Wireless baby monitors have been making parenting a little easier by allowing parents to have some semblance of a life and some peace of mind while their child sleeps or plays in their room. The only problem is that the device you're relying on to keep your child from harm's way could actually but putting your baby at risk of health issues. Read on to learn what concerns you should have and alternatives to keep your baby safe.
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While the debate is still ongoing about whether electronic devices and the electromagnetic field (EMF) they emit are dangerous or not, there's no harm in reducing exposure until we know for sure if it leads to health issues like cancer. The potential effects vary depending on the frequency and intensity of the EMF and if they do get proven to be harmful, a newborn who's still developing its systems is at great risk for health defects. We've already been warned against standing in front of a microwave in use, prolonged cell phone usage, and letting children play with mobile devices for extended periods, but what about wireless baby monitors. It's easy to assume that if it's intended for baby use then it's sure to be a safe bet for parents. Wrong! Not all baby monitors are equal and it's important to do your research before buying a set to make sure that you're not inadvertently setting your child up for health problems down the line.
Most digital, wireless baby monitors run on DECT phone technology at 2.4 Ghz, which is the same amount used by microwave ovens. When a DECT device switches channels during communication, it pulses EMF radiation 100 times per second, a number that only increases with two-way monitors. As an alternative to the wireless baby monitors, try using wired models that connect to devices in other rooms through your house's electrical circuit and check that the model is low-band (35 to 50 MHz) and non-pulsing. If you insist on sticking with the wireless models, try to put it as far from the baby as possible to reduce your child's exposure to EMF.
Or you can just ditch the electronic devices to look over your baby and either move the crib into your bedroom or to a room next to yours so you can just hear if he starts crying. A monitor can only do so much to prevent tragedies from happening and will never replaced the watchful eye of a parent.
Image via Corbis
