Infant Optics produce some fantastic battery-operated baby monitors. A battery-powered baby monitor allows parents to have the flexibility to place their camera unit wherever they want and not be restricted to mains power.
However, it’s important to know how long the batteries will last in a given unit, and in this article, you can get to grips with how Infant Optics baby monitor’s batteries hold up over time.
Here’s the Battery Life On Infant Optics Baby Monitors
Infant Optics baby monitors, specifically the DXR-8 line, will provide 10 hours of battery life on standby mode. They have conducted tests that show that an Infant Optics baby monitor can last 6-7 hours whilst the screen is on. Battery life can decline over time.
What Infant Optics Baby Monitors Have The Longest Battery Life?
When we make a purchase, be it anything that needs to be recharged, the question we ask ourselves will usually gravitate to – how long will that battery last between charges?
Regarding baby monitors, the length of time that the device will last is of paramount importance.
Let’s face it, we want to know that our little ones are being monitored for a decent stretch of time.
Being a busy parent means juggling multiple balls of stress and having to charge the baby monitor too often should not be an additional worry.
So, if you’ve decided that Infant Optics may well be the brand of baby monitor you want to go with, then it stands to reason that you should opt for the one that can stay powered up the longest.
The Infant Optic DXR-8 Pro Steals The Show
Infant Optics is a great choice when it comes to baby monitors, but if you’re looking for a baby monitor with a rechargeable battery, then the DXR-8 is Infant Optics’ star performer.
The DXR-8 Pro delivers 7 hours and 9 minutes of battery life with the screen on.
The DXR-8 Pro is an upgraded version of Infant Optics’ successful DXR-8, and both of these models held the title of ‘best runner up’ baby monitor in the NewYorkTimes.com’s 5 best baby monitors – which is no easy feat.
The Infant Optics’ DXR-8 Pro is not just all about its battery life, in fact, there are some additional features that may sweeten the deal for you, including:
- A camera that streams in 720p, allowing for a crystal clear image of your pride and joy.
- The screen you’ll be peeking at when you want to check in on the little one is 5-inches.
- The DXR-8 Pro also has a greater range, increased volume, and noise filtration than its previous incarnation.
- Most importantly, the rechargeable battery inside can be easily replaced, making the DXR-8 Pro a baby monitor that may well last the test of time.
If you’re in the market for a rechargeable, and replaceable, battery-operated baby monitor, then the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro should be well worth your consideration.
Here’s a guide to how long 9-volt batteries last.
How Long Do Batteries Typically Last On Baby Monitors?
Baby monitors come in all shapes and sizes.
However, you may have done a quick bit of research and realized that there are 3 distinct categories that baby monitors fall into:
- Audio-only (reminiscent of the ‘walkie-talkies’ you yourself played with when you were a young one).
- Video & Audio monitors (giving you the parent the ability to both watch and listen to your child.
- WiFi Baby Monitors / Smart Baby Monitors (Worldwide range made possible with a connection to the internet and the ability to check on your baby at the touch of a button from your mobile phone).
Unfortunately, despite these definitive different categories, the distinction of which battery performs better does not always neatly fit within them.
However, testers at Which.co.uk did discover that, in general, the ‘audio only’ models kept powered up for longer in comparison to those with video capabilities.
This is to be expected, an audio-only baby monitor only has to provide power to transmit audio without that added pressure of video too.
When the numbers were crunched, so to speak, it was found that:
“The average battery life for an audio monitor is 13.5 hours, compared with just seven hours for a video monitor.”
However, it’s important to note that this was an average. In reality, some baby monitors did better and some, a lot worse…
For example, there are audio-only baby monitors that will last as little as 6 hours – that’s less than the average video baby monitor!
To make matters more confusing, there are video baby monitors that can actually provide over 12 hours of charge.
When it comes to WiFi-capable baby monitors, it’s crucial that consumers realize that if an app is involved then so is their phone.
So the longevity of your baby monitor’s battery life will be dictated by the phone in question and the tasks that drain the phone’s battery.
Remember, there are many different baby monitors out there, so it is essential that you check what battery life the model you are looking at offers.
- If you want to purchase a battery-operated video and audio baby monitor, then a general rule of thumb would be to pick something around the 7-hour mark.
- This 7-hour battery life represents a decent average, but do note, that there are monitors out there that can both exceed this and those that cannot nearly match it.
Deciding on what battery life you will need out of your baby monitor is an important first step. Once you know, you can match that to something within your budget.
Read our blog here about the battery life of Kodak baby monitors.
Are There Any Ways To Prolong The Battery Life?
If you already own a baby monitor you may be wondering how you can get the most out of it.
Whether you’ve spent a lot of money, spent time researching the monitor that works best for you, or you just don’t want to have to buy a new one for the next baby – then prolonging the lifespan of your baby monitor is going to be important.
One of the main issues that plague baby monitors is the battery either going kaput or the battery not performing as it once did.
Either one of these outcomes is quite frustrating, but there is some good news.
By learning the tricks to keep your battery from being overworked, you can prolong the battery’s lifespan, and thus, the longevity of your baby monitor:
- Use The ‘Energy Saver’ Mode
- Just like your laptop, many baby monitors offer a mode that allows that battery to be preserved.
- The result of selecting this option may cause other features to suffer somewhat, such as the video quality being reduced. However, it will mean that the battery life will be longer over a single charge and it should, therefore, extend its lifespan.
- Kill The Video If It’s Not Needed
- If you’ve got the video streaming onto your parent unit when you’re not even looking at it then you’re using up battery unnecessarily.
- Keeping the video feed switched off until you need it is a great way to prolong battery life.
- Some baby monitors will allow you to schedule a specific time in which the video feed can automatically shut down. If you have that feature then use it to prolong your battery’s life.
- Motion Sensors Can Be A Battery’s Enemy
- If your motion sensors have a habit of picking up more than they should then this will drain your battery.
- There are two things you can do to avoid unnecessary usage of the motion sensors.
- The first is to ensure that your camera is not facing a road or other environment that risks setting it off.
- The second is, if you have the option, to lower the sensitivity of the sensors.
- Updating Your Baby Monitor Never Hurts
- Updates in the firmware are the manufacturer’s way of ensuring that your baby monitor works to the best of its ability.
- Keep up with the updates and you can be certain that your baby monitor is running efficiently – an efficient baby monitor is a monitor that has a happy battery!
- Keep Your Signal Strength At Optimal Levels
- Baby monitors have different ranges, and better signal will improve the range of your Infant Optics baby monitor.
- Keep your baby monitor at an optimal distance from either the router, base station or parent unit. Each model will have its specific range included in the user manual, but remember, keep the unit at around 2 meters away to prevent signal interference.
- Get The Light Right
- If your baby monitor is fitted with night vision technology and infrared sensors then it is important that they are only being used when it is appropriate.
- Using these features when they’re not needed will drain the battery.
- Moreover, if the environment that the baby monitor is in is subjected to continual changes in ambient light, these features will trigger on and off. This again will drain battery power.
- The Cables That Came With Your Baby Monitor Came For A Reason
- Never use cables or chargers that are not specifically for your baby monitor.
- Using incorrect equipment to charge the battery can result in damage to the battery and even lead to destroying the unit completely.
Finally, if you have the option to replace a faulty, or tired battery, then this of course will prolong your baby monitor’s lifespan.
This is why baby monitors with replaceable batteries are popular.
Having the ability to switch in a new battery can give a baby monitor a new lease of life and ensure that it can continue giving parents the peace of mind they’ve come to rely on.
How Do I Know If My Infant Optics Baby Monitor Is Fully Charged?
Keeping your Infant Optics baby monitor charged is essential in order for your unit to perform its function.
The LED on your Infant Optics baby monitor will indicate the charging status:
- A red LED indicates that the unit is charging.
- A blue LED indicates that the battery is now fully charged.
If you notice that the LED light is active even when you are not charging then it may be cause for concern:
If you’ve encountered this issue then it is worth taking the battery out and then giving it some time to cool down – 30 minutes should do it.
Re-insert the battery and see if the red LED light still persists.
If you still see a red LED light after allowing the battery to cool then it may be time to replace the battery with a new one.
Can Infant Optics Baby Monitors Work While Plugged in?
Sometimes we may forget to charge our baby monitors and then the alarm bells begin to ring inside our heads.
However, with Infant Optics baby monitors you don’t need to panic.
So long as you have the battery inside your unit you can plug it into the mains and you are still good to go.
Obviously, you won’t have the portability once it is plugged into the mains, but you can still have the unit powered up and performing its duties – keeping a watchful eye over your baby.
How Long Does It Take To Charge Infant Optics Baby Monitors?
Although charging times can vary a little, it’s worth having some idea about how long you’ll need to wait before your Infant Optics baby monitor is fully charged and good to go.
The DXR-8 models will take roughly 7 hours until they have the charge necessary to perform at their maximum duration.
Some models will only take 6 hours and some may require 8, but on average 7 hours is a good bet.
Check your user manual for the charging times for your specific model, but remember, the LED indicator will let you know when the charging cycle is complete.
What Type Of Batteries Do The Models Use?
- Infant Optics DXR-8: 3.7V 1200mAh/ 4.44Wh
- Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO: 3.85V 2800mAh/ 10.78Wh
These rechargeable batteries can be easily replaced using the instructions below.
Can You Replace The Batteries On Infant Optics Baby Monitors?
The battery in your Infant Optics baby monitor can easily be replaced when it is no longer holding sufficient charge.
You will need to replace your battery when:
- It is too old.
- It has encountered some form of damage.
- It has begun to malfunction.
Here is how to safely remove and replace your Infant Optics baby monitor battery:
- Locate the battery cover on the backside of your baby monitor and have this facing upwards.
- Slide the panel of the battery cover off, ensuring you place it safely to one side.
- Inside this compartment, you will see the battery which is connected to the unit by a small plug.
- Disconnect the old battery by pulling out the plug and then put it aside.
- Take the new battery, place it into the compartment, and connect it to the unit via the plug.
- Ensure the replacement battery is properly in place. (There will be a “this side face-up” label on the correct side) and slide the battery cover back on.
Read our blog here about the battery life on BT baby monitors.
When Should You Replace The Batteries?
Infant Optics has a 1-year warranty with their baby monitors and the battery provided with your product shouldn’t give you any problems during this time.
In the unlikely event you do happen to experience battery-related issues within a year of purchase, then simply contact Infant Optics for advice.
After the warranty has expired there are certain signs to look out for that indicate you need to replace your Infant Optics baby monitor’s battery.
If you experience any battery issues, it is always worth removing the battery from your Infant Optics baby monitor and leaving it disconnected for 30 minutes before purchasing a replacement, as it may have simply just become disconnected.
Doing so could both potentially eliminate the problem and also save you some cash.
If this doesn’t work, then here are the signs to look out for to know if your battery is in need of replacement:
- The battery levels are depleting much quicker than when you first purchased the baby monitor – this is a common indication of an old battery.
- The monitor is failing to turn on – this is a clear indicator that the battery is completely dead.
- Your baby monitor is constantly producing a loud beeping noise.
- General malfunctions, such as your monitor suddenly switching off without any prior notice.
How Much Do Extra Batteries Cost For Infant Optics Baby Monitors?
Replacement batteries for your Infant Optics baby monitor are affordable, easy to install, and readily available.
You can purchase a new battery directly from Infant Optics for as little as $8.99, depending on what model you have.
The DXR- Pro has replaceable batteries available for $13.99.
Always ensure you are purchasing the correct battery that is compatible with your product to avoid any unnecessary disappointment.
You can double-check which model you have by looking at the labels on the units or on the original packaging.
Do Infant Optics Baby Monitors Always Beep When The Battery Is Low?
A loud beeping noise emanating from your Infant Optics baby monitor is an alert that is most commonly caused by low battery levels.
This is particularly true in earlier models, however, it was eliminated in some of the more recent versions.
It is always best to ensure your Infant Optics baby monitor has enough charge to be used without mains power, and if it is displaying low battery levels, then you should charge it as soon as possible to avoid the loud beeping noise.
Continual beeping could be due to the battery being too old or perhaps defective, meaning it is no longer sufficiently holding charge.
When this is the case it is time to replace the current battery with a new one.
There are also some other reasons as to why your Infant Optics baby monitor is producing a loud beeping noise, such as:
- Your units are out of range from one another.
- Try moving the camera and the base unit closer together to see if the beeping discontinues.
- An alarm has been previously set to go off.
- Simply check to see if there are any scheduled alarms and switch them off to stop the beeping.
- The charging cable is broken and your baby monitor isn’t being properly charged.
- Try using the replacement cable provided or purchasing a new one.