Are digital baby monitors safe?

A report by Powerwatch in 2006 raised concerns about digital DECT technology used in cordless phones (the same technology is used in digital baby monitors - NOT analogue baby monitors, sensor monitors or Audio/Visual baby monitors). This report needs to be paid for so we cannot publish it here. However, a Health Protection Agency into the Powerwatch claims disagrees with their findings: see their report here .

They concluded:

"Cordless phones and their base stations have output powers much too low for exposures to exceed internationally accepted guidelines and HPA does not consider there are particular safety issues with their use."

We have also consulted the manufacturers of the digital baby monitors we supply for their comments:

Philips state:

The level of electro-smog [of our digital baby monitor] is 10,000 times lower than internationally accepted safety norms. For total peace-of-mind, we recommend placing the baby monitor at least one metre away from the baby.

BT state:

Expert bodies have found no evidence to support any claim that devices such as baby monitors pose a threat to the health of children or adults. These devices are similar to Walkie Talkies, which, using radio frequencies, transmit signals between the monitor units. Typically the average transmit power of the signals is less than 20mW, that is less than 20 thousandths of a Watt. This is the same power level category as devices such as a remote car locker. BT is a responsible company and we abide by all the guidelines recommended by the UK Government and the EU which are set down by recognised experts.

Tomy state:

[Our digital baby monitor] complies with and has been independently tested to European requirements including those for electromagnetic safety.

Of course you must do what you think is best for your child, but we hope it gives you a more balanced view!