A baby monitor is the best way for parents to feel confident that everything is perfect in their little one’s world, even when they’re out of sight.
One of the top items we see on baby registries is a baby monitor. And it’s no wonder… Whether you’re in a smaller home, a larger home—or even outside the home—a monitor gives you peace of mind that your baby is doing just fine while alone in another room.
Choosing a baby monitor used to be straightforward. Monitors were audio-only, letting parents hear breathing and baby peeps from the nursery. Newer-generation monitors offer more features and benefits, which is a good thing, but it does make choosing a monitor a little more intentional. So you’ll want to explore your options.
Three Types of Baby Monitors to Choose From
- Audio Baby Monitors: Audio-only monitors are less expensive while still letting you listen in on the nursery. Even if you do opt for a video model, an audio unit can be good to have on hand as a backup.
- Video Baby Monitors: The in-between choice, video monitors give the added comfort of seeing baby in the crib. They’re a little more expensive than audio-only but don’t have to be prohibitively so. And while a standard video monitor won’t have the latest bells and whistles like wifi or sleep tracking, the upside is they can’t be hacked and they work independently of your cell phone, if that’s what you prefer.
- Baby Movement Monitors: At the higher end, movement monitors can track breathing, heart rate, wakings, oxygen saturation, even analyze sleep patterns. They’re the most advanced technologically, and they might require a “wearable” like a sock or band with sensors. A movement monitor can be combined with a video monitor, or work independently. (Note that a movement monitor is not a medical device, nor is it a replacement for safe sleep practices.)
What to Consider When Choosing a Baby Monitor
At a basic level, a baby monitor should be easy to set up, easy to use, and reliable. Beyond that, think about how you’ll use it and what features are important to you. Here are some things to consider:
- Range: Think about how large your home is, and how far away from your baby you might be hanging out. Audio-only monitors tend to offer a wider range.
- Battery life: Battery life is key if you don’t want to recharge your device multiple times a day. At the very least, you want the battery to last overnight, and keep in mind that an older baby or toddler might sleep for a 10–12 hour stretch.
- Monitor Design: Are the controls easy to use and intuitive? Will it break if it’s knocked off a table?
- Image Quality: Opt for image quality that will allow you to see baby’s features in a dark room, without necessarily being right up close to the screen yourself.
- Audio Quality: Sound should be clear even at low volume (remember, you’ll often be trying to sleep yourself).
- Screen Size: Video screens vary from a fairly large monitor to your cell phone. A 5-inch screen is big enough to see from a few feet away, and small enough to be portable.
- Camera Adjustments: Once your baby’s old enough to move around during sleep, you’ll appreciate a camera you can adjust remotely. Other features to think about: zoom, pan, wide-angle lens, and the option to mount on a wall.
- Split Screen: If you’re expecting multiples or have an older babe you still like to keep an eye on, the two-screens-in-one option is huge.
- Portability: If you opt for a video monitor with a wall-mount camera, you won’t be traveling with it—to a different room or on vacation.
- Two-Way Communication: Will you want to talk to and soothe your baby, in addition to hearing them?
- Security: Wireless-enabled monitors offer a wider range—just be sure to take proper security measures to guard against hacking.
- Additional Features: Smart monitors can show baby’s breathing, heart rate, and more, plus track sleep quality.
- Expandability: For multiple children or multiple rooms, the option to add more cameras may be valuable.
Here Are 10 of Our Favorite Baby Monitors Right Now
Nanit Pro Camera
The Nanit Pro Camera offers advanced monitoring capabilities for parents. With its HD camera and two-way audio, it allows you to see and hear your baby clearly. The camera also features advanced analytics and sleep tracking, providing insights into your baby’s sleep patterns and helping you create a better sleep environment. The Nanit Pro Camera is a reliable and smart option for keeping an eye on your little one.
Eufy SpaceView Baby Monitor
The Eufy SpaceView Baby Monitor is designed to provide peace of mind for parents. It features a 5-inch display with a clear 720p resolution, allowing you to see your baby with great clarity. The monitor also includes two-way audio, enabling you to communicate with your baby. With its long battery life and range of up to 1,000 feet, you can keep an eye on your baby from anywhere in your home.
Motorola Halo+ Video Baby Monitor
The Motorola Halo+ Video Baby Monitor offers a comprehensive monitoring solution for parents. It features two Wi-Fi cameras with an overhead crib mount, providing a clear view of your baby from multiple angles. The 4.3-inch color screen allows you to see your baby in high definition, even in low-light conditions with infrared night vision. The monitor also includes intercom functionality, allowing you to soothe your baby remotely.
VTech Audio Baby Monitor
The VTech Audio Baby Monitor is a reliable and affordable option for parents who prefer audio monitoring. It features DECT 6.0 digital technology, ensuring a secure and interference-free connection. The monitor has a range of up to 1,000 feet, providing flexibility and mobility for parents. With its two-way, talk-back intercom, you can comfort your baby from another room.
Lollipop Baby Monitor
The Lollipop Baby Monitor is a smart Wi-Fi camera that offers true crying detection. With its advanced audio analytics, it can distinguish between different sounds and notify you when your baby is crying. The camera has a sleek and modern design, making it a stylish addition to any nursery. It also features infrared night vision, temperature monitoring, and two-way audio communication.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro
The Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro Full Kit is a feature-rich baby monitor system. It includes an interchangeable lens camera with the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom, providing a customizable view of your baby’s room. The monitor has a 5-inch color screen with a long battery life, allowing you to monitor your baby for extended periods. With its secure and reliable wireless connection, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can keep a watchful eye on your little one.
iBaby i2 Smart Baby Monitor
The iBaby i2 Smart Baby Monitor offers advanced features for monitoring your baby’s well-being. It includes a breathing monitor that alerts you if your baby’s breathing becomes irregular or stops. The monitor also features HD video streaming, two-way audio, and infrared night vision for clear visibility day and night. With its easy-to-use app, you can monitor your baby from anywhere using your smartphone.
Nanit Insights
Nanit Insights is a powerful analytics platform that works in tandem with the Nanit Pro Camera. It provides detailed sleep tracking and personalized sleep guidance, helping you understand and improve your baby’s sleep patterns. With its advanced analytics algorithms, it offers valuable insights into sleep efficiency, wake-ups, and sleep trends. Nanit Insights is a valuable tool for parents who want to optimize their baby’s sleep routine.
HelloBaby Video Baby Monitor
The HelloBaby Video Baby Monitor offers a 5-inch color LCD screen for clear video monitoring. It features infrared night vision, allowing you to see your baby even in low-light conditions. The monitor has a temperature display, ensuring that your baby’s room is always at a comfortable temperature. With its two-way audio and lullaby functionality, you can soothe your baby remotely.
Eufy Smart Sock S320
The Eufy Smart Sock S320 is a unique baby monitor that includes a smart sock for monitoring your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels. The monitor connects to your smartphone, providing real-time data and alerts. It also features a clear 720p display for video monitoring, two-way audio, and infrared night vision. The eufy Smart Sock S320 offers a comprehensive monitoring solution for parents concerned about their baby’s health and well-being.
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