The digital baby monitor is problematic. Is this news to you? If so, read on. (and at the bottom of the post I found a SAFER one!) Updated Sept., 2016.
As a parent, this information may be very hard for you to hear at first…
As I said on my post 9 Facts About Wireless & Your Child’s Brain, please view this information as a gift. I hope this gives you a starting point to take action in your home.
When you first learn you are pregnant, you make a list of “must haves.” Probably the list includes a digital baby monitor. But, would you be surprised if I said this is one thing you may not want?
As one article said, “It’s hard to talk about the dangers of wireless technology without sounding like a conspiracy theorist. This is especially true in the United States, where non-industry-funded studies are rare, where legislation protecting the wireless industry from legal challenges has long been in place, and where our lives have been so thoroughly integrated with wireless technology that to suggest it might be a problem—maybe, eventually, a very big public-health problem—is like saying our shoes might be killing us.
Except our shoes don’t send electromagnetic frequencies directly into our brains.”
If this was even partially true, I’m sure you would want to know. You need to be able to make your own analysis instead of being told what is ‘good for you’, so do your own research and don’t just believe everything out there written (including me)!
The Nitty Gritty of the Digital Baby Monitor
Most baby monitors are now advertised as using DECT phone technology (1.8 to 1.9 GHz) or operate at 2.4 GHz, the same electromagnetic microwave frequency used for microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Wi-Fi routers. These are identifiable by the large number of claimed channels (usually at least 30 and often up to 120), which DECT automatically switches (roams) between. These emit sharply pulsing bursts of microwave frequencies 100 times every second all the time they are turned on. (PowerWatch –source)
Digital baby monitors, bought by parents to keep their children safe, may instead be harming them, some scientists fear. They warn that the devices are bathing the infants in electromagnetic frequencies at an age when they are most vulnerable to it.
10 minutes.
According to PowerWatch, a wireless digital baby monitor a 1 meter (~3 feet) away from the baby’s crib was roughly equivalent to the microwaves experienced from a cell phone tower only 150 meters (~450 feet) away.
Most parents would agree that installing a cell phone tower next to a school would definitely not be a good idea. The battle is being fought around the U.S. and largely has been won in Europe apparently due to more independent studies and less suppression of truth.
‘Talk Back’, Camera-Based, and Mat Digital Baby Monitors
With the ‘talk back’ digital baby monitor, where parents can talk back to the baby, both units continuously emit pulsing microwave frequencies (on 2 different frequency channels – one for each way), not just when the baby is making a noise or the parent is talking to them. There are also some camera-based monitors which run at 2.4 GHz. Since these have to transmit video and sound, it is likely that they would have a higher power output. (source)
The digital baby monitor mats that check temperature, heartbeat, breathing, etc, should only be used if you have medical reasons to believe that your baby might be in danger of sudden infant death. When used with a wireless baby alarm they carry high levels of microwaves (up to 6 volts per metre) right into the cot, and we believe that will not do your baby any good at all. (source)
Health Studies on the Digital Baby Monitor and Infants:
SIDS Largely Eradicated In Sweden & Japan by Doing This 1 Thing
One scientific paper proposed: A possible association between fetal/neonatal exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation and the increased incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). (source)
The study above links the introduction of wireless RF (Radio Frequency) communication technologies such as digital baby monitors to the rise autism in the public. It found:
• For several decades prior to 1980, autism incidence remained essentially stable; reportedly at about one diagnosed case per 2000 children
• RF radiation sources have become commonplace in the personal human environment from approximately 1980 to the present
• Operation of an RF radiation source such as a two-way radio, portable telephone, or a cell phone exposes the operator to levels of RF radiation shown to be biologically active
• Passive operation, such as from an RF emitting baby monitor, is a widespread postnatal exposure
Some of the known effects of exposure to RF radiation include:
• cognitive impairment
• memory deficit
• EEG modifications
• DNA damage
• chromosome aberrations
• micronucleus formation
• fetal malformation
• increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier
• altered cellular calcium efflux
• and altered cell proliferation
Dr. Magda Havas, PhD (and others) ask:
Is there a link to cancers such as childhood leukemia or nervous system tumors? Do infants sleep poorly with these monitors as indicated by PowerWatch (UK) and is the link between an infant’s erratic heart rate and exposure to these baby monitors real? We just published a paper on erratic heart rate for adults exposed to a 2.4 digital cordless phone!
At any rate, exposing infants to microwave radiation, even at very low levels is unwise. Since technology is available to provide voice-activated baby monitors–the ones that emit microwave radiation only when activated–the baby monitors that emit microwave radiation continuously should be banned – especially DECT baby monitors.
We can’t help our children being exposed to radiation from phone towers and masts, other people’s mobile and cordless phones, but we can reconsider using a digital baby monitor.
PowerWatch strongly recommends that only low-band (35 to 50 MHz) analog baby monitors be used. These use analog frequency modulation (FM, like VHF radio stations) that does not pulse at all. The analog monitors are often identifiable by their low number of channels – typically 2-4. (source)
Understanding this information may make immense difference to you and your families health. Knowledge leads to action and should not lead to guilt (which I’ll address in a moment).
Help Baby (and you) Get More Sleep
Though it is beyond the scope of this post, this tip may help you and your baby get more sleep:
Nearing four months, babies are beginning to cycle between light and deep sleep and may start sleeping through the night…hoorah! Each night, a four-month old will go through two or three complete sleep cycles. Every 90 minutes, babies cycle to a state of light sleep called REM. Every three to four hours, they cycle to a more active, almost awake state. Each time they move into that light sleep, they will usually make noise, move about, cry out, and may even wake themselves. We adults do it, too, minus the crying, of course.
At these intervals when we hear these sounds (often around 11PM, 2AM, and 5AM), we often want to go to our babies, pick them up to comfort them, feed them, or hold them so they don’t wake the household. But by going in to check our babies when we hear movement or cries during the night, we risk two things:
1. Really waking your baby by going to him when she’s just in a light sleep cycle and isn’t really awake
2. Conditioning your baby to need you to settle her down between sleep cycles. It prevents her from practicing techniques to fall back asleep again early on when she does awaken
The goal for any parent is to learn what is a real cry needing attention and to ignore all the other sounds your baby makes at night. You want to get a good night sleep when you can! With a bit of practice and the natural instinct God gave to Mothers, you will gain that understanding quickly.
Guilt
Because many of us hold ourselves to higher standards when it comes to parenting than perhaps any other endeavor, I need to address the area of guilt.
The moment our new babies comes into our arms, a whole new set of emotions rushes in – joy, wonderment, pride, fear, and, yes, guilt. I’ve totally been there and still feel terrible about so many things I’ve done or failed to do!
But we live in an extremely confusing world today, and we cannot know everything, so my thinking is this: Just having accurate information is empowering (that is why I write) and it need not make us feel guilty or fearful. Mamas, please know I am on your side, and silly as it sounds since I don’t know you all individually and personally, I care very much for you and your family…I guess it’s just the way I’m wired. Please stop the guilt.
Considering the fact that I could be wrong on radiation, my go-to place is prayer…for wisdom, insight, strength, understanding, good instincts as a Mom, courage, and so much more, and I pray these things for you, too. We have a loving Lord who will give us these things when we ask:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” ~James 1: 2-5
Read the product information on monitors carefully, as they can be confusing.
Low Emissions Monitors
Safety 1st Sure Glow Audio Monitor (2 RX) – it operates on 49 MHz) that offers a range of over 600 feet.
The First Years Crisp and Clear Audio Monitor (Amazon) – gauge your baby’s activity level through the sound level lights on the monitor (which is helpful when you are in a noisy area yourself)
Angelcare Baby Sound Monitor, White – operating on 927 MHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies, the Angelcare Baby Sound Monitor is sound-activated, so it only turns on when your baby makes noise. This brings you the best of both worlds – less static and interference and lower emissions.
Even analog monitors, however, should be kept at least 3 feet from the child’s bed, and if possible, used sparingly.
Ask to borrow from friends whose children have outgrown them (older models are more likely to be analog). Also shop Amazon or look for them at garage sales.
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maureen
Baby Monitors are AWFUL! We have measured these things using the Acoustimeter RF microwave meter and are VERY ALARMED at the high microwave radiation emissions.
Sadly, the FCC (corrupted by Big Telecom) has outdated exposure standards that do not protect children in high microwave (wireless) environments. Just like the FDA and toxic GMO foods.
Inject a child with aluminum, mercury and formaldehyde, feed the child GMO food and expose them to non-stop pulsed microwave radiation (WIRELESS) and see what you get.
The effects of non-stop pulsed RF microwave radiation is cumulative. At the 22 minute mark listen as this physics teacher, engineer and author explain why today’s children are not sleeping. http://vimeo.com/107855056
WIRELESS MICROWAVE radiation is a Class 2B Possible Carcinogen in the same category as lead, DDT and chloroform.
Jacqueline
Yes, that is correct, Maureen. This is terribly sad! So many young lives affected and the toll on families is inestimable! Thanks for sharing.
Carrie
Wow, this is great information that I plan to share with others. We don’t own one but I know of others who do. Thank you so much!
Jacqueline
Thank you, Carrie, for helping get the word out! So glad you don’t have one!
Blessings!
bryan
It’s so good to learn that we are being cooked by the RadioFrequency energy around us – thank you for exposing this horrific truth. What can we do about it?
Fortunately when we first discovered we were going to be Blessed with a child, no-one gave us a DECT baby-monitor – perhaps our friends realize the truth and don’t want to Harm Our Children?
God bless you and your work in saving us from things like this, and especially if your suggestion this may be linked to Sudden Infant Deaths Syndrome proves to be true. You may have said more than you realize.
Kristen
Great post, except for the mention of self soothing. Self soothing, or “cry it out” is a terrible thing which can cause a baby permanent damage. I am very disappointed to see it advocated here.
Babies cannot and do not self soothe. Please read these articles which discuss it. Of course there are many others, but I find these two particularly enlightening.
http://www.phillyvoice.com/screaming-sleep/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201112/dangers-crying-it-out
Jacqueline
Thanks for sharing those links with me, Kristen. I didn’t know that the words ‘self-soothe’ were words synonymous with crying it out. I think of it more as a series of things that occur: http://www.babycenter.com/404_how-do-i-teach-my-baby-to-soothe-himself-to-sleep_1272921.bc
Blessings!
Katrina
All my friends have baby monitors and can’t believe that I don’t have one. I tell them I DO have a baby monitor. In fact, I have many of them! They are called “older siblings” — the baby in the family never really has a chance to cry over here. One of the siblings is bound to hear him and will either go into his room to get him, or will tell me that the baby is crying. LOL
And I don’t do the self-sooth thing, either. It’s just not for me. I want to be the soother. I love that part about having babies. No baby of mine cries himself/herself to sleep. I just can’t do it. It physically bothers me to hear it. But I do know plenty of my mommy friends who have babies who take long naps, sleep through the night, do not need them to lie down with them to put them to sleep…and I’ll admit that sometimes I’m a bit envious of that. BUT. I know how quickly infancy and the baby years last. It goes by SO quick! So I just don’t mind being the soother. They eventually grow up and don’t need me to “sooth” them back to sleep.
Jacqueline
I love that there is the interconnectivity in your home, Katrina. It makes for solid bonding. I am glad as parents we can still have the right to do things as we feel lead in our individual families. There are so many topics from vaccing to self-soothing or not…we each must do as we are lead of the Lord and we each know our family best. No one should be able to tell us how to do it…with prayer and wisdom from the Lord it will work out.
Alicia
Great info. We currently have a not-so-safe monitor and I have been searching for safer monitors. I cannot seem to find any. Even some sound only monitors claim to be DECT… help- can u recommend any??
Jacqueline
Alicia, look on Ebay and at garage sales and even Goodwill for the analog ones. Short of that, remember that moms never had them before (homes were smaller), but they found ways to do it safely. It is hard to find them anymore unfortunately.
Katie
Monitors that are not digital can have signals picked up and interfered with from outsiders. After hearing out neighbors on ours, we switched to digital. Many others have had important Information taken as people overheard what they were saying in private. I had never thought about the waves it would be emitting, though, and will be removing ours immediately.
Jacqueline
Good information, Katie! Yes, I know about the picking up of outside signals and experienced it firsthand years ago…If we could just go back to smaller houses, we could do without the monitors 😉 Thanks you for sharing and glad for your wise decision!
Anne
So glad I found this info – thank you! With a new baby and a loud 3-year old who likes to play during his naptimes, I’m finding a need for a monitor this time around.
Trying to understand the technical specifications is overwhelming! I think I may have found one that fits the bill but it doesn’t seem to be “low-band”…any advice?
http://www.angelcarebaby.com/item/usa-best-rated-sound-detector-monitor-ac420/#.Vx_82WO4mqA
Jacqueline
Hi, Anne,
I wish I could help more. A few things that are red flags: it has a range of signal, so it is transmitting an omnidirectional wave. Your baby and family would be within the range of that wave. Also it is digital so it has a electromagnetic frequency and it can be measured by a gauss meter: https://deeprootsathome.com/9-facts-about-wireless-your-childs-brain/ Also, there is a light in the room which will mess with your child’s natural sleep cycle: https://deeprootsathome.com/want-great-sleep-turn-off-your-night-lite-and-a-few-other-things/
I hope these help…sorry to not be so positive about this monitor. May I encourage you to pray for wisdom and ask the Lord to show you what to do? I am praying about it with you now. Thank you for being such a thoughtful Mama!!! 🙂
Anne
Thank you for responding! Alas – the search continues. I just noticed the analog one linked in your post, so maybe will purchase that or try to go without and just swing by to check on the baby more often. 🙂
And yes, I will certainly pray for God’s guidance as I try my best to keep my sweet boys healthy and safe – an effort which seems more complicated all the time!
Jacqueline
Anne, I trust the Lord will help you with strength, wisdom, and insight as He has graciously helped me and countless other believing Mothers. This time so quickly flies, and you WILL look back and smile when you keep your eyes on the best things, mainly glorifying God! Hugs, sweet friend! BTW, I don’t know about the analog one. I added that link long ago, and so you may need to dig some more to find a good analog source.
Avi
What about using an app on iPad that connects to your phone and uses wifi? What kind of affect does that have?
Jacqueline
Avi, wifi is the problem…bringing the microwaves into your home is problematic…
TJ Wierenga
Phillips Avent SCD630/37 Video Baby Monitor is no longer available from the manufacturer. 🙁
Jacqueline
Thank you, TJ. I just removed that product that is no longer available from the text. I appreciate your help!
Sending peace,
Jacque