Being a parent can be terrifying for a number of reasons, especially when it comes to naptime and bedtime. Once that babe is old enough to sleep in his or her own room, it can be a hard adjustment for the whole family. Having a good baby monitor with video can help alleviate some of that anxiety as it allows parents to keep an eye and ear on their precious ones when they’re in another room. Baby monitors are also a handy tool to help soothe babies when you’re not near thanks to features like two-way audio or music mode, and for double checking things like room temperature or humidity. When shopping around for the best model for your family, there are a few things to keep in mind.
What Kind of Range Does the Video Baby Monitor Have?
Consider how you’re going to use the video baby monitor and where you’ll be in relation to the baby when checking in. Do you plan on watching TV in the living room while the babe naps upstairs? Will there be times you’ll want to check in on your kid while you’re outside on the patio or chilling on the deck? Double-check the square footage of your home and outdoor living space to ensure that whatever monitor you choose has the capacity to cover that range.
How Many Cameras Will You Need to Hook Up?
Whether you’re having multiples, you already have a kid who is still “baby-monitor age” or you plan on adding more to your brood in the near future, investing in a system that already comes with multiple cameras or has the ability to easily add another one can be a time and money saver.
How Important Are Bonus Features?
Video baby monitors come with all the bells and whistles these days. You can check the temperature and humidity of your baby’s room, for example. But cameras can also monitor breathing position, play music, take photos or short videos, allow you to speak directly to your kid, alert you to a lack of movement and swivel around to monitor the entire room. Plus, most models have night vision to allow you to see your child well even when his or her room is dark. Think about what kind of features will give you the most peace of mind and add them to your checklist.
Are You Worried About Hackers?
WiFi video baby monitors are great options for parents who want to be able to check in on their babies from their phone or a tablet. In fact, they’re becoming an increasingly popular option as smart baby monitors evolve. However, these devices also make parents wary since they —like any internet-connected device in your home — can open the door to hackers. If you invest in one of these devices be sure to keep the app and hardware updated, be smart about passwords and stay apprised of smart security camera guidelines.
1. Motorola Video Baby Monitor 5” Color Parent Unit
BEST BASIC
This rechargeable battery-operated video monitor comes with one camera (with the ability to add up to three more) and a split screen, which makes it a good bet for parents of multiples or who are planning on adding to their family down the line. The wireless camera has a range of up to 1,000 feet and it offers all the basics like monitoring room temperature, infrared night vision, tilting and zoom features. Plus, it plays five different lullabies that will potentially help you settle your babe back to sleep without having to directly enter the room.
Buy: Motorola Video Baby Monitor 5” Color Parent Unit $111.99
2. Nanit Plus Smart Baby Monitor and Wall Mount
BEST SMART MONITOR
If you’re obsessed with your baby’s sleep patterns then this award-winning model is for you. Each morning the Nanit app gives you stats from the night before, along with a time-lapse highlight reel of how your child actually slept and a personalized sleep guide. The tech is compatible with all kinds of devices and features two-way audio so that you can talk to your child too, plus it comes with 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication that keeps your account super secure.
Buy: Nanit Plus Smart Baby Monitor and Wall Mount $249.99
3. VTech VM350 Video Baby Monitor
BEST BUDGET MONITOR
If you just need a video baby monitor that allows you to check in on your child while potentially soothing him or her from the next room, this device is a good bet. The color LCD screen has a two-way intercom and sound activation mode to save battery power, plus it displays the room’s temperature. Meanwhile, the accompanying camera has automatic infrared night vision and plays ambient sounds and lullabies, and you can manually tilt it in order to get the best view of your baby’s crib.
Buy: VTech VM350 Video Baby Monitor $74.42
4. VAVA 720P Video Baby Monitor
BEST BATTERY LIFE
If you’re the type who likes to move around the house a lot while your baby is down for a nap, then consider this model, which features a 24-hour battery life. The large, 5-inch handheld display easily allows parents to see what’s going on, but the monitor is also sleek enough that you can easily move it around the house. If you’re into extra features, this one also comes with an external thermostat, LED noise indicators, a 4x zoom option and an auto-pilot panoramic mode just in case you want to scan your baby’s room.
Buy: VAVA 720P Video Baby Monitor $159.99
5. Babysense Split Screen Video Baby Monitor
BEST FOR MULTIPLES
If you’re expecting twins then why not invest in a unit that comes with two cameras and a handy split-screen? The Babysense allows you to see two babies side-by-side and features closed-loop technology for what the company calls a “hackproof connection.” Meanwhile, the cameras pan, tilt and zoom, plus they come with built-in, adjustable nightlights to keep your babies’ rooms softly lit all night long.
6. Eufy Security by Anker Spaceview Baby Monitor Cam Bundle
EASIEST SETUP
This model is great if you’re looking for an easy but functional monitor that you can basically plug in and use straight away. It’s got all of the essentials (two-way audio, a 1,000-feet range, panning, zooming and tilting) plus it comes with a 330-degree view so that you can see from floor-to-ceiling. The battery should last up to 12 hours when frequently used, and the night vision allows an easy check-in even in low-light conditions.
7. Arlo Baby Monitor Smart Wi-Fi Baby Camera with Table/Wall Stand
THE CUTEST CAM
Catch your kid in high-definition with this 1080p HD video monitor, which also happens to come with adorable bunny ears that fit in with all kinds of nursery designs. It also comes with a multi-colored night light, a music player and a zoom function, and it automatically delivers live monitoring and alerts right to your smartphone or tablet. However beware that you need a high-speed internet connection in order to use the accompanying app and web portal, so if yours goes down or you have a spotty home connection this may not be for you.
Buy: Arlo Baby Monitor Smart Wi-Fi Baby Camera with Table/Wall Stand $184.88
8. ANMEATE Video Baby Monitor with Digital Camera
BEST FOR TIRED PARENTS
The parenting life is no joke, and for a few years sleep may be hard to come by. If that’s the case why wouldn’t you want a monitor that simplifies life by reminding you when it’s time to check a diaper or warm up a bottle? This secure camera and monitor set not only comes with all of the standard features and the ability to add up to three cameras, but you can also set a timer to go off every two, four or six hours.
Buy: ANMEATE Video Baby Monitor with Digital Camera $58.99
9. Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens
MOST-WISHED-FOR ON AMAZON
This award-winning set is the most-wished-for video baby monitor on Amazon and for good reason. The camera comes with an interchangeable lens to fit all kinds of rooms, allowing parents to zoom, tilt and pan to their hearts’ content. The monitor is also lightweight and durable, which means it should hopefully stand up to all of that kid-induced wear-and-tear. Plus it requires very little setup, which means it’s easy to use and it travels well, too.
Buy: Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens $165.99
10. Voger Baby Monitor Camera with 2-Way Audio
BEST BUDGET CAMERA
If you’re just looking for a smart and low-budget video monitor camera that’s also compatible with Alexa, this 1080p resolution camera is an Amazon favorite. The WiFi camera features two-way audio, cloud storage and motion detection, plus you can share the feed remotely with other family members or friends. As an added bonus, when your baby outgrows it, you can always use it as a pet monitor when you’re away at work.
Buy: Voger Baby Monitor Camera with 2-Way Audio $25.99
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