Looking for baby monitor that comes with screen AND wifi ability.

June 19, 2013 6:28 PM

I'm looking for a baby monitor that comes with a camera, a monitor, and also the ability to use an iphone or tablet to view the camera feed. From the quick research I've done so far, it seems like its an either/or thing. My idea is that I'd like to have the monitor in our bedroom permanently, but would also like to view the feed from anywhere in the house on a phone or tablet when needed.

I've seen the Summer Infant Internet Baby Monitor System but that seems pricey and not that great from some reviews.

Anyone out there have any suggestions?

posted by eightball to Computers & Internet (9 answers total)

I use a Foscam FI8910, which was actually based on advice I got here, and I really like it. I can manipulate the camera remotely, there's a handy app to use it on my iPad and my Android phone (and my laptop) and it works great.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 6:30 PM on June 19, 2013 [1 favorite]

Your issue might be that you are searching for the term 'baby monitor' rather than just searching for a surveillance camera.

This was my prior question by the way. Turns out watching babies requires similar technology to watching cats. I liked the Dropcam too but in the end I decided it was too pricey for what it was.
posted by treehorn+bunny at 6:34 PM on June 19, 2013

Yeah, we've got the Foscam and it's great. You could get a cheap android tablet and dedicate it as your bedroom monitor.
posted by jeffch at 7:26 PM on June 19, 2013

We have the wansview, which is very similar to the foscam. We run this on apps via wi-fi to our phones/tablets. We also have an old smartphone that can act as a monitor (very useful for babysitters). I haven't found anything like you are looking for, but our setup is as close as you can get (as far as I know).

My one issue with the ip cams is that the sound is not as great as it is with a dedicated baby monitor. We actually had both the ip cam and a video monitor set up in the beginning, mostly for sound, back when the baby was doing frequent nighttime crying...
posted by smalls at 7:32 PM on June 19, 2013

We are 3+ years into using the Foscam, and the apps (we use iPhones and an iPad, as well as a web browser) are great. I also have a super-cheap audio monitor that we turn on sometimes. The combo is perfect for us - and my daughter is on a separate floor, so awareness of what's going on "up there" is critical.
posted by nkknkk at 7:32 PM on June 19, 2013

I also have the Foscam & the apps, and we love it. Easy to set up & easy to use.
posted by ThatSomething at 7:49 PM on June 19, 2013

We basically had the exact same requirements as you and put the Foscam on our registry. (We haven't got it yet and baby's not here yet, so I can't speak to its quality at the moment.)
posted by pised at 8:01 PM on June 19, 2013

Nthing Foscam + apps + cheap audio monitor. We set up a guest account on one of our computers for babysitters. We mostly don't use the audio monitor anymore, but were glad to have it when she was younger.
posted by devinemissk at 8:12 PM on June 19, 2013

Response by poster: Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Sounds like the Foscam is the way to go. The more I think about it, it makes perfect sense.
posted by eightball at 8:18 PM on June 19, 2013