Whether a parent is brand new to the game or a veteran, the early years of a baby's life can be the scariest. All moms want is to keep their babies safe. But outside factors like SIDS can threaten that. That's why it's important to take proper precautions to make sure baby isn't vulnerable. It's done for babies in cars and it can be done at home, too, when baby is sleeping. Whether that means following proper sleeping precautions or keeping extra blankets away. Some parents have special needs children and keep an even closer eye on their babies. Parents can't be with their kids every second or minute of the day, but thanks to baby monitors, they can come close. It hasn't always been that way, though.
Before technology came around, parents would take turns checking in on baby, but we're sure there may have some been anxiety around that. Then, baby monitors were developed with sound only, which made things a little easier. Parents today have monitors that have photo and video capabilities, apps that send alerts, and breathing monitors. Some photos from these tech advances are a bit scary (LOL). But for the most part, monitors make it easier to keep baby safe. They can stay with the child for years to come, because it's better to be vigilant. Even if it's for mom's peace of mind.
We found some of the best monitors on the market, each with its advanced features to give parents the kind of safety watch they want for their baby. Some monitor breathing specifically, while others pride themselves on clearer or zoomed-in photos or app technology. There's plenty of choices, but what matters is that moms evaluate their needs and choose the monitor that will help them sleep just as soundly as their babies.
VTech VM343 Expandable Video Baby Monitor
The VTech VN343 comes with high-resolution, 4.3-inch color LCD screen as well as pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities. Want to cut down on background static? It can with "digital transmission."
VTech VM343 Expandable Video Baby Monitor ($200, Walmart)
Owlet Smart Sock 2 Baby Monitor
The Owlet baby monitor with Smart Sock makes actual contact with baby to track movements, heart rate, and oxygen levels. Lights and sounds go off if something appears to be wrong, and real-time notifications come to a phone.
Owlet Smart Sock 2 Baby Monitor ($300, Walmart)
MobiCam Multi-Purpose Baby Monitor
Get peace of mind with the MobiCam baby monitor. It also comes with an app feature to see and hear baby from everywhere, plus motion sensors and a playback option.
MobiCam Multi-Purpose Baby Monitor ($50, Walmart)
Arlo Smart Wi-Fi Baby Monitor
For parents who want a traditional baby monitor to do it all, the Arlo baby monitor is just about it. It has Wi-Fi, two-way audio, a camera, and night vision. Oh, yes, and it plays lullabies.
Arlo Smart WIFI Baby Monitor ($200, Amazon)
Safety 1st HD Wi-Fi Baby Monitor
The Safety 1st baby monitor brings monitors into the 21st century. Its features, in addition to Wi-Fi, include having a 130 degree view, two-way talk, and an app to monitor what's going on from anywhere in the house.
Safety 1st HD WiFi Baby Monitor ($149, BuyBuyBaby)
Motorola Halo+ Over-the-Crib HD Wi-Fi Baby Monitor
The Motorola Halo+ Over-the-Crib baby monitor is perfect for parents of newborns or babies who sleep in cribs. Its design allows for a birds-eye view of the little one while sleeping, along with two-way communication, app control, and a soothing night light.
Motorola Halo+ Over-the-Crib HD Wi-Fi Baby Monitor ($300, BuyBuyBaby)
Motorola Comfort Video Baby Monitor
The Motorola Comfort baby monitor's video display is 5 inches for full and unobstructed color viewing. It also has night vision and a pan scan feature.
Motorola Comfort Video Baby Monitor ($120, Target)
Eufy SpaceView Baby Monitor
The Eufy monitor — aka the baby monitor "ideal for news moms" — features a 5-inch display and a super crisp video picture. There's an ability to change the focus from zoomed in to wide, as well as noise alerts and two-way audio.
Eufy SpaceView Baby Monitor ($160, Amazon)
Summer Infant Baby Pixel Cadet Monitor
The Summer Infant monitor won't let baby out of sight, literally. It alerts when baby goes out of view from the monitor thanks to its "Sleep Zone" technology. Other features includes voice-activated screen wake-up and nursery temperature display.
Summer Infant Baby Pixel Cadet Monitor ($169, BuyBuyBaby)
Summer Duo Digital Monitor
Get two cameras for better monitoring of baby's room with the Summer Duo monitor the Wide View Duo 2.0 Digital Video Monitor. It includes an option to expand to a "two camera system." It also has sound-activated LED lights. Note: This has plugs for the UK and Europe and may need an adapter to use in the US.
Summer Duo Digital Monitor (£129.99, HelloBaby)
Cocoon Cam Plus Baby Monitor
The Cocoon Cam claims to be the only monitor that tracks baby's breathing in the form of a breathing graph for mom. It also has an app for instant alerts.
Cocoon Cam Plus Baby Monitor ($150, BuyBuyBaby)
Summer Infant Glimpse Digital Video Monitor
The Summer Infant video monitor comes fully equipped with remote digital zoom, automatic night vision, and remote zoom, among other features. It also is portable within a 1,000-foot range.
Summer Infant Glimpse Digital Video Monitor ($79, Target)
Summer Infant Baby Pixel 5-Inch LCD Touchscreen
Touchscreens make things easier, and that's also the case for this Summer Infant Baby Pixel monitor. It has a "360Tilt Camera Steering" to go with the remote controlled viewing feature for the ultimate ability to watch baby.
Summer Infant Baby Pixel 5-Inch LCD Touchscreen ($200, BuyBuyBaby)
Summer Infant Baby Pixel Zoom HD 5-Inch Video Monitor
High picture quality is the name of the game for this Summer Infant monitor. It also comes with remote camera steering and voice-activated video technology.
Summer Infant Baby Pixel Zoom HD 5-Inch Video Monitor ($230, BuyBuyBaby)
Motorola 5-Inch Portable Video Baby Monitor
Have the ability to watch and hear or communicate with baby anywhere in the home or outside with the Motorola video baby monitor. It features an out-of-range warning, up to 600 feet, so mom knows how far she can go.
Motorola 5" Portable Video Baby Monitor ($150, Target)
VTech 2 Parent Digital Audio Monitor with Ceiling Night Light
Don't miss a move or beat with the VTech 2Parent digital monitor. Its range goes up to 1,000 feet while maintaining a back-talk intercom and vibrating sound alert. A cool feature: the monitor projects a starry night light scene on the ceiling.
VTech 2 Parent Digital Audio Monitor with Ceiling Night Light ($50, Target)
Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens
Popular Mechanics named the Infant Optics DXR-8 monitor the best in 2018. Its claim to fame is an interchangeable optical lens that allows parents to customize viewing angle and zoom.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor ($165, Amazon)
Angelcare AC315 Breathing Monitor for Babies
Sleep soundly knowing baby's breathing is being monitored thanks to the Angelcare AC315 breathing monitor. It also tracks movement via video and an alarm will sound if no movement is detected after 20 seconds.
Angelcare AC315 Breathing Monitor for Babies ($160, Walmart)
Nanit Smart Baby Monitor and Wall Mount
The Nanit Smart Baby Monitor gets up close and personal on baby's crib to catch the movements other non-mounted monitors may not see. It comes with a birds-eye view and night vision and real-time sound and motion alerts.
Nanit Smart Baby Monitor and Wall Mount ($250, Walmart)
Safety 1st HD Wi-Fi Baby Monitor With Sound & Movement Detecting
This Safety 1st monitor comes with sound and movement detecting audio unit that sends smart alerts that can be customized. Other features include a "long lasting 12+ hour battery life, two-way talk, and sound and motion activated light ring."
Safety 1st HD Wifi Baby Monitor with Sound & Movement Detecting Audio Unit ($200, Target)
Miku Smart Baby Monitor
New moms, hold on to your seats. The Miku Smart Baby Monitor has no-contact tracking of baby's breathing and sleep. Also included: high-definition video and photo options, two-way communication, and movement and sound detection.
Miku Smart Baby Monitor ($399, MikuCare)
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, CafeMom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
