feature MONITORS
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Nursery Today caught up with VTech’s Joel Lucy to find out his thoughts on the dynamic world of baby monitors. With continued innovation and advancements in technology, what do you feel are the main features that parents now look for when making their selection?
Whilst there have a number of advancements in technology with baby monitors, including smart monitors which enable you to view baby via an app when in a separate location to them, the fundamental key features haven’t changed for some time.
Features Pan/Tilt/Zoom: This is where the user can control the movement and position of the camera from another room or location using controls on the parent unit or mobile device (if internet enabled). Pan refers to horizontal movement of the lens where tilting describes vertical movement, which enables you to view baby if they have moved down the cot or in a different part of the room as they move from a cot to bed as a toddler. Zoom simply refers to the ability to increase the image size of baby if the camera is positioned a distance away from them. Temperature sensor: This tells you the temperature of your baby’s room and is a useful feature if you are particularly worried about your baby overheating. Night-light on the baby unit: Provides a comforting glow to your baby’s bedroom, VTech have a model that come with light projection out of the top called the VM5463 monitor. There are many other features, but these tend to be the ones we find most people value most.
Talking of technology, are parents concerned about how data is managed when using monitors – are they looking for a level of assurance when we consider security of information stored via apps, etc.?
It’s not an issue that is often voiced to me directly, but I am sure that all consumers would want to know that any web enabled device or an on-line service they use has the highest levels of security to protect their data, this also includes things like photo’s and video’s. VTech and LeapFrog take this extremely seriously, sadly not the case with many of the non-brands available on the market. The UK is introducing a new law that takes effect 29th April 2024, Product Security & Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act for Smart & Connected Products, whereby all manufacturers of web enabled devices have to prove full compliance and display this on retail packaging and on-line or be withdrawn from sale. The strict criteria to meet with compliance will see only products with the highest level of security in the UK market post this date.
How important are brand names or monitors that have award winning status within this product category. Does this help drive sales?
Brand recognition and trust is everything when it comes to monitors, the same could be said for all baby related products. If you search for monitors on-line and alongside the main market players, you will find a multitude of non-brands where you can never be sure about who they are, the quality and reliability and even security when it comes to smart / connected wi-fi enabled products. Our clients of VTech and LeapFrog take all of these standards extremely seriously and the abundance of industry awards is testament to this.
With the continued cost of living situation is price a consideration? If so, do you feel that consumers are prepared to purchase a monitor with lesser features?
When we go through tough economic periods, you generally see a reduction in consumer spend, although baby products sector is slightly more resilient as people continue to have babies, thus meaning certain purchases will have to be made. Additionally; the current generation of consumer looking to make a monitor purchase, is someone that is very tech savvy, wants the same level of technology that they already use in their general life, including smart enabled devices, apps, etc, to assist them monitor baby and its environment, VTech and LeapFrog is seeing continued growth in higher ticket and feature lead monitors.
Finally, what do you feel are the main benefits to retailers who stock products within this category?
In this highly competitive consumer space, with time precious consumers, it is imperative to make the whole shopping experience as easy as possible, this can be achieved by offering a ‘one stop shop’, whereby you range brands and products covering all of the key baby/nursery product categories that new parents-to-be will need, which should 100% include monitors 28
Visual impact Monitors continue to evolve and are considered not only a must-have by consumers, and due to demand can also be considered as establishing themselves as a must-have for nursery retailers.
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n the dynamic world of parenting, staying abreast of technological advancements is crucial, and baby monitors have undergone a remarkable transformation over recent years. As technology continues to enhance the parenting experience, nursery retailers can find themselves at the forefront, benefiting from the latest innovations and the demand by parents and caregivers. Brand names play a pivotal role in this landscape. Trusted and recognised brands not only offer cutting-edge technology but also instill confidence in parents. As the demand for reliable and feature-rich baby monitors rises, stocking reputable brands positions nursery retailers as go-to destinations for tech-savvy parents seeking peace of mind. The contemporary baby monitor market boasts features such as real-time video streaming and advanced sensors. These innovations not only cater to the safety concerns of parents but also align with their modern lifestyle, providing convenience and connectivity. By offering a diverse range of baby monitors, nursery retailers can tap into a broader customer base. Parents, now more than ever, seek personalised solutions that cater to their unique needs. From compact audio monitors for on-the-go parents to high-tech video monitors with app integration, stocking a variety of options ensures retailers cater to a diverse clientele. In an era where online reviews heavily influence purchasing decisions, having a well-curated selection of baby monitors can position nursery retailers as reliable sources of information. Positive customer experiences also amplify brand reputation, leading to increased foot traffic and visits to websites.
Tracking baby’s movements
Nanit’s award-winning, cutting-edge Pro Camera tracks baby’s movements. The Nanit Pro Camera delivers parents a crystal-clear picture of almost everything that happens in and around the cot. While patented technology analyses their sleep patterns to give parents personalised tips and expert coaching that improves sleep quality. Nanit captures your baby’s nest moments and milestones automatically in our app. Celebrate their growth every step of the way and share with loved ones. The breathing wear bands comes boxed as standard, as with it your Nanit can see your baby’s chest as they breathe. Get real time alerts if they need you and feel more confident leaving them in their crib overnight.
sales@kooltrade.co.uk
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12/01/2024 17:18