to-tangle cables then this is the one.
VERDICT
Functional but infuriating
**
Excellent *****
Great ****
Fine ***
Below Par **
Awful *
