The first baby monitors didn’t deliver much in the early days. If you could sift through the static and decipher the noise, you could maybe tell if your baby was awake or crying.
We’ve come a long way since those first baby monitors. Some of today’s devices offer live, 24/7 video streaming so you’ll always know what’s going on in your baby’s room. Others can connect to your smartphone, track sleep patterns, and even play music to help soothe your crying baby and help them fall back asleep.
Pro Tip: Make sure you change default passwords to something that is secure and private.
What type of monitor is best?
This depends on what you feel most comfortable with. There are audio monitors that allow you to listen to any noise coming from the nursery, vital monitors that track sleep and breathing and video monitors that add sight to sound. Most mama’s I know- overwhelmingly choose video monitors. The security of seeing what your child is up to is totally worth the extra cost of a video monitor.
Best Mom-Approved Baby Monitors of the Year (in no particular order)
1. Motorola MBP36XL Baby Monitor
The convenient motorola allows you to pan, tilt or zoom the camera remotely. Crying baby? Press a button to play musical lullabies. Need to bring the camera with you on a weekend trip? No problem: this freestanding monitor can be set anywhere and can be used unplugged for up to three hours on a single charge.
Price: $149.99
What moms are saying about it: “My mom got us the Motorola one and it not only had a monitor that’s the size of a camera to watch her on but has an App that Gary can watch her on when he goes back to work!” -Hayley S.
2. Summer Infant
The Summer Infant In View Video Baby Monitor with 5-Inch Screen is just what you need to keep a close eye on baby in the nursery. With automatic night vision and digital zoom in / zoom out technology, you’ll never feel in the dark. You can also expand this system with up to 3 more additional cameras (sold separately).
Price: $100
What moms are saying about it: “This camera has great night vision. I can finally see what my son is doing. Of course it’s a tad grainy, but that’s to be expected when you’re looking at something with night vision.” -Kate M.
3. VTech Safe&Sound® VM342-2
Enjoy a panoramic view of your little one as they move around the nursery. The camera also comes with a standard lens. Simply detach the wide-angle lens when you want to watch your child in normal view. Full-color video on a large 4.3 inch LCD screen lets you see every smile and sigh, while a two-way, talk-back intercom lets you soothe your child without entering the room.
Price: $159.99
What moms are saying about it: The quality of the camera & monitor is amazing and I love how easy it is to pair extra cameras for different views.
It’s been through hell and back too for the past three years with all the traveling we do and works like it’s brand new” -Lacy A.
4.Lollipop
Crisp daytime images. Powerful night vision.Our infrared LED lens gives you a clear view during the night because what happens in the dark is just as important. And just as adorable.
Price: $134.99
What moms are saying about it: “The video is so clear. I love it.” -Ronda L.
5. Levana Lila Baby Video Monitor
Ensure you and your baby experience a full night of comfortable, peaceful rest with the Lila Baby Video Monitor by Levana. The camera’s 8 invisible LEDs cast a watchful eye over your child, allowing you to see your baby up to 12-Feet away in complete darkness. 6 hour battery life with the screen on means you’ll be able to get more done around the house with a constant, portable video feed of your baby without having to stop and recharge
Price: $79.99
What moms are saying about it: “I made sure the one we have doesn’t connect to the WiFi… I read this crazy article about freaks hacking into the WiFi and watching babies and kids so we have the levana.” -Jordan P.
6. Angelcare
Movement monitoring and activity tracking reports give concerned parents the ultimate peace of mind. Angelcare’s AC315 movement, sound, and video monitor includes the standard wired movement sensor pad and features data analytics that senses and tracks baby’s activity level. Alarm will sound if no movement is detected after 20 seconds. Ideal for monitoring a newborn infant or young baby. This monitor can also be used without the wired sensor pad for those early toddler years. The AC315 baby monitor is there when you need it. Dependable, trusted, and beautifully designed, Angelcare video and audio monitors are the basic tools of infant care.
Price: $159.99
What moms are saying about it: “ I love the ease of use with this monitor and have found it to grant so much peace of mind that I cannot imagine using anything else. The video is crisp and clear, night vision works really well and overall the picture is always quite good. I highly recommend this for new parents.” -Haley R.
7. Infant Optics DXR-8
The DXR-8 Video Monitor by Infant Optics features interchangeable lens technology. Video is streamed real-time to a slim 3.5 inch LCD color display providing a crystal clear image. Long-lasting battery provides reliable charge: 12 hours in power-saving mode, 8 hours with the display screen constantly on. Plug and play – no setup required.
What moms are saying about it: “The picture quality is fantastic even in night vision. The range is one of the largest we found. I love that I can go any where on our property and it stays in touch with the camera.” -Kelsey P.
The Smother Mother 