As an expectant mother, the thought that seems to pop up most often: how to keep my newborn safe? Being first time parents, this is all very new and it can be terrifying trying to learn all the dos and don’ts of baby care. Fortunately, there are many products out there that can help alleviate some of the worry. Enter: the Nest Cam ($129). But can nest cam be used as a baby monitor? Let’s find out.
Overview of the Nest Cam and what it does
The Nest Cam is not typically labeled as a baby monitor. In fact, we originally wanted it for home security and were later sold on it when we found out it can double as a baby monitor. We also recently purchased the Nest Thermostat and Nest Protect and this is how we found out about it (the Nest Cam and all other Nest products are now owned by Google). After connecting the Nest Cam, you can download the free app and watch directly from your phone. This is useful at home to keep an eye on the baby in another room, or while on the go. The display features a 130° wide-angle view and you can always zoom in to get a closer look.
Why we love it
Design & Quality
The Nest Cam has a sleek, modern design that many other baby monitors lack. The design and color allow it to fit in nicely to home decor without being obvious or obnoxious looking. It only comes with a few components so it’s very easy to set up and you’re live within just a few minutes. And the picture looks great. The images are sharp and clear, and there is no lag in the video display.
The Mobile Aspect
You can check on things from anywhere at anytime. This is quite possibly the best part of owning a Nest Cam. Even though you may be in the next room, it’s convenient to have the app right there at all times. We also did what any normal people would do while awaiting the birth of our daughter, and used it to find out what our dog does when we aren’t home. It turns out all he does is sleep all day, but it’s still nice to be able to check in on things while we are away. It would even be great for parents returning to work as added reassurance.
Movement Alerts
One of the cool perks to the Nest Cam is that it will alert you anytime there is movement or sound. This means you don’t have to sit there and watch the monitor every minute of every day. You can just scroll through and check things out when there is actual movement. Of course, you can turn this function off if you want, so it’s really a matter of preference.
Two Way Sound
One question that consistently comes up when parents are weighing baby monitors: does the Nest Cam have audio? Yes, the nest cam comes equipped with audio. Not only can you see everything that’s going on, but you can hear everything too. The sound works both ways. Open the app, turn on the microphone, and talk over the camera. You can also hear every going on in your baby’s room when you open the app. One important note: unlike some traditional baby monitors, you’ll need to keep the app open to take advantage of the sound feature. It’s not your typical “set it on the table beside you and hear continuous sound playback” approach.
Night Vision
I actually wasn’t aware of how great this functions until we tested it out. At first it’s kind of creepy watching the night vision. I felt like something was going to eerily move in our house. But after using it for awhile, I love having this feature. It’s perfect for watching your home while you are away overnight, or keeping an eye on a sleeping baby.
The Skinny
So, can the nest cam be used as a baby monitor? Yes, absolutely. The Nest Cam has many advanced features and the option to purchase a subscription to Nest Aware, which basically saves all the video history. You’ll love the excellent picture quality so you don’t have to guess at what you’re seeing. It has sharp night vision. And it grows with your family. It’s not one of those products you buy and throw away after your baby is no longer a baby. Use it around the house or as a security cam when you no longer need it in your baby’s room. Check it out for yourself. It’s one of our favorite baby products thus far.
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