Using a deactivated cell phone as a baby monitor is an even better idea than initially thought
A while back I wrote about using a deactivated cell phone as a baby monitor and had some somewhat compelling reasons why this was a pretty decent, if thrifty-sounding idea. Today I realized that it’s not only cost friendly, configurable, and neat, it’s also a much-broader safety device you absolutely shouldn’t be without.
A deactivated cell phone as a baby monitor is less expensive
Repurposing your old device saves money, you’re going to need some of these savings for doctors, onesies, and unexpected expenses. Saving money now can give you the ability to purchase better safety equipment later.
It’s not cheapness, it’s future-safety.
A deactivated cell phone as a baby monitor adds functionality
Want to take a photo and send it to the relatives? You’ve got your device right there. Take the picture, send it.
Need to make a note of diaper changes or feeding times? Your apps are sitting right there on that deactivated cell phone and can sync up with your other devices assuming you’ve got the right apps.
You can take down the baby monitor and play Angry Birds if you’re bedside of an angry infant who refuses to let you leave.
You can also use the device as a white noise generator if your baby likes that.
A deactivated cell phone as a baby monitor can save your baby’s life
I’d originally written about the thing with an emphasis on it being a cool functional re-use of technology. What I hadn’t figured in is that in the United States at least, any deactivated cell phone should still be able to call 911 (emergency services,) in an emergency.
It can be the difference between running up the stairs to search for your phone in an emergency while your baby is in crisis to call the paramedics, and just walking to the baby monitor, pressing home, dial, 911.
You should of course verify that your cell phone provider that the device is deactivated on does this as I’m assuming the phones could be blocked from the tower in some situations.
Using a deactivated cell phone as a baby monitor is better
That’s it. You’ll still be blamed if the device breaks, doesn’t function, or something goes wrong, but it’s a much better option than I’d previously considered and can redirect some of what might end up in a landfill into something that saves you a couple hundred dollars.
