Overview
A baby monitor is an important gadget to put in your baby’s room or nursery for your peace of mind.
Nowadays, most baby monitors have a security camera and two-way communication options.
You can even get the ones with HD (high-definition) video cameras, wide-angle lenses, and WiFi to easily connect to gadgets like iPhones, android phones, Alexa, Google Nest, etc.
Aside from these features, you can also find baby monitoring systems with speakers that play white noise or lullabies, sleep tracking apps, and many other add-on features. Options are also available for sleep, heart rate, and breathing monitors.
Still, you might find yourself asking questions like:
“Are baby monitors worth it?”
“Which baby monitor is the best to buy?”
“Do baby breathing monitors prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)?”
“How do baby monitors work without WiFi?”
“Can a baby monitor be hacked if it’s not on WiFi?”
We prepared this review to help you pick the best baby monitor and get answers to your questions.
Are Baby Monitors Worth It?
Baby monitors aren’t required for every home, but many parents believe these devices are worth their money and include them in their checklist of baby essentials.
A high-quality baby monitor lets you keep tabs on your baby even if you’re in other parts of the house.
It can even let you monitor your little one when you’re away from home, as long as the device has a WiFi camera.
Do You Need To Buy A Baby Monitor?
If your baby sleeps with you in the same room or has a crib in the living room, a baby monitor might not be necessary.
Still, this device can be convenient so that you can do other tasks or take a rest without constantly checking on your sleeping baby.
You can opt to get the device with functionality based on your needs, preferences, and budget. For example, a WiFi video baby monitor usually offers more bells and whistles but can have a higher price tag than a standard audio-only baby monitor.
Products with an HD camera cost more but they give you a clearer, better view of your baby and their nursery or sleeping area than a low-resolution camera. Most units also come with two-way audio.
You can find our recommendations below, grouped according to type.
Our Top 6 Picks For The Best Baby Monitors
Baby Monitoring Systems With Wearables
- Nanit Pro Camera With Breathing Band ($299 to $379) – Smart WiFi baby monitor with sensor-free breathing wearable monitors, 1080p HD video camera that tracks your baby’s movements, HD night vision, split screen feature (see and control two cameras simultaneously in the app), dimmable night light, two-way talk + background audio (even if phone screen is off), speaker with built-in white noise and nature sounds, and real-time sleep analytics with personalized expert tips
- Owlet Dream Duo Plus With Dream Socks ($399 to $449) – WiFi baby monitor with baby monitoring socks available in two sizes (babies 0-18 months and toddlers up to 55 lbs), sleep quality indicator tracker (e.g., heart rate, average oxygen level, wakings, room temperature, humidity, and noise levels), 130-degree wide-angle lens 1080p HD video camera with 4x zoom, auto-adjusting night vision, sound and motion notifications, two-way talk with background audio, predictive sleep technology, Sleep Assist notification (if your baby’s sleep quality indicators deviate from their expected baseline), and multiple access using the same account
WiFi Video Baby Monitor
- Cubo AI Plus Smart Baby Monitor ($199 to $449) – Top-level security tested smart WiFi video baby monitor with AI (artificial intelligence) technology, danger zone detection (e.g., covered face, rollover detection, or entering a preset danger zone), HD night vision, soothing night light, two-way audio, automatic photo capture, built-in lullabies, a wide-angle 1080p HD camera, true cry detection (can differentiate with background noise), cough detection, humidity and room temperature monitors, customized alerts, 18-hour playback, multiple camera support, and family sharing options for real-time monitoring
Non-WiFi Video Baby Monitor
- Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor ($199.99) – Advanced non-WiFi video baby monitor with a secured and closed-loop system for your baby’s privacy and safety (only viewable by you), doesn’t require apps or a smartphone connection to work, own 5-inch screen monitor, 720p HD video camera with 2x optical zoom and interchangeable lens option (for 6x zoom or wide-angle lenses), night vision, two-way talk, 1000Mw speakers for crisper audio quality, active noise reduction technology to filter out background noise (static noise), sound-activated dimmable LED bar lights (even if your monitor’s screen is turned off or the audio is muted), remote temperature monitoring, connects up to four cameras, and signal range of up to 1,000 feet
- Babysense HD Split Screen Video Baby Monitor HD S2 ($249.99) – Non-WiFi video baby monitor with two remotely operated cameras and a 5-inch HD split screen, hack-proof internet-free connection with enhanced 2.4GHz FHSS (frequency-hopping spread spectrum) technology, built-in adjustable night light with three intensity levels, HD camera with up to 4x zoom, advanced talk-to-baby feature, built-in lullabies with white noise sounds, 90-night sleep trial, long battery life of up to 20 hours (eco mode) and 12 hours (regular mode), and connects up to four cameras
Audio Baby Monitor
- VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor ($38.95) – Audio-only baby monitor that comes with a belt clip, 5-level sound indicator, vibrating sound alert and backlit display on the parent unit, two-way talk-back intercom, DECT 6.0 digital technology (transmission prevents interference and eliminates background noise), and a night light on the baby unit
Continue reading for more information about these baby monitors.
1. Nanit Pro Camera With Breathing Band
Price
- Baby monitor with breathing band monitor and wall mount – $299
- Baby monitor with breathing band monitor and floor mount – $379
What Makes It Special
- Smart WiFi baby monitor with 1080p HD video camera that tracks your baby’s movements
- HD night vision
- Split screen feature (see and control two cameras simultaneously in the app)
- Dimmable night light
- Two-way talk + background audio (even if your phone screen is off)
- Speaker with built-in white noise and nature sounds
- Real-time sleep analytics with personalized expert tips
- Sensor-free breathing wearable monitors
Key Features
- Type: WiFi video baby monitor system with wearables
- Material: Plastic
- Product Safety & Security: 256-bit AES encryption and ASTM-certified (American Society for Testing and Materials) as safe to be positioned within 3 ft of your baby’s crib because it has a cord cover
- Screen Size: Your connected phone’s size
- Monitor Resolution & Image Quality: 1080p HD cam
- Range: Any; internet range
- Remote Adjustments: Yes, through the app
- Compatibility: iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, and Echo Show
- Mounting Options: Wall mount or floor stand
- Battery Life: Plug-in device
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints about the device frequently disconnecting from the WiFi, not recording, or moving the focus away from their babies
2. Owlet Dream Duo Plus With Dream Socks
Price
- Owlet Dream Duo Plus (camera + wearable sleep monitoring socks for 0-5 years old) – $449
- Owlet Dream Duo (camera + wearable sleep monitoring socks for 0-18 months old) – $399
What Makes It Special
- Tracks sleep quality indicators (e.g., heart rate, average oxygen level, wakings, room temperature, humidity, and noise levels)
- 1080p HD video camera
- Auto-adjusting night vision
- 130-degree wide-angle lens with 4x zoom
- Sound and motion notifications
- Background audio
- Two-way talk
- Predictive sleep technology
- Sleep Assist notification if your baby’s sleep quality indicators deviate from their expected baseline
- Multiple access using the same account
- Baby monitoring socks are available in two sizes (babies 0-18 months and toddlers up to 55 lbs)
Key Features
- Type: WiFi video baby monitor system with wearables
- Material: Fabric socks
- Product Safety & Security: Not indicated
- Screen Size: Your connected phone’s screen
- Monitor Resolution & Image Quality: 1080p HD video
- Range: Any; internet range
- Remote Adjustments: Yes, using the app
- Compatibility: iOS 13 and Android 7 or higher
- Mounting Options: Wall mount
- Battery Life: 18 hours (sock sensor)
Product Recall
- None, but with a safety warning
The FDA issued a safety warning against Owlet Smart Socks, which they declared as a medical device that needs the agency’s marketing clearance and approval. (1)
The federal agency explained that these products should be considered medical devices because of their heart rate and oxygen level notifications. (1)
On their website, Owlet explains that the FDA’s safety warning wasn’t actually about the product’s safety concerns but had something to do with its need for reclassification into a medical device.
No recall was issued. However, the brand no longer sells the Owlet Smart Socks in the US but offers the Dream Socks instead.
The brand explains that the Smart Sock (and Smart Sock Duo) notifies users if their baby’s heart rate or oxygen levels depart from preset values, while the Dream Socks don’t have these notification features.
Cons
- Has a safety warning from the FDA
- Some complaints about the app crashing or not working properly
3. Cubo AI Plus Smart Baby Monitor
Price
- Baby monitor camera with wall-mount set – $199
- Baby monitor camera with 3-stand set – $299
- Sleep sensor pad (must be paired with the baby monitor) – $149
- Cubo Ai Sleep Safety Bundle (Sleep Sensor Pad + Cubo Ai Plus Camera) with 3-stand set – $449
What Makes It Special
- Top-level security tested smart WiFi video baby monitor with AI (artificial intelligence) technology
- Danger zone detection (e.g., covered face, rollover detection, or entering a preset danger zone)
- HD night vision
- Soothing night light
- Two-way audio
- Automatic photo capture
- Built-in lullabies
- Wide-angle, 1080p HD camera
- True cry detection (can differentiate with background noise)
- Cough detection
- Humidity and room temperature monitors
- Customized alerts
- 18-hour playback
- Multiple camera support
- Family sharing options
Key Features
- Type: WiFi baby monitor
- Material: UV-stabilized (ultraviolet), child-friendly polycarbonate
- Product Safety & Security: Bank-level cyber security, CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association) cybersecurity certified, symmetric-key encryption / encrypted data protection (TLS/SSL), and enterprise-level security (AES-256 bit)
- Screen Size: Your connected smartphone’s screen
- Monitor Resolution & Image Quality: 1080p HD camera
- Range: Any; internet range
- Remote Adjustments: Yes, using a smartphone app
- Compatibility: iOS 10 and Android 5.0 or newer mobile device systems
- Mounting Options: Wall mount, crib stand, floor stand, and mobile stand
- Requirements: Internet connection via WiFi (at least 5Mbps)
- Battery Life: Plugged in, no batteries needed
- Warranty: One year (includes Cubo AI Care Premium plan in your first year)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Requires smartphone connection
- Some complaints that their product stopped working and they couldn’t fix it
4. Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor
Price
- $199.99
What Makes It Special
- Advanced non-WiFi video baby monitor with a secured and closed-loop system for your baby’s privacy and safety (only viewable by you)
- Doesn’t require apps or a smartphone connection to work
- Own 5-inch screen
- 720p HD resolution video with 2x optical zoom
- Interchangeable lens option (for 6x zoom or wide-angle lenses)
- Night vision
- Two-way talk
- 1000Mw speakers for a louder, crisper audio quality that lets you can hear your baby clearly using the monitor unit
- Active noise reduction technology to filter out background noise (static noise)
- Sound-activated dimmable LED bar lights up as a signal that your baby is making noises even if your monitor’s screen is turned off or the audio is muted
- Remote temperature monitoring
- Connects up to four cameras
- Signal range is up to 1,000 ft
Key Features
- Type: Non-WiFi video baby monitor
- Material: Plastic
- Product Safety & Security: Secured and closed-loop system (video and audio signal transmissions are only viewable on the monitor unit)
- Screen Size: 5 inches
- Monitor Resolution & Image Quality: 720p HD
- Range: Up to 1,000 feet
- Remote Adjustments: Using the monitor unit
- Compatibility: Only with other Infant Optics cameras
- Mounting Options: Tabletop
- Battery Life (monitor): 10 hours (standby mode) and 6 hours (screen ON mode)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Lower camera resolution than the other baby monitors we recommend, but still HD
- Some complaints about the product’s true signal range after their monitors easily disconnected after moving downstairs or to other rooms
5. Babysense HD Split Screen Video Baby Monitor HD S2
Price
- $249.99
What Makes It Special
- Non-WiFi video baby monitor with two remotely operated cameras and a 5-inch HD split screen
- Hack-proof internet-free connection with enhanced 2.4GHz FHSS technology
- Built-in adjustable night light with three intensity levels
- HD camera with up to 4x zoom
- Advanced talk-to-baby feature
- Built-in lullabies with white noise sounds
- 90-night sleep trial
- Long battery life – can be used up to 20 hours (eco mode) and 12 hours (regular mode)
- Connects up to four cameras
Key Features
- Type: Non-WiFi video baby monitor
- Material: Plastic
- Product Safety & Security: Private FHSS connection
- Screen Size: 5 inches
- Monitor Resolution & Image Quality: HD
- Range: 960ft
- Remote Adjustments: Yes, using the parent unit
- Compatibility: Compatible with other Babysense cameras
- Mounting Options: Wall mount and tabletop
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours in eco mode and 12 hours in regular mode
- Warranty: One year
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints that the monitor keeps turning off even if fully charged
6. VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor
Price
- $38.95
What Makes It Special
- Audio-only baby monitor
- Comes with a belt clip
- 5-level sound indicator
- Vibrating sound alert on the parent unit
- Backlit display on the parent unit
- Two-way talk-back intercom
- DECT 6.0 digital technology (transmission prevents interference and eliminates background noise)
- Night light on the baby unit
Key Features
- Type: Audio-only baby monitor
- Material: Plastic
- Product Safety & Security: Not connected to the internet, only connects to the parent unit
- Screen Size: No screen for video (this is an audio-only device), has a digital display
- Monitor Resolution & Image Quality: None
- Range: Up to 1,000 ft
- Remote Adjustments: None
- Compatibility: None
- Mounting Options: Tabletop and belt clip
- Battery Life: 9-16 hours (depending on monitor’s sensitivity settings); also runs on AC power
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Doesn’t have a display (audio only)
- Some complaints about the low volume on the parent unit and the product regularly unlinking
Summary & Recommendations: Which Is The Best Baby Monitor To Buy?
Choose Nanit Pro Camera With Breathing Band ($299 to $379) if:
- You need a baby monitoring system (WiFi baby monitor) with sensor-free breathing wearable monitors
- You like having a 1080p HD video camera that tracks your baby’s movements and has HD night vision
- You want one with a split screen feature (see and control two cameras simultaneously in the app)
- You prefer having dimmable night lights and real-time sleep analytics with personalized expert tips
- You need a monitor with two-way talk + background audio (even if your phone screen is off), plus a speaker with built-in white noise and nature sounds
Choose Owlet Dream Duo Plus With Dream Socks ($399 to $449) if:
- You want a baby monitoring system (WiFi baby monitor) with baby monitoring socks available in two sizes (babies 0-18 months and toddlers up to 55 lbs)
- You need one with a sleep quality indicator tracker (e.g., heart rate, average oxygen level, wakings, room temperature, humidity, and noise levels)
- You prefer a 130-degree wide-angle lens 1080p HD video camera with 4x zoom and auto-adjusting night vision
- You like one with sound and motion notifications, two-way talk with background audio, and multiple access using the same account
- You need a monitor with predictive sleep technology and Sleep Assist notification (if your baby’s sleep quality indicators deviate from their expected baseline)
Choose Cubo AI Plus Smart Baby Monitor ($199 to $449) if:
- You prefer a WiFi video baby monitor but don’t need a wearable monitoring device
- You want a top-level security-tested smart WiFi video baby monitor with AI (artificial intelligence) technology
- You prefer one with danger zone detection (e.g., covered face, rollover detection, or entering a preset danger zone)
- You need a wide-angle 1080p HD camera with HD night vision, automatic photo capture, 18-hour playback, and multiple camera support
- You like having a soothing night light, two-way audio, built-in lullabies, true cry detection (can differentiate with background noise), and cough detection
- You prefer having humidity and room temperature monitors, customized alerts, and family sharing options for real-time monitoring
Choose Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor ($199.99) if:
- You prefer an advanced non-WiFi video baby monitor
- You like that it has a secured and closed-loop system for your baby’s privacy and safety (only viewable by you on the monitor)
- You want that it doesn’t require apps or a smartphone connection to work
- You prefer having a different 5-inch screen than using your smartphone as a monitor
- You don’t mind that it only has a 720p HD resolution video (the other baby monitors we recommend have 1080p resolution)
- You like that it has 2x optical zoom, an option for the interchangeable lens (for 6x zoom or wide-angle lenses), and night vision
- You want an option for two-way talk, active noise reduction technology to filter out background noise (static noise), and 1000Mw speakers for a louder, crisper audio quality (you can hear your baby clearly using the monitor unit)
- You prefer one with a sound-activated dimmable LED bar that lights up as a signal that your baby is making noises (activates even if your monitor’s screen is turned off or the audio is muted)
- You need one that has remote temperature monitoring, connects up to four cameras, and has a signal range up to 1,000 feet
Choose Babysense HD Split Screen Video Baby Monitor HD S2 ($249.99) if:
- You prefer a non-WiFi video baby monitor with two remotely operated cameras and a 5-inch HD split screen
- You want a hack-proof internet-free connection with enhanced 2.4GHz FHSS technology
- You need one with built-in adjustable night light with three intensity levels
- You prefer having an HD camera with up to 4x zoom
- You like that it has an advanced talk-to-baby feature, built-in lullabies with white noise sounds, and connects up to four cameras
- You’re looking for a monitor with a 90-night sleep trial
- You prefer a product with long battery life – up to 20 hours (eco mode) and 12 hours (regular mode)
Choose VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor ($38.95) if:
- You prefer a budget-friendly audio baby monitor and don’t need one with a camera
- You like that it comes with a belt clip
- You want one with a 5-level sound indicator, vibrating sound alert and backlit display on the parent unit, and a two-way talk-back intercom
- You prefer a product with DECT 6.0 digital technology (transmission prevents interference and eliminates background noise)
- You want a baby monitor with a night light on the baby unit
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Baby Monitor
Type: What Are The Types Of Baby Monitors?
WiFi Monitors
These products need WiFi to work and might require a connection to a compatible smartphone or gadget, though many also come with their own monitors.
Non-WiFi Monitors (With Video)
These products have a camera and their own monitor. They work without WiFi and don’t require a connection to a compatible third-party device.
Baby Monitoring System With Wearable Smart Monitors
These products are actually similar to the WiFi monitors mentioned above but with the addition of a linked wearable device that monitors other aspects, including your baby’s breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
Audio-Only Baby Monitors
These products don’t have a monitor or camera, with the baby and parent units connected without the need for WiFi.
What’s The Best Type Of Baby Monitor?
The best type of baby monitor depends on your needs.
Many parents prefer those with smart cameras and a monitor, but others are fine with just audio monitors.
A baby monitoring system with wearables can offer the best features, but they’re likely more expensive than traditional baby monitors.
Prices Of Baby Monitors
It depends on what type you prefer, the features and capabilities each product offers, and the brand, but these are the common price ranges:
- Audio-only baby monitors cost the least and can go as low as $40 to $50.
- Video baby monitors have an average cost of anywhere from $150 to $250.
- Baby monitoring systems are usually more expensive and might cost more than $300.
Safety & Security: Are There Any Safe Baby Monitors?
Many parents are concerned about data privacy, especially with baby monitors connected to the internet.
For example, in 2019, hackers were able to make an SNOO bassinet shake. They also made the smart bassinet’s built-in monitor play loud sounds. Happiest Baby, the maker of SNOO, patched the security vulnerabilities and offered parents an option to turn off the baby product’s WiFi connection. (2)
In the same year, a couple reported that a stranger hacked into their Fredi baby monitor, and the man told their child, “Jaden, I love you.” (3)
Many companies now use different protocols to prevent similar security breaches from happening through hacking.
Still, if you’re worried, it might be a good idea to pick a non-WiFi baby monitor instead. Many products can also be set to disable remote access.
Can A Baby Monitor Be Hacked If It’s Not On WiFi?
Actually, non-WiFi baby monitors can still be hacked if the hacker has the right equipment and is within the product’s range. (4)
However, these products can be more difficult or unlikely to be hacked by someone who isn’t in their range. So, technically, they can be safer than WiFi options. (4)
Keeping Your Baby Monitor Secure
Some safety tips to keep your baby monitor secure: (4)
- Secure your home network’s WiFi access.
- Disable remote access to your WiFi router and baby monitor.
- Disable DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System), if the option is available.
- Disable UPnP or port forwarding, if the option is available.
- Register your baby monitor with the manufacturer so you can receive software updates, especially those that fix potential security risks.
- Change the default login details by setting up a new password.
- Regularly check your logs for suspicious activities.
Capabilities & Extra Features
Different brands, products, and models have different capabilities and features. So, it’s best to determine your needs and check what each option can offer:
Screen Or Monitor Size
Many products no longer have a special monitor because the cameras connect to your smartphone or other gadgets.
However, if you prefer those with a monitor, check the size. Most come with a 5-inch monitor, but others might have smaller or bigger screens.
Camera Settings & Options
Check if you can remotely change the settings of your baby monitor’s camera to tilt, zoom in or out, or pan across the room.
Many monitors come with night vision but choose those with HD night vision so the photos won’t be grainy.
Some products also have interchangeable lenses to let you use a zoom or wide-angle lens.
Audio, Image, & Video Quality
If you pick a video baby monitor, those with camera resolutions that are at least 720p HD are preferable. Many monitors now have 1080p HD cameras, though they tend to cost more than those with 720p cameras.
Monitor Settings & Options
Many monitors let you control the camera or baby unit using the parent unit or an app. There are also options for touchscreen monitors, while other products don’t come with a monitor.
Camera Expandability
If you need to check different rooms using the same device or monitor, camera expandability is certainly a feature you’d want to have.
Many baby monitors can connect 2-4 cameras, while others even have a split screen to let you check two cameras simultaneously.
Range
You don’t need to worry about the WiFi baby monitor range, but longer ranges of up to 1,000 feet can be ideal for non-WiFi options.
Battery Life: How Long Do Baby Monitor Batteries Last?
It’s good to pick baby monitors with batteries that last at least eight hours or overnight, so you don’t worry about the device turning off while your baby is still sleeping.
However, some can be connected to the power outlet.
No Annoying “Extra” Features
Some baby monitors offer night lights, white noise, and certain alarm notifications. While these are useful extra features, some parents find them annoying.
Check if the product you picked has options to disable these features, so you can turn them off if you realize you don’t like them.
FAQs
Do Baby Breathing Monitors Prevent SIDS?
Studies show that even with advanced technology, there’s insufficient evidence that baby breathing monitors can prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). According to a 2018 study, these baby monitors might not accurately measure oxygen or heart rates. (5)
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital warns that baby monitors aren’t classified as medical devices but could give you a false sense of security that they can prevent SIDS, especially because they’re expensive. (6)
How Do Baby Monitors Work Without WiFi?
Traditional baby monitors use radio waves, so they don’t require WiFi or internet access to work. (7)
What Age Do You Need A Baby Monitor?
The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) doesn’t have a specific age recommendation for baby monitors. For peace of mind, many parents prefer using them until their kids’ first birthday.
It can also be a good idea to continue using baby monitors in your child’s toddler years.
Registered nurse and pediatric sleep consultant Katie DiMonico recommends a video baby monitor from birth until your child is four years old. (8)
She explains that you can use the monitor to check: (8)
- On your sleeping baby
- What your toddler is doing
Recalls On Baby Monitors
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/owlet-baby-care-inc-616354-10052021
(2) https://www.wired.com/story/snoo-smart-bassinet-vulnerabilities-shaking-loud-noise/
(3) https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/stranger-hacks-baby-monitor-tells-child-i-love-you-n1090046
(4) https://babygearessentials.com/hacked-baby-monitor/
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK91285/
(6) https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2020/01/do-baby-monitors-help-prevent-sids
(7) https://techpenny.com/non-wi-fi-baby-monitors-work/
(8) https://www.huffpost.com/entry/when-should-parents-stop-using-baby-monitor_l_6088350de4b02e74d21fd448
