Motorola Video Baby Monitor Review

Campbell’s almost two years old, but that doesn’t mean he’s too big for a baby monitor. We got the Motorola MBP36S video baby monitor. I love being able to keep an eye on him and know that he’s safe and sound while he’s sleeping so I can relax.

When Cooper and Dexter were babies I had a baby monitor, but it was nothing like the Motorola Baby Monitor. This thing is amazing!

The Motorola MBP36S video baby monitor has some really awesome (and useful!) features:

wireless technology 2.4 GHz FHSS
3.5″ diagonal screen
Remote pan, tilt, and zoom
crystal clear two-way communication
infrared night vision
room temperature display
5 lullabies
sound level indicator
volume control
range up to 590 feet
out-of-range alert
rechargeable battery
low battery alert
flip-out stand (on parent unit)
expandable up to 4 cameras (additional baby units sold separately, model MBP36BU)
view two baby units simultaneously with picture-in-picture technology

All these features make the Motorola video baby monitor really adaptable. Here are just a few of the benefits of the Motorola MBP36S video baby monitor:

1. Peace of mind for me and better sleep for my little one

Yes, the obvious. I can see and hear Campbell when he’s sleeping, and know that he’s safe. The full color LCD screen makes it really easy to keep an eye on him. (Even if I can’t photograph it well!)

His sleep is improved because I can use the remote features to pan, tilt, or zoom in when I need a better view, instead of going in to check on him or, even worse, going in to adjust the camera angle (which, I can guarantee, would result in me tripping over something, or knocking something over, and generally sounding like a herd of elephants).

2. A few more precious minutes

I read a funny quote from a mom somewhere (probably on Facebook) about how she was more productive in the couple minutes or so from the time her baby started to stir from a nap and when she went to get the baby than during the entire nap. I laughed because it’s sort of true for me; while the baby’s sleeping I sometimes have difficulty prioritizing what to do, and bounce around from task to task (or just generally waste time), but once I realize that precious time is ending, I suddenly realize that I need to hurry and get the laundry in the washer, or pay a bill, or whatever little tasks I really need to get done.

The great thing about the Motorola video baby monitor is that I get a little more time. Instead of having to wait until I hear crying, I can see as soon as Campbell is stirring even a little. It gives me a lot more warning and a little extra time to take full advantage of those last couple minutes of naptime.

3. Quality outdoor time for the older kids

It never fails – Dexter asks me to play outside just when Campbell’s falling asleep for a nap. I used to say no because I didn’t want to be outside and not realize Campbell had woken up and was wondering the house looking for me. Now, we can play outside! With a range of up to 590 feet, I don’t need to worry about the monitor not working in the yard. If I did manage to get out of range, there’s an out-of-range alert so I’d realize it right away. It’s nice to know the older kids and I can play and don’t have to be stuck inside during naptime.

I can also use the monitor to keep an eye on the older kids when they’re playing outside. We don’t have a view of the entire yard from our backyard from our back door so when the boys want to play outside and I need to be inside making dinner I’m constantly running in and out to check on them, or I make them come inside. Now I can use flip-out stand on my kitchen counter so I can have my eyes on them and dinner.

4. Clean rooms and household harmony

Okay, I may be a little hopeful on this one. My kids are pretty good about cleaning their room, as long as I stand there and watch. When I walk away, the cleaning stops and playing starts. Now I don’t have to stand over them, but I can make sure they’re still making progress and they’ll keep working because they know I’m watching. In case they forget, I can use the two-way communication to give them a little nudge.

5. Early warning of unexpected nighttime visitors

Christmas is coming which means gift wrapping. We do a lot of wrapping for Santa, and John and I wind up taking turns wrapping and being the lookout. My kids, who constantly sound like a herd of elephants (they must get it from me), become silent sneaking ninjas in the middle of the night. They’re suddenly just there without warning. This year, we’ll both be wrapping and keeping the monitor’s parent unit so we’ll see the kids moving before they even make it out the their room.

6. Peace of mind (and monster protection) for my preschooler

My 5-year-old, Dexter, is sometimes afraid of the dark. He often asks for me or John to lay with him at bedtime and we often do, but some nights it just isn’t possible. If I can’t be there, the Motorola video monitor is a great option; although it’s not the same for him as being able to cuddle with us, he knows that we can see him and his room and we’re watching to make sure he’s safe. Did you know that infrared has special monster-detecting properties? Yep! It does.

You can purchase the Motorola MBP36S video baby monitor at Diapers.com and you can purchase additional monitors (up to four) and use picture-in-picture to see two cameras at a time. I think it’s a great investment for new parent (or a great gift!) because it is so versatile and can be used for years to come.