which video monitor is best?

chrismclar · #1 03-02-2012, 08:15 AM

Hi all, this is my first time posting. My son Sean is 10 months old. He was trached at 2 months for Pyriform Aperture Stenosis. He has been at St. Mary's hospital for children in bayside, queens, NY since the end of June. (2 weeks after he was trached.) it is a long term care facility for children. well, it finally looks like he will be coming home by end of march/early april. I have been wondering what video monitor to get since we can't hear him cry I want to be able to see if he's up. Anybody with ideas??

--christine and Keith
Sean born 4-13-11, pyriform aperture stenosis, surgery 5-18-11, trach 6-14-11, metopic and right coronal craniosynostosis surgery 10-31-11, hydrocephalus ETV surgery 2-17-12

drct1245 · #2 03-02-2012, 10:43 PM

We used the Summer video monitor with a hand held video. We had to replace the batteries once, but after 5 years, it still works and it's been dropped a lot!

jennymclelland · #3 03-03-2012, 09:17 PM

We got the summer, but the "video on" button broke after a few days. We have it taped so that it stays on. We just point it at the masimo monitor.

lauryns mum · #4 03-04-2012, 10:01 AM

I thinik ours is Summer as well...love it, no isuues or problems with buttons or batteries here (yet)...would recommend it to all, trached or not!

Just a note, once you are home and comfortable, you'll gradually start relying on the video less and less. I know that you will litterally watch the screen for the first while, but you really do get to recognize sounds and what they mean so you'll leave the video off for longer and longer periods of time. It is always there when you need it, but it does use the batteries up faster if you leave it on. Going home is a happy and scary thing...good luck!!

chrismclar · #5 03-04-2012, 08:09 PM

thanks everyone, for the info. I will definitely check out the summer one. One thing that is helpful is the babies r us coupon that is good until march 22nd. 15% off monitors. i just wanted guidance as to which is good. lauryns mum, i am sure you are right. After a while we will probably be less dependent on the monitor and listen for sounds he makes. this board is very helpful.

lilwedwritinghood · #6 03-07-2012, 11:26 AM

We use an IP camera. We have an ap so we can remotely view him at any time with our ipod/ iphone/ computer. Works well to check how things are going with the nurse and to ease my mind as I worry about leaving him.Or if Im alone with him and have to run to the bathroom. I had to fly back to MT for 3 days and I don't think I would have gone had I not had it.

It's kinda fun to give the link to grandma so she can check in on him since she lives so far away...

Nicolas sleeps in our room and is in the living room all day, so he is never unattended. The IP camera I have doesn't have night vision, although you can buy them that do have that. I would want that feature if I bought another one. It does have sound though. I think I paid around 100.00 for it at best buy.

A regular baby/video monitor might be easier and make more sense for you but we love our Ip camera so I thought I would mention it!