The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Baby Monitor for Your Family

Aug 01, 2024 | Reading time: 7 minutes

As a new parent, a baby monitor is one of your most important purchases. These handy devices allow you to watch your little ones while they sleep, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to do your daily tasks without constantly peeking into the nursery. With so many options on the market, each with unique features and benefits, it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose. This comprehensive guide will look at some of the best baby monitors available and help you determine which suits your family’s needs.

Why you need a baby monitor

First, let’s discuss why having a baby monitor is so important. While it’s true that generations of parents have raised babies without these devices, modern baby monitors offer a level of convenience and reassurance that can be invaluable to new parents. Here are just a few reasons why you might want to invest in a baby monitor:

Peace of mind: The primary reason to get a baby monitor is for the peace of mind it provides. Being able to see and hear your baby while they sleep can help alleviate anxiety and allow you to relax, knowing that you’ll be alerted if your baby needs you.
Freedom: A baby monitor allows you to move about your home while your baby naps without having to tiptoe around or constantly check in on them. This is especially helpful if you have a larger home or your baby’s room is on a different floor.
Better sleep for everyone: When you’re not constantly getting up to check on your baby, you’re more likely to get a better night’s sleep yourself. And when parents are well-rested, they’re better equipped to handle the demands of parenting during the day.
Monitoring health and safety: Some advanced baby monitors, like the Owlet Smart Sock 3, can even track your baby’s vital signs and alert you if something seems off. This can provide an extra layer of reassurance for parents of premature babies or those with health concerns.

Now that we’ve established why a baby monitor is a worthwhile investment, let’s examine some of the best options on the market.

Top baby monitors to consider

Nanit Pro Baby Monitor + Floor Stand Gen2 - White

The Nanit Pro Baby Monitor is a top-of-the-line choice for parents who want the best. This monitor features 1080p HD video quality, ensuring a crystal-clear view of your baby day or night. The included floor stand provides a clear overhead view of your baby’s crib so that you can see your baby from head to toe.

One of the standout features of the Nanit Pro is its sleep-tracking capabilities. The monitor uses advanced algorithms to track your baby’s sleep patterns and provide personalised insights and tips through the Nanit App. You can see how long your baby slept and how many times they woke up, and even get tips on improving their sleep based on age and developmental stage.

Other features of the Nanit Pro include:

two-way audio, so you can talk to and soothe your baby remotely
night vision for clear viewing in low-light conditions
temperature and humidity sensors to ensure your baby’s room is always comfortable
custom sleep tips and guidance from pediatric sleep experts

Owlet Smart Sock 3 - Mint

The Owlet Smart Sock 3 takes baby monitoring to the next level by tracking your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep. The monitor has a soft, comfortable sock your baby wears to bed. The sock’s sensors measure your baby’s vital signs and send the data to your phone via the Owlet App.

If your baby’s heart rate or oxygen levels fall outside the preset safe zones, you’ll receive a notification on your phone, and the base station will light up and sound an alarm. This can provide invaluable peace of mind for parents, especially those with premature babies or health concerns.

In addition to the Smart Sock, Owlet offers a video monitor called the Owlet Cam. The Cam can be used independently or with the Smart Sock for a comprehensive monitoring system. It streams 1080p HD video to your phone so you can see your baby clearly day or night. It also features two-way audio, night vision and room temperature tracking.

babymoov YOO-MOOV

The babymoov YOO-MOOV Video Baby Monitor offers a feature-packed monitoring experience at a reasonable price point. One of the standout features of this monitor is its motorised camera, which can be remotely controlled to provide a 360° view of your baby’s room with zero blind spots. The camera also features 3x digital zoom, so you can look closer at your baby if needed.

The YOO-MOOV has a high-quality 4.3” screen that can be rotated for portrait or landscape viewing. It offers two-way audio with a talk-back function, so you can soothe your baby with your voice even when you’re not in the room. The monitor also includes a night light and lullabies to help your baby sleep.

Other features of the YOO-MOOV include:

a range of up to 300 meters so that you can move freely around your home
an eco mode that saves energy by turning off the screen when no noise is detected
a temperature sensor to ensure your baby’s room is always comfortable
a multi-colour nightlight with a soft, soothing glow

VTech RM7766 HD 7in Wifi Monitor

The VTech RM7766HD Video Baby Monitor boasts an impressive 7-inch touch-screen display, one of the largest on the market. The large screen makes it easy to see your baby clearly, even across the room. The monitor also features remote pan, tilt and zoom capabilities, so you can adjust your view of the nursery without entering the room.

In addition to its large display, the RM7766HD also offers a range of other valuable features, including:

1080p HD video quality for a clear, detailed view of your baby
two-way talk so that you can comfort your baby with your voice
automatic night vision for clear viewing in low-light conditions
temperature monitoring to ensure your baby’s room is always comfortable
2x and 4x digital zoom for a closer look at your baby
soothing lullabies and a night light to help your baby fall asleep
vibration alerts for when your baby makes noise, in case you have the volume turned down.

One of the standout features of the RM7766HD is its WiFi connectivity, allowing you to view your baby from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. You can also grant access to other caregivers, like grandparents or babysitters, so they can also check in on your baby.

Leapfrog LF2936 HD Video Baby Monitor

The Leapfrog LF2936 HD Video Baby Monitor offers a high-definition display with excellent colour and viewing angles. You can control the camera with your finger to achieve 360-degree panoramic viewing from the parent unit. Some of its key features include:

5.5-inch 1080p full HD colour display with touch-screen control
colour night vision for clear viewing even in low light
2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency band for remote viewing on your smartphone or tablet
wide-angle viewing up to 110 degrees
two-way talk to soothe your baby with your voice
room temperature monitoring to ensure optimal comfort
8x digital zoom to magnify details

Maxi-Cosi See Baby Monitor

The Maxi-Cosi See Baby Monitor is a stylish WiFi baby monitor that allows you to keep your baby safe and sleeping comfortably. It offers HD live-streaming video that you can access securely through an app. Some highlights of the Maxi-Cosi See include:

day and night vision for 24/7 monitoring
high-definition colour video for a clear view of your baby
110-degree wide-angle lens to see more of the nursery
two-way audio so you can listen and talk to your little one
room temperature tracking to make sure baby is cosy
rechargeable battery with up to 6 hours of streaming
wall-mountable design for flexible camera placement

Factors to consider when choosing a baby monitor

Now that we’ve reviewed some of the top baby monitors on the market let’s discuss some factors to consider when choosing one.

Video quality

Video quality is one of the most important considerations when choosing a baby monitor. After all, the whole point of a monitor is to allow you to see your baby clearly. Look for monitors with at least 720p HD resolution, and consider ones with 1080p if your budget allows. Also, consider the size of the display - a larger screen will make it easier to see your baby, especially from a distance.

Range

Another essential factor to consider is the monitor’s range. If you have a larger home or plan to use the monitor outside, look for one with a longer range. Remember that the range listed on the box is usually the maximum range under ideal conditions - walls, floors and other obstacles can all reduce the range you’ll get.

Battery life

Battery life is another important consideration if you use your monitor unplugged. Look for monitors with long-lasting rechargeable batteries, especially if you plan to use video mode frequently. Some monitors also offer an audio-only mode that can extend battery life even further.

Additional features

Finally, consider any additional features that might be important to you. Some monitors offer temperature and humidity tracking, which can help ensure your baby’s room is always comfortable. Others offer sleep tracking and insights, which can help establish healthy sleep habits. Some, like the Owlet Smart Sock, provide additional health monitoring features for extra peace of mind.

Choosing the right baby monitor for your family is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritise video quality, range, battery life or additional features, there’s a monitor out there that will fit the bill.

By considering the factors we’ve discussed and checking out some of the best baby monitors on the market, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect one for your family. With the peace of mind and freedom that a quality baby monitor provides, you can enjoy this time with your little one to the fullest.