Belt it on (Tomy Walkabout 2001)

Member Name: pontecaille

Product:	Tomy Walkabout 2001
Date:	22/10/02 (243 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: ease of use, reasonable price, excellent reception, good features

Disadvantages: might trigger paranoia

The trick with baby monitor is not to be obsessed about it. I mean it is very useful but can easily make your mind play tricks.
Have you ever watched a classic sketch from Billy Connolly about baby monitors? No, well what a shame. Go and get it now and you will see what I mean when I say it is hilarious and make you think twice about those smart sound boxes.
The first time I heard about it is when I met my partner who loves Billy Connolly and he introduced me to his jokes. Back then my English wasn't great at all (I am not saying it is brilliant today but it is sufficient enough) and I couldn't understand a word of what he was saying. I was too ashamed of telling the truth to my partner so I faked laughing whenever he was. Isn't that terrible, isn't it? I felt pretty bad that I borrowed his video and watched it many times until I picked up every single word and finally got the joke. I realised afterwards why my partner has laughing fit when he listens to Mr Connolly.

You can get rapidly dependant on monitors. You see those monitors allow you to hear anything from the room you put the unit in. you can even detect your baby's breathing (I have because my wee girl had a blocked nose). If suddenly no sound comes out of that magic box, you tend to be paranoid. I did. I used to rush into the room and check on my baby. When I was reassured enough I returned to my daily chores and routine and then again no more sound. So here we go running up the stairs and once I the bedroom relieved of seeing my baby so content.
And I did it another few good times until I learned how to rely but not depend on them.

As any other products, this monitor has different features. There is first the portable parents' unit:
* very compact, easy to carry and to store (white colour)
* it can be Mains or battery operated
* it has an adjustable volume control (impressive sound)
* two channel setting to avoid potential interferences

* belt clip and sta
nd. You can put it on your clothes and walk about freely. I never used the belt clip as whenever I go in the house I still have a perfect and clear reception.
* looped antenna
* mains adaptor included

The baby's unit is basically the same but with few extras:
* still stylish, compact baby unit (also white)
* comforting night-light. I haven't put it on yet but may well be useful if Leah gets restless or afraid of the dark.
* on/off switch night-light
* looped antenna
* mains adaptor included
* 100 meter range


Overall it is very handy and gives me piece of mind when my baby is out of reach.
Even when I am in the kitchen and rumble about trying to prepare a dish I still can hear every single sound from my daughter.
It is very affordable considering it costs about £25. Most of baby shops or even department stores have them on display. I got mine second hand through the newspaper. The previous owner had it for over 5 years and I own it for now a year. It hasn't had any deficiency yet and is in perfect working order. I even think of re-selling it providing it is still in a good condition.
One tip though: don' t forget to unplug it or switch it off when not in use as it can be very embarrassing especially if you are up to naughty things with your hubby.


The only bad point I see is that you can pick up other sounds than your baby's ones when someone uses the same channel than you in the area. Once I picked up somebody hovering.

Summary: