In a nutshell

A great idea - a simple product to use and a handy safety device that really could be a life-saver.

What we tested

  • Ease of use
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Sound and/or picture quality
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Signal range
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Design
    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 3.9 out of 5.

Pros

  • See your children in back of the car without turning around, night vision to see your child in unlit areas

Cons

  • Unless you buy separate charger you can only charge the camera and screen up when car's in use

We all know how dangerous it is to turn around and check on our children while driving, but we still do it. Sometimes it feels unavoidable. The new BabyCam Car Monitor, from Storage Options, may help you avoid doing this. It’s an in-car camera and companion screen so you can see the kids without turningaround. For some it'll feel like a luxury, for others it'll be a necessity.

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Storage Options calls itself a UK-based technology brand, which started in 2010. Its BabyCam Car Monitor is a wireless camera and screen. Using suction mounts, the camera points at your baby and a viewing screen sticks to your windscreen. With a double in-car power adapter you can charge both devices up through your car cigarette lighter at the same time. And, with re-chargeable batteries lasting up to four hours, long journeys are catered for.

The car monitor also boasts a very useful night vision and a 100m range, meaning you can use it in the home too.

What we love

Sometimes the simple ideas are the best, and a camera to keep an eye on the kids in the back of the car is certainly one of those. I’m ashamed to say I can’t keep count of how many times I’ve turned around while driving to see if the my toddler Tippi has finally given in to sleep or why my youngest, Heidi, has suddenly let out a screech, only to find she’s just dropped her book. And it’s that split second that could make all the difference. So, a product that prevents an accident of any kind in a car gets a big thumbs-up in my book.

The BabyCam Car Monitor actually works pretty well. It’s not the most complicated piece of equipment, but the beauty lies in its simplicity. I stuck the camera to a rear side window, which I directed towards my youngest. I tried to point the camera at both my girls at the same time but the headrests got in the way. I then attached the screen to my windscreen. By turning both on pieces of equipment I could see Heidi instantly. And that’s it.

The image was very clear, and whilst driving a quick glance at the screen was all I needed to alleviate any worries I had. The screen is pretty small and indiscreet, which is a plus considering you might have a sat nav too. Space isn’t an issue.

Though I don’t own a car with three rows of seats, I can see how this would be very effective in a car of that size. To glance back quickly in a Volkswagen Golf is one thing, to try and get a look at what’s going on rows back in a 4x4 could be an entirely different experience and one that could be helped by this little gadget.

The final feature I have to commend is the night vision. Even if you turned around in the dark to check on your kids you might not be able to see them, especially if in an unlit area, so using a camera with night vision to see your kids clearly is very reassuring.

What to watch out for

The first time I used the suction pads to stick the camera up it worked fine. I found second time around the stick wasn’t so great.

You can only charge the monitor up by using the cigarette lighter in the car so if you want to use the sat nav at the same time that could cause a problem. And, you can only charge the camera and monitor up while the car is in use, unless you buy a separate charger for the home.

Many may argue an in-car camera isn’t worth the investment when you have baby mirrors to keep an eye on the kids.

Who is the Storage Options BabyCam Car Monitor best for?

Parents who turn around in the car more often than they like, and can afford the luxury of an in-car monitor.

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MadeForMums verdict

A simple concept, this in-car monitor could be very reassuring for parents. It’s simple to use, has a great image and the night vision is a fantastic feature. But, it’s deciding whether it’s a luxury or a necessity. The price tag, though not over-the-top, may prove one expense too far for new parents.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandStorage Options
ModelBabyCam Car Monitor
Price£99.99
Signal typeDigital
Features
Video screenYes
Movement sensor padYes
Range indoors100m
Range outdoors100m
Sound level indicator lightsNo
Two-way talkbackNo
Night lightNo
Room temperature displayNo
Soothing lullabiesNo
Power supplyBattery and car cigarette lighter
Power supplyBattery and car cigarette lighter
Features
  • Wireless camera and screen
  • Double in-car adapter
  • Night vision
  • Suction mounts
  • Re-chargeable batteries
  • 100m range
Accessories
Optional extrasPower charger to use in the home
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