2018 Best Baby Monitors Buyers Guide

Monitor Type

From audio and video devices to motion detectors, baby monitors can put your mind at ease. In this review, you’ll find three different types of baby monitors: sensor, audio, and video + audio.

Sensor

A sensor can monitor baby’s movement, oxygen levels, and heart rate, as well as the room temperature. Some baby monitors, like the Infant Optics DXR-8, have a temperature sensor built into the device, while others (such as the Owlet sock) specifically track heart rate and oxygen levels.

Audio

An audio-only monitor lets you listen in on your child, hear their breathing, or eavesdrop on the post-nap babble, so you’ll know when to swoop in and tend to them.

Video and Audio

A video camera and audio device can provide you with real-time supervision from a few rooms over. This type of monitor allows you to see and hear what your baby is doing in their crib, be it sleeping or making mischief.

Wi-Fi vs. Radio

Some baby monitors function on a radio frequency, while others use a Wi-Fi network—and some operate via both Wi-Fi and radio. Consider which you feel most secure using and which is most compatible with your lifestyle.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi baby monitors are convenient and travel friendly. All your monitor needs is a secure internet connection and a Bluetooth-compatible device, like your phone or computer. But you should consider how you’ll monitor your baby if your Wi-Fi connection is interrupted.

Radio

If you live in an area that doesn’t get great internet service, you can trust a radio monitor to consistently work well. This is the most common technology used for baby monitors, but items like cordless phones can impact sound quality and cause interference.

Must-Have Features and Considerations

From motion alerts to night vision and entertainment, there are some features you (and your little one) won’t want to go without.

Frequency

With a radio monitor, static is bound to occur, but to prevent unnecessary sound interference, make sure your cordless devices aren’t operating on the same frequency. To check, look at the back or side of a cordless device and make note of what frequency it operates on. So when you do purchase a baby monitor, you’ll know what frequencies to avoid or what devices could cause interference.

Range

Monitors might have range limitations, meaning you can only travel so far within your house or yard before losing reception and contact with your child.

Alerts

Alerts come in a variety of forms: some monitors buzz, chime, or light up. Often times, a monitor has a backup alert system if it’s operating in low-battery mode.

Power Source

Whether your monitor is battery powered or uses an AC adapter, make sure it can be used and charged properly during a blackout.

Hands-Free Adapter

With a hands-free adapter like a belt clip, you can easily carry the baby monitor around the house, tackle your to-do list, and keep an eye on your little one as they catch some afternoon z’s.

Night Vision and Night Light

Night vision offers added visibility in the dark, while a night light can be comforting to your little one as they fall asleep.

Two-Way Audio

If your baby wakes up suddenly and appears inconsolable, two-way audio allows you to talk with them before you swoop into the room.

Entertainment

When you’re exhausted, a little help goes a long way. Some monitors let you record lullabies or have prerecorded songs to soothe your little one to sleep.