Motorola MPB26 Digital Video Baby Monitor {Review}

When I'm asked about baby products that I recommend for soon-to-be-parents, my mind is filled with images of the toys, gear, clothing and more that have proven to be just a little better than all the rest.

At the same time, however, there isn't any hesitation when it comes to naming the very few items that make my top Must-Have List. They're the ones that have made my life as a parent so much better and that, if I were to do it all over again, I would purchase again and again without delay.

The first in that group? A video monitor. 

The convenience and peace of mind from being able to see and check on your child without having to get up or risk disturbing them when they are asleep is simply unparalleled and worth the extra cost. Once you've tried it, there's just no way of going back.

So while I already loved video monitors as a whole, I was then introduced to the Motorola MPB26 Digital Video Baby Monitor and realized that there are even more incredible features possible than I had known.

Motorola has a long history of innovation, as they have worked to connect people to each other and the world around them in entirely new ways for more than 80 years. But while you may think of mobile phones when you think of Motorola, did you know that they make amazing baby monitors, too?

With features galore, the MPB26 makes it possible to take perfect care of your baby — without ever having to set foot in the room. From the large, 2.4" full color screen to the clear, crisp sound and the two-way communication, parents never have to worry that they will miss a moment when this virtual watchdog is around.

As soon as the MPB26 Digital Baby Monitor arrived, it was easy to see that it was intuitively designed to provide complete peace of mind.

Pulling each piece out of the box, I was immediately impressed with the sleek, modern look of this video monitor. The camera is contemporary but unassuming enough that it would blend in with any decor and the parent receiver is just about the same size as a cell phone.

Looking over the parts, I knew that this was going to be ready for use as soon as it was plugged in and each piece was positioned into place.

As the camera has an adjustable, wide, flat base, it can be stood up on a shelf or ledge and angled directly into the sleeping area for viewing that way (just be sure it is out of reach of your child, of course). Or, using the two slots on the bottom, this camera can easily be hung up in a corner or on the wall for a higher view.

Next I went to plug in the AC adapters to the parent and child unit, but paused for a minute wondering if it made a difference which one went with which... only to find that Motorola thoughtfully solved that problem by labeling both adapters with an icon showing what it was for. Even though this is a small feature, it is one that I appreciate!

Once both pieces are in place, simply press the power button on the parent unit and you're ready to check on your baby with an extremely clear image — I often feel as though I'm watching my girls on television!

In the time since I have been trying out the Motorola MPB26, I've really come to appreciate the quality, dependability and convenience that it can provide.

The 2.4 GHz FHSS wireless technology of this monitor means that I haven't once had to worry about static or reception and I have the ability to move the receiver up to 520 feet away (with no obstructions — typically around 100 feet indoors) and still be within range.

Second, with all of the controls easily accessible, I can adjust things such as the volume and brightness immediately to select which of the eight levels is right for the situation. Even better, I adore the way that I can quickly pan and tilt for optimal view. I simply press a single button and then use the up, down, left and right directions to be able to peer around!

When I want to peek at night, the baby unit of this monitor has eight high-intensity infrared LEDS for picking up clear images in the dark. When the built-in photo sensor on the top of the unit detects a low level of ambient light, the LEDS automatically activate and the screen on the parent unit is displayed in black and white.

I can't tell you how great it is to be able to check in on your child as they get older to see if their whines or cries are ones that legitimately require help or are just a ploy to delay bedtime!

The MPB26 also includes an out-of-range alert if you take your parent unit too far away, a low battery alert if you need to plug in the rechargeable battery, the ability to be paired with up to four different baby units, and, one of my personal favorite features of all times, a Talk Mode.

With one press of a button you can reassure your baby (or, when they are a little older, tell them that it is time to stop getting out of bed and go to sleep) without ever having to set foot in the room!

The way that this product provides peace of mind on every level is something that every parent shouldn't be without, whether their child is a newborn or a toddler. When we moved each of our girls from a crib to a toddler bed, I can't count the number of times that all I needed to do was peek at the monitor to see if they were taking advantage of the lack of confinement by getting out of bed when they should have been sleeping!

Even though my kids are older now, this monitor has still come in handy, whether for traveling or at home during an illness. Little Sister B had a stomachache and fever recently and instead of me wanting to go into her room again and again to check on her, I was able to sit back and relax a tiny bit thanks to Motorola!

Sad face from my poor little sickie!

For parents looking for the ultimate stylish, high quality color video monitor that allows them to view both during the day and at night, the MPB26 from Motorola is a great choice. Its small, portable design, clear picture and ease of use gives the reassurance you need by allowing you to hear and see your baby exactly how and when you want to.

An Amazon.com Exclusive, the Motorola MPB26 Digital Video Baby Monitor retails for $129.99, which is pretty standard when it comes to video monitors. Although they cost more than an audio-only version, I really do believe that the splurge is worth it due to the amount of use it will get, the assistance it can provide, and the overall relief and restful night sleep it can bring to the whole family.

Find out more about this incredible monitor and the rest of Motorola's products on their website as well as connecting with this company on Facebook and Twitter.

Other than the MPB26 Digital Video Baby Monitor that I received from Motorola, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this amazing product.