We didn’t register for a video baby monitor & everyone said we were crazy but truthfully, I was afraid that I’d go crazy if I had one. Staring into it at all hours of the morning, watching my baby swaddled in his crib. His nursery was directly beside our bedroom & he was in his crib the first night we came home. We picked up a typcial voice-only baby monitor & turned it on a whopping two times. We’re just not baby monitor people, we decided.
That worked great in our old home where the bedrooms were separated by a few feet & the entire downstairs echoed what happened upstairs. But then we moved to our new home, which is almost 30% more square footage & a layout that does not carry sound well. Harrison’s room is down a hall & we’ve been having a devil of a time getting him to stay in it. We’ve put a baby gate at the top of the stairs simply because I’m afraid he’ll fall down them in the new house trying to find us & then I worry about him getting out the front door. In our last house where we were so close, I didn’t think twice about flipping his lock around but in this house? No way.
When VTech approached me about National Baby Safety Month, I was like, “Okay, what the heck do I do with a toddler where I can’t see him but I’m asleep?” & they’re like, “Video monitor, brainiac.” (but in a really sweet, gentle way on my over-tired momma heart.) So VTech sent me their Safe&Sound® full color Video & Audio Monitor to test out.
Now I don’t how we lived without one.
I can watch Harrison. I can see the temperature of his room. When we have another kid, I can add another camera & toggle back & forth. The monitor lays quiet until he makes a chirp & then I hear it, which means it doesn’t interfere with my sleep until it’s doing it’s job. The best part is the two-way communication, which means that the moment his little feet hit the floor, I press a button & say, “Get back in bed, Harrison!” & he hops right back in. Which means I don’t have to get out of bed or be interrupted from writing while he naps. After our first run-in with the two-way voice:
Me: “How was your nap, Buddy?”
Harry: “My light said ‘back a’ bed!”
Me: “Your light? Whoa.”
Harry: “Momma ‘back a’ bed me!’ in my light! whoosh!”
I’m all ::fistbumps roger rabbits:: to myself & now when I tuck him in, I make a big show of setting up the monitor so he knows that Momma can “back a’ bed me!” at anytime.
Which basically means that I’m not entirely sure how any toddler parent doesn’t have a video monitor.
Thanks to VTech, I’m giving away one Safe&Sound® full color Video & Audio Monitor ($130 value) to a lucky person, whether you’re expecting or have a teenager that you want to spy on to be sure he’s not sneaking out of his room. (leave a comment by clicking on that orange circle at the top of the post!)
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What a cool monitor! I love the two-way radio option.
My top safety issue with olivia is not falling out of bed. Apparently our convertible toddler bed does not have railing which we didnt know until we converted a few weeks ago. She’s gotten used to the bed now but it was nerve wracking at first!
I would love to have this monitor for my newborn and two year old!
Love the talk back feature!!
Just moving my toddler from his crib to a toddler bed; would LOVE a video monitor!!
We’re in the market for a monitor very similar so we can get DD out of our room. (actually we’ve been in the market for a yr but unemployment does not agree with said purchases ::sigh::) DD’s room is upstairs and with my hearing loss I don’t see how anything but a video monitor could ease my worries. I love the 2 way and how you can add a camera. Very useful!
Is this a secure monitor?
Our son has been in his big bed for 6 months and has done great. However in the last 2-3 weeks he has been roaming between the bathroom his room and the spare bedroom. I would love love love to be able to tell him to get back to bed without getting out of bed.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE this. We are expecting our second baby in April and have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and I love that you can go back and forth from one child to the other. We are definitely going to need that!
We recently moved into a home that was literally DOUBLE what our previous house was. We also have stairs this time around. The little boy in my life is BIG into climbing. He’s pretty good at it, too. We have a permanent gate at the top of the stairs, and a removable one at the bottom. They are our current biggest safety concern.
This sounds awesome!
I would love to be able to supervise our toddler while I am rocking/nursing his 3 month old brother!
We never had a video monitor either. In fact, we didn’t really use the old-fashioned monitor at all. Still don’t. But I kick myself for not having ever had one. Would love one!
The two way radio part would be great for my toddler!
The 2 way radio is awesome!
I had NO idea you can two-way talk with these now. that is amazing.
I didn’t go with a video monitor for our son either because I felt the same way as you did – that I would obsessively watch his every move and drive myself crazy. Now that he’s 19 months old, I desperately wish we had one so I could keep an eye on that busy little bee!
My top safety concern is everything. I worry too much! A video monitor might ease some of that worry!
Awesome monitor! My two oldest share a room upstairs and I have a devil of a time getting them to stay in bed! H and I would have a ball telling them to get back in bed through this monitor!
What a fabulous monitor. I’ve considered getting a new one that allows us to talk to Abby so this would be the perfect solution and I love that you can add additional cameras in the future!
Very cool! The two way thing is what got me thinking this could be a really nice thing to have. Although we are in the middle of potty training, so he gets out of bed 5 times declaring he has to go potty. I’ll be darned if he doesn’t squeeze some out every time. I know he’s stalling… but…
We have a video monitor, but it is 3 years old and has seen better days. I love the two way radio option. Very cool!
Our top safety priority right now is making sure the little escape artist doesn’t run off (from the house, the car, the walk, WHATEVER). Little man would be halfway to Mexico if we let him.
We love the monitor we have but that two way sounds amazing!!!
My wife and I have been talking about getting a video monitor for a few months now. We haven’t taken the plunge, but I’m going to need something more than a sound monitor with Elliot. With Isaac I had to get up and walk all the way across the house multiple times a night to see if he was fussing in his sleep or actually needed me.
A talk back feature that keeps me in bed while getting him back to sleep would be legen-(wait for it)-dary!
This monitor looks great! My younger son is 18 months and into everything!!!! When we make the switch to a toddler bed (probably not far away as his older brother managed to climb out of the crib at 18 months and he is already trying) a monitor like this would be perfect to ensure that he isn’t getting into trouble in there:)
i want it. bad
I feel like everything is a safety priority when you’re a mom! I’m pretty dutiful about carseat safety though, so I guess that would top my list!
We recently moved to a much larger house as well and I would love having the talk back feature with my twins!!
Love the talk back feature…that would come in handy with my 2-1/2 yr old
This would be so awesome to finally get to watch her without going into her room. We had another monitor and it died.
Wow! Two way sound? We cannot keep our 2 year old in his big boy bed either. It takes us (at the very least) 45 minutes to get him to stay put. And (unfortunately) that’s with us standing right outside his door so we can stop him as soon as he opens it. I would love to be able to talk to him once I see him get up! And how cool that it shows you the room temp!
I would love this! The “back a bed” feature is awesome……how cute, Harrison!
This V-Tech monitor sounds really convenient. I’d love to have one.
Honestly, I work for a company that manufactures a fire suppression devices so lately my biggest safety concern is coming up with fire plans and beginning to teach Madison what to do in case there were ever a fire. We have a split floor plan so the girls are on the opposite end of the house from us.
Oh gosh I need one of these. Our old monitor is about to kick the bucket and the new little one is almost out of the bassinet and into her own room.
I have a video monitor now but it’s not a 2-way… this one is awesome.
Awesome! I’m in desperate need of a new monitor!
It would be awesome to have a video monitor now that my 4yr old is having bad dreams:( also, have a teething 1 yr old that talks in his sleep so it would be great to see if he is actually awake before going in the room and disturbing his sleep:)
I’d love to spy on my 2 year old especially since we’re close to moving him into a big boy bed!
My biggest safety priority now that Courtney (28 months) is in a toddler bed if anchoring her furniture to the wall. So afraid of her climbing her dresser. The video monitor would be a great way to keep an eye on her.
This would be great! I’ve got two in one room – would LOVE to be able to see both!
I would love this! I have often thought about getting a video monitor for my 2 year old. She can get into a lot more trouble than a swaddled newborn…
Top safety issue is making sure he stays in bed and doesn’t fall out
I’ve been wanting a video monitor ever since my daughter was about six weeks old. She’s 13 months now. I, like you, thought I’d never have any desire for one and registered for an audio monitor instead. What a mistake!
We’re looking to upgrade to a video monitor! We have a toddler (3yrs old in Nov.) and another little princess on the way… I really like that you can add cameras
This would be awesome! My hooligans are 5 and 3. They share a room, and we have a devil of a time getting them to actually get in bed and go to sleep at night. The two-way communication sounds awesome!
Oh gosh, do we need one of these. Crazy toddler plus one on the way. Love that you can set up two cameras! Genius.
Our video monitor just died and we are using the cheapest sound monitor Target had until we can research and buy a new one. This one sounds perfect and I will definitely research it more.
I’m due in 5 weeks… Would LOVE something like this to watch the wee one-to-be!
I didn’t register for one either because of some of the things you listed, but boy have I wished so many times that I did. I’m too stubborn/cheap to go out and buy one so I would love to win this one! Thanks BA!
A video monitor is on my list for #3. Plus, I would love to have one for my 2 year old when she moves in to a big girl bed!
OOOH, I want one! I’m very tentative about switching my 2 year-old’s crib into a toddler bed for this very same reason. I know he’ll be in and out of bed all.the.time.
I so need this monitor! My little guy is going to try to climb out of his crib any day (something my daughter NEVER did) and I would love to see him without disturbing him!
I’d have to say #1 safety priority is keeping him where he should be…all doors are game now, so I have to be 100% on my game at all times to ensure he doesn’t go somewhere unnoticed.
I feel like a total dork for saying this….but how neat is that?!?! I’m new to this baby gig and still trying to feel my way around of what we need and don’t need….and I think this is a definite ‘need’. The visual peace of mind in itself is well worth it. Thanks for sharing love!
We never bought a video monitor with our first son who is almost 3. Like you, it just wasn’t needed because of the way our house is set up. Now with a 3 month old and hopefully moving to a bigger place in a few months, I would LOVE one.
Looks like an awesome monitor! I have been researching video monitors, as we’re about to embark on the “big girl bed” journey as well as have a second. This looks like a great option!
Dang, this would have save our house a lot of frustration when we made the switch to a big bed. Love the 2way communication feature!
The picture looks so much more clear than my current monitor which has plenty of glitches. Love the talk back feature!
THIS? Looks amazing. We are about to have our 3rd (hold me) and we could totally stand to upgrade our plain-Jane $20 monitors.
I need a two-way monitor now with a toddler. I’d love to be able to reassure her if she wakes up without having to go into her room.
Safety in general is a huge priority, so it’s hard for me to pick just one thing! I hate how far away my boys seem at night, so this would be a Godsend!
I am in need of a new monitor so bad we just moved to a two story where my son is upstairs and we are down and not being able to see him is killing me . With Baby 2 on the way I love that I can add another camera.
I would LOVE to have one of these! I have an 8 month old little boy and we don’t have a monitor. This would be wonderful to have!!!
I totally could use this!!!! I hope i
win!
OMG. The talk back feature! I’m sure my toddler girl would be fine, but my preschool boys that share a room – they need this SO badly! I can picture the look on their faces now when they know I can see their every move. Amen!
My top safety priority is keeping my 3 year old in his room at night. He can now unlock and open our front door, which makes me nervous.
I don’t have a child yet BUT I would think my top safety priority would be making sure they are ok in bed and not escaping!
That’s awesome!
I have a lower end video monitor that I love for my toddler. Expecting our second kid in December so having the ability to add a second camera on one monitor seems mighty attractive.
I would love this for my ‘soon-to-be-big-boy-bed-sleeping-mischevious-little-boy!’
As a Mom-to-be, I know that I’ll love this camera. I’ll be able to watch the Babe sleep without having to ninja style my way across her room.
I could definitely use a video monitor! I am having a baby in December and this would ease a lot of anxiety I am sure I will be experiencing!
I need this monitor. We also, recently moved into a house that does not carry sound. In fact, I don’t hear the escaped toddler until he is inches from my face or pushing me to “scoot over.”
Love this monitor!! I would love to be able to watch my son when he is supposed to be sleeping
Great giveaway!!
LOVE the 2-way option for our toddler. I’m in the market for a new monitor now that #2 is on the way and this looks like a winner!
Our monitor has recently broke and this would be great for our family. We have a toddler and are thinking of expanding our family. Would love this!
Very cool – love the walkie talkie aspect.
We have a 21 month old and a new baby on the way next month! This would help ease my new Mom worries and maybe help me get some sleep! MAYBE????? :-/
My number one safety priority is unfortunately my son’s peanut allergy… and making sure that he is not exposed to them in any way… our home is a “safe zone” for him in that respect. (I realize this doesn’t have anything really to do with a monitor… but we’d love to win the monitor, too! We have a new baby in the house… and only one sound monitor.)
I would LOVE to have that!! My 3 yr old is constantly making noises on the regular monitor and I am constantly wondering if I should get up and go check. This would save me so much worry!
i totally want this. Not for me (I’ve just given in to the notion that if they need me? I’ll hear them), but for my BFF and her dogs. And her husband. And possible future child. Because if anyone needs to be able to pull the Voice of God via speakerphone? It’s her.
Haha, it’s so funny, but I also purposefully didn’t buy a video monitor when I was pregnant, and the audio only one was totally fine . . . until he started learning to stand up and wouldn’t be able to lie back down, or he’d get his leg stuck in his crib slats, or he’d throw his blankie out of his crib and then freak out until he got it back. We installed a webcam in there so I can see what the problem is and know if it’s worth my getting out of bed (leg stuck in the slat and he’s trying to roll? I’M ON MY WAY!) or if I should just wait it out and see what happens (whimpering in his sleep? I’ll keep dozing, too!) I still don’t know that I think they’re worth it for little tiny babies, but for bigger babies and toddlers? HOW DO PEOPLE GET BY WITHOUT ONE??
My worry is when the grandchildren stay over night the masterbedroom is on one end of our house and the other bedrooms are on the oppsiite side. They might not wake me and wander around at night.
I need this monitor!! I have a 2 year old and one on the way!
I’m a car seat safety maniac. If I had to choose, of course, because I’m paranoid about safety everything.
That said, I our old monitor broke last month and I just had to get a video one. Worth every single penny + a million more. I don’t have to go up and down the stairs fifty times a night. Of course, now my daughter just climbed out of her crib for the first time. She’s 3, so I knew it was coming eventually.
We don’t have a video monitor either but I like the idea that my son could think that I’m talking to him in the middle of the night via a mysterious camera.
We are totally on the same page and life moment as you and Doug. Our first house was small enough that we never needed a monitor, we could hear everything. In September we moved into a home that is much larger and lay out is such that we wouldn’t know if kiddo is up and moving unless he was in front of our face. Plus, we have kiddo 2 due in 10 weeks. A video monitor seems like that best solution because we can add a camera and have eyes in the sky wherever we need them. I would really like to invest in a quality one that would last through the teenage years and can be used in the basement when girls come over to see my boys. I look forward to say via the monitor, “All feet on the floor at all times!” and “you don’t need to be sitting that close together!”
I never thought I would have any need for a video monitor, but the idea of controlling naps alone makes me want one!
I love the talk back feature! I have a 3yr old, 2yr old, and 2 month old BUT this would be perfect for my 2 yr old who is currently giving this momma run for her money!! Hope I win!!!
top safety right now? teaching our three year old about car safety. he’s completely fearless in parking lots, and it’s terrifying to think about what could happen…
I always wished we had splurged on a video monitor when my son was born. Now I’m expecting twins, so I think we will have to go the video route to keep track of everyone. Thanks for entering me in the giveaway!
I’m always worried about blankets over the face, especially with another little one coming into the picture in a few weeks! I always went into my first daughter’s room a thousand times (and still go in before I go to bed now and she’s 2!) and I’m sure I’ll be just as neurotic this time around.
My biggest safety concern with my son is that he will get out of bed and manage to open his own door. We are moving in a couple of months to a new house (under construction now) and the types of handles on the doors mean that he can open them on his own. I am afraid that once he’s in a big boy bed, trips out of his room during the night could be dangerous. We won’t have stairs, but there are plenty of other things that worry me. A video monitor would definitely alleviate some of those concerns. Also, being able to talk my tot back into bed without having to actually go in his room (and therefore, re-do the entire bedtime process) would earn major fistpumps from me AND my husband!
Would love to have this now that we are trying to transition our little girl Sloane into her own bed!!!
Talk back feature RULES. Would love this monitor! Time to channel some Charlie Sheen and get some WINNING going on here.
I would love to have this monitor for my two kids. We never got one either when we registered, because I just didn’t think it was worth the extra money. After seeing a friend with one, I wish we had gotten one. Thanks for the opportunity!
As the momma of a special needs kiddo, this would be awesome to have! I could give her the independence she desires while still making sure things aren’t going haywire. It makes me smile to just imagine the possibilities!
We have a noise only one for the 2 year old and are expecting our second. This would be great to have for one or both.
my top safety issue is general new momma nervousness as we get ready to transfer our 10 week old from RnP to crib in another room.
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