We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

The Best Baby Monitors For Peace Of Mind

  1. Nooie Baby Monitor
  2. Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor
  3. VTech DM221 Safe & Sound Digital Audio Baby Monitor
  4. Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor
  5. Buyer's Guide

Baby monitors, both video and audio, allow parents to keep an eye or ear on their baby without opening the nursery door. Many monitor options offer a nightlight, room thermometer or the ability to turn on lullabies. With so many options parents may find themselves overwhelmed with options. Our lists for the best baby monitors in 2022 look at a number of options to determine the best features compared to cost to narrow down parent's search for the perfect monitor.

Comparing the Best Baby Monitor for 2022

Nooie Baby Monitor - Best Baby Monitor Overall

With this high resolution night vision LED camera, you’ll never miss a second of your baby’s motions. The camera pans up to 360 degrees horizontally and 90 degrees vertically to sense and track motion automatically, so you can keep a close eye on everything going on in your child's room. If your little one is upset, just open the Nooie app to access two-way audio over the monitor. Of course, this monitor has secure data storage using a micro SD card (not supplied) or the Nooie cloud. Another feature that puts this monitor at the top of our list is its smart technology. Pair the app with Google Home and Alexa, and access a live stream 24/7 with the Nooie app.

Infant Optics Video Baby Monitor - Runner Up

The Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor is the first of its kind, paving the way for the video baby monitor scene with its interchangeable optical lens capability. With this feature, you can completely customize your viewing angle and zoom in, which means that you can get a really good look at your baby. The large LCD color display is 3.5 inches, offering you a crisp, clear view of your child. Thanks to the interference-free reception, you never have to worry about picking up any signal other than your own. The lithium ion battery can power the monitor for a full 10 hours before requiring a recharge.

VTech DM221 Safe & Sound Digital Audio Baby Monitor - Honorable Mention

The VTech DM221 Dafe&Sound Digital Audio Monitor made it to this list because of its incredibly clear transmission. It features a 6.0 DECT, which eliminates any distracting white noise, allowing it to provide crystal clear sound. Another reason this monitor landed a spot on this list is because it has a range of up to 1,000 feet. With a range that expansive, you can hear your precious one in any room in your house, as well as outside. The parent unit can run for a total of 18 hours on a single charge and thanks to the two-way communication, you can talk to your baby through the monitor. Another perk of this monitor is the fair price, as you can get it for around $50.

Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor - Consider

With just over 1,000 feet of range and DECT technology that allows for absolutely no signal interference, the Phillips Avent DECT Baby Monitor will give you peace of mind when your baby isn't by your side. This monitor will give you added peace of mind, thanks to the devices data encryption which ensures that your connection is private and secure with no one else listening in on you and your baby. The parent unit can go a full 24 hours before it has to be recharged and signals with an audible alert when the power is low, so no more worrying continually about how much power you have left in the monitor. With added features like a remote activated night light and pre-programmed soothing lullabies this monitor will ensure your baby feels safe and secured at all times.

Buyer's Guide

Knowing your baby is safe will help you sleep better at night, and since you cannot physically be there every second, a baby monitor is the next best thing. However, choosing the right baby monitor can be a real hassle. There are just so many choices out there that choosing one will have you wondering whether you should have chosen the other.

In this guide, we will help you choose the right baby monitor for your baby, by showing you the major things to look out for.

But first, let’s answer an important question:

Why Do I Need a Baby Monitor?

You don’t need a baby monitor in the first few months if your baby’s crib is in your bedroom or you are co-sleeping. But, as soon as you move your baby to its room, you need one.

The obvious reason is so you can check on your baby and don’t feel guilty or worried if you must leave it alone for a few minutes. If it’s just you at home, a baby monitor will help you monitor your baby while you get other things done. Of course, checking your baby in person is always advisable, but a baby monitor saves you the legwork.

Baby monitors are also good for sleep training. If you are trying to sleep train your baby, it might be hard to ignore them if you hear them crying. But, with a baby monitor, you can confidently gauge if your baby needs you or if it’s just crying for your attention. Babies can be pretty manipulative.

Also, baby monitors can alert you to a situation with your baby before it gets serious, so you can take immediate action.

However, note that baby monitors cannot equate to adult supervision. They are there as an extra set of eyes.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Baby Monitor?

Types of Baby Monitor

There are two basic types of baby monitors:

  • Audio-only baby monitors.
  • Audio and Video baby monitors.

Audio-only baby monitors are less expensive than video monitors, but they are just as effective. Many parents are opting for audio and video baby monitors, but audio monitors are still very useful. They are great if you are not really tech-savvy and are just fine with hearing your baby. They are also great if the grandparents are babysitting. Grandparents are not exactly tech-savvy and dealing with a baby monitor that comes with many features and accessories may overwhelm them.
Audio and video baby monitors are more expensive, but they bring the major benefit of being able to see your child. Most anxious parents will take seeing their babies on video than only hearing them, and there’s nothing wrong with that. With a video monitor, you can calm your mind by seeing exactly what your baby is doing, and maybe enjoy some reality TV while you are at it.

The Connection Range

A baby monitor with a limited range is not very useful, you might as well sit next to your baby. You need a monitor with a range that’s long enough to let you take out the trash. Baby monitors with Bluetooth connection often have a limited range, which is why many parents opt for monitors with a Wi-Fi connection.

Those allow you to use your Wi-Fi connection to stream audio and video of your baby. The only issue is you’d need unlimited data to do this and, if your Wi-Fi is down or shaky, you’ll lose connection. Also, you would always need to have your phone or tab with you, and that could be inconvenient.

Safety

It’s imperative that you mount the cord over three feet away from the baby’s crib to avoid accidents. A cord that is too close to the crib could lead to strangulation. Even if the monitor is cordless, don’t put it inside the crib or within reach of your baby.

When you want to buy, go for brands that are particular about safety. Some brands have had to recall their baby monitors due to accidents that led to strangulation. So, be on the watch out for vague brands, and brands that have not been tested and reviewed. Most importantly, go for brands that follow the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). One of their requirements states that electrical cords be labeled to remind parents to hang the cord more than three feet away from the crib.

Security

Parents have told horrifying stories of having their baby monitors hacked. And honestly, there’s nothing more terrifying than fearing or discovering that some stranger was talking or watching your child while you slept. This is most likely to happen with a Wi-Fi baby monitor. To avoid this, go for brands that have included wireless encryptions into their systems. That’s done to prevent the likelihood of a hack.

Other things to Consider with Baby Monitors

Digital vs Analog

Analog baby monitors don’t encrypt their transmission, which means you could have a perfect stranger listening in. Digital baby monitors encrypt theirs, which makes them private. They are however more expensive. But the peace of mind and security is so worth it.

Infrared Night Vision

It’s no use having a video baby monitor if you can’t see your baby at night. The best video baby monitors have this feature. With just a little light from a bedside table, the infrared night vision feature will let you see your baby clearly.

FAQs For Best Baby Monitors

Q: How do I choose a baby monitor?
A: Consider a video baby monitor. Also, go for a baby monitor with a long-lasting battery, encrypted transmission, and infrared night vision.

Q: Is it okay to leave a baby monitor on all night?
A: It can serve as a great way to monitor your little one while she sleeps. Also, with the monitor on, you can be easily roused when it’s time to feed your baby.

Q: Are Analog baby monitors safe?
A: Analog baby monitors don’t have encrypted transmission, which means they can be easily hacked. They are also not great for long distances.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top