Can I use an indoor camera as a baby monitor?

Outdoor cameras are used for round-the-clock surveillance by keeping intruders at bay and ensuring public safety from theft, vandalism, and any other events. Meanwhile, their counterparts – indoor cameras are essential for monitoring valuable items or keeping a close watch on family members or pets. Additionally, many parents turn to indoor cameras for looking after their toddlers and ageing parents. 

Keeping an eye on toddlers becomes a top priority as they become more active and curious. Purchasing an indoor camera as a baby monitor can be a smart choice for many parents. There are several important factors to consider before using it to monitor your kids.

Difference between indoor cameras and baby monitors

One thing to note is that indoor cameras and baby monitors are quite different from each other. The former has advanced features and is designed for general home surveillance and security. Meanwhile, baby monitors, as the name suggests, are specifically designed for infant care. They have a short-range connection without Wi-Fi dependency, minimal lag, and dedicated features like lullabies and breathing monitors.

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Benefits of indoor cameras as a baby monitor

1. Superior video quality:  Indoor cameras feature HD video resolution, with some models even offering higher quality. This gives a much clearer picture than standard baby monitors. Many options in the market also come with advanced features like night vision, so you can keep a tab on your toddler even with the lights turned off. Additionally, indoor cameras also have a wide-viewing angle allowing them to cover larger areas.

2. Remote access: Indoor cameras come with Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows parents to keep a check on their kids from anywhere using a smartphone app. It is useful if you’re leaving your child home with somebody and want to peek in at any time. Baby monitors are often limited in this aspect due to their limited range.

3. Two-way communication: Indoor cameras are equipped with a built-in microphone and speaker. It enables parents to communicate with their little ones if they are away from home. This is an incredibly useful feature for parents and kids. 

4. Motion detection: Indoor cameras are capable of detecting any motion and sound in the area. These devices then send an instant notification to the user. Parents can see what’s going on in their child’s room and tend to it if required. It ensures that users are alerted when they’re not actively monitoring the live video feed making it convenient and efficient. 

5. Long-term use: Baby monitors become obsolete once the child grows older and does not require monitoring. Meanwhile, indoor cameras are multi-purpose and can be used to monitor the property, pets, and more. They are a cost-effective and long-term investment.

Drawbacks of indoor cameras

1. Indoor cameras are dependable on Wi-Fi or cellular internet connection. So if the network goes down, the device becomes useless. Even a weak signal can impact the video streaming feed, resulting in lag and delay. 

2. Another major disadvantage of indoor cameras is that they are vulnerable to hacking if the Wi-Fi network is not secured. Users should ensure that they are using strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and update the firmware. 

Indoor cameras can be a smart choice for tech-savvy parents. There’s no doubt that they offer more features than traditional baby monitors. They are also a practical and cost-effective solution that can be used for other purposes than child monitoring.