Special Offer: Get a free 30-day trial subscription to Consumer Reports.org
Note: Consumer Reports has no relationship with the advertisers on Babytalk.
Shopping tips
1. Consider these features: A compact parent unit that clips to your waistband makes it easy to roam while keeping tabs on your little one. If your home is large or has vaulted ceilings, it may be harder to hear a regular monitor; consider a model with sound lights so you can "see" your baby's cries, or a video monitor.
2. Factor in your phone: Check the package to see which frequency band the monitor operates on. A 2.4GHz cordless phone, for example, and a 2.4GHz monitor can interfere with each other.
3. Go with digital over analog: A digital monitor scrambles its signal. That means your neighbors with a similar model or a cordless phone using the same frequency band won't be able to listen in, and vice versa. Digital technology also reduces the chances of interference from other electronic devices in your home.
Your buyer's rights!
What if that monitor (or camera or microwave) goes on the fritz? Turns out the "lemon law" isn't just for cars. If you're stuck with a defective item, ask the store for a refund. If you're turned down, ask to speak with the manager. By selling you an item, a store gives an "implied warranty of merchantability." That means that if the product doesn't do what it's supposed to, the retailer must fix the problem, no matter what its return policy says. If they say "Tell it to the manufacturer," stand firm. Say you'll go to the company's head office, the local Better Business Bureau.
Copyright © 2002-2008 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
Plus:
Read all Consumer Reports Columns
Baby Gear Dangers
The Ultimate Baby Layette Checklist
Stumble Upon
Facebook
Del.icio.us
Google
Yahoo
Digg it.jpg)
