A WiFi baby monitor allows you to keep an eye on your little one via a smartphone or tablet, even when you are not at home. A stable WiFi connection is important, but safe installation and proper placement also play a major role.
Not every baby monitor works in the same way. A fully WiFi-based baby monitor relies on your home network for its connection to the app. A dual-mode baby monitor, such as the Alecto DVM2060, combines WiFi with a separate parent unit. This means you can use the parent unit at home while also accessing the camera remotely via WiFi and the app.
A stable WiFi connection starts with the right placement
Good WiFi coverage in the nursery is important for a WiFi baby monitor. Before permanently positioning the camera, check that the WiFi signal is sufficiently stable at the desired location.
The position of the camera can make a difference. Placing it slightly higher may help avoid obstacles in some situations, but always follow the manufacturer's installation and safety instructions. Position the baby monitor so that your child cannot reach it and make sure cables are safely secured and out of reach.
Is the WiFi range in the nursery insufficient? Improving your home network may help. Depending on your home, you could use a mesh WiFi point, access point or WiFi repeater. However, a repeater does not guarantee a better connection: the quality of the existing WiFi signal and the placement of the additional network point are also important.
Why WiFi baby monitors often use 2.4 GHz
Many WiFi baby monitors use a 2.4 GHz WiFi network. This applies, for example, to the Alecto SMARTBABY10 and Alecto SMARTBABY5.
The 2.4 GHz frequency is popular for smart home devices because it generally provides greater range and penetrates walls and other obstacles better than a 5 GHz signal. This makes 2.4 GHz suitable for devices that need a stable connection in different areas of the home.
The SMARTBABY5 and SMARTBABY10 use a 2.4 GHz WiFi network rather than 5 GHz. If your router uses both frequencies and you are having trouble connecting the baby monitor, check whether your smartphone and baby monitor can connect to the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
How to keep your WiFi baby monitor secure
A camera connected to the internet deserves extra attention when it comes to account and network security. Use a strong and unique password for the account you use to access the camera. Preferably, do not use the same password for other services and only share your login details with people you trust.
Does your account support two-factor authentication (2FA)? If so, enable this security feature. It adds an additional layer of protection alongside your password.
Software updates are also important. Keep your baby monitor's app and software as up to date as possible. Updates can include improvements, new features and security updates. If you are unsure, check the current manual or support information for your specific model, as update procedures can vary between baby monitors.
You should also limit the amount of personal information you provide when registering an account to what is actually necessary. The less unnecessary information you share, the less data there is that could potentially be involved in a data breach.
Connecting a WiFi baby monitor to your home network
There is no universal installation procedure for all WiFi baby monitors. The exact steps vary by model and app. Always check the manual for your specific baby monitor.
For models such as the SMARTBABY5 and SMARTBABY10, the 2.4 GHz network plays an important role during installation. A QR code may be used during the pairing process to connect the camera to the app.
The DVM2060 is also set up via an app. For this model, you use the Alecto Baby Connect app. During pairing, WiFi, Bluetooth and location services should be enabled on your smartphone. Follow the steps displayed for your specific model during setup.
It is therefore not advisable to assume that every WiFi baby monitor is set up using a temporary WiFi network from the camera or exclusively with a QR code. The setup method varies by model.
DVM2060: WiFi and a parent unit in one
The Alecto DVM2060 is an interesting option for parents who want to combine the benefits of a WiFi baby monitor with the convenience of a dedicated parent unit.
This dual-mode baby monitor combines a digital 2.4 GHz connection with WiFi. It comes with a parent unit featuring a 5-inch colour display, allowing you to look directly at your baby at home. At the same time, you can view the camera via the Alecto Baby Connect app on a smartphone or tablet.
The direct connection between the camera and parent unit uses FHSS technology (Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum). The range is up to 50 metres indoors and up to 300 metres in open space. In practice, the range may vary depending on walls, floors, ceilings and other obstacles in and around your home.
The major advantage of this combination is that the parent unit and WiFi functionality have different roles. The parent unit is intended for use at home, while the WiFi connection allows you to access the camera remotely via the app.
What happens if your WiFi connection is not optimal?
With a fully WiFi-dependent baby monitor, a poor WiFi connection can mean that you cannot access the camera through the app or that the connection is unstable. With a dual-mode baby monitor such as the DVM2060, this works differently.
The included parent unit continues to function without requiring the app. This means you can use the direct connection between the camera and parent unit at home, while using the WiFi function when you want to view the camera via your smartphone or tablet.
This makes a dual-mode baby monitor particularly interesting if you value both reliability at home and remote access.
View your baby monitor when you're away from home
An important advantage of a WiFi baby monitor is that you are not limited to the range of a parent unit when using the app. Once the camera is correctly connected to the internet, you can also access the camera remotely.
The DVM2060, for example, supports live viewing via the Alecto Baby Connect app and can send notifications for sound and movement. The parent unit remains available for use at home as well.
Keep in mind that remote access depends on a working internet connection at the camera as well as an internet connection on your smartphone. A WiFi baby monitor is therefore not the same as a baby monitor that works entirely without an internet connection.
Check your connection after installation
After installation, it is a good idea to test the baby monitor thoroughly. Check whether the image remains stable, whether notifications arrive correctly and whether the connection is sufficient in the locations where you want to use the baby monitor.
Using a dual-mode baby monitor such as the DVM2060? Test both functions separately. Check the connection between the camera and parent unit, and then test access through the app. This will give you a clear idea of how the baby monitor performs in your home.
Having connection problems with a SMARTBABY5 or SMARTBABY10? First check whether the camera is connected to a 2.4 GHz network. Using the wrong WiFi frequency can be one of the causes of connection problems.
WiFi baby monitor or dual-mode baby monitor?
A WiFi baby monitor is particularly useful if you want to be able to view your little one through your smartphone or tablet. For online functions, you need a good WiFi and internet connection.
Would you also like a separate parent unit for use at home? A model such as the Alecto DVM2060 combines both options. You can use the parent unit at home while also accessing the camera remotely via WiFi and the app.
The DVM2060 can also be expanded with multiple cameras, allowing you to monitor different rooms.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your needs. If you are mainly looking for a simple baby monitor for use at home, a model with a parent unit may be sufficient. If you want to monitor your baby remotely via your smartphone, a WiFi baby monitor may be the right choice. And if you want to combine both options, a dual-mode baby monitor such as the DVM2060 offers a flexible solution.