We all know that baby monitors use radio frequencies to transmit sound, but what frequencies do they use? And more importantly, are these frequencies safe for our babies? In this blog post, we will explore the different frequency ranges used by baby monitors and discuss the potential risks associated with each range. We will also provide some tips on how to choose a safe and healthy baby monitor for your family.

What are radio frequencies?

Radio frequencies, more commonly known as RF, are used to transmit audio and video signals. This is not just limited to baby monitors; cell phones, cordless phones, remote control cars, wireless microphones, Bluetooth devices, etc. all use radio frequencies.

Baby monitor frequencies: typically between 1-5 GHz

The frequency range that baby monitors operate is between 1-5 GHz, which is a microwave range. The Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) has set permissive and restricted bands for RF energy in the frequency range of 1900 KHz to 5 GHz.  Permissive bands allow any type of emission (no restrictions) while restricted bands limit non-licensed low-power wireless devices to certain power levels.

Permissive bands:  

  • FHSS: Baby monitors use the 2.4 GHz band (2 400 MHz to 2 490 MHz), which is in the same range as WiFi, cordless phones. FHSS non-wifi monitors are hack-proof but have intereference.
  • DECT: Another frequency band that monitors that operate on 900 MHz and 1.9 GHz and are called DECT monitors

Restricted bands:  Microwave ovens also emit RF in the same frequency range.

How are baby monitors harmful?

Exposure to RF energy at certain levels can be dangerous! Exposure to high levels of RF radiation has documented biological effects, including thermal (heating) and non-thermal. The heating effect is obvious – people have been getting microwaved for years. Non-thermal effects are not as well known. RF energy damages proteins, membranes, and DNA  by elevating temperature or by other mechanisms. As a general rule of thumb, you should stay at least 3 feet away from the microwave when in use (microwaving your baby is NOT recommended).

People who work around radio transmitters on a daily basis for hours have been documented with some serious health effects. These include electrical shocks, cataracts, infertility, convulsions, and even death. At this time there are no long-term studies that show how much exposure is too much exposure.

The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) recommends all wireless devices be kept at least one arm’s length away from your baby to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Safety tips for baby monitor use:  

  • Limit the use of online monitors to emergency purposes only, which were absolutely necessary! There is no need to have a monitor on when you are in the same room with your child. Remember that there are many alternatives: Traditional wired monitors, baby monitor apps, and video cameras.
  • Use a monitor that is in the 900 MHz or 1.9 GHz range which provides a more reliable signal (no interference) and is less likely to be hacked. This also limits your exposure to RF energy. There are also low-power digital cordless phones (DECT monitors), which operate at 1.8 GHz to 1.9 GHz (the DECT name stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications), that use less energy and are safer than cell phones or cordless phones operating at 2.4 GHz. It is important, however, that you read the instruction manual thoroughly before using this type of monitor (some models may emit RF even though it is on the restricted list).
  • Use monitors that allow you to reduce the transmitted power (transmitters are constantly sending out RF energy, even when not in use). This can be achieved by turning off “transmit” or “broadcast” functions.
  • Choose a monitor with multiple channels! If there is more than one active channel in your area, select a monitor that allows you to switch to another channel.

Baby monitor frequencies scanner

Baby monitor frequencies scanner is used to detect frequencies that a baby monitor is using. Many sources claim that a scanner will work well, but this has been proven false as the signals are often encrypted and cannot be decoded by a “scanner” from any company.

A general way to find wifi frequency range for your region is to search for wireless routers in your area and see their frequency ranges.