As parents, we worry about our little ones all the time. Having a baby monitor can help reassure you that your baby is safe, even when you are not in the same room. So, what exactly is a baby monitor?
A baby monitor is an electric device that allows you to hear and or see your baby when you are not in the same room.
An audio baby monitor is equipped with a microphone that, when placed near your baby, will transmit sounds to the parent unit that you keep with you so you can hear your baby when you are not in the same room.
A video baby monitor has an added feature as it transmits the sounds your baby makes and allows you to see your baby from another room.
Baby Monitors Protect
Baby movement monitors use sensor pads placed under the crib mattress or clipped directly onto your baby’s diaper to detect your baby’s movement.
When movement stops, an alarm will sound, alerting you that something is wrong. Some believe that baby movement monitors can help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome); however, no scientific evidence supports this claim.
Even though there is no evidence that they help prevent SIDS, they help nervous mothers feel more at ease.
With so many different kinds of monitors on the market, deciding which one best fits your needs can be tough.
Do I need a video monitor or an audio monitor? Should I get a baby movement monitor too? How far of a range does the monitor have? How much do I want to spend on a monitor?
These are all things you ask yourself before purchasing the best baby monitor. We at kidsplayandcreate want to help with your decision progress and make it a little easier.
We compiled a list of the best baby monitors on the market based on product research, reviews, price, and personal experience. Here are our top choices for baby monitors.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens
We love this monitor. Having a total view of your nursery is now a reality with this Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor. It is the first-ever baby monitor with interchangeable optical lenses.
This monitor allows you to customize the viewing of your baby by switching to different lenses.
You can choose any one of the three lenses. It comes with one optical lens for normal viewing and one optical 2x zoom lens for an up-close image, and for an additional purchase, you can get the wide lens which allows you to see an angle of 170 degrees.
We recommend purchasing the wide-view lens, as when your baby becomes more mobile, you can see more of the room.
It’s also great to watch people care for your baby.
The video is streamed in real-time on a 3.5 full-color LCD screen that provides a nice and clear picture.
You won’t have to worry about having a grainy picture with this monitor. It has great battery life, 10 hours on power save mode or 6 hours with the screen on all the time.
You can either have the screen on or display it every 3 or 5 minutes. Even with the screen off, you will always hear the sound of your baby. When the sound is off, the LED lights will light up if your baby cries.
You can talk with your baby at a push of a button through the intercom button and remotely control the camera’s direction.
Features:
- Interchangeable lens normal, zoom, and Wide (wide you must purchase separately)
- Charge anywhere (wall plug, USB, laptop)
- Sound-activated LED lights to see your baby crying if the sound or screen is turned off.
- Monitors at room temperature, so you can ensure your baby is comfortable.
- Talk to your baby with a push of the intercom button
- Remotely control the camera’s direction
- Expandable up to 4 cameras
- Infrared night vision
Infant Optics Wide Angle Lens (add-on accessory)
Infant Optics Wide Angle Lens For DXR-8
The 170-degree view from this wide-angle lens allows you to view your entire nursery. It is an add-on item for the above Infant Optics DXR-8 video baby monitor.
This wide-angle lens is great to have for your growing baby. It allows you to watch as your baby, who is now a toddler, plays and explores in their room.
It’s a must-have when purchasing the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor.
Features
- 170-degree angle
- compatible with the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor.
- Constructed with multi-layered glass lens pieces in an aluminum housing for improved performance.
- Easy mounts on the lens in seconds.
- Weight 3.2 ounces.
- Dimensions 1 x 1 x 1
Hello Baby HB24 Wireless Video Baby Monitor
This wireless video monitor lets you always keep a close eye on your baby by allowing you to take the parent unit anywhere in the house. It has a crystal-clear image with no grainy textures.
This baby monitor has automatic night vision. The infrared LEDs automatically adjust to the room’s light level so you can see a clear black-and-white image in low-light or dark rooms.
The parent handset has a rechargeable battery that lasts 7-8 hours and can detect from 960 feet away.
The parent handset allows you to talk to your baby at a push of a button so you can easily comfort him/her.
This monitor also has sound-activated LED lights on the parent handset.
When the sound is turned down, the lights will alert you that your baby is crying or making noise. This is a great feature to have if you hear disabled.
It has an audio-only mode to help save battery life. The baby unit is equipped with a room temperature sensor and will let you know the room temperature to keep the baby comfortable and happy.
One of the features we like best about this monitor is the built-in lullabies it has.
You can choose one of the eight songs to play to help the baby sleep.
Features
- Wireless Video Monitor
- Sound-activated infrared LED lights to see that your baby is crying when the sound is off
- The range of 960 feet
- Talk to your baby with a push of a button
- Eight built-in lullabies
- Expandable to 4 cameras. You can pair the parent handset with up to 4 baby units.
- The camera automatically adjusts to light
- Audio only mode
Puretech Baby Video Baby Monitor Camera Compatible with iPhone or Android
This baby monitor by Puretech is made for the modern world. We love it because, with a download of a simple app, you can watch your baby anywhere, right on your phone.
Yes, we said it. You can watch your baby right on your phone. It operates through WIFI. The setup is easy; there is no hardware needed. Download the app, follow the onscreen directions to pair the camera, and you’re ready. Y
ou can even talk to your baby by pushing a button on your phone. You will see your baby in full color, automatically changing to infrared night vision when the baby’s room is dark.
The picture will appear in black and white on your phone when the room is dark. It also has a motion detector allowing you to receive motion-detection video clips via cell phone alerts.
It has a power cord, so you will never have to recharge it. At an additional cost, you can purchase the cordless external power pack. This great monitor comes in 4 colors: baby blue, pink, ash grey, and sunset orange.
The product has 1 WiFi camera, one bracket, 1 AC adapter, 1 USB cable, and a user manual. This is a great product by Pretech.
Features
- Works through an app on your iPhone or Android phone.
- Stay connected to your baby at home, the office, or anywhere through WiFi, 3G or 4G networks.
- Equipped with a 2-way speaker to communicate with your baby by pushing a button.
- Easy setup. Download the app and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Motion detector allows you to receive motion detector video clips via cell phone alerts.
- Night vision technology
- Item Weight .3 ounces
- Dimensions 2 x 1.5 x 5 inches
Phillips Avent DECT Baby Monitor
Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor with Temperature Sensor and Night Mode
This is our top choice if you are looking for an audio-only monitor. This baby monitor by Philips has DECT technology that guarantees zero interference from any other transmitting product, such as cordless phones, other monitors, or cell phones.
The DECT technology also provides the highest quality crystal clear sound. With this monitor, you can hear your baby’s every coo, cry, giggle, or hic-up. When the audio is muted on the parent handset, the LED lights are activated and light up when your baby makes sounds. This monitor also has a temperature sensor that is displayed digitally on the parent handset.
This way, you will know about changes in your baby’s room temperature.
The Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor also has a 2-way conversation feature that allows you to talk to your baby through a button.
This baby monitor can also help soothe your baby by playing one of the five built-in lullabies. It is also equipped with a soft glow nightlight. We love this audio monitor.
Features
- DECT audio technology provides the highest quality crystal clear sound
- Temperature sensor to monitor the temperature in your baby’s room.
- LED-activated lights when the parent hand unit is muted
- 2-way conversation, talk to your baby with a push of a button.
- Five built-in lullabies
- Soft glow night-light
- Weight 1.6 pounds
- Dimensions 3.5 x 8 x 6 inches
Snuza Hero SE Baby Movement Monitor
This monitor is different from the other baby monitors as it tracks your baby’s abdominal movement and alerts you if no movement is detected.
The Snuza Hero, Baby Movement Monitor attaches to the waistband of your baby’s diaper, hook it on, and it will start to monitor their abdominal movements. It can pick up on even the slightest movement.
The monitor will alert you if the abdominal movement is weak or less than eight movements per minute. The monitor is equipped with a vibration feature.
If the monitor does not detect movement for 15 seconds, it will vibrate to stimulate the baby. Usually, after the vibration baby starts moving again; however, after an additional 5 seconds of non-movement, a sharp alarm will sound, alerting you that something is wrong.
This is a great monitor for nervous moms who can’t sleep because they are worried about their babies. Remember that though people recommend these monitors, there is no scientific evidence stating that these prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Since the Snuza Hero Baby Movement Monitor picks up on external movements, it is not recommended for co-sleeping.
Features
- Detects baby’s abdominal movement
- The vibration Stimulus feature will activate if a non-abdominal movement is detected after 15 seconds.
- The alarm goes off after no movement is detected for 20 seconds.
- Easily clips onto the waistband of the baby’s diaper.
- No setup is required.
- weight: .6 ounces
- Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.6 x 2.8 inches
Do I need a Baby Monitor?
To find out if you need a baby monitor, ask yourself some questions. Do you first want to ask yourself where your baby will sleep?
Your baby will probably sleep with you for the first couple of months. If true, you may not need to purchase a baby monitor immediately.
However, if you spend long periods alone with the baby, you may want to have one from the moment you bring your baby home.
This way, you can monitor the baby in the bathroom, showering, cleaning, cooking, and doing other household chores. Having a baby monitor allows you to always watch your baby.
Another thing you want to ask yourself is, how big is my home? If you live in a tiny apartment, you may be able to hear your baby no matter where you are.
You want a monitor if you live in a two-story home where the baby may be upstairs. Another question you will want to ask is how deep of a sleeper you are.
You may want to purchase a monitor if you can sleep through a thunderstorm. You will be able to control the volume on the monitor, so if you are a heavy sleeper, turn the volume up, so you will wake up if the baby needs you.
What else can I use a Baby Monitor for?
Since baby monitors can be expensive and babies only stay babies for a short time, you may think it’s not worth the investment. However, there are many ways to use a baby monitor besides just watching over the baby.
Watching over children
As your baby grows, you will still need to watch them closely. They are great to keep in your toddler’s room or playroom to watch over them while you are taking care of other household chores.
Watching over pets
Let’s face it, to some people, our pets are our kids and must be looked after too.
Watching the Kitchen
Yes, I said it, watching over the kitchen. If you notice snacks disappearing and the kids say it wasn’t them or someone is supposed to be on a diet, and you think they may be sneaking food, you may want to watch over the kitchen.
They are also great for discovering who made the mess that no one will admit.
Watching over the sick or elderly
If you are caring for a sick or elderly person, you may want to be able to see them and communicate with them at all times.
When were Baby Monitors invented?
- The first baby monitor was created by the company Zenith.
- It came out in 1937, and it was called the Radio Nurse.
- The creation was inspired by the 1932 kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh’s Baby.
- Zenith’s President, Eugene F. McDonald Jr., asked his engineers to devise a commercial system to let parents hear what was happening in their child’s room. Mr. McDonald already had a system in place in his home where he could hear in his daughter’s room.
- With help from Japanese designer Isamu Noguchi, the Radio Nurse was created.
- Since the Radio Nurse had problems picking up radio signals from other sources, it never became popular. However, it paved the way for the modern-day baby monitor.