Thanks to technology, I can now spend time on my beautiful balcony and still know if my child is crying in the room across the hall. Since my girl was an infant, technology developed, and now there are more options than ever for the baby monitor.
The Infant Optics DXT-8 video baby monitor is an exciting piece of baby equipment that can ease your life and make raising the child more interesting.
The Infant Optics baby monitor comes with an interchangeable lens, great battery runtime, and plenty of convenient features for modern parents. My Infant Optics DXR 8 review will cover it all – the good and useful features, as well as those that can be improved or diminished.
Straight from the box, the video baby monitor allows you to set it up quickly. The monitor comes with a spare monitor charging cable, which all busy mothers and fathers will appreciate. It also comes with things such as a screw and anchor for mounting.
Infant Optics DXR-8 video baby monitor with interchangeable optical lens comes with standard and zoom lenses, while you need to buy wide lenses separately.
It is similar to the Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Baby Monitor, but it comes at a more affordable price and a slightly smaller screen. Also, the PRO version of the baby monitor has better options for the zoom, but most parents don’t need advanced camera control.
Besides, both monitors have exceptional night vision sensor technology that allows you to monitor your baby in the dark as well.
The Infant Optics DXR-8 was awarded as the Babylist Best Baby Monitors Of 2020, so let’s see how it holds up to its reputation, and whether it can maintain its award for years to come.
Pros:
- High-quality video and night vision
- You can customize the viewing angle and zoom
- Built-in thermometer
- Can be connected to up to four cameras
- Hacker-proof
- Two-way audio speakers with talk-back function
- Long battery runtime
Cons:
- Pricey
- No time information
- Moderate range
- Too loud and annoying alarm when the battery is low or it loses the signal
Infant Optics DXR-8 Review: Commonly Asked Questions
Baby monitors are quite useful, still, some parents have doubts about these handy devices. Baby monitors allow you to take a nap peacefully, without worries that you won’t hear your baby crying, or take a shower without the rush.
Also, modern technology allows you to talk back to your baby, which is quite useful because a parent’s voice can have an instant calming effect on the baby.
At what age can you start using a baby monitor like the Infant Optics DXR-8?
You can start using a baby monitor as soon as you bring the baby home from the hospital. In the first several months, the baby monitor will show and inform you when the baby is awake or upset.
After your child reaches the age of six months, he or she will probably start sleeping through the entire night. Therefore, you can still use the monitor, but you can keep it on the lower volume during the day.
The Infant Optics baby monitor is quite useful in the first couple of months because you can check on your baby even with the light off. Therefore, it is a safe investment, because you can start using it from the first day of your baby’s life – but make sure you do not get too dependent on the baby monitor and know when you should stop using one.
Does Infant Optics DXR 8 require WIFI?
No, the Infant Optics DXR 8 is an “old-school” baby monitor that doesn’t require Wi-Fi. Still, it has great modern features, that are both safe and user-friendly.
Can Infant Optics DXR 8 be hacked?
In general, all units that can be connected to the internet are prone to hacking. It is a reasonable concern many parents share around the world.
However, the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor shares the video and sound through the 2.4Ghz channel using frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology. This means the sharing is secured and private, and the data such as the video and sound are not going through the internet. Therefore, the chances of baby camera hackers doing baby monitor hacking on this model is extremely low.
Can you mount the Infant Optics monitor?
You can mount the Infant Optics monitor on the wall using a screw, anchor, and slots on the back of the monitor. It is a simple process that you can complete within minutes.
However, the baby monitor is portable and lightweight, so I recommend not mounting it. Instead, if you have a shelf nearby, you can set it up easily due to the built-in stand on the back.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Review: Features & Benefits
The DXR-8 baby monitor by Infant Optics has a specific set of features that meet the needs of plenty of parents around the world. Let’s have a quick overview of the most important features and see what makes this monitor so different from the other similar devices.
Ease of Setting Up
One of the things that makes this baby monitor stand out is the straightforward use and set up. Infant Optics DXR-8 manual is easy to read, but more intuitive parents may not even need it.
All you have to do is charge the battery and place the camera where you want it, turn the monitor on so you can start using it.
The screen comes with well-named buttons – Menu, On, Shortcut, and Talk, and four directional arrow buttons for camera positioning. Have I mentioned that you can navigate the camera remotely using these four buttons? It is as simple as that.
Range
The Infant Optics baby monitor has been rated for 700 feet of range. However, the range is a bit lower, due to walls and heavy furniture, but still, it is suitable for the majority of medium-sized homes.
It means that you can check on your baby even if you are in the bedroom across the hall without the signal lost.
Convenient design
The screen is horizontal, which I appreciate since I use the smartphone in landscape mode all the time. The screen is just the right size to fit in your pocket and to show you enough details.
It is a 4-inch screen with great video quality.
Besides, the screen is lightweight and sturdy. Therefore, it won’t break the first time you accidentally drop it on the floor.
Time-Saving mode
All features in the Infant Optics video baby monitor DXR-8 work together to provide a great user experience. Time-saving mode allows you to turn the screen off and only hear the sound. It prolongs the battery life, so you can have your monitor on for a full night.
Night vision and sound sensors
The Infant Baby monitor has infrared night vision that allows you to check on your baby without making the room shine bright with the night light. The night vision works alongside the sound sensors.
Sound sensors activate and transmit the sound when there is no movement in the room. You can hear when the baby makes sounds, and turn the night vision to check if everything is alright in the baby’s room.
These are among the important features parents look at when choosing a good baby monitor, and the Infant Optics DXR-8 does great in these aspects. You won’t wake the baby up with the light or your noisy steps in the room just to see that he or she is still sleeping.
Customizable zoom, tilt, and pan
The vertical tunning angle is five degrees up and 25 degrees down. Therefore, I recommend placing the camera on a tall shelf to have a better view and more customization options.
Also, you can turn the camera up to 135 degrees left and right, and it will probably cover the entire room.
Talk-back
A talk-back function works seamlessly. On the device, you can see a simple button with the Talk on it. Once you press the button, you can talk to your baby, and a little angel will hear it.
Therefore, you can sing the lullaby while being in the other room or just shush the baby without the need to disrupt it by coming into the room and taking the baby from the crib. Sometimes, a kind word or a simple shush is all the baby needs to keep sleeping.
Interchangeable optical lenses
Infant Optics DXR-8 baby monitor allows you to get a custom video of your baby with interchangeable optical lenses. The device comes with two lens types – standard and zoom, but pity, you need to buy the lenses for wide viewing angles separately.
Therefore, you can set it up to match your preferences and get a good view of your baby. Additionally, you can connect the device to the four cameras and expand your viewing area, which is also great for monitoring multiple rooms.
However, if you position the Infant Optics camera adequately, you can get just the optimal viewing angle, and there is no need for more cameras.
Watch this short overview of all features and see the different lenses in action here:
Thermometer
What I also love about this baby monitor is the temperature measuring option. It tells the temperature in the baby’s room, so you can quickly go and adjust the temperature if it drops during the night or it gets too hot in the room.
Battery Life
The battery is rechargeable, and the battery consumption depends on the mode used. For example, if you turn the screen on, the battery can provide you six full hours of continuous video streaming. Once you put it on the power-saving mode, you can expect ten hours of power.
Also, the device will inform you when the battery drops so that you can recharge it.
Overall, you can rely on the Infant Optics monitor to last the entire night if you don’t turn on the live screen.
The battery needs around seven hours for a full charge.
Sound & Video Quality
The Infant Optics baby monitor, model DXR-8 comes with average sound and video quality. Still, you can notice the details on the image with moderate clearness.
The video quality during the daily video streaming is average, with the colors being a bit darker. During the night, the image gets fuzzy on the edges, but you can zoom it up and it will clear up.
The maximum sound level is 86 decibels, which is suitable for a baby monitor. You can hear the alerts or sounds even in a noisy atmosphere. The clarity is fine, without distortion or interference.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Review: The Alternatives
If you still aren’t convinced and are looking for different options, here are three quality alternatives to get that will do similar work (but have fewer exciting features):
#1 Hello Baby Video Monitor
If the tilt function seems appealing to you, consider the Hello Baby Video Monitor. The screen is somewhat smaller than the Infant Optics, but the device has an Infrared vision as well.
The screen is lightweight and portable, but the screen can freeze from time to time. A simple reset function will help you with that.
Similarities and Differences
- Talk-back feature
- Infrared night vision
- Remote camera control
- Temperature information
- The Infant Optics has a better range
- Hello Baby Video Monitor can rotate the camera up to 355 degrees
If you want a more affordable baby monitor, you can check Hello Baby Video Monitor here. You can also check our Hello Baby Video Monitor review to learn more about the device.
- Large LCD Display & Safe Wireless Technology: This video baby monitor come with a 3.2" LCD display. Application of frequency hopping and digital encryption technology ensures secure and reliable connection.
- REMOTE PAN TILT and ZOOM &3.2" LCD DISPLAY: Remote control camera rotate 355° in horizontal and 120° vertical ensuring you always have a clear view of your baby from any angle.
- SMART FEATURES:The crystal clear two-way audio feature allows conversation both ends as clear as if you were in the same room with your little one. Room temperature monitor and alert, night vision, lullaby, sound level LED indicator, audio only mode.
#2 Summer Baby Pixel Cadet Video Baby Monitor
If the 700 feet range isn’t enough for you, you can get Summer Baby Pixel Cadet Video Baby Monitor with a 1.000 feet range. Additionally, you can use it to set the virtual boundaries, and the device will inform you when the baby exits its safe place.
Besides, the Summer Baby Pixel Cadet baby monitor comes with an excellent set of features such as seamless audio and video quality, expandable function, voice activation, three-level zoon, wall-mount hardware, etc.
Similarities and Differences
- Can be connected to four cameras
- Remote camera control – tilt, pan, and steering
- Two-way talkback
- The Summer Baby Pixel Video Baby Monitor allows you to set the virtual boundaries for the baby
- The Infant Optics has 4x zoom
If you live in a large house, the Summer Baby Pixel Cadet might be suitable for you. Check this Pixel Cadet monitor review!
- ADDED PEACE OF MIND - When baby sleeps well, the whole family sleeps well! The Summer Baby Pixel Cadet Video Baby Monitor brings a greater level of peace of mind right into the hands of parents, so everyone sleeps better.
- SET A VIRTUAL BOUNDARY – With SleepZone Virtual Boundary, you can set a boundary box around a selected area and be alerted on the video monitor when your child exits their safe space. You can also purchase more cameras to monitor up to 4 rooms total.
- BETTER VIEW OF BABY – The remote camera steering pans left to right and tilts up and down, so you always have the perfect view! Plus, the 4.3” handheld monitor has temperature display, 3-level zoom, wall mount hardware and up to 1,000-ft range.
#3 Nest Cam Indoor Wi-Fi
My third alternative isn’t the classic baby monitor. It is a Google Nest Cam home surveillance system. You can purchase the system with one indoor camera, three indoor cameras, or a combination of outdoor and indoor cameras.
You can put the one camera in the baby’s room and get alerted on your mobile phone if there are movements or sounds in the room.
Similarities and Differences
- Night vision
- Motion and sounds alerts
- Live-video streaming
- Google Nest camera has better video quality
- Google Nest camera enables 8x zoom
Try a modern home-surveillance system if you want more control in the entire home, and not only the baby’s room. Find out more about Google Nest Cam system here.
- Indoor WiFi camera 3 pack for home security with 24/7 live video and night vision for clear video, no matter how dark it is[1]
- High definition 1080p surveillance camera with 130 degree wide angle view, 1920 x 1080 HD resolution, and 8x zoom
- Mobile alerts and notifications let you know when your indoor camera spots activity1; See what you missed with 3 hour snapshot history and take action or save the event to share with friends and family2
Infant Optics DXR-8 Review: Living Up to Its Best Baby Monitor Reputation
The Infant Optics baby monitor is a customizable baby monitor that is easy to use and comes with excellent features. You can change the lens and put the wide-angle lens to get a better look at the room.
The Infant Optics baby monitor is a safe and reliable choice if you are looking for a durable battery and a full night of sleep. It will be of great use in all medium-sized apartments if you can settle for the average video quality. Still, with a bit of remote zooming and tunning you can notice all the necessary details in the baby’s room.
I personally think this baby monitor truly lived up to the expectations of a great baby monitor, and that it’s deserving of the Best Baby Monitor title. If you are interested to get a hassle-free baby monitor that is feature-rich, do check out the Infant Optics DXR 8 Baby Monitor!
What do you think of our Infant Optics DXR-8 Review? Share your thoughts below!
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Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
