Whether you're looking to check on your snoozing baby from your phone while enjoying a night out or just want to keep an ear out while you're in another room, it’s never been simpler to keep tabs on your little one around the clock.
At Babylist, we're baby surveillance aficionados. We've put all kinds of monitors to the test—video, WiFi, and audio. We've chatted with sleep consultants and home security experts and sifted through feedback from thousands of parents. Our top pick? The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor. It's an investment, sure, but it's one piece of baby gear you'll use daily and possibly for years. This gadget gives you a crystal-clear view of your tot from anywhere via your phone and comes packed with nifty sleep analytics that can help the whole family get a better night's sleep.
And because we know not every parent is cool with WiFi monitors, we've also rounded up the best video monitors, plus a few other categories including the best audio monitor and the best monitor for keeping an eye on multiple kiddos.
The Best Baby Monitors
- Best Overall WiFi: Nanit x Babylist Ultimate Bundl
- Best Affordable: Wyze Cam Pan v3
- Best Overall Video: Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor
- Best Less Expensive Video: VTech 5” Video Monitor
- Best Split Screen: Babysense 1080p Full HD Split-Screen Baby Monitor
- Best Audio: VTech DM1411 Audio Baby Monitor & Portable Soother
- Best Wearable: Owlet x Babylist Dream Duo with 2nd Generation Cam
Our Criteria for Choosing the Best
- Video and Audio Performance: A stellar baby monitor lets you see and hear your little one crystal-clear, whether it's noon or midnight. Our top WiFi and local video monitors excel in both departments.
- Ease of Use: Much like any awesome gadget, the finest baby monitors should be a breeze to use.
- Reliability: A baby monitor that works sporadically is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Our selected video and WiFi monitors are trustworthy and secure, keeping you connected all around your home.
- Battery Life: One of the top gripes we hear from Babylist parents is about the short battery life of baby monitors. Fear not! Our chosen local video monitors lead the pack in this essential category.
Best WiFi Baby Monitor Overall
Nanit x Babylist Ultimate Bundle (Buy on Amazon)
My kids are four years apart, so a lot had changed by the time I was picking out a baby monitor for my second child. I had heard rave reviews about the Nanit but felt a bit apprehensive about the whole WiFi monitor thing that I could access only via my phone. I decided to take the plunge and, let me tell you, I couldn’t be happier. Fast-forward almost three years, and the Nanit has secured a spot as one of my top baby gear recommendations. I’m not alone; it was the number one most-loved baby monitor in our Best Baby Products survey, with 18% of parents naming it their favorite.
“I use the Nanit every single day and it makes my life so much easier. It gives me peace of mind and that is priceless as a first-time mama,” one survey respondent shared. “It helped an anxious mom get some sleep. I recommend it to everyone,” another noted.
The Nanit Pro is like the Swiss army knife of baby monitors. It tracks your baby’s sleep patterns, movement, vital stats, and even growth, all streamed live to your phone. The setup is a breeze and using it is super intuitive, especially considering how much it can do. Plus, the camera boasts 1080p HD quality, offering a clear view both day and night.
The two features I adore most are the sleep tracking and motion sensor capabilities. Through the Nanit Insights app, you can monitor your baby’s sleep stats daily and nightly. You’ll get data on how long your baby is awake or asleep and even the intervals between wake times. This was a lifesaver during those first six months when establishing a nap schedule felt impossible. “I did not realize how much I would love the sleep data/dashboard,” one mom said. “We love the ‘I fell asleep x number of hours/min ago’ function and cannot imagine not having it.”
The Nanit’s motion sensor tech includes a Breathing Band—a soft fabric band that fits snugly over your baby’s swaddle or pajamas to track movement and breathing without any sensors or socks. While it’s not a medical device, many parents find it reassuring. Some use it regularly, while others bring it out only when their little one is sick and they need extra peace of mind (I can relate to the latter).
Other lovable features include personalized, science-backed sleep guidance from experts, two-way audio, white noise, temperature and humidity sensors, and the ability to monitor two children at once with split-screen viewing. (You’ll need a second camera for this, though.)
Even though you’ll need your phone to use the Nanit, the setup was easy, and the app didn’t drain my phone battery. I love that I can check in on my baby when I’m away from home or on a work trip. The grandparents appreciate this feature too and have been known to do some baby spying! One more thing I adore is the background audio capability—you don’t have to have the Nanit app open to hear what’s happening in the nursery—and the picture-in-picture function that allows me to keep an eye on my baby while using other apps.
The Nanit is definitely an investment, especially if you need more than one for multiple kids. Plus, after the first year, you’ll have to subscribe to Nanit Insights for the sleep trends and timelapse highlights. If sleep-tracking analytics are your thing, this is fantastic, but it might be a bit overwhelming if you’re prone to information overload. And if the idea of a phone-based monitor doesn’t appeal to you, a more traditional video or audio monitor might be a better fit.
This Babylist exclusive bundle includes a Nanit Pro camera, wall mount, small and large Breathing Bands, Smart Sheet, FlexStand, travel case, and one year of Nanit Insights.
Pros
- Tracks sleep, motion, vitals, and growth: Consider this your baby data dashboard.
- Access live, high-definition video from anywhere in the world: Keeping an eye on your munchkin has never been easier.
- Split-screen option for multiple kids: Perfect for those with more than one little bundle of joy.
Cons
- Expensive (price doesn’t include annual membership, an extra $50-300 per year): Those diaper expenses just got a new friend.
- Amount of tracking information can be overwhelming: It's like getting a PhD in your baby's daily habits.
- Only works with your phone (no separate display monitor): One more app to juggle in your busy digital life.
Additional Specs
| Monitor Type | Video, via smart phone; iOS and Android |
| Range | No limit if connected to WiFi |
| Power Source | Camera: electrical outlet; Phone acts as parent unit |
| Mount | Wall, floor stand or table stand |
Best affordable
Wyze Cam Pan v3 (Buy on Amazon)
Leave it to modern parents to find a hack for everything. Introducing the Wyze: originally a home surveillance camera, now a favorite among parents as a baby monitor. With its easy setup, live HD streaming, and wallet-friendly price, it's a stellar choice if you're eyeing a WiFi monitor without breaking the bank like the Nanit. One savvy parent even quipped, “Why buy an expensive camera when a cheap Wyze camera does it all?”
The Wyze is managed remotely via an app and can be shared with multiple family members. As a baby monitor, you can view the live stream in real-time or set up push notifications for motion and sound alerts. (You can even tweak these sensitivities so you’re not bombarded every time your bundle of joy makes a wiggle.) The camera boasts color night vision, two-way audio, and can pan, tilt, and zoom. One parent shared, “I can peek at my boy from out of the house with both visual and sound. It has excellent night vision since it’s technically a security camera.”
Out of the box, the Wyze offers free 14-day cloud storage and records 12-second video clips. Plus, it’s compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
If you're comparing the Wyze with its pricier, baby-specific rivals, there are a few trade-offs. Your phone will need to be around, unlocked (unlike the Nanit, there’s no background audio feed), and always charged. For a caregiver to use the monitor, they’ll have to download the app and get permission to access the camera. While some parents aren’t fans of cloud-based storage, there's an alternative: insert a micro SD card to store files locally.
Also, a heads-up: in September 2023, The Verge reported a glitch affecting a handful of users (estimated at around 10), where users logging in through a web browser might have seen other users' camera feeds. If you have any security concerns, we recommend reaching out to Wyze directly.
Pros
- Budget-Friendly: Great bang for your buck on a WiFi video monitor.
- Hassle-Free Setup: No Ph.D. in tech needed.
- Family-Friendly: Multiple family members can tune in at once.
Cons
- Phone-Dependent: Live audio & video only stream when your phone's awake.
- Security Concerns: Some might feel iffy about cloud-based storage.
- Extra Costs: Notifications & cloud storage come at an additional $20/year.
Additional Specs
| Monitor Type | Video, via smart phone; iOS and Android |
| Range | No limit if connected to WiFi |
| Power Source | Camera: electrical outlet; Phone acts as parent unit |
| Transmission | WiFi |
| Mount | Wall or table |
Best Video Baby Monitor Overall
Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor (Buy on Amazon)
WiFi monitors aren’t everyone’s cup of tea; 46% of the 6,000 modern parents we surveyed in our Best Baby Products poll said they prefer a good old-fashioned video-only monitor. These tech-savvy parents love the security and reliability without the hassle of downloading apps or creating accounts. But let’s be real, video monitors sometimes have their quirks. Night vision might fade, batteries might not last, and some simply decide to take an extended nap for no reason at all.
Enter the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro. This isn’t the newest or snazziest model out there, but it’s a tried-and-true fave among Babylist parents. While it’s not flawless, the video and sound quality hit the mark, and it’s reliably consistent—a big reason why it snagged the top spot in our survey.
One happy parent gushed, “We are thrilled with our Infant Optics monitor. It’s been a dream from day one, and setup was a piece of cake. Plus, it’s a breeze to travel with! No need for WiFi—just plug it in, and you’re good to go.” Another parent appreciated the lack of information overload, saying it provides “just enough info to keep us reassured without triggering anxiety.”
Parents rave about the video quality, calling it “high quality” and “ultra clear.” The box comes with interchangeable lenses—a zoom lens for those close-up moments and an optional wide-angle lens for a broader view. The Active Noise Reduction feature is also a hit, filtering out background noise so you hear your baby and not the air conditioner, humidifier, or any other background hum.
The five-inch LCD screen offers great visibility and features pan/tilt/zoom capabilities, as well as an LED sound indicator that lights up when it detects noise. There’s an intercom feature too (“You can talk back when baby wakes to let them know you’re coming!” one parent said), and the system can expand to accommodate up to four cameras if you’re planning to grow your family. Do note, though, that the battery in the portable parent console isn’t immortal. And, keep in mind, the original version isn’t compatible with the Pro, so avoid any mix-ups when adding extra cameras.
Parent Reviews
"This is by far the best baby monitor you can buy. Definitely worth the money! This has been a great investment for our family. We have one monitor and two cameras (we purchased another camera add on). The quality is great and we can see everything. Their customer service team has been fantastic. We had an issue with one of the buttons on the side that had stopped working and the customer service department helped me out so much." - Angela
Pros
- Swap out lenses for zoom or wide-angle views - perfect for catching every cute moment!
- Supports up to 4 cameras - for those with busy bees in multiple rooms.
- Trusty noise-filtering feature - because not all sounds warrant a wake-up call.
Cons
- A bit steep for a monitor without WiFi or tracking capabilities.
- Battery life tends to drop quicker than we'd like over time.
- No option to mount the camera on the wall.
Additional Specs
| Monitor Type | Video |
| Range | 1,000 feet |
| Power Source | Camera: electrical outlet; Parent unit: electrical outlet or rechargeable battery |
| Mount | Table |
Best Less Expensive Video Baby Monitor
VTech 5” Video Monitor (Buy on Amazon)
Finding an affordable and reliable video monitor can be a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. Lucky for you, we’ve found a gem with the VTech Video Monitor, our top budget-friendly pick. This no-fuss monitor has been my trusty travel companion for years. With its solid balance of features, price, and functionality, it’s a hit among many modern parents.
“One parent told us, ‘The VTech baby monitor is cheap and simple. I actually prefer it over the fancier high-tech one we also own.’” High praise indeed! The monitor boasts a five-inch color LCD screen, providing clear visuals both day and night. With a range of 1,000 feet, a room temperature sensor, and an adaptive night light that adjusts to your nursery’s brightness (or automatically turns on when it detects sound), it’s certainly got the essentials covered. Parents particularly appreciate the five melodies and four soothing sounds (the white noise is spot-on, according to one mom we polled) and the two-way audio feature.
Of course, no gadget is perfect. The biggest gripe with this monitor is the limited camera angle adjustment—it doesn’t offer the wide range of pan and tilt that more expensive models do. Personally, I find this more of a minor annoyance than a real dealbreaker. Other common complaints include less-than-stellar battery life (a typical issue for budget monitors) and occasional connectivity hiccups.
Pros
- 1,000-ft Range: Stay connected to your little explorer, even if you’re two floors away!
- Affordable: Keep an eye on your budget while still keeping an eye on baby.
- Extra Features: Room temperature monitor and an automatic adaptive nightlight to ensure baby’s comfort around the clock.
Cons
- Limited Visibility: Can’t fully pan or tilt, so you might not catch every move.
- Low Battery Life: Prepare for charger tag-teaming.
- Minor Connectivity Issues: Sometimes gets a little temperamental, like a toddler without a nap.
Additional Specs
| Monitor Type | Video |
| Range | 1,000 feet |
| Power Source | Audio base: electrical outlet; Parent unit: electrical outlet or battery |
| Transmission | 2.4 GHz |
| Mount | Wall or table |
Best Split Screen Baby Monitor
Babysense 1080p Full HD Split-Screen Baby Monitor (Buy on Amazon)
Ready for a game-changer in the world of baby monitors? Parenting in the 21st century just got a major upgrade with the Babysense Full HD Monitor, tailored to take some of the load off your shoulders. This nifty gadget boasts split-screen technology, letting you keep an eye on two rooms at once—no more pesky toggling between screens!
Ideal for twins or siblings close in age, it’s equally awesome for monitoring a nursery and a playroom simultaneously. Pro mom tip from Rachael Shepard-Ohta, sleep consultant and Certified Lactation Counselor, "When we had our third baby and our kids were in separate rooms, we got the Babysense dual monitor and I loved the big screen display.”
The Babysense stands out with its top-notch camera quality. Parents everywhere are loving the crystal-clear picture, even in night mode. The 5.5” LCD display ensures you're not missing a thing. Plus, you’ll appreciate the 360-degree pan, tilt, and zoom features. Unlike some monitors that lag, the Babysense buttons are super responsive, making it a breeze to scan a room quickly.
But wait, there's more! The Babysense comes with a night light, two-way audio, soothing built-in lullabies and white noise, and an impressive 12-hour battery life. This package includes two cameras, but if you’re only in need of one right now, they've got you covered with a single-camera option. And don’t worry, you can always add up to two more cameras later. (The screen will toggle between each pair of cameras.)
Parent Reviews
"Video is vibrant and sound is good. Sensitivity functions works as expected. Can walk all over the house (3,000 SF, 1,500 SF on each floor) without loosing connection. In fact, we have full bars in entire house without having to move the antenna. It stays tucked in. Color options in camara are good. Lullabies are great and an option to use random between available options. Timer for 15, 30, and 60 minutes or continues play or Off. Can talk to baby through integrated mic. Happy with purchase especially while it was on sell. Option to add up to 4 cameras and monitor on same LCD screen. Nearly 360 view.
Only con is that the camera has to stay plugged in the wall to stay on, but I guess that's expected rather than changing batteries constantly as continues audio/video would consume power." - J-Rock.
Pros
- Comes with not one, but two cameras and a split-screen monitor—ideal for keeping eyes on all the action.
- Enjoy a full 360-degree view—because who needs blind spots?
- Can easily connect up to 4 cameras for maximum coverage (hello, future-proofing!).
Cons
- Audio only plays from one camera at a time (so choose your angle wisely).
- Even the lowest settings for brightness and volume can feel a bit intense in the wee hours.
- Lullabies have a slightly tinny sound (sorry, Baby Beethoven).
Additional Specs
| Monitor Type | Video |
| Range | 1,000 feet |
| Power Source | Audio base: electrical outlet; Parent unit: electrical outlet or battery |
| Transmission | 2.4GHz FHSS |
| Mount | Wall or table |
Best Audio Baby Monitor
VTech DM1411 Audio Baby Monitor & Portable Soother (Buy on Amazon)
“Hands down, we can't say it enough—this is one of our go-to baby products! Picture this: it was my trusty night light during those late-night nursery runs, a star accessory on our diaper bag while traveling, and the secret ingredient to our baby's restful sleep routines. With its white noise for daytime naps and soothing lullabies for nighttime, our little one took to it immediately. We adore our little monkey, and honestly, it’s been just as essential as diapers. It truly deserves a shoutout!”
As highlighted by a smart parent from our Best Baby Products survey: Don’t underestimate the power and practicality of an audio monitor. These gadgets are budget-friendly, efficient, and travel-friendly. They can also be a real sanity-saver for parents who might feel the pressure of constantly staring at a video screen to keep track of their baby 24/7.
Enter the VTech audio-only monitor. It's got everything you need: it catches even the faintest sounds without blasting that constant (and annoying) white noise typical of other monitors. Plus, it has a two-way intercom—a godsend during the toddler years—and a visual five-level sound indicator on the parent unit so you can keep tabs on the noise level even when it’s muted. The baby unit is equipped with a dimmable light and plays five songs and four ambient sounds (including white noise). It’s small, portable, perfect for home or travel (check out the built-in hook for easy carrying), and super budget-friendly.
However, there’s a tiny caveat—the battery life. It’s rated for about eight hours, but some users say it conks out sooner. If you need it for extended periods, plan on keeping it plugged in.
Parent Review
"Bought this for travel, but we use it at home now too. The music quality is much better than other options I have seen/heard, and the music shutoff timer is a fantastic feature. The sound is also not delayed relative to the other monitor we had. Having both the monitor and music in one makes this very portable and it takes up almost no room in a suitcase or backpack." - Rebecca S.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly and perfect for travel
- Impressive 1,000-foot range
- Includes a built-in nightlight and sound machine for soothing bedtime vibes
Cons
- Audio only, no video (Sorry, no baby TV here!)
- Battery life could use a boost
Additional Specs
| Monitor Type | Audio |
| Range | 1,000 feet |
| Power Source | Audio base: electrical outlet or battery; Parent unit: electrical outlet or battery |
| Transmission | DECT 6.0 digital technology |
| Mount | Table or hook |
Best Wearable Baby Monitor
Owlet x Babylist Dream Duo with 2nd Generation Cam (Buy on Amazon)
Owlet was one of the trailblazers in the baby tech world, offering a wearable tracking gadget for your little one. Introducing the **Dream Sock**, an FDA-cleared marvel that wraps snugly around your baby’s foot, tracking their pulse rate and blood oxygen levels in real time. If something doesn't seem right, it promptly sends an alert your way. (And if you’re scratching your head over what "FDA-cleared" means, check out this [FDA-approved vs. FDA-cleared](#) explainer for the lowdown.)
But that's not all folks! The Dream Sock also monitors sleep trends such as night wakings, sleep quality, and total hours in dreamland. It boasts a 16-hour battery life and fully recharges in about eight hours on its sleek base.
A quick scroll through parent reviews and you'll see the Owlet sparks quite the debate. Some parents rave about it. “The peace of mind the Owlet gave me while sleeping was incomparable,” one parent gushed. “It just really puts our minds at ease knowing we can check on baby’s vitals at any time,” said another. Yet, not everyone is sold: “It malfunctioned a lot and caused unnecessary stress,” and “it’s too pricey and it was so glitchy,” grumbled a few others. Well, who to trust?
If you’re a parent who loves having a little extra info at your fingertips, the Owlet might just be your new best friend. Sure, connectivity glitches happen, but experiences vary wildly—some parents deal with false alarms, while others report flawless performance for over a year. For many, the peace of mind the vitals data offers, especially with newborns or sick little ones, is invaluable. But for some, those same alerts might just amplify the stress rather than reduce it. Your parenting style and personal preferences will be the ultimate judge.
The Owlet isn’t a medical device, and relying on it as such is a no-go. If you have any concerns about your baby’s health, your pediatrician should always be your go-to. And remember, avoid using the Owlet in unsafe sleep situations like loungers or with loose blankets; always ensure baby’s on a firm, flat surface with no soft objects or loose bedding around.
When you snag the Owlet bundle, you also get a snazzy camera, transforming the setup into a full-on WiFi baby monitor. Get a 180-degree room view and a four-times zoom, offering you a front-row seat to your baby’s world.
Parent Reviews
"Being first time parents is hard enough without the constant worry if your baby is breathing and sleeping. The owlet gives my husband and I peace of mind. The owlet comes with 2 pairs of socks for both left and right feet. It also has the mounting clips that easy to attach to the wall of your baby’s room. The camera has a temp and humidity feature that is super helpful. It even alerts you if the room goes above or below a certain temp or humidity limit. Lastly the sock helps tell you when your baby fell asleep and when they woke up. Which we found important to make sure she’s getting the most adequate amount of sleep. Her pulse ox (heart rate and oxygen) are constantly reading and will alert you if it drops. Definitely worth the money." - Stephanie S.
Pros
- All-in-one: Wearable + video monitor
- Tracks heart rate, oxygen levels & sleep patterns
- Free customized sleep program for your little one
Cons
- Connectivity hiccups are fairly common
- App can have its quirky moments
- Not a medical device, despite tracking vitals
Additional Specs
| Monitor Type | Video, via smartphone |
| Range | Monitor: no limit if connected to WiFi; sock: about 100 feet |
| Power Source | Camera: electrical outlet; Sock: rechargeable base; phone acts as parent unit |
| Transmission | WiFi |
| Mount | Wall or table |
Do You Need a Baby Monitor?
If you sleep in the same room as your baby or live in a cozy space where you can always hear or see what your little one is up to, you probably don’t need a monitor. (Although, you might still be tempted by one for its sleep analytics, room temperature tracking, or monitoring your baby's movements and vitals.)
Otherwise, most parents find a baby monitor to be a game-changer for convenience and peace of mind. Instead of hovering around the nursery or peeking in every five minutes, you can relax, catch up on your favorite Netflix series, or tackle household chores while your baby naps. Monitors can also double as a nanny cam, letting you keep an eye on your child and their caretaker when you’re out and about.
"A baby monitor is a fantastic tool for parents who aren't room-sharing,” says Shephard-Ohta. “If your baby is in a nursery, having a monitor ensures you won’t miss a cry. Some parents absolutely love the peace of mind that comes with checking in on their babies during nap times or overnight,” she explains.
Types of Baby Monitors
Let's dive into the world of baby monitors, where technology gives us a front-row seat to peace of mind. There are three main types: audio monitors, video monitors (some WiFi-enabled and some standalone), and baby movement monitors. Each comes with its own set of perks and quirks.
Audio Baby Monitors
Audio monitors do exactly what they promise: they let you listen in on your baby, minus the video. These transmit via radio frequency, so no need for an internet connection—just plug them in, and you're good to go.
They're the budget-friendly option, being the least expensive but also quite straightforward. Depending on your home's setup and your comfort zone, audio monitors can be a super choice for many families. Some parents even grab an extra audio monitor for travel or to leave at grandma's house since they're both affordable and easy to tote around.
Video Baby Monitors
Video monitors come equipped with screens so you can watch your baby's every adorable move. Some of these monitors need WiFi, others don't, and some are a mix of both.
Hands down, video monitors are the top pick for most parents. With awesome features like big screens, night vision, and zoom capabilities, they offer a ton of peace of mind. Pricing varies widely, from under a hundred bucks to several hundred.
There are three types of video monitors for modern parents:
- Traditional Video Monitors: Traditional video monitors come with a trusty camera and a parent unit (the video screen). You have the flexibility to plug in the parent unit or go wireless, but remember, it needs to stay within a certain range of the camera to keep an eye on your little one.
- WiFi Monitors: Say goodbye to the parent unit! WiFi monitors turn your smartphone into the ultimate baby-watching device. By leveraging your WiFi connection, these monitors sync your camera with your phone, letting you check in on your bundle of joy from just about anywhere with service. However, if a nanny, grandparent, or babysitter is on duty, they'll need to download the companion app and be approved as a user. Most monitors allow a limited number of add-ons for free before charging for extra users.
- Hybrid Monitors: Can’t decide? Hybrid monitors offer the best of both worlds: use it like a traditional video monitor with a parent unit, or switch it up and rely on your phone for that WiFi flexibility.
Baby Movement Monitors: Keeping an Eye on Your Little One in Style
Ah, baby movement monitors—the tech-savvy parent's secret weapon! These nifty gadgets don’t just track your baby’s squiggles and wiggles; some models even monitor vitals like breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels, plus keep tabs on room temperature. Talk about multitasking!
As tech has hit new highs, so has the buzz around baby movement monitors. You’ll find options that range from wearables like socks or bands to clip-ons or super-smart sensors that slide right under the crib mattress. And for those who want the full espionage package, some monitors also come bundled with video surveillance. James Bond, eat your heart out!
Be prepared to shell out a bit more for these deluxe monitors, especially the ones with video capabilities. But remember, these fancy gizmos aren't medical devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says they don’t really offer protection against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). So, while your monitor is on guard duty, you should always stick to safe sleep practices.
How to Choose a Baby Monitor
Many parents have told us that picking out a baby monitor can feel a bit like diving into a techy abyss. With so many options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry! We’ve got a quick breakdown of features to help you choose the best baby monitor for your family’s needs.
- Monitor Type: Audio, video, or movement monitor—how do you choose? Your choice really boils down to budget, home setup, and personal preferences. If you’re budget-conscious or prefer to keep things simple, an audio monitor might be your best bet. If seeing your baby in real time soothes your soul, go for a video monitor. Work a lot, travel frequently, or just want 24/7 access to see your tiny human? A WiFi monitor is your go-to. There’s no right or wrong answer—focus on what’s best for you.
- Range: How far can you roam from the nursery and still get a clear signal? This is crucial, especially if you live in an older home with thick walls or multiple floors. (Note: WiFi monitors dodge this issue, but you’ll need a robust wireless signal and fast network speed.)
- Portability and Mounting: For video monitors, you’ll need a spot for the camera. Wall-mounted, shelf-resting, or floor-standing—different models have different needs. If you’re a frequent traveler, think about how easy it is to bring your monitor along. Safety matters too. “For baby monitors in the nursery, you want it to be about six feet away from the sleep space,” recommends Shephard-Ohta. “This ensures your baby can’t reach the monitor or any cords. Most modern monitors provide a clear picture even if not directly in front of the crib, so always place it safely out of reach.”
- Display Quality/Screen Size: The screen size and resolution of video monitors vary. Some boast large screens with high-resolution images; others have smaller screens, or rely on an app on your phone. Decide which display suits your needs best.
- Two-Way Communication: This nifty feature lets you talk to your baby through the monitor. While it might not be super useful during the baby phase, it becomes a game-changer once your little one hits the toddler stage.
- Battery Life: Consider how long you can tote the monitor screen around before needing to recharge it.
- Remote Adjustments: The ability to pan, zoom, and tilt the camera remotely might just be the convenience you didn’t know you needed.
- Wireless Encryption: Keep unwanted eyes at bay with secure transmission. WiFi monitors offer great range but can be more vulnerable to hacking. Secure your home network and update your monitor’s firmware regularly. Cybersecurity pro, Kurt Sanger from Batten Safe Corporation, advises going beyond basic manufacturer protections: “Change factory-set passwords, use multifactor authentication if available, and do anything extra to make it harder for hackers to get in.”
- Specialized Features: Some monitors go the extra mile by tracking room temperature, humidity, sleep patterns, movements, and even vital signs. If these are must-haves for you, choose a monitor that offers them. If not, it’s perfectly okay to stick with the basics.
FAQs
Can you use an HSA or FSA account to buy a baby monitor?
Absolutely! Some baby monitors qualify for HSA/FSA because they're seen as health and safety gadgets. Just make sure to double-check with your insurance provider before making the purchase for specifics on your plan.
Do I need a WiFi baby monitor?
Not really! It’s totally up to you. Some parents love WiFi monitors because they can check in on their little one from their smartphone no matter where they are. Others prefer sticking to video or audio monitors so they don’t have to rely on WiFi or their phone. Plus, there are always those with security concerns about WiFi baby monitors.
Which baby monitor has the best range?
Most audio or non-WiFi video baby monitors offer a range between a few hundred to about 1,000 feet. Keep in mind, factors like the age of your house, wall thickness, and layout can affect this. For unlimited range, WiFi-enabled monitors are the way to go—provided you’ve got a solid internet connection.
