We know it’s tempting to do nothing but stare at your little bundle of joy all day, but, alas, in these busy times there are dishes to clean, laundry to wash, and, for your own sanity, a couch that needs sitting on for at least a few minutes a day. Luckily, this is where technology and practicality have come together in a beautiful marriage to create baby monitors. There are several options to choose from when it comes to baby monitors, so let us give you a few tips before we review our favorites.
What to look for in a great baby monitor
There are numerous baby monitors on the market today, with an array of options. To get you up to speed, we’re happy to give you a quick crash course on those to look out for.
Analog monitors
These baby monitors are among the least expensive on the market, which is naturally a huge perk. However, they are susceptible to static and interference from other electronic devices operating on the same frequency. If you live in close proximity to your neighbors, you might find your baby monitor picking up more than just your child’s cries.
Digital monitors
A digital baby monitor operates on frequencies, like an analog model, but their signals are encrypted. This means that when your neighbor’s signal crosses paths with yours, they won’t be able to hear what is going on in your home and vice versa. You still might, however, encounter interference, especially if you are near your wireless router or have a cordless landline phone
DECT Digital monitors
DECT, or Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications monitors, are relatively new on the market. Because of this, they tend to cost more, although, as the technology becomes more common, parents are finding them available at much more affordable prices.
Put simply, a DECT baby monitor operates on a frequency reserved solely for voice communications, making interference a smaller issue in your home. We don’t say there will be no interference at all, but the specialized frequency this baby monitor utilizes will certainly make it less of an issue.
FHSS Monitors
Models that use FHSS, or an Automatic Frequency Hopping System, resemble DECT models in that they minimize static and interference. The data transmitted is encoded, so you don’t have to worry about neighbors overhearing what is going on in your home.
One parent unit vs. two parent units
Many families manage with just a one parent unit, making this a choice of convenience more than anything else. It is very handy to be able to leave one unit charging in the bedroom, always ready to go, and carry around the other during the day. Or, if you and your partner are both home, you could each carry one as you go about your routines. If you decide to go the one parent unit route, we advise you to buy a model with a good battery life.
Now that we’ve gotten some of the basics out of the way, let’s look at our favorite baby monitors.
Our picks of the best audio baby monitors
This traditional baby sound monitor is designed to alert you when your child begins to cry or make other noises.
Best with with temperature sensor
Our opinion
Model Type: DECT
Range: 164 feet (indoors) / 1082 feet (outdoors)
Battery Life: 25.5 hours
As the name implies, this baby monitor is a DECT model, making it as secure as they get. Through that private connection, you can not only hear your baby, but also talk to them. LED lights on the parent unit signal how much noise your baby is making. The baby unit itself plays lullabies and serves as a nightlight to help soothe your little one. This monitor also keeps track of the temperature in your nursery, ensuring your infant is cozy and safe. A light will let you know when your battery is low or you have moved out of range, while you can also set a vibration or sound, alerting you to these situations. The only downsides to this model are that it is supplied with only one parent unit, and is a bit pricey.
Best for budget
Our opinion
Model Type: DECT
Range: 150 feet (indoors) / 1,000 feet (outdoors)
Battery Life: 18 hours
This is a prime example of a more affordable DECT model. A two-way speaker lets you talk to your baby, while a belt clip allows for hands-free portability. You can set the parent unit to beep when the battery is low, and a loop on the baby unit serves as a nightlight for your little one. Though harder to use than some baby monitors, and with a beep that sounds when you push the buttons, this monitor nevertheless provides excellent voice quality. For a little extra cost, you can select one that comes with two parent units.
Best video baby monitors
Sometimes, hearing your baby isn’t enough, and you may want to see that your little bundle is safe in their crib, too! Bearing this in mind, we’ve found some great video baby monitors.
Best with FHSS
Our opinion
Model Type: FHSS
Range: 164 feet (indoors) / 984 feet (outdoors)
Battery Life: 10 hours
This fantastic video model is pricey, but well worth the cost. The color screen is 3.5 inches, the wall-mountable camera coming with a 2x zoom and automatic infrared night vision. You can both see and hear your baby over a secure connection, and even talk to them if they seem restless. Unfortunately, you cannot connect this model to your smartphone, otherwise this monitor is a standout.
Best digital wireless monitor
Our opinion
Model Type: FHSS
Range: 960 feet (outdoors)
Battery Life: 12 hours
At under $80 (at the time of writing) this is a much more affordable video baby monitor and comes with some great features, such as night vision, temperature sensor and two-way talk. It even boasts a lullaby mode to help sooth your baby to sleep, plus a temperature monitor and alarm.
Parents report that it is sturdy, feels well made and is very easy to pair up.
Best baby motion monitors
As a new mom, SIDS will, understandably, figure high on your fear list, and you’ll certainly not be alone. Some parents are now turning to motion monitors to keep track of their baby’s movements at night and be alerted to any potentially life-threatening changes.
Our first motion monitor pick
Our opinion
Model Type: N/A
Range: 900 feet
Battery Life: 4 months
High-quality baby monitoring for a clearer view and excellent user experience. This device provides peace of mind when you’re away with your baby. It has great features, such as infrared night vision, lullabies, 2x Digital Zoom, two-way talk back, long range (Up to 900 ft.), multi camera and eco-mode, and is produced by leading specialists in baby monitoring, Hisense Ltd.
Our second motion monitor pick
Our opinion
Model Type: Unlisted
Range: 820 feet (outdoor, open field)
Battery Life: 8 hours (can also be powered by AC adapter)
Looking for a motion monitor that doesn’t need to be paired with an existing sound or video model? Try this great pick. This model will sound an alert if it detects no movement within 20 seconds. It also monitors room temperature, functions as a sound monitor, and has a built-in nightlight for your baby. It’s worth noting that some moms find the parent unit confusing to read, but, all in all, this product certainly delivers and is easily installed under the crib mattress.
Best affordable baby monitors
You’ll find yourself limited to sound-only monitors if shopping on a very tight budget, but that’s no reason not to have a quality product.
Our first budget pick
Our opinion
Model Type: DECT
Range: 1000 feet (unobstructed)
Battery Life: 20 hours
If you are looking for a basic baby monitor with a secure connection, this could be the one for you. You can keep track of the noises your baby is makes by listening, and also by looking at the 5 LED lights on the parent unit that monitor the volume level in your nursery. A belt clip lets you hook this monitor to your pants so you can hear your baby at all times. Simple, but effective.
Our second budget pick
Our opinion
Model Type: Analog
Range: 600 feet
Battery Life: Unlisted
At under $20, this model doesn’t offer anything by way of extras, such as an additional parent unit. However, it is an affordable baby monitor that you can plug your headphones into and wear on your belt.
Our third budget pick
Our opinion
Model Type: Victure
Range: Unlimited with adequate wireless internet or data connection
Battery Life: Plug-in power adapter
Victure has combined in-home video monitoring and two-way communication to create one of the most intelligent baby monitoring devices on the market. This incredible two-piece kit boasts night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. It enables parents to communicate with their little ones while out of the house. Recordings are automatically sent to Cloud.
Victure cameras are super easy to install and set up. You can mount them to almost any surface in your home, including walls and ceilings. You can connect to the live feed through a secure app on your smartphone. The monitor automatically sends push notifications to securely linked users.
Crib – check! Crib mattress – check! Swaddle blanket – yup! All fantastic, but, if you want an anxiety-free hour in the evening (lucky you!), we reckon you’ll need a decent baby monitor. After having a gander at these products, we hope you’ve been able to find your perfect monitor. Before you know it, they’ll be teenagers hunkered down behind locked doors, so, for now, enjoy those quiet moments of watching your little one doze off serenely or play with carefree abandon. Just make sure to enjoy a few spare moments here and there for yourself, too. With one of these worry-free baby monitors close by, you’ll be able to enjoy that morning coffee, read a newspaper, or even, if the fates align, catch a quick nap!
