The Ultimate Guide to Baby Monitors: Listen, Watch, Breathe Easy!
Hello to all the expectant and new parents out there! Navigating the world of parenting essentials? Then you're probably facing the expansive universe of baby calls. With the multitude out there, picking just one can feel daunting.
When you're a new parent, every cough, cry, and coo from your baby can send you rushing to their room. A baby monitor serves as your extra set of eyes and ears, giving you peace of mind which makes it an essential baby equipment that we have included in our pre-birth checklist "Preparing for the Baby" as well as our travel checklist, "Traveling with a Baby".
However, the market is flooded with various types, brands, and features. So, how do you decide which one to buy? Fear not, we're here to amplify the signals amidst the noise!
Before we get to our top picks, let's decode the following evergreen queries regarding baby monitors:
How Do I Know Which Baby Monitor to Buy?
To Camera or Not to Camera?
There are primarily two types of baby monitors: audio-only and audio-plus-video. Audio-only monitors are cost-effective but limit your perception to sounds. Video monitors provide both sound and visual cues but can be more expensive.
Range and Connectivity
For both audio-only and audio-plus-video monitors it is important to ensure that the monitor has enough range to cover your home's dimensions.
Many modern audio-plus-video monitors use Wi-Fi (instead of a closed-circuit connection) for seamless connectivity for any range and where the camera is accessed via your phone. Please note the following pros and cons when deciding on a Wi-Fi monitor compared to a closed-circuit baby monitor:
Pros:
Connectivity at any range as long as you have internet access.
No need for a separate "parent unit" as you will only need to use your phone.
May unlock potential "smart" features as described below in this article.
Cons:
May suffer from latency issues.
You will not be able to scroll your phone and watch your baby at the same time.
Not as secure of a connection as a closed-circuit baby monitor (the latter is hacker proof and will eliminate any potential snooping).
Additional Features
For the audio-only monitors and audio-plus-video closed circuit monitors parents should look for features like "two-way talk-back" functionality and tracking of temperature.
If you are comfortable with an audio-plus-video Wi-Fi monitor, however, the world of smart baby monitors will reveal itself, suitable for those tech-enthusiast, which (with the right wearables) may be able to track sleep patterns, movement, oxygen levels, heart rate and store images and videos, all accessible via nifty apps.
Do I Really Need a Fancy Baby Monitor?
Budget vs. Needs
Your 'need' for a fancy smart monitor with bells and whistles entirely depends on your lifestyle and budget. If you're on a tight budget, an audio-only monitor with good range should suffice.
If you could afford however, we would recommend that you opt for a closed-circuit audio-plus-video monitor which is our favourite monitors. In our experience there are plenty of times that our perception of the sound is not reflected in the video we are seeing on the monitor. Identify your non-negotiables.
If you want all possible features and you have room in your budget we are not the one to advice against choosing a smart monitor. Personally, we sleep with a smart watch and log and track all our workouts in various apps.
However, in order to track most additional features a "smart" baby monitor will provide, the baby would need wearables. When you are sleep deprived and trying to get your little one to sleep in the middle of the night, it is not often you would prioritise putting on those wearables for that extra hour of sleep.
Nevertheless, the design of the smart monitors is second to none and you will get every feature you need (and more) which for some may offer some additional peace of mind - just be cautious to not over-rely on the advanced features.
At What Age Should I Start Using a Baby Monitor?
Many parents start using baby monitors from day one. A baby monitor is handy and relevant as long the baby sleeps in a separate room, which it may do (at least during the day) from day one. However, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but the sooner you start using it, the sooner you can adapt to its functionalities.
At What Age Do Parents Stop Using Baby Monitors?
The usage of baby monitors varies significantly among families. Most parents continue using them until their child is around 2-3 years old. However, some parents, especially the ones that are using smart baby monitors, extend this to older ages for various reasons, such as monitoring sleep patterns or ensuring safety. Again, there's no universal cut-off age.
Our Top Picks for Baby Monitors in 2023
Considering the above, it would not make sense to compare all types of baby monitors against each other. It would be the same as comparing apples and pears. The best pick for you should take your budget into consideration, and thus we will offer two recommendations (which are both great options) within each category.
Top Pick - Audio-Only Baby Monitor
Favourite: VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor:
Pros:
Exceptional audio clarity.
Vibratory sound alert for muted monitoring.
Built-in nightlight on the baby module.
Cons:
No visual feed.
Limited range in complex home structures.
Alternative: Philips AVENT DECT Baby Monitor SCD731:
Pros:
DECT tech guaranteeing zero interference.
Talk-back
Noise-level indicators.
Sweet lullaby playback feature.
Cons:
Missing video functionality.
Fewer bells and whistles for its price bracket.
Considering that audio-only monitors would be the go-to budget option, the Vtech wins due to its superior price tag.
Top Pick – Audio-plus-Video Closed Circuit Baby Monitor
Favourite: Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor:
Pros:
Swap-out lens for custom zoom and wide-angle perspectives.
Talk-back
Impressive battery longevity.
Crisp video feed.
Cons:
Lacks WiFi capabilities, posing range limits.
Steeper price for its category.
Alternative: Neonate BC-8000DV:
Pros:
Extended range, making it suitable for larger homes.
Talk-back.
Intuitive touch controls.
Temperature and moisture alerts ensuring maximum comfort.
Cons:
Premium pricing compared to other non-smart audio-plus-video models.
Lacks WiFi capabilities, posing range limits.
It's a close comparison but the superior video quality and stable mount of the baby unit gives the Infant Optics an edge over the Neonate.
Top Pick – Smart Baby Monitor
Favourite: Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor with Floor Stand:
Pros:
Contact-Free Monitoring (no need for wearable attachments).
High-Quality Video and Audio.
Robust encryption protocols.
Free app, no subscription.
Cons:
Pricey.
Relies heavily on a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Steep learning curve and all functionalities may be overwhelming.
Lack of an internal battery.
Alternative: Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor and Wall Mount:
Pros:
Overhead perspective eliminating potential blind spots.
Sleep pattern insights.
Bidirectional audio and background audio feature.
Cons:
Reliant on stable WiFi.
Premium price tag, especially taking into account the need for attachments (footstand etc.)
Require wearables to track the smart functionalities.
App requires subscription (basic insight is free the first year)
Ultimately, it is a very close comparison, however, the Miku Pro Smart takes the lead over the Nanit Pro Smart due to its beautiful design, non-wearable technology and absence of required subscription fees.
Wrapping up
So there you have it—a comprehensive guide to choosing your baby monitor. In the teeming baby call marketplace, the challenge isn’t just selection but making an informed one. Always remember, the paramount monitor is the one that bestows peace of mind. Whether you get that from a feature-rich video model or the lack of all features with a basic audio monitor that’s reliable. Go with your gut.
May your decision bring you peace of mind and your baby, safe and sound sleep. Blissful parenting and serene monitoring to you!
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