There have been reports of the dangerous effects of baby monitors on children’s development, as well as scary stories about hacked monitors. Read this article to find out what is true and how to protect your family.
This article will cover:
- Are baby monitors safe for your baby’s health?
- Can baby monitors prevent SIDS?
- Can baby monitors be hacked?
- Takeaway
As our use of technology grows, it seems like every device is more high-tech than the last one. I’d heard baby monitors could be unsafe from hacking and harmful to the development of a baby. I wanted to make sure I kept my family safe and didn’t bring a dangerous device into my home.
To ensure I made the right choice about buying a baby monitor, I found all the information about the dangers online. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the safety of baby monitors.
Read on so you can make the best choice for your baby and family.
If you’re seeking for the best baby monitor and hoping to find real reviews from real parents. You should check out this list I created of the top baby monitors.
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Are baby monitors safe for your baby’s health?
Baby monitors can have negative health effects if they are not used properly. However, there are not enough studies to determine how harmful they are.
It seems unlikely that baby monitors are very unhealthy for children. They have been around for years, and the global baby monitor industry is valued at over 1.2 million dollars. If there were extremely detrimental effects, the popularity would likely decrease, but it continues to grow.
However, according to some, the negative health effects associated with baby monitors include cancer, impacted brain development, and poor sleep. These could potentially be a result of the radiation from monitors, which I’ll talk about next.
Do baby monitors emit radiation?
Baby monitors emit small amounts of radiation, as do all electronic devices like phones, laptops, and tablets.
There aren’t enough studies to determine how harmful the small levels of radiation are to the sensitive systems of babies. However, it is known that they do emit some.
If you’re worried about the potentially harmful effects of these levels of radiation, check out my other article, where I go in-depth about the topic. In it, I also describe safety precautions like setting the monitor far away from your baby and only using it when needed.
Can baby monitors cause cancer?
The truth is, there is no valid information on whether or not baby monitors can cause cancer. Some believe that it’s a possibility due to the radiation. Nevertheless, most professionals disagree.
What is known is that the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that radio frequencies are a possible cause of cancer. Because some baby monitors use radio frequencies to send audio or video, that puts them in the category of possibly dangerous.
However, there is not enough research done to determine whether baby monitors can really cause cancer. From what I’ve read, it seems unlikely that they are a real cause, at least no more than any other technology.
Is DECT safe for babies?
DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) is safe for your baby as long as it’s far enough away from their crib. Just like any baby monitor, make sure it’s not in the crib with your child.
The technology prevents interference from other frequencies, making it popular for baby monitors. I used a DECT monitor for my first child and was pleased with how little interference it got!
Can a baby monitor catch fire?
Just like any plugged-in device, there is a chance a baby monitor can catch fire. The battery can overheat when plugged into a socket, and if it’s resting on a flammable surface, it can start a flame.
The good news is that it happens very rarely. Any faulty devices that are more prone to flammability are quickly recalled.
The best way to prevent a baby monitor-caused fire is to always put the monitor on a flat, hard surface like a table, desk, or dresser. Never leave it in the crib with your baby or on a soft or fabric surface, and it won’t be an issue.
One other consideration is a monitor’s cords. Make sure these cords are never near your baby, as they are a danger for strangulation.
For more information on installing your monitor safely, check out this guide I created about mounting a baby monitor in a nursery.
Can baby monitors prevent SIDS?
The short answer is no; baby monitors cannot prevent SIDS. The FDA has not approved any baby monitors for the use of SIDS prevention.
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that there is no evidence-backed science to support the claim that monitors can prevent SIDS. The only way to prevent SIDS is by always using safe sleeping practices.
Can baby monitors be hacked?
Yes, hacking is a possibility with baby monitors. Nowadays, many monitors come with guidelines and suggestions for preventing a hack.
But, there are still many horror stories of families learning their monitor was hacked, and criminals were either watching them or planning a burglary.
Some routers are safer from hacking than others. Keep reading to learn the difference between types of monitors and a few quick tips to keep yours safe.
For more information, check this article I wrote about baby monitors been hack.
Are baby monitor apps safe from hacking?
Baby monitor apps aren’t fully safe because they are not entirely hack-proof. However, this happens very rarely.
Baby monitor apps are no more dangerous than WiFi monitors. Just as your phone, tablet, or computer apps can be hacked, so can your baby monitor app.
The best way to prevent a hack is through secure internet safety like you would with any other app.
Are baby monitor cameras safe from hackers?
Compared to audio-only baby monitors, cameras are a little less safe if they get hacked. If an audio baby monitor is hacked, a hacker will only hear what is happening in the house.
On the flip side, if a video monitor is hacked, a criminal will be able to see everything going on in the house.
But personally, I feel safe with my baby cam. I use a password-protected signal and can always check on my kiddos playing independently in their rooms!
Are WiFi baby monitors secure?
If you’re wondering if a WiFi baby monitor is safe, the answer is that it can be hacked. Because it uses the home router, it can be hacked in the same manner as WiFi.
This makes it unsafe in the same way that your phone or computer is in some danger when you’re connected to WiFi. It’s unlikely that your computer will get hacked, but it’s always a possibility.
My family and I use very complex passwords for any internet or WiFi routers and change them regularly. It keeps us feeling safe to know that our internet is not easily hackable.
For more information on WIFI monitors, check out this article I created on how to safely use a WIFI baby monitor.
Can a non-WiFi baby monitor be hacked?
Non-WiFi monitors can be hacked by individuals in close range with knowledge of the signal. Unlike WiFi monitors, the hacker would need to be close to the signal and be aware of the frequency.
However, just like WiFi monitors, there is no fool-proof way to prevent hacking and have it be completely secure.
Takeaway
Right now, there is not enough studied evidence of the health effects of baby monitors. There is some information about possible harmful effects, but no studies have shown real evidence for or against it.
Additionally, baby monitors can be hacked, and there is no 100% sure way to prevent that.
If you are very cautious about hacking and radiation, the only way to avoid it is to completely remove electronic devices like phones, computers, and baby monitors from your home. But that’s close to impossible in this day and age.
It’s up to you to decide if the benefits outweigh any potential harms. There is no right answer – it will come down to you and your partner’s comfort and needs.
Regardless of your decision, make sure to always use safe sleeping practices and keep electronics far away from your baby’s crib.
P.S. If you’re seeking for the best baby monitor and hoping to find real reviews from real parents. You should check out this list I created of the top baby monitors.
To get the best insights and tips to find the best baby monitor, I read more than 300 reviews online and ask my friends or others parents. From all their insights and my own experience, I’ve built this list of the best baby monitors.