Children may well be more vulnerable from exposure to electro magnetic energy, such as that generated by mobile telephones, and to a degree baby monitors, because of their developing nervous systems and the greater absorption of energy in the tissue.

Digital technology uses 'pulsed' waves which may be more harmful at lower levels of power than the older analogue technology, which is potentially more prone to interference but creates a more 'level' output without peaks.

Philips, Tomy, BT and Summer Infant all offer monitors that use the Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) standard for baby monitors. Phillips states in its written communications that this technology eliminates interference from other wireless equipment and ensures privacy. The company also says in its documentation that the radiation/emission of its DECT baby monitors is not dangerous to children: ‘The level of electro-smog is 10,000 times lower than internationally accepted safety norms. For total peace-of-mind, we recommend placing the baby monitor at least one metre away from the baby.' It is true that the distance measured between transmitter to baby is important, since the power drops off as the square of the distance. If you double the distance of any monitor, or transmitter the level of electromagnetic radiation is reduced by a factor of 4.

People who consider Electro-SMOG to be a problem say that constant exposure to this energy can result in headaches, irritability, sleeplessness, fatigue or even more serious health problems. Although there is little we can do to avoid this in our general environment due to mobile phone masts and so on, we can reduce the levels in our homes to a degree.

The number one material that amplifies such energy is metal. Therefore it's a good idea to avoid using too much metal in the home environment. Removing computers and televisions from our children's bedrooms will reduce the level too. Even wooden hangers are considered preferable to metal ones.

The levels of electromagnetic energy produced by digital baby monitors are very small, especially compared to mobile phones and computers. However it does make sense to advise following best practice and advise parents to ensure there is adequate distance between the unit and the baby.