As a new parent, you want to ensure that your little one is safe and sound at all times, even when they're sleeping. That's where baby monitors come in, allowing you to keep an eye and ear on your baby from another room. 

However, as technology continues to advance, so too do baby monitors, and it can be overwhelming to sift through the numerous options available. In this article, we review the best baby monitors based on several key criteria. Whether you're a new parent or looking to upgrade your current baby monitor, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We understand that your baby's safety is of utmost importance, and we are here to help you choose the best baby monitor to fit your needs.

Best Baby Monitors

1. Chillax DM681 Giraffe Pro: Best Baby Monitor Overall

2. Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor: Top Smart Baby Monitor

3. Momcozy Video Baby Monitor: Ideal Basic Video Monitor

4. Owlet Dream Sock Baby Monitor: Go-To Choice for Monitoring Vitals

Reviews 

1. Chillax DM681 Giraffe Pro: Best Baby Monitor Overall

Pros

• Easy to use and incredibly versatile
• Camera neck and mounting options allow you to get any angle
• Can switch between WiFi access or private operation
• Incredible smart features built-in and accessible with the parent unit

The first monitor on our list, and our choice for the overall best baby monitor, is the DM681 Giraffe Pro. This is a smart baby monitor that can easily go from being a WiFi baby monitor to one that operates with no internet access (depending on your security preferences) while still remaining highly versatile and functional. 

With a wide range of features that make the monitor more effective, and more reliable, the DM681 Giraffe Pro easily outclasses the majority of the competition in almost every aspect. 

What Sets This Baby Monitor Apart?

The camera on this best baby monitor has a highly opposable neck and can clip to almost any surface, as well as having a built in night vision capability, so you can see your baby easily, at all times of the day. If you lack a good clippable surface, you can opt to use the contained wall mount to get the perfect angle in any room. 

You are able to view your baby either through your smart phone or through the dedicated parent unit. The parent unit is much more than a screen and offers a wide array of built-in features such as feeding times and a diaper tracker. 

Taken individually, none of these are proprietary or unique features - but all together they create a video baby monitor that is second-to-none and that can be connected to in multiple ways depending on your security needs or preferences. There is really no limit to how you can use this best baby monitor.

What Do Customers Say About This Baby Monitor?

This baby monitor is loved by parents for its clear video quality, even at night, and even when connecting from a device miles away. The DM681 Giraffe Pro is exactly what you want from a video baby monitor in the modern age. 

One feature that is often commented on, is the fact that this best baby monitor does not have to be a dedicated WiFi monitor in order to work, and can be connected through more secure means with the parent unit. So, you can either use the cloud storage and WiFi features many love, or go the more secure route with everything self-contained. 

With this level of versatility, and fantastic functionality, there is little doubt as to why the Giraffe Pro is so loved. 

Learn More About Chillax and the DM681 Giraffe Pro

2. Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor: Top Smart Baby Monitor

Pros

• Smart AI-tech that learns what your baby needs
• Large array of sensors for a total data picture
• Two-way talking intercom system with lullaby option
• HD camera with night vision and zoom capabilities

Cons

• So many features can be overwhelming for non-tech savvy parents.

The second choice on our list is the incredibly smart Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor which relies on proprietary technology; an AI platform equipped with multiple sensors that allow you to detect sleeping patterns and breathing habits, as well as included temperature and humidity sensors, so you can get alerts if anything out of the ordinary occurs or if the room changes. 

Of course this system also comes with a built in video monitor with 1080p HD video quality, with night vision and zooming capabilities, as well as a wall mount option.  

What Sets This Baby Monitor Apart?

This best baby monitor is at the top of the pile when it comes to the new wave of smart and highly capable baby monitors. This is so much more than a video baby monitor and comes with a large amount of built in sensors. 

You can set this system to let you know when almost anything changes in the baby room, or with their sleep patterns, making it incredibly powerful for parents who know how to properly optimize its functions. 

What Do Customers Say About This Baby Monitor?

Customers love this smart video monitor option from Miku for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the ability to speak through and play lullabies directly into your baby’s room. In fact, many parents are using them well into adolescence to watch and direct their children when they are in another part of the house or spending time in their room. 

While some parents can have issues handling the wide array of features, those parents who wish to utilize the various sensors and alert systems this Miku best baby monitor contains, quickly say that it is amongst the very best for user UI and reliability. 

Learn More About the Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor

3. Momcozy Video Baby Monitor: Ideal Basic Video Monitor

Pros

• No WiFi access for added security but powerful in-home connections
• Camera with night vision and a 360° field-of-view
• Long battery life with rechargeable battery

Cons

• Lacks some features of more advanced smart monitors

The Momcozy Video Baby Monitor is a simple and straightforward video baby monitor that is designed to not rely on WiFi and to be hack-proof. Instead this monitor has focused on camera quality and reliability, providing an incredible 1080p 360°all-round field of view with night vision abilities. 

This is a simple, reliable, easy-to-use baby monitor that allows you to see your baby clearly on-demand.

What Sets This Baby Monitor Apart?

With a 5000mAh rechargeable battery that offers outstanding battery life and a 360° field-of-view, you don’t need multiple cameras to watch your little one go about the room, or sleep peacefully. 

With night vision, a clear picture, and an effective parent unit, this monitor eschews all of the fancy bells and whistles and instead ensures you are getting the best possible video monitor that technology can offer. 

Simply put, this best baby monitor stands out by doing the basics better than anyone else on the market right now.

What Do Customers Say About This Baby Monitor?

Customers love the rotating camera with its clear pictures and night vision options, and there is little complaint about the lack of interconnectivity. In fact, many parents prefer the security of having a device that is not always connected to the internet. The battery life is great, and many also take these on the road with them, such as needing to monitor the child while at the grandparent’s house. 

All in all, customers flock to the Momcozy Video Baby Monitor as a reliable and powerful baby monitor that gives you the versatility and capabilities of a large multi-camera setup in a simple package. 

Learn More the About Momcozy and the Video Baby Monitor

4. Owlet Dream Sock Baby Monitor: Go-To Choice for Monitoring Vitals

Pros

• Unique wrap that measures baby’s essential body functions
• Huge array of details about everything
• Great battery life
• Awesome customer service team and payment options

Cons

• Lack of video feed is hard to get used to for many

The Owlet Dream Sock Baby Monitor is a unique and powerful device that operates very differently from traditional video monitors or a WiFi baby monitor and instead is worn like a sock on the baby. 

This sock keeps track of your baby’s heart rate, oxygen, noise levels, temperatures and so much more. This does everything from monitoring essential body functions to when they wake, up to when they are having any shortness of breath. With the other added features like a long battery life and a series of apps connecting with WiFi baby monitor sync options, this is a powerful tool that is breaking the mold of what a best baby monitor is. 

What Sets This Baby Monitor Apart?

This is a unique device that offers a very different experience than a classic baby monitor, but still gives parents many of the same features as other WiFi monitors. 

While you cannot get a visual look at the baby, you will have a live feed of every other possible detail, and in many ways this WiFi monitor will give you less of a false sense of security and instead will train you to rely on real data when monitoring your child. 

What Do Customers Say About This Baby Monitor?

Once you get past the lack of visual feed and get used to the many data points, this is an incredibly powerful tool that parents love. Customers love the good battery life and ease of use, and many can’t imagine going back to having less data. 

When you want to know exactly everything that is going on with your child's vitals, this is the device you need. 

Learn More About the Owlet Dream Sock Baby Monitor

How We Chose Our Recommendations for the Best Baby Monitor

Making a list of the best baby monitor options is not necessarily as easy as it may first seem. There are well over a hundred major brands of baby monitors available if you look hard enough. Though most of these products are simply not very good, actually finding out which ones might qualify as one of the best baby monitors can be challenging. 

In order to do this our team created a basic criteria set to work from that helped us remove the very worst baby monitors first. This included options from brands with safety issues in the past or that lacked key essential features needed by today’s parent. 

Once we had whittled the list down to a more manageable number, we were able to then begin to really get into each remaining option with a lot more detail, taking into account customer reviews, extra features and more. By the end of this process we had a list of four monitors that can be considered the best baby monitor in some way.

Things to Consider When Buying a Baby Monitor

When buying a baby monitor, there are several things you should consider to ensure that you are choosing one of the best baby monitors that meets your needs and provides a safe and reliable way to keep an eye on your little one. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Type of baby monitor

Traditionally there were audio-only monitors, video monitors, and hybrid variations of both. An audio-only monitor allows you to hear your baby, while a video monitor allows you to see and hear your baby. Now we have WiFi monitors, smart baby monitors, and more, yet all serve the same basic function of allowing parents to remotely monitor their baby's activities from another room or location. 

There are some key differences between these types of monitors that you will want to consider.

• WiFi Baby Monitor

WiFi monitors are some of the most common options amongst those monitors being released each year. This trend in WiFi baby monitors is mostly due to the versatility a connected WiFi baby monitor provides. With a WiFi monitor connecting to the internet you are able to view your baby's activities using an app on your smartphone or tablet. 

WiFi baby monitors often come with features such as two-way audio, night vision, and remote pan and tilt control. Most video monitors and smart monitors coming out today are also a type of WiFi baby monitor.

• Video Baby Monitor

A video baby monitor typically includes a handheld parent unit with a screen and a camera unit that is placed in the baby's room. The camera in the video monitor captures video and usually the audio of the baby's activities, which are transmitted to the parent unit for monitoring. 

Some video monitors also come with features such as night vision and temperature monitoring but you really want to ensure good, consistent video quality. 

• Smart Baby Monitors

A smart baby monitor uses advanced software and even machine learning to track and analyze your baby's sleep patterns, breathing rate, and other metrics. Smart baby monitors may also come with features such as white noise and lullabies to help soothe the baby to sleep. 

Really, this is just a term for a capable WiFi baby monitor that includes a vast array of new functions and features that make best use of your devices' interconnectivity.  A good example is the Miku smart baby monitor that tracks your baby’s breathing and sleeping patterns along with video and sends this all to your phone or iPad. 

Overall, the main difference between these types of baby monitors is how they transmit and display information to parents. A WiFi baby monitor relies on your home's WiFi network and a smartphone app, while video baby monitors use a dedicated parent unit with a screen, and smart baby monitors use advanced technology to track and analyze your baby's activities.

Of course, there are older types such as an audio-only monitor or old-style portable baby monitor, but most of these are quite outdated at this point and do not offer optimal features. It is not recommended that you get something like an audio-only monitor instead of a video monitor or WiFi monitor, however there are still some good quality options being made today. 

Range

You will want to consider the range of the baby monitor, as this will determine how far away from your baby you can be while still receiving a clear signal. If you have a large home, a WiFi monitor can have issues reaching everywhere. 

Also, think about if you plan to use the monitor outside; if so, the best baby monitors for you will have a longer range. This is why it is important to get a high-quality WiFi monitor as well as an updated WiFi signal when you plan to go this route. 

Battery life

If you have purchased a best baby monitor that you plan to use on a trip or for general use on-the-go, you want to be very aware of the battery life. Video monitors can drain batteries very quickly. 

Night-vision ability

Also consider that if you plan to use a video baby monitor, it will likely have to function in the dark. In addition to checking the general video quality, check out the camera's video quality in the dark. 

Connectivity

Some WiFi monitors and video monitors connect to your smartphone or tablet, while others use a separate receiver. Consider which type of connectivity works best for you.

Extra features

Some baby monitors come with additional features, such as temperature sensors, motion sensors, or lullabies. Consider which features are most important to you.

Safety

The best baby monitors will have safety certifications, such as those from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

How Long Should You Use a Baby Monitor For?

The duration of using the best baby monitor you’ve purchased will depend on various factors such as the age of the child, the layout of the house, and the personal preference of the parents. Generally, it is recommended to use a baby monitor at least until the child is around 6 months to 1 year old, or until they can sit up or climb out of the crib. 

Many experts recommend you utilize a baby monitor until your child is about 4 years old. At this point the child will have generally adjusted to their bed and is aware of being watched. Many parents will wait these extra years, especially if their child has a medical condition or requires extra supervision. 

Additionally, parents who live in large houses or multi-level homes may need to use a monitor for longer to ensure they can hear or see their child from different parts of the house.

Ultimately, the decision of how long to use baby monitors should be based on the parents' comfort level and what they feel is necessary to ensure their child's safety and well-being.

When Should I Start Using a Baby Monitor?

Parents can start using a baby monitor as soon as their newborn baby arrives home from the hospital. While newborns generally sleep for long stretches, they may wake up frequently to feed or need a diaper change. A baby monitor can help parents keep an ear out for their baby's cries or sounds of distress, allowing them to respond quickly and provide the necessary care. 

WiFi baby monitors also allow parents to view the baby whenever they are out of the home or are relying on a babysitter.

That being said, some parents may choose not to use a baby monitor if they sleep in the same room as their newborn or if they have a small living space where they can hear their baby from anywhere in the house. Ultimately, the decision of when to use a baby monitor is up to the parents and their individual circumstances.

Are Baby Monitors Safe?

When used correctly, the best baby monitors are perfectly safe. In fact, they should add to overall safety as they are designed to provide parents with a convenient way to keep an eye and ear on their baby, especially when they are in a different room or sleeping in a crib.

However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take necessary precautions to ensure that the baby monitor does not pose any safety risks to the child. For instance, parents should keep the monitor away from the child's reach, avoid placing it too close to the crib or other objects that may cause overheating, and regularly check the monitor for any signs of wear and tear or damage.

Some WiFi monitors may be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access, which can be a privacy and security risk for the family. Parents should make sure to use secure passwords, keep the software updated, and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to connect to the monitor.

Overall, while there are potential risks associated with the use of even the best baby monitors, most of these risks can be minimized by using the device properly and following the manufacturer's instructions.

How Do I Use a Baby Monitor?

Using a baby monitor is fairly simple and straightforward.

Choose a location for the baby monitor: First, decide where you want to place the baby monitor in your baby's room. It should be close enough to your baby to capture clear audio and video, but not so close that your baby can reach it.

• Power on the monitor: Most baby monitors come with a base unit and a handheld parent unit. Plug in the base unit and turn it on. Then, turn on the parent unit and make sure it's fully charged or plugged in.

• Adjust the settings: Depending on the type of baby monitor you have, you may be able to adjust settings such as volume, brightness, and sensitivity. Check the instruction manual to learn how to adjust the settings on your specific monitor.

• Place the camera: If your baby monitor includes a camera, aim it at your baby's crib or play area. Some cameras are designed to use a wall mount or to be placed on a flat surface, while others can be attached to the crib itself.

• Test the connection: Make sure the base unit and parent unit are connected and that you can see and hear your baby clearly. Adjust the volume and sensitivity as needed to get a clear signal.

• Use the monitor: Once your baby monitor is set up and connected, you can use it to keep an eye and ear on your baby while they sleep or play. Some monitors also come with features such as temperature sensors, night lights, and two-way communication, which allow you to soothe your baby without entering the room.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when using a baby monitor to ensure your baby's safety.

Can a Baby Monitor Prevent SIDS?

While baby monitors can be a useful tool for keeping an eye on infants and young children, even the best baby monitors cannot prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is a tragic and unexplained phenomenon that occurs when an apparently healthy infant dies suddenly and unexpectedly, usually during sleep. 

There is no single known cause of SIDS, and there is currently no way to predict or prevent it. While some risk factors have been identified, such as placing a baby to sleep on their stomach or exposing them to cigarette smoke, these factors do not account for all cases of SIDS.

While a baby monitor can help parents keep an ear out for their baby's sounds and movements during sleep, it does not provide any protection against SIDS. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents follow safe sleep guidelines, such as placing babies on their backs to sleep and keeping the sleep area free of soft objects and loose bedding, as the best way to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Are You Ready to Buy a Baby Monitor?

Whether you decide on a reliable old-style video baby monitor, an advanced WiFi baby monitor, or something else, just be sure it is the best baby monitor for you and your baby. Luckily, all of the options on our list today are top-of-the-market options that offer a great deal of versatility and quality. So are you ready to buy the best baby monitor for your needs?

Summary of the Best Recommended Baby Monitors

1. Chillax DM681 Giraffe Pro: Best Baby Monitor Overall

2. Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor: Top Smart Baby Monitor

3. Momcozy Video Baby Monitor: Ideal Basic Video Monitor

4. Owlet Dream Sock Baby Monitor: Go-To Choice for Monitoring Vitals