Keep an Eye on Your Little One With the Best Baby Monitors
A baby monitor is an essential device that appears on every baby gear buying guide for new and soon-to-be parents. These products were once considered nice-to-haves, but for this new generation of parents, they are must-haves. But why so?
Baby monitors are fantastic because you can choose anything from a simple, inexpensive device to a high-tech surveillance model that tracks your child's every goal and dream. They're all very good because they let you monitor your baby when you're in another room, allowing you to move around the house or watch your favorite Netflix show without worrying about phantom baby screams.
There are numerous types of baby monitors, and it can be difficult to know which one to buy, what features to look for, and how they work. That is why we have done the legwork for you and carefully selected the top-quality baby monitors of 2023 to help you keep an eye on your child while you move freely around the house, simultaneously enjoying freedom and parenting.
Finding a Quality Baby Monitor: A Buyer's Guide
Newcomers to the baby-monitoring market may be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of products available, specifically with the technical terms used. While some features of a baby monitor are essential to help you keep a tab on your baby, others are only convenient extras. And, unfortunately, some businesses prey on the fears and doubts of well-meaning parents to increase their pricing. That’s why we’ve put together the definitive baby monitor buying guide to help you make an educated choice.
How to Pick the Right Baby Monitor
Health and safety
When selecting a baby monitor, health and safety should always come first. After all, the device you use to keep your kid safe shouldn’t be dangerous for the kid themself. A baby monitor’s health and safety rating depend on several factors. Still, the most important thing is to ensure your youngster doesn’t get tangled up in the cords and minimize the risk of electromagnetic radiation exposure.
Privacy
Have you heard the harrowing tales of parents who discovered that the camera in the little one’s room had been hacked? Just picture it: whole strangers talking to your kid while you are asleep. You should know what you’re getting into if you choose to use a Wi-Fi baby monitor and how to safeguard your family’s privacy. Many baby monitors now feature secure transmission, offering you peace of mind when it comes to the privacy of your kid.
Range
What makes a baby monitor useful is its range. If you must remain within audible distance of your baby’s room at all times, there is no use in purchasing a monitor. Remember, range establishes how distant you can be from your kid or their nursery and still receive clear audio and video. The range of your baby monitor will be affected by factors such as the size of your home and whether or not you wish to use the monitor outside, which is why when looking for a baby monitor, you should keep these points in mind.
Video quality
The next factor you should consider is video quality. It’s important to find a video monitor with good night vision if you need to use it after dark. The ability to visually monitor your baby’s well-being, especially in the event of an emergency, will be hindered by a fuzzy image.
Remote adjustments
Remote panning and adjusting aren’t strictly required, but they can be helpful if your child doesn’t like to sleep in the same place or keeps changing positions.
Battery life
Battery life is an important consideration. Surely, no parent wants to be away from their kid with the parent unit in their hands only to find it’s lost its battery.
Portability
Some baby monitors can easily be moved and adjusted, while others are cameras that must be mounted on the wall and cannot be relocated once set up. Think about portability when purchasing a baby monitor.
Night vision
Your baby will sleep a lot, particularly in the first several months, and ideally, most of that sleep will be at night. That’s why night vision is a very critical factor to consider. It’s important to remember that because night vision doesn’t use color, the image quality may be a little lower than during the day.
Two-way communication
You can talk to your baby using a two-way communication feature, whether you want to sing them a song or try to put them back to sleep. Not only can you hear if your child screams, but this function also allows you to speak to your partner without shouting up the stairs or hallway.
Lullabies
If you don’t want to be in the nursery or you’ve become weary of singing to your baby, a monitor that plays lullabies is a lovely extra touch. Children who listen to music have a more consistent naptime pattern, and most modern baby monitors allow you to play your child’s favorite songs.
Temperature indicator
The temperature can differ between rooms if doors are closed since the thermostat in your home normally won’t measure the temperature in every room. That’s where a video baby monitor with a temperature indicator can help. It will help you monitor the temperature and make any required adjustments.
Extra features
Some baby monitors have other features outside just the ability to see your child. While some have built-in speakers or play music or provide two-way communication with your child, others go the extra mile by incorporating features such as humidity control, smart home connectivity, and text or email alerts upon motion or sound detection. Do consider whether you want to go for these extra features or not since they can impact the price.
Different Types of Baby Monitors
Audio-only baby monitors
One of the most fundamental baby monitor types, audio monitors only consist of a microphone and a speaker. The microphone can be placed near the crib, and sounds will be sent to the speaker, which you can then take with you wherever you go.
This type of baby monitor is user-friendly and affordable, but it has a few drawbacks. The range is typically short, so you have to be physically close to the baby to hear them. It also may be challenging to distinguish your baby’s cries from other sounds in the house if you use an audio monitor.
Non-Wi-Fi audio and video baby monitor
As an upgrade from standard audio monitors, this type of baby monitor features a camera that sends a live video feed to a receiver. Their range is typically better than that of audio-only monitors. Because these baby monitors don’t require Wi-Fi, you won’t need to download apps or worry about your phone’s memory, security, or connectivity.
Since these baby monitors come with a wide variety of options, including remote pan and tilt as well as night vision, they can cost more than audio-only monitors and consume more power. Remember, the battery needs to be charged regularly or the monitor will have to be plugged in at all times.
Wi-Fi audio and video baby monitor
Wi-Fi audio and video baby monitors often do not include a separate parent unit and are accessed through an app on a smart device. The convenience of this baby monitor allows you to keep an eye on your child even when you’re not there (the range is unlimited). There are a lot of these baby monitors out there that can also be integrated with either Alexa or Google.
That said, Wi-Fi-based monitoring systems need constant internet access and a reliable signal, and they raise more hacking issues than traditional monitors do. In addition to being more expensive, these monitors may demand a membership charge to use the full range of tracking options available within the accompanying mobile app.
Wearable device baby monitor
Many of the more expensive baby monitors are always striving to improve, and one popular way to do this is by including smart wearables, such as a sock or band, that you may place on your kid as they sleep. This allows parents to keep tabs on their infant’s breathing, heart rate, movement, and more. These monitors are recommended for worried parents because of their high-tech features and reasonable price.
If you’re shopping for a wearable device to keep tabs on your baby, it’s ideal to get one with a built-in audio/visual monitor. While it may take a little more time to get these devices up and running, once you have everything configured, you will have a wealth of information at your fingertips to better monitor and track your baby’s sleep.
Benefits of Using Baby Monitors
Peace of mind
Baby monitors help concerned parents have peace of mind. You can check on your child several times without even getting up; that’s something a new mother will greatly appreciate. This helps new parents because they can keep an eye on their baby without going to the nursery. They won’t have to worry about waking up the baby, either.
Monitor your kid when away from home
Some video monitors have Wi-Fi connections, making it possible to watch what their baby is doing on their phones. Parents who work different shifts value this option because it enables them to check on their kids.
It is also comforting if you are anxious about leaving your child for the first time with a family member or a babysitter — it doesn’t matter whether you believe in the person or not. And, let’s not forget that it’s just comforting to see and speak to your child, particularly when you are away from home.
Monitor a baby with health issues
A video monitor will relieve some of your anxiety if your child has health problems. It can help you monitor a child with physical problems, congenital diseases, and even allergies. This way, you can spot risky situations and positions by watching your baby through the camera.
It also is ideal for keeping an eye on babies who have asthma, skin allergies, or epilepsy. Using merely an audio monitor will prevent you from spotting the visible symptoms of a problem, but having the visual aid will help detect chokes and suffocations as well as seizures and breathing problems. You’ll be able to gauge how quickly you need to respond.
Record precious memories
The ability to record is a pleasantly unexpected benefit of a good video baby monitor. It enables you to capture and share priceless moments with your loved ones.
Check on your baby without lights
Sometimes you just have to check on your infant in the middle of the night to ensure everything is well. The most advanced baby monitors feature night vision that can be used in the dark.
Few false-alarms
When using an audio baby monitor, you may have to make extra visits upstairs to check on the infant. But, with a video baby monitor, you can check the situation without getting out of your seat.
Help train your child to sleep
Using a video baby monitor, you can see whether your child is in discomfort or not. Putting a baby to sleep will go more smoothly if you don’t feel the urge to check on them every time they make a noise.
Talk to your baby
If your baby is having problems falling asleep, a two-way speak function on a high-quality baby video monitor can be a lifesaver. You can also use two-way communication when your kid is older to tell them to put away their toys and go back to sleep if they disturb your sleep.
Comparing the Top Baby Monitor of 2023 in Detail
Bonoch Baby Monitor – Best Overall
The Bonoch Baby Monitor uses cutting-edge technology that lets parents keep tabs on their young children from another room. The entire nursery can be seen because of the 720p HD cameras’ ability to pan 355 degrees and tilt 120 degrees, as well as their two and four-times zoom. Since this baby monitor doesn’t need an app, a Wi-Fi connection, or any kind of storage, any footage captured by the gadget is secure from prying eyes. Additionally, the baby monitor has a two-way voice system, real-time room temperature reading, and options that allow you to play soothing lullabies to reassure young children and help them sleep.
With this baby monitor, it’s possible to observe your babies simultaneously in split-screen mode on the high-definition screen with remarkable magnification capacity, with the Wi-Fi-free monitor featuring a range of 1,000 feet. Better still, the monitor has a 22-hour battery life in its voice-activated VOX mode and an eight-hour screen-on time. Overall, his product is the best on our list because of its HD cameras, battery timing, and exceptional features.
Pros
- Split-screen makes monitoring baby easy
- Allows you to play soothing lullabies
- No camera light for peaceful sleep
Cons
- Battery isn’t very good
Momcozy Baby Monitor – Easy Setup
The Momcozy Baby Monitor is the perfect solution for parents looking for a reliable, worry-free baby monitoring system that can be quickly set up and used. Its zero setup makes it incredibly easy to start using this system, as you just need to connect the camera and monitor, and they’ll both be instantly linked up. The monitor offers crystal clear picture quality thanks to its 5-inch large display screen and 720p high-definition pixels, so you can always see your child.
The four times image magnification allows parents to easily check if their child is sleeping or awake. The 360-degree all-around view ensures that you can keep an eye on your baby in every corner of the room. Best of all, no Wi-Fi is required to use this monitor. This means parents won’t have to worry about their data being hacked. The rechargeable screen also allows you to take it wherever you go and easily monitor your baby from any room in the house.
Pros
- No need to log into an app
- Has its own screen for convenience
- Ability to see and hear baby from anywhere
Cons
- Not compatible with other home automation systems
VTech Baby Monitor – Most Lightweight
The VTech VM819 Baby Monitor is one of the top-rated non-Wi-Fi video baby monitors, giving excellent audio and video monitoring along with several helpful features that make parenting much easier.
It’s designed to make it easy for parents with hectic schedules to keep tabs on their children from anywhere in the house, including the backyard. This monitor lets you watch your child all day and all night because it can record video for up to 19 hours on a single charge. With a dependable, long working range of up to 1,000 feet, you can move about easily while maintaining contact with your child even when away.
Almost weightless at 1.25 pounds, the parent unit is small enough to carry in your pocket beside your smartphone. Not only is it equipped with lullabies and ambient music to help put your child to sleep, but it can also help calm your baby down remotely through the intercom. Even better, it features sensors that monitor the temperature in your baby’s room to ensure it is secure and cozy for your little one.
Pros
- Offers clear pictures at day and night
- Exceptional battery life
- Superb transmission range
Cons
- Limited features with low-quality screen
ANMEATE Baby Monitor – Most Budget-Friendly
The ANMEATE Baby Monitor gives you the best and most practical baby monitoring experience without requiring a Wi-Fi connection. For parents who are on a tight budget but still want a safe and dependable monitor, this baby monitor is a fantastic choice. It offers features like sound-activated LED indications, VOX mode, manual pan and tilt, and the flexibility to mount on a wall or table that are typically featured in more expensive monitors.
When it comes to seeing your baby in the nursery, this baby monitor provides a quality experience even in a dark environment. This is thanks to its crystal-clear infrared night vision, which switches on the night vision mode and automatically recognizes low light or dim light situations to transmit images in black and white. Even more, the parent unit is also highly portable and light at only 3 ounces, making it small enough to fit in a pocket, diaper bag, or handbag.
Pros
- Budget-friendly and easy to install
- Doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi
- Offers good picture quality
Cons
- Screen size is small
HelloBaby Baby Monitor – Easiest to Install
The HelloBaby Baby Monitor is yet another top pick; it stands out thanks to its cutting-edge 2.4GHz FHSS transmission technology, which ensures a reliable, trouble-free connection. Meanwhile, you may use the monitor’s two-way communication features to soothe your child from afar, thanks to its respectable range.
Setting up this baby monitor is a breeze because you don’t have to bother linking it to a network or doing anything else technical. You are ready to go immediately after connecting the camera and charging the parent unit. Plus, it can be expanded to accommodate additional cameras, has night vision, features two-times zoom, can pan and tilt in any direction, and has lights that turn on in response to sound.
Even better, the baby monitor adjusts to night vision by detecting low light and can swivel 355 degrees around and 120 degrees up and down, so it will function nicely in a playroom too. In addition, there is a thermometer, eight lullabies, a sound-activated mode with a sensitivity slider, and a timer that will buzz to remind you of your feeding schedule if you haven’t already set one.
Pros
- Cutting-edge technology for reliable connection
- Easy to install
- Reminds you of your feeding schedule
Cons
- Doesn’t transmit video to your device
Eufy Security Baby Monitor – Most Innovative
The Eufy Security Baby Monitor can distinguish ambient sounds from your child’s cries or whimpers. This helps you out because you won’t be bombarded with notifications every five seconds, and you won’t have to worry about missing out on your baby’s cries because you’re listening to music or watching TV.
In addition to its regular features, this monitor has a wide viewing angle to provide more flexibility. It boasts a 720p display on its sizable 5-inch screen, and it can be physically tilted and panned around. Even more, the battery is quite long-lasting and the unit has sufficient range for most homes of average size.
The screen on this baby monitor is large enough that you won’t have to strain your neck to see what’s happening in the room. Better yet, it has a talkback option that you can use to speak with your toddler or to comfort your infant in stressful situations like sleep training. Even though most baby monitors have mediocre sound quality that defeats the device’s usefulness, this one does not and transmits clear delay-free sound.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Two-way talk between parents and baby
- Distinguishes between ambient sounds and cries
Cons
- Doesn’t feature movement or breathing tracking
Kidsneed Baby Monitor – Quality Features
The Kidsneed Video Baby Monitor is designed for busy parents who can’t stop worrying about their children. It includes two-way talk, a temperature readout, lullabies, a voice-activated mode, and night vision. Even better, this set may be used without Wi-Fi and can conveniently be placed on the wall. The baby monitor ensures peace of mind at any hour of the day or night by helping you keep a tab on your kid.
It has a 3.5-inch screen and a camera that can be rotated 360 degrees, with its pan-tilt-zoom functionality allowing for multi-angle live footage of the infant. The high-definition screen incorporates controls for the camera within its frame, while the monitoring camera has a view control feature that allows parents to get a good look at their children. For your peace of mind, the night mode allows you to watch your baby when you’re in bed — even in total darkness, the camera’s automatic low-light LEDs produce a clear picture. But, since it runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts for roughly 12 hours on a single charge, the parents must remember to charge it once or twice daily.
Pros
- Can be mounted on the wall
- View-control feature for a better look
- Provides a quality image in low-light conditions
Cons
- Issue with charging
iFamily Baby Monitor – Most Secure
Any new mother would be wise to invest in the iFamily Baby Monitor. This wireless baby monitor features a parent control unit with an LCD color screen so you can keep an eye on your child even when away. Besides that, it allows you to remotely control the camera’s pan, tilt, and zoom functions to ensure further that you have the best possible view of your child at all times.
Additionally, the camera has a powerful infrared LED that is undetectable to the human eye, allowing clear photos without any traces of red light. Also, it is a perfect option for midnight checks without waking the little one.
On top of all that, the baby monitors with camera and audio allow two-way communication as clearly as if you were in the same room as your child. When your baby is having trouble falling asleep, the calming lullabies in this baby monitor help them unwind and relax for a better night’s sleep. But, the cherry on top is that its secure transmission ensures your baby’s privacy with you being the only one watching your little one.
Pros
- Secure transmission for privacy
- Ideal for midnight checks without interruption
- Perfect sound quality with two-way communication
Cons
- Battery life isn’t good
People Also Asked
A: The answer depends on your needs and the role you want the baby monitor to play, but knowing the difference can help you make a good choice. While radio frequency monitors have a shorter range and may increase your child's exposure to harmful electromagnetic waves, they’re considerably safer from baby monitor hacking and feature a convenient parent unit. Plus, they can do their thing even if your Wi-Fi isn't working. In contrast, Wi-Fi monitors send footage of your infant straight to your smartphone via your internet connection. Although this provides access to a plethora of new features and monitoring possibilities, it also raises concerns about your child's privacy. This means that to see and hear your kid, you must keep your tablet or phone powered on at all times. Also, it isn’t an ideal option if your Wi-Fi connection is interrupted or you have connectivity issues.
A: Concerned parents often debate whether or not to invest in a baby monitor. The answer depends on what describes you the best. So, if you are a parent living in a small home where you can keep an ear on your child at all times, a baby monitor isn't necessary. In contrast, a baby monitor is necessary if you need to keep an eye on your child but can't always hear them or if your doctor has recommended it. While parents who use a monitor to keep tabs on their child report getting a better night's rest, a baby monitor is no substitute for a caring parent. Remember, newer versions of monitors with advanced technological features might be very helpful for parents who want to keep a watch on their youngsters. Still, a baby monitor is merely a tool at the end of the day.
A: While you can use your phone as a baby monitor in terms of technical feasibility, you probably shouldn’t. Some parents, seeing the rising popularity of WiFi-enabled baby monitors, have wondered if they could simply use an old smartphone as a camera in their child's bedroom and transmit the footage over a video chat app like Skype or Facetime. While it is feasible to use a smartphone as a baby monitor, it’s not a very practical solution. A baby monitor's ability to see in the dark with infrared night vision is a crucial safety feature, and that's probably beyond the capabilities of your aging cellphone. Also, video conferencing services like Skype and FaceTime were not designed for continuous use. The call may cut off, forcing you to dash back to the nursery to reconnect the line. The loss of communication during sleep might go unnoticed.
A: Yes, you should invest in a baby monitor. Most parents would feel lost without their baby monitor. After all, it's impossible to monitor your infant around the clock, so having a device that lets you check in on them even when you're not there is invaluable.
A: The answer is subjective, as is so much in parenting. Since there is no definitive medical advice on when you should quit, it is important to consider your own family's circumstances. But here are some points that may help you make a better decision. To begin, it’s recommended by most professionals that you discontinue using a baby monitor once your child is 4 years old. This is because, by that time, your child learns they’re being watched. Secondly, they've become used to sleeping in their bed.
