As an expecting parent, there are some baby essentials you’ll want to be ticked off your ‘to get’ list before your new arrival makes its way into the world. One being a baby monitor so you can rest easy when it comes to naps and nighttime, knowing that you’ll be alerted if your little one needs you.
Deciding which baby monitor to buy, however, can be a little overwhelming, with lots of different brands, products, and features to choose from. To help navigate those baby monitor need-to-knows, in this article, we’ll look at the factors to consider to get the right balance of safety, value and features to suit your needs. Plus, we’ll highlight frequently asked questions on the topic and share our top five baby monitor picks from our trusted brands.
How to Choose the Best Baby Monitor
Choosing the best baby monitor is simply about aligning your individual requirements with the right features to find your dream match. When making your decision, keep the following in mind:
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Home Style and Monitor Range: If you have a larger home, you might require a monitor with a longer range. Wi-Fi monitors let you check in from anywhere, even when you’re away, and are more reliable if your home has thick walls. Non-Wi-Fi monitors, meanwhile, usually cover a few hundred to a thousand feet.
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Battery Life: As a new parent, you’ll rely on your monitor a lot, so it’s important to consider battery life. Some monitors need to stay plugged in (especially video ones), while others run on batteries or come with a charger. Be sure to check how long they last to fit your needs
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Technology Preferences: Ask yourself, would you feel content with a traditional audio-only monitor, or would you feel more comfortable with a video monitor that lets you see your baby and has additional innovative features, such as room temperature monitoring?
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Video Quality and Night Vision: If going with the video monitor option, you’ll want to see your baby clearly, no matter the level of light, day or night.
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Ease of Use: As a busy parent, a monitor that’s easy to set up, access, and use is a godsend. Touchscreen controls and app-accessible models can be game changers for those nighttime check-ins.
- Security: Wi-Fi baby monitors have been vulnerable to hacking in the past, so it's essential to ensure your digital security is robust if you decide to use one.
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Home Style and Monitor Range: If you have a larger home, you might require a monitor with a longer range. Wi-Fi monitors let you check in from anywhere, even when you’re away, and are more reliable if your home has thick walls. Non-Wi-Fi monitors, meanwhile, usually cover a few hundred to a thousand feet.
With these factors in mind, let’s dive a little deeper into your baby monitor options.
Audio vs. Baby Camera Monitors: What's the Difference?
When searching for the best baby monitor to buy, you’ll come across two main types:
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- Audio Baby Monitors: These are simpler devices that allow you to hear your baby’s cries or sounds but don’t offer visual feedback. They’re generally more affordable and suited to parents who are comfortable simply listening for signs of restlessness.
- Audio Baby Monitors: These are simpler devices that allow you to hear your baby’s cries or sounds but don’t offer visual feedback. They’re generally more affordable and suited to parents who are comfortable simply listening for signs of restlessness.
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- Video Baby Monitors: These come equipped with a camera that allows you to visually monitor your baby, offering additional peace of mind, as you can see your baby’s movements and check on them when they’re sleeping. Many models also come with two-way audio, allowing you to soothe your baby with your voice without entering the room.
Ultimately, which baby monitor is best for you depends on whether you prefer sight, sound, or both.
Must - Have Baby Monitors Features for New Parents
While all baby monitors provide basic functionality, there are a few standout features that can help give new parents greater reassurance and control. Here are some advanced features to consider when deciding which baby monitor to buy:
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- Two-Way Talk Functionality: This prayer-answering feature allows you to communicate with your baby from a distance, whether it's to reassure them with your voice or to let them know you’re on your way to comfort them.
- Temperature Monitoring: Some smart baby monitors include temperature sensors, alerting you when the room gets too hot or too cold. This can help ensure your baby’s sleeping environment is always comfortable and safe.
- Sleep and Breathing Tracking: If you’re a parent who wants extra reassurance, consider a smart monitor that tracks your baby’s sleep patterns and breathing movements. This can provide peace of mind, especially during those first few months.
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Night Vision: Having a baby monitor with night vision ensures you can keep an eye on your little one even in the dark. This is essential for late-night checks when you don’t want to risk disturbing their sleep with a bright light or by physically entering the room.
- Portable and Travel-Friendly Baby Monitors: If you travel often or simply want to move from room to room without losing sight or sound of your little one, a portable baby monitor is a must-have. Look for a lightweight model with a long battery life, which allows you to easily carry it with you.
- Two-Way Talk Functionality: This prayer-answering feature allows you to communicate with your baby from a distance, whether it's to reassure them with your voice or to let them know you’re on your way to comfort them.
Baby Monitor FAQ
While that covers the key considerations to bear in mind when choosing the best baby monitor to suit your needs, this section should help answer any other questions on the topic.
Do I need a baby monitor if I live in a small flat?
A baby monitor is an essential piece of kit for all parents. If you live in a small apartment, you may find that a simple audio monitor is sufficient for your needs. However, if you prefer the added security of visually checking on your baby, go for a video monitor instead.
How far do baby monitors reach?
The range of baby monitors depends on the model, with most monitors typically having a range of 600 to 1,000 feet. However, this doesn’t account for ‘obstacles’ such as walls, insulation and furniture, which can reduce the range. Wi-Fi-enabled models have the largest range and can usually be accessed from anywhere as long as you have a strong Wi-Fi signal.
When to stop using a baby monitor?
There’s no set time frame, but most parents stop using a baby monitor when their child starts sleeping through the night, are comfortable with their surroundings and can get in and out of bed without assistance. Every child will gain increased sleep independence at a different pace, with some parents still choosing to use a monitor when their child is +4 years old, so it’s a case of basing the timing on your little one’s development and your comfort.
Do baby monitors detect breathing or movement?
Some advanced baby monitors, especially smart models, can track breathing and movement to provide extra peace of mind. These typically use sensors placed under the crib or cot bed mattress or on the baby’s clothing.
Can I use a baby monitor with my phone?
Yes, many modern baby monitors have apps that allow you to monitor your baby from your smartphone or tablet. This can be a convenient option to check on your baby remotely, like when a relative is babysitting.
Is it better to get a monitor with a parent unit or just use an app?
This depends on your preference. A dedicated parent unit gives you a reliable, stand-alone device with no need for your phone while using an app can be convenient as it allows you to monitor your baby directly from your phone.
Are there baby monitors with lullabies or white noise?
Yes, many models now offer lullaby or white noise features to help soothe your baby to sleep, reducing the need for an additional sleep aid.
Our Top Five Baby Monitors
Ready to whittle down the options of the best baby monitor to buy? We’re here to help with our top baby monitor picks. Ensuring the safety and well-being of your little one whilst giving you ultimate convenience and peace of mind, we take pride in offering a diverse range of baby monitors from renowned and trusted brands. This includes a choice of state-of-the-art products from VTech, Nanit, and LeapFrog. Here are our top five picks:
1. Leapfrog 7” LF4917HD Pan & Tilt Monitor
The Leapfrog LF4917HD offers crystal-clear 1080 HD video quality, ensuring you're always connected to your baby with a large 7" display. With its flexible pan, tilt, and zoom features, you can monitor your little one from all angles, while additional features like night vision and soothing lullabies bring reassurance and comfort.
Why We Love It:
• 1080p HD video and 360° panoramic view
• Colour night vision for clear, low-light monitoring
• Two-way talk and multi-colour night light for added comfort
2. VTech VM5467 5" Pan & Tilt Video Monitor with Night Light
The VTech VM5467 combines a high-resolution 5-inch display with advanced features like pan, tilt, and zoom, ensuring you can monitor your baby from every angle. With soothing sounds, lullabies, and a multi-colour night light, it provides a calming environment, plus the built-in temperature sensor and long battery life make it a reliable choice for overnight monitoring.
Why We Love It:
• 5-inch LCD screen with pan, tilt, and zoom for full room coverage
• Soothing lullabies, multi-colour night light, and temperature sensor
• Up to 33 hours of video streaming on a single charge
3. Owlet Dream Duo Sock & Sight Baby Monitor
Dream Duo is Owlet's most complete baby monitoring system - designed to help you feel calm, confident, and supported from day one. It combines the medically-certified Dream Sock® smart baby monitor with the 2K HD Dream SightTM camera, giving you a clear view of your baby's health, sleep, and safety in one smart. connected experience.
Why We Love It:
• Combines medical-grade health tracking with 2K HD video
• Monitors live pulse rate, oxygen level & sleep patterns
• Sends alerts if pulse rate or oxygen level leaves safe zones
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