Should You Use a Ring Doorbell as a Baby Monitor?
As parents, safety is a top priority, and in today’s digital age, many are turning to technology to keep an eye on their little ones. Baby monitors have evolved from simple audio devices to advanced video systems, and for some, the idea of using security cameras like the Ring Doorbell as a baby monitor might seem like a convenient and cost-effective solution. But is this the best choice for monitoring your child? Let’s dive into the pros and cons, considering real-world feedback and expert opinions.
The Appeal of Using a Ring Doorbell as a Baby Monitor
At first glance, the idea of using a Ring Doorbell or Ring Indoor Camera as a baby monitor makes sense. After all, these devices provide high-definition video, two-way audio, and live feeds via an app, offering many of the features you’d find in traditional baby monitors. In fact, some parents have embraced the Ring Indoor Camera for this very purpose, as evidenced by various forums like Reddit and Mumsnet, where users have shared their experiences.
For example, one Reddit user commented on how the Ring camera allowed them to check on their baby from anywhere, even at work, without needing a specialized baby monitor. This flexibility can be particularly appealing for parents who travel or work remotely, offering peace of mind through continuous access to live footage .
But there’s more to consider before relying on Ring as a baby monitor. Let’s break down the pros and cons.
Pros of Using a Ring Camera as a Baby Monitor
- High-Quality Video and Two-Way Audio: Ring cameras offer 1080p HD video, allowing you to clearly see what’s happening in your baby’s room. The two-way audio feature lets you not only hear your baby but also speak to them, providing a soothing voice from anywhere.
- Remote Viewing: One of the standout features of Ring devices is the ability to view live footage from your smartphone, tablet, or computer through the Ring app. This can be useful for parents who want to check on their baby without being in the house.
- Motion Detection: Ring cameras offer motion detection, alerting you when there’s movement in the room. This could help in knowing when your baby is awake or moving around their crib.
- Multi-Use Device: Unlike traditional baby monitors, a Ring Doorbell or indoor camera can serve multiple purposes. Once your baby outgrows the need for constant monitoring, you can still use the camera as part of your home security system.
How to Set Up a Ring Camera as a Baby Monitor
If you’re interested in trying out a Ring Doorbell or Indoor Camera as a baby monitor, here’s how to set it up for optimal use.
- Choose the Right Device: The Ring Indoor Camera is better suited for this purpose than the Ring Doorbell due to its size, positioning flexibility, and ability to be placed anywhere indoors.
- Mounting and Positioning: Place the camera at an angle that allows you to see the crib clearly. For the best view, it’s recommended to mount it on the wall slightly above or to the side of the crib. You can use the app’s live feed to adjust the view to make sure you have a clear shot.
- Enable Notifications: In the Ring app, enable motion detection alerts. This will notify you if your baby moves, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensor to avoid being alerted to every small movement, like the baby turning over or slight adjustments in sleep position.
- Activate Two-Way Audio: The two-way audio feature can be particularly useful for calming your baby. From the app, you can talk to your baby, which might help soothe them before you reach the room. Just tap the microphone icon in the app while viewing the live feed.
- Use Night Vision: The Ring Indoor Camera offers night vision, allowing you to see your baby even in low light conditions. Make sure to test the night vision capabilities to ensure the room’s setup allows clear visibility during nighttime sleep.
- Monitor with the Ring App: Install the Ring app on your smartphone or tablet. You’ll be able to view the live video feed, check the room, and interact with your baby no matter where you are. If you want the feed open for extended periods, consider keeping the app running on a device like a tablet dedicated to monitoring.
- Secure the Connection: Privacy is a big concern with internet-connected devices. Ensure that your Ring camera is secured with two-factor authentication and a strong, unique password for your Ring account. Regularly update the firmware to keep the device secure.
The Downsides and Safety Concerns
Despite the advantages, using a Ring Doorbell as a baby monitor isn’t without its drawbacks. Several parents and experts have raised concerns that go beyond just convenience.
- Lack of Specialized Baby Monitoring Features: Traditional baby monitors come equipped with features specifically designed for infants, such as temperature sensors, night vision without harsh lighting, and even lullabies. Ring cameras, while functional, don’t offer these baby-specific benefits.
- Privacy and Security Issues: One of the major criticisms of using security cameras as baby monitors is the potential for hacking. Which.co.uk has pointed out that security cameras, like the Ring, can be vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured . While Ring has taken significant steps to improve its security (e.g., two-factor authentication), there’s still an underlying risk when using an internet-connected device to monitor your child. One parent also expressed anxiety about the idea of having a camera connected to the internet in their child’s room, fearing possible breaches . This is a valid concern, and while the risk can be mitigated by following security best practices, it’s not something to overlook.
- Delayed Notifications: Motion detection on Ring devices isn’t instant. There can be a slight delay between when motion occurs and when you receive an alert. This lag could be crucial when monitoring a baby, especially during times when swift action is needed, such as when a baby wakes up distressed.
- Battery or Power Dependence: The Ring Doorbell, depending on the model, either runs on battery or requires a wired setup. If the battery dies or there’s a power outage, you lose access to the camera feed. Baby monitors, on the other hand, typically have more reliable power options.
- False Motion Alerts: Ring cameras are designed for security purposes and may pick up on any small movements, which could result in frequent, unnecessary alerts for things like the baby moving slightly or even objects in the room shifting due to airflow.
Personal Experience: An Overlooked Factor
From our own perspective, having experimented with both baby monitors and security cameras for child monitoring, We found that while the Ring Indoor Camera did offer a sense of convenience, it wasn’t perfect for the long-term, day-to-day demands of a baby monitor. One experience that stands out was during the early days of using Ring for our baby—motion alerts became overwhelming, often picking up on minor movements or even our cat wandering into the room. This led to a false sense of urgency that traditional baby monitors, designed to filter unnecessary alerts, don’t typically cause.
Moreover, the Ring app’s reliance on Wi-Fi posed an issue on days when our internet service was spotty, leaving us without access to our baby’s room when we needed it most. In comparison, the dedicated baby monitor we eventually switched to felt more reliable and purpose-built.
Final Verdict: Is Ring a Good Substitute for a Baby Monitor?
While using a Ring Doorbell or Ring Indoor Camera as a baby monitor is possible, it may not be the best solution for most parents. The high-quality video, two-way audio, and remote viewing capabilities are certainly attractive features, but they come at the cost of security concerns and the absence of baby-specific functionalities.
If you’re considering using a Ring camera temporarily or as a backup, it could work—especially if you prioritize a multi-use device for when your child no longer needs monitoring. However, for the primary task of monitoring an infant, especially for peace of mind during sleep, investing in a dedicated baby monitor is likely a better choice.
In conclusion, the Ring Doorbell and Indoor Camera can serve as a baby monitor in a pinch, but for long-term use, it falls short in critical areas like privacy, security, and specialized features. For parents looking for the most reliable and safe way to monitor their baby, traditional baby monitors remain the superior option.