As a mum of two, I know how much thought and consideration goes into choosing the best baby monitor for your little one because, like every product you buy for your baby, it has to be right for not only your baby but also you as a parent.
Here at Mother&Baby, the parents on the team understand how overwhelming it can feel looking at all the different baby monitors that are available to buy, and not knowing what features are key must-haves or just a novelty, so we've taken all that stress of opening a million tabs to compare products, by narrowing it down to the best 15 that have been tried and tested by myself and our team of parent testers.
Personally, I know the most basic features you need in a baby monitor for that reassurance and peace of mind, and having used two baby monitors that were completely different, I can honestly say that clear video, sound detection and two-way talk features are a must. I tested the Angelcare Ac327 Baby Movement Monitor, which has been updated to a newer model that's made our list thanks to our Hub Editor Stephanie's testing. I also used the BabyMoov YOO Go Plus. While both offered different forms of reassurance, the features I've mentioned were consistent with both baby monitors and also the features with longevity, as they all lasted until my daughter turned three, unlike other features such as sounds and movement pads. So as long as your baby monitor has these, you can't go wrong from our tried and tested list!
Best baby monitors at a glance:
There are many different types of baby monitors out on the market, a lot offering video or others with just audio. You can even get the likes of baby breathing monitors, although, it's important to remember, according to the Head of Support and Information at The Lullaby Trust, Kate Holmes, that: “despite their popularity with parents, there is no research evidence that breathing/movement monitors prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)."
She adds that these monitors do offer a level of reassurance though, as parents will be alerted if their baby stops breathing.
Most baby monitors consist of two parts: the 'baby unit' with an in-built microphone (and camera, if it's a video monitor) and a second hand-held 'parent unit', which displays sound and/or footage from the baby unit. You pop the baby unit near your baby's cot, and you can carry the parent unit around with you from room to room, a bit like a walkie-talkie. Instead of a parent unit, some monitors display information from the baby unit on your smartphone via an app. The advantage of this is that you can sign into the app from any location, so it's ideal if you're leaving your baby with a babysitter but want to check in on nap time remotely now and then.
Many of the best baby monitors we tested have additional features, like sound and music features, apps (although you may need to pay more for some features) with analytics, room temperature gauges, and two-way audio so that you can speak to your baby via the parent unit from another room. Keep in mind that cheap baby monitors won't always offer these features and the more functionality you have, the more likely you are to spend nap time monitoring your baby instead of relaxing! In this article, we'll talk you through key decision-making factors such as power source, range, portability, and whether or not you require a Wi-Fi connection.
How to choose the best baby monitor for you
There are lots of key decision-making factors to consider when selecting the best baby monitor for your family. Here are a few things that we took into account and what we think you should consider:
Price: When considering the best baby monitor, set a budget and balance it with essential features. Consider what features you think are important when choosing a baby monitor, and a higher price doesn't always guarantee the best functionality.
A good baby monitor can cost no more than £60. However, you need to consider whether it does everything you want it to. If you want a baby monitor that does more than basic audio or video, such as better quality, night mode, and motion detection, you can expect to pay between £200 and £300.
Camera: Do you need a camera monitor for your baby? This is entirely a personal preference, but if you do like the idea of a monitor with a camera, you'll want to be happy with the quality of the video and whether it's black-and-white or colour. In our experience, 1080p HD video is a good benchmark to aim for.
Screen: With certain video monitors, the parent unit has a screen that displays the camera footage. Different monitors come with different screen sizes, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Small screen size: ranging between 2.5 to 3.5 inches, a small screen size means that it is easily portable and is often for basic monitoring, as a downside to this size is it gives you less detail
Medium screen size: between 4 and 5 inches, this size gives a good balance between good viewing detail and portability. It's often ideal for day and night monitoring, giving better clarity, but might not be suitable if you need two viewing screens
Large screen size: the bigger screen sizes are often between 7 and 10 inches and are usually good if you want a clearer view or one screen for two monitors.
App: Some monitors, such as the Nanit, forgo a parent unit for an app instead. You can still get lots of great features, such as two-way talkback and night vision, but it means you'll need a phone or tablet to access these and see your baby. You'll need to check if the app is compatible with your smartphone or tablet, considering both operating system (iOS or Android) and device specifications.
Wi-Fi and range: Many parents wonder if it's better to have a baby monitor with or without Wi-Fi. If you choose a baby monitor with Wi-Fi, you can usually check on your baby from anywhere with your phone and don't require a separate parent unit. However, some parents prefer the simpler operation of non-Wi-Fi monitors, especially if they have concerns about hacking.
Laura Kankaala, Head of Threat Intelligence at F-Secure, says, " It's worth bearing in mind that everything with an internet connection might be hackable, but good passwords and keeping devices updated go a long way. It's also best to buy a reputable and well-known baby monitor from a trusted vendor or electronics shop."
She adds: "Hacking baby monitors sounds scary, but it is good to remember that these instances are quite rare. Using a strong password with multi-factor authentication protects you and your baby a long way."
If you do choose a monitor which relies on Wi-Fi connectivity, make sure it's compatible with your router and that your signal is up to the task. Check if the baby unit needs to be near your router for optimum efficiency and how far the range is.
Pan, zoom, and tilt: If your baby moves around a lot or if you have two children sharing a room, a video monitor with a camera that you can control remotely from the parent unit is very useful. You can scan the room or reposition the camera without disturbing your baby.
Temperature gauge: A baby thermometer is a useful feature on a monitor as it enables you to check the temperature in the room without disturbing your baby, alerting you if it's too hot or cold.
Night mode: If you want to be able to check on your baby via the monitor in the dark, choose one with night mode or infrared functionality.
Battery life: Most parent units are battery-operated. If you're likely to forget to plug it in overnight, choose one that charges quickly or has a portable docking station so you can charge it while in use.
Portability: If you'll be taking your monitor on holiday, choose one that's lightweight and portable. If it relies on Wi-Fi connectivity, make sure you have that wherever you're going!
Sound quality: Don't overlook audio when you're buying a video monitor—good sound quality is essential because you won't always be glued to the screen. It's important to check the key features to know how good the sound quality is. For example, some monitors will have adjustable sensitivity, noise filters, and volume control.
Power source: Consider the baby monitor's power source. Choose between battery-operated or plug-in models based on your preferences and the convenience of having a consistent power supply. Battery-operated monitors offer portability, while plug-in models ensure a continuous power source without worrying about battery life.
Alert type: Look for models with customisable alerts for sound, motion, or temperature changes to suit your preferences. Two-way communication features can enhance interaction and responsiveness, providing a more comprehensive monitoring experience.
Style and design: A monitor that resembles a heavy-duty surveillance camera might have excellent functionality but choose the one you'll be happy to look at every day.
How we chose and tested the best baby monitors for you
Every product on our list was tested by parents with infants. I couldn't test them all on my own of course, so at Mother&Baby we spoke with other parents from the team and our reliable tribe of parent testers, who gave us their recommendations and tested these baby monitors on our list.
Collectively, we've tested over 60 of the best models available in the UK, rating products based on their usability, design, quality, and value for money.
We also use our annual Mother&Baby Awards to test the latest models of baby monitors with multiple parent testers, so we can keep up to date with the latest trending products that we can provide reliable reviews for, so you know it can be trusted.
From all this work, our best baby monitors award winners are chosen and listed below in our finalised and definitive list of the best baby monitors, one for each key category, along with the quotes we found to be most useful when choosing our selection.
We also check third-party reviews to ensure nothing is being missed and that we cover all the pros and cons of a product.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.
The best baby monitors 2024 - tried and tested
ON OFFER
Best baby monitor overall
MOTHER&BABYThe Maxi-Cosi See Pro Baby Monitor easily connects to your mobile phone device, giving you peace of mind that your baby is always safe and sleeping comfortably. Carly loved that her husband could also view the baby monitor from his phone, which is not possible with a single-screen baby monitor.
Carly also loved the design of this baby monitor, which is aesthetically pleasing, a lovely addition to a nursery, and blends seamlessly with her decor choice. Although it doesn't have a 360-degree view, the wide-angle camera provides brilliant quality and clear enough to see what you need.
You can also upgrade your storage options on the app to save videos and photos directly from the monitor. Some features on the app are free, such as True Cry Detection, but after a few months, you do have to pay for certain features.
It's easy to set up and really impressed our parent tester, Carly, who previously tested the Babymoov Monitor. However, if you'd prefer an app-connected monitor with no in-app purchases, you might prefer the Owlet Dream Sock.
This is currently being tested by our parent tester, Carly
Pros
- Photos and videos can be saved
- It's compatible with a mobile app for convenience
- The temperature and humidity can be seen on the app
- It has up to 10 hours charge without a charger
Cons
- The camera isn't 360, but has a good view.
- You only get certain features free in the app on a trial period
| Monitor type: | Video |
| Range: | 200m |
| Power type: | Corded Electric |
| Display: | App but 1080p HD streaming |
| Dimensions: | 8.1 x 8.1 x 12.7 cm |
- Live 1080p HD streaming
- 2-way talk
- Controlled with the Maxi-Cosi Connected Home app
ON SALE
Best baby monitor voted by mum testers
MOTHER&BABYwww.mamasandpapas.com
This high-tech modern monitor is not only easy to set up, but it features an impressive high-definition, 7-inch colour LCD screen with 1080p high-definition video that allows you to watch the baby on the parent unit, your smartphone or your tablet. Mum testers found the app very easy to use, with one commenting. "It has an easy-to-use parent unit and app and a pleasant nightlight with variable brightness and various colours."
The camera also has the capacity to pan up to 360 degrees side-to-side, tilt up to 182 degrees up and down, and zoom up to 10 times for maximum visibility of your baby, giving you the clearest view of your little one no matter what room they're in. Parents particularly loved these extra features, including the built-in temperature sensor, with one mum commenting, "I liked the ability to see the temperature and capture pictures/ video of my baby. It has excellent zoom and range plus a clear picture."
The baby monitor will also help your child get to sleep thanks to its soothing melodies and soft ambient sounds, including a trickling stream and white noise—an added feature parents found really helped relax their little one before bedtime. This monitor is an updated version of the VTech RM7764HD, coming with two cameras rather than just one.
While parents were impressed by the camera quality and zoom function, some commented that the range was limited at times when it came to the connection between the parent unit and monitor. This might not be suitable for larger houses where you're regularly far away from your sleeping baby. Some also commented that it doesn't have a long battery life.
If you're looking for a more compact design, you may want to consider a previous model such as the VTech VM924, which has a 5-inch screen or the even smaller 2.8-inch screen on the VTech VM3250.
We tested this product as part of the Mother&Baby Awards 2024, where it won Gold for Best Baby Monitor.
Read our full Vtech RM7766HD review.
Pros
- It's easy to set up and use
- It has a large, 7-inch screen
- It features a 360-degree pan and tilt
- It has automatic infrared night vision
- Plays lullabies and white noise to soothe baby
- There's a built-in temperature sensor
Cons
- Some parents found the connection struggled when too far apart
- Some also mentioned that the battery life could be better
| Monitor type: | Video |
| Range: | Up to 300m |
| Power type: | Mains and battery (1 required) |
| Display: | HD 7" colour LCD |
| Dimensions: | 160 x 260 x 100 mm |
- High-tech monitor includes a high-definition, 7-inch colour LCD screen with 1080p high-definition video which you can see on the parent unit, your smartphone or tablet.
- The camera pans up to 360 degrees side-to-side, tilts up to 182 degrees up and down, and zooms up to 10 times for maximum visibility.
- The baby monitor plays melodies and soft ambient sounds, including a trickling stream and white noise.
ON SALE
Best expandable baby monitor
MOTHER&BABYIf you want to check in on your baby when on the move, you might want to consider this portable and wireless YOO video monitor. The Babymoov YOO Go Plus 5" Video Monitor features its unique Sleep technology mode, which activates the clear screen only when a sound is detected, meaning it will automatically turn on when a baby is fussing or crying.
Testers liked that the camera and screen are also battery-powered for even more freedom. There is no need to position your monitor according to the closest plug socket and no more electrical cables for little hands to touch. One tester commented, "I love the fact that you can change the camera independently and don’t have to rely on having a power socket close to your child’s sleeping in order to plug in a camera." However, a downside of this is a shorter battery life.
Furthermore, you have the option of connecting up to four cameras to the monitor, meaning you can monitor different rooms at once—ideal if you have more than one little one to monitor and handy with the monitor's large screen.
Thanks to the different attachment accessories included with the monitor, it's also a great baby monitor for taking away with you on your travels, and mums agreed. One tester said, "The different types of attachment are handy for everyone’s situation. This meant you could easily take it away with you with the clip feature and move around the house with it."
The Babymoov YOO Go Plus 5” Video Monitor was awarded Silver for Best Baby Monitor at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
Read our full Babymoov YOO Go Plus 5” Video Monitor review.
Pros
- Easy to take on the go with the different stands
- It's easy to set up and operate
- It has a large viewing screen
- The monitor can connect up to 4 other cameras to it
Cons
- The battery life isn't as good as other monitors
| Monitor type: | Video |
| Range: | 300m |
| Power type:: | Rechargeable lithium battery |
| Display: | 5" screen (12.7 cm)/2x zoom option |
| Dimensions: | 10 x 10 x 10 cm |
- Has 8 lullabies
- Visual and audible alarm
- Walkie-talkie function for talking to your baby remotely
- VOX mode (voice-activated screen): Battery Saving
- Connect up to 4 Additional cameras available soon
- Lifetime warranty
- Portable operates on rechargeable batteries
- 4 attachment accessories included: low stand, clip, suction cup and wall bracket
- Zero emission when camera is not detecting noise
- Large 5" screen
- High-quality night vision
Best medically certified baby monitor
MOTHER&BABYwww.johnlewis.com
Our parent tester, Hannah, described the Owlet Dream Sock as 'changing' her life. She loved that it wasn't just a baby monitor but also provided detailed insights on sleep quality, such as deep or light sleep, which made transferring to a cot from a contact nap a lot easier.
Designed as the newer version of the Owlet Smart Sock, the Dream Sock offers real-time health and vital information for parents. It's an innovative medical device that helps to provide peace of mind baby sleeps. It's recognised as medically accurate and safe, as the Dream Sock wraps around the baby's foot with real-time monitoring of pulse rate, oxygen saturation levels, sleep patterns and more.
It also has enhanced features compared to the Smart Sock and has Predictive Sleep Technology that can help predict when your baby is due for a nap. Our tester found she was struggling with naptimes and wake windows, but after using the Dream Sock it got naps 'bang on every time'. You can also monitor your baby from the app on your phone, so you don't need an additional screen to carry around.
The Dream Sock can be hand washed for keeping clean, and the only downside to the Owlet Dream Sock is it can't be used over the age of 18 months like other baby monitors can, such as the Cubio AI Baby Monitor.
Read our Owlet Dream Sock review here.
Pros
- Suitable to use from birth
- Recognised as a medically accurate and safe monitor
- Includes predictive sleep technology
- Connects to an app for viewing
Cons
- It's only suitable for up to 18 months
- The sock monitor is hand wash only
| Monitor type: | Video and breathing monitor |
| Range: | Depends on Wi-Fi connectivity |
| Power type: | Mains and rechargeable battery |
| Display: | Phone app |
- Predictive sleep technology
- Includes Base Station
- Real-time technology
- Colour coded light system
- Wireless monitoring
- Convenient recovery mode
ON SALE
Best baby monitor for extra features
MOTHER&BABYThe Nanit is a truly smart baby monitor, ideal for using if you want a bit more information from your monitor. It allows parents and guardians the ability to see what their baby is doing in real-time as well as recording so you can rewatch it later. Although difficult to set up initially, the smart part comes in when it sends sleep data directly to your smartphone. It means that wherever you are, you can see what is going on in your baby’s crib.
But this isn’t just any smart device: it is one of the most advanced baby cameras available, something our testers loved. As well as alerting you when your baby wakes, this technology also tracks sleep patterns, breathing and room temperature. Our mum tester, Hannah, loved how much peace of mind this monitor gave her. "If I had this product when my first baby was born, it would have saved me hours of stress worrying about his breathing and if he was safe" she said.
This monitor also features a two-way audio system, which allows you to talk to your baby and hear them crying or making noises. Our mum tester Hannah loved this feature, "I found this feature very useful as sometimes using the voice feature gave my baby enough reassurance to re-settle himself without me having to go into the room."
We also love how safe and well-built this baby monitor is. It mounts to the wall, meaning all wires and leads are safely tucked away from your baby's reach. If you're looking for a similar monitor, you might also prefer the Owlet Dream Sock.
The Nanit Pro Camera & Floor Stand was awarded Bronze for Best Baby Monitor at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
Read our full Nanit Pro Camera & Floor Stand review.
Pros
- It's compatible with Nanit's breathing wear
- There's secure encryption and security for peace of mind
- Shows you sleep trends and analysis on your phone
Cons
- Difficult to set-up
| Monitor type: | Video |
| Range: | N/A |
| Power type: | Battery |
| Display: | App only, 1080p HD video |
| Dimensions: | 25.9 x 16.3 x 9.7cm |
- Secure encryption
- View from anywhere
- Video history
- Two-way audio
- Compatible with Nanit breathing wear
- Breathing motion alerts
- Sleep trends & analysis
- Secured user accounts
- 256-Bit AES encryption
- Background audio
- 1080p resolution
ON SALE
Best baby monitor for app or parent-screen
AmazonBeing able to talk to your baby and calm them as they stir in the night is a must-have feature for many parents, and it's easy to understand why. Mum Shona says this feature, as well as the moving camera, were very easy to set up with her phone via the HubbleClub app and it allowed her to get on with her day. "I was amazed by how I could move the camera with a simple swipe of the monitor or press option to speak to the baby. I was able to get on with my everyday tasks comfortably around the whole house and able to watch my little man on the way." Shona commented.
Speaking of the high-definition camera, mums were impressed with how good the quality remained day and night, even in a pitch-black room. Mum Jodie commented, "It worked well in a pitch-black bedroom, and I loved that you could move the camera remotely, which meant you didn't need to fiddle with it in the dark next to his head."
Other notable features include the room temperature reading, lullabies, soothing sounds and bedtime stories. Another feature our testers weren't too keen on was the games that can be played on the display screen – an element they found pretty pointless, with mum Carly saying, it was "unnecessary, as I would never allow my baby or toddler to play with the monitor".
While our mum testers were impressed for the most part, one area they wish could be improved was the battery life of this monitor, which didn't last all that long without needing to be plugged in. This, however, didn't put our testers off, with mum Mari commenting, "I think the battery life, once charged in the monitor, is better than another monitor that we have used, and the camera quality is also better, especially in low light,"
Read our full Hubble Connected Nursery Pal review.
Pros
- It's easy to set up
- The image quality is great
- It features a room-temperature display
- It has a digital pan, tilt and zoom
- It connects to the HubbleClub app
Cons
- The battery life isn't great and could be improved
| Monitor type: | Video |
| Range: | 1000 ft |
| Power type: | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required (included) |
| Display: | 5" 1080p full HD |
| Dimensions: | 25.6 x 8.5 x 13.7 cm |
- 1080p full HD Baby Camera Monitor
- 2-way intercom system
- It has wireless connectivity
- Motion and sound detection
- Compatible with HubbleClub app
ON OFFER
Best baby monitor for safety tech
MOTHER&BABYThis award-winning monitor has the capability to alert you to your baby's sleep habits at night. The AI technology can identify if their face is ever covered in the night as well as detect if they've rolled over so that parents can quickly step in when they need to, giving you much-needed peace of mind. Mum tester Chelsea said "The Cubo Ai has changed my life with my baby as it has made me less anxious about putting my baby to sleep in their own room." Another mum tester, Anna, said, "The covered face and baby rollover function is good and worked well. We don’t have many things in the cot which can cover our baby's face; however, we tested it, and it was very sensitive to the movements." They also loved how clear the video quality was as well as the adorable design that fits perfectly into any nursery.
As well as impressive safety tech, this baby monitor provides parents with sleep analysis so they can clearly see how well their baby has slept. Mum tester Anna said, “The analytics were good for seeing how our baby sleeps, and I think it would help parents leave a baby to see if they can self-soothe as it determines how long it takes for a baby to go back to sleep."
Mums found the added nightlight a welcome feature during night feeds, helping to soothe the baby. They also liked the fact that you could turn the camera alerts off when you wanted to, which was a welcome adjustment as they became more confident with the baby's sleeping patterns. This allowed parents to have a more undisturbed night of sleep.
If you want an easier setup, you might prefer the Maxi-Cosi See. Some parents found the Cubio's set-up a little tricky, but overall, they were impressed with the quality, two-way function, and sleep analytics.
This baby monitor won Gold in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards Best Baby Monitor category.
Read our full Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monito review.
Pros
- Soothe remotely and save the need for additional devices
- The video quality is excellent
- It provides useful sleep analytics
Cons
- Not the most portable, and the setup is a little trickier than others
| Monitor type: | Video |
| Range: | 300 feet line of sight |
| Power type: | <code></code>Battery Powered |
| Display: | App only but 1080p HD video |
| Dimensions: | 8.7 x 10.86 x 11.15 cm |
- Paediatrician co-created
- Sleep analytics
- True cry detection
MOTHER&BABYwww.very.co.uk
The Angelcare AC25 Movement Monitor helps to provide peace of mind while your baby is sleeping. It has four sensitivity levels that detect movement, such as breathing, and it lets out an alert if no movement is detected after 20 seconds.
While you might be eager to set up the Angelcare AC25 Movement Monitor, it's worth noting how important it is to read the instructions first. Our Hub Editor, Stephanie, found the monitor repeatedly beeped loudly at her, and the buttons were difficult to navigate. She soon managed to set it up by reading the instructions to work out which button does what.
The monitor also features the option to play lullabies and has a soothing nightlight, which is perfect for those middle-of-the-night feeds.
This product is currently in testing with our Hub Editor, Stephanie
Pros
- Has a lullaby and night light feature
- It gives a no-moton-detected alert after 20 seconds
- It has clear, infrared night vision
Cons
- Make sure you read the instructions before setting up as the buttons can be confusing
| Monitor type: | Video and movement |
| Range: | N/A |
| Power type: | Rechargeable |
| Display: | 4.3 inch large LCD screen |
| Dimensions: | 8.6 x 2.1 x 14cm |
- Two-way audio talk back
- Includes 6 lullabies
- Infrared night vision
- 4 sensitivity levels on the movement pad
- Motion detection
Best baby monitor for camera panning
AmazonThis baby monitor allows you to tilt, pan, and zoom the camera to get a clear view of what's going on in your baby's room. This makes it ideal for older babies who might be moving around a little more.
This, along with the zoom, was a feature our parents loved as it meant they didn't have to go into the baby's room. Mum April says, "the camera is easy to use because once in position, you can change the direction and magnification of the lens from the handheld console. This makes my life easier because if I decide I want to centre the camera differently on the cot mattress, for example, if he is snuggled into a corner, I can change my view of him without having to enter his room (with the monitor in my hand) and manually adjust the view. This has been a helpful feature that I was keen to try out with this model."
There are also several extra features parent testers love, including the temperature sensor that keeps you informed of the temperature of your baby's room. Plus, the adaptive night light and projection light on the baby unit help soothe the baby to sleep. You can choose from 7 different colours of night light or project a starry night onto the ceiling, and even set it to automatically switch on if the monitor detects noise. One mum, however, did find that their house wasn't suited to the projector night light. Mum Samantha said, "We haven’t used the projection as we live in a barn, and the ceilings are too high for the projection to reach. However, it is a nice extra feature to have."
While the range for the monitor and parent screen could be improved, one stand-out feature all parents commented on was the picture quality and clarity. "The picture quality in day parent screen/night vision is extremely clear, and the screen size on the monitor is great, " commented mum Samantha.
This baby monitor won Bronze in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards Best Baby Monitor category.
Read our full VTech 5463 Baby Monitor review.
Pros
- It has fantastic picture quality
- It's simple to use and set up
- Includes a handy nightlight
- Has a good camera movement range
Cons
- Parents mentioned the monitor range could be improved
- The projector may not work if you have tall ceilings
| Monitor type: | Video |
| Range: | 300m |
| Power type: | Rechargeable battery |
| Display: | 5" colour LCD screen |
| Parent unit dimensions: | L127 x H80 x W 75mm |
| Baby unit dimensions: | L28 x H164.3 x W 95.5mm |
- Screen automatically switches on when it detects noise
- Remote operated pan and tilt
- 7 coloured night light options
- Soft ceiling projection light
- Two way talk to reassure your little one
ON OFFER
Best baby monitor for ease of use
MOTHER&BABYThis baby monitor won Silver in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards Best Baby Monitor category.
The Babymoov YOO Moov 360° video baby monitor is an award-winning video monitor for parents looking for easy-to-use yet modern technology. All parents who tested loved the quality of the camera, seamlessly adapting between dark and light modes and loved how easily it paired up with their device. The main downside with the camera was its size as mum tester Kasia points out. "The camera itself is quite bulky and takes some space when you take it with you for a weekend away, which we often do." Kasia says.
You can easily calm your baby with the two-way intercom as well as the baby's selection of sounds. While some parents liked that it lit up when it was operating, some parents found it disturbed them and their little ones with the light. Mum tester Ellen said, "I love that the camera has a night light and that you can change the colour and even play music. The signal is very good- we have an old house with thick walls, however, it was no issue picking up the camera on the monitor."
Some of our testers did find some downsides with this product, such as the limited battery life and the lack of safety features compared to other models, such as the Maxi Cosi See Pro, which has up to 10 hours.
Read the full Babymoov YOO Moov 360° Video Baby Monitor review.
Pros
- It has a clear picture quality
- The camera is good at reacting to sounds
- It's easy to set up
- It has a large viewing screen
Cons
- Isn't able to detect when baby might be in danger, such as when they roll over
- Limited battery life compared to other models
| Monitor type: | Video |
| Range: | 300m |
| Power type: | Mains |
| Display: | 4.3 inches |
| Dimensions: | 25.5 x 13.5 x 21 cm |
- 360° view
- Multi-coloured night light
- Plays lullabies
- Has a temperature sensor
- A Walkie Talkie function and a VOX mode
ON SALE
Best baby monitor with true-cry detection
AmazonThe Lollipop's adjustable and bendable stems make for a quick and easy setup in any nursery and are also very easy to install according to our mum testers. "One of the best features is how easy it is to set up really quickly and in any room" commented mum Susie. Mums also loved the quality of the camera, even when displayed on the phone and it was easy to link to the app. The multi-streaming feature supports navigation between multiple camera live views. Instead of owning many tablets, with everything laid out on one single iPad or iPhone, parents can watch all cameras simultaneously and never miss out on anything.
Our mum testers also praised how good this monitor was for crying detection. Tester Amy emphasized the peace of mind provided by notifications for crying, while mum Caity appreciated the ability to monitor her child from a distance without constant app monitoring.
Thanks to its durability, easy set-up, and quality, parents found it easy to take with them when they were away, as it was suitable for a variety of spaces at any angle.
The biggest downside was the monthly payment required to use the app. Our testers felt strongly that this should have been included as the costs really added up.
Read our full Lollipop Baby Camera review.
Pros
- It has a good camera quality
- It can be positioned anywhere in the nursery
- Due to flexibility, it is easily portable
- It's a unique design
Cons
- Monthly or yearly payments for features on the app- will add up
| Monitor type: | Video |
| Range: | Unlimited |
| Power type: | Mains operated |
| Display: | App but 1080p HD quality |
| Dimensions: | 34.5L x 12.6W x 10.7H cm |
- Contactless breathing monitoring
- Crying detection
- Crossing detection
Best baby monitor with built in breathing monitor
Owlet / AmazonThe Owlet Smart Sock does more than monitor your baby. This monitor tracks your little one's heart rate and oxygen levels all from your smartphone. Mum tester Samantha felt assured in the knowledge that her baby's health is in safe hands, commenting, "I felt like this product gave me peace of mind knowing that if my baby's breathing and oxygen were to fall below the normal range, the owlet base would alarm and notify me - the product comes with an app that you can download easily to your phone or tablet making the information generated each time you use this monitor very interactive." The smart device works by using pulse oximetry, wrapped in a tiny sock, and notifies you immediately if their levels leave pre-set zones.
Battery life seriously impressed our parent testers, as not only did it last well, but it also charged pretty quickly. Mum tester Kimberley said, "Battery life is also impressive. It easily lasts the night and then recharges in 3 hours."
Some of our parent testers found that the sock could be oversensitive at times and that they had some issues connecting it to their Wi-Fi. So, it's worth checking that it's compatible with your home setup before purchasing.
And while it might be on the more expensive side of things when it comes to baby monitors, mums felt it was worth it just for the peace of mind it provided. Mum tester Kimberley adds, "Yes, it is pricey at £269 but this soon becomes a small cost for the peace of mind it gives." You might prefer the newer version of this, which is the Owlet Dream Sock.
Read our full Owlet Smart Sock review.
Pros
- Has huge monitoring capabilities that provide peace of mind
- It has an impressive battery life
- It's easy to use and set up
- Recharges quickly
Cons
- Some parents found some features to be over-sensitive
| Monitor type: | Oxygen level and heart rate monitor |
| Range: | 30m |
| Power type: | Mains, Rechargable Battery |
| Display: | N/A |
| Dimensions: | H5 x W5.5 x D6cm |
- Check on your baby's sleep activity in the Owlet app
- Pulse-oximetry technology
- Owlet’s free baby monitor phone app gives you real-time notifications
Our tops pick for the best budget baby monitors
The more advanced the baby monitor can be more expensive, and here at Mother&Baby, we like to give you options. While some baby monitors can cost anything between £30-£400+ there are plenty of options that don't require you to spend hundreds on them. If your sole purpose is to check on your child's well-being from the comfort of your own bed, there are plenty of cheaper options. We've selected our top pick of the best cheap baby monitors just for you.
Best overall budget friendly baby monitor
Image: AmazonWhen your baby is feeding every three hours, and you are tired, it can be so difficult to remember when the next feed is due. This BOIFUN baby monitor makes that easier, with a feeding alarm so you can plan your baby's feed and wait for the monitor to notify you. We like that it has a rechargeable battery and screen saver functions.
Parents really favoured the clear screen option with one of our mum testers saying, "It's a great camera and great size monitor for this money. It's really worth it. We received it yesterday and tested the battery up to max playing lullabies, switching on and off night mode, testing the microphone and speaker etc... It's absolutely great." Most of our testers couldn't praise the battery life and night mode enough.
There is an additional benefit to using the room temperature feature. Our parents were happy that this 'simply does the job'. The camera itself doesn't require Wi-Fi to run, and with good range, it's easy to set up so you can sit back and watch your baby sleeping.
Pros
- It doesn't need Wi-Fi to connect
- It has a long battery life
- You can play soothing lullabies
- Great nighttime mode vision
Cons
- The camera stand is a little thin
| Product Dimensions: | 12 x 7 x 1.7 cm |
| Batteries: | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Colour: | White |
| Installation method: | Surface-Mounted |
- Wireless technology (no WiFi required)
- 3.2-inch colour screen
- 260m range
- Records room temperature
- Rechargeable battery
- Two-way talk
- Anti-Hack Encryption
- Night Vision
- 8 Lullabies
Best baby monitor with clear quality
Image: HelloBabyThis HelloBaby baby monitor has a clear image, and parents can zoom into their child's bed to get a better look at their snoozing tot. It has an air temperature gauge so you can safely monitor how hot the room is, and it has eight choices of different baby-soothing music. We find this really helpful when little ones wake up at 4 a.m. on a Sunday morning.
While it can be overwhelming with the variety of baby monitors out there, this seems to hit a lot of markers for parents. One of our testers said: "I wasn't looking for lots of fancy extras - though this monitor does have many. It has great picture quality and nice additional fancy features."
Lots of our parent testers commented on how clear the camera screen is, and another highlight was how easy this baby monitor was to use. "Bank balance friendly and straightforward to use," said mum-of-one Lou. Its screen size isn't as big as others, yet it doesn't need Wi-Fi to use, and the sound quality is also good.
Pros
- It also shows room temperature
- It has two-way talk options
- The camera is easy to use and set up
- It's great value for money
Cons
- Some found the monitor screen a little small
| Product Dimensions: | 21.4 x 14.7 x 10.7 cm |
| Batteries: | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required |
| Colour: | White |
| Installation method: | Tabletop Mount |
- Zoom function
- 3.2 inch digital colour screen
- 300m range
- Records room temperature
- Baby unit mains powered only
- Notifies parents of baby activity with audio alert
- Night Vision
Best baby monitor with infrared
Image: Argos www.argos.co.uk
The VTech baby monitor is a rechargeable digital baby monitor. It comes with a parent unit that can be used from different rooms in your home. It has a night-view capability, so you can see your little one in the middle of the night without having to switch the lights on. We love that this monitor is loud—pop it next to your partner when you want a lie-in.
Our parent testers commented on the range of this monitor and how pleased they were with the quality no matter where they viewed it around the house. "Excellent monitor," said one tester. I thought the screen may have been too small, but it's definitely not. It has good night vision and sound; it's just fantastic value for money."
Although some parents wanted to see this monitor work without the cable, the VTech VM3254 impressed them with its good sound quality, ease of use and many features to support them.
Pros
- Great quality in sound and vision on the screen
- The battery life lasts a long time
- It's easy to use and set up
- Plenty of useful features to ensure you have everything you need to watch your baby sleep
- The range seems to last well throughout one household
Cons
- The monitor itself is quite loud
| Product Dimensions: | 2.8 inch colour screen |
| Batteries: | 1 x Li-Ion (included) (Parent unit mains or battery powered) |
| Colour: | White |
| Installation method: | Wall mountable camera |
- Zoom function
- Wall mountable camera
- Two-way talk
- 2.8 inch colour screen
- Night light
- Infrared night vision
- 300m range
Baby monitor types explained
As technology has advanced, there are now many different types of baby monitors to consider choosing from. These include:
Audio monitor
One of the simplest types of baby monitors available is similar to a walkie-talkie. With this, you can hear your baby but not see them.
Video monitor
Probably the most popular option, a video monitor allows you to look in on your baby as they sleep and listen. A camera must be safely positioned where they are sleeping. You can watch the video footage via either a separate device or an app on your phone.
Movement monitor
A fairly recent invention to monitor your sleeping baby (even if you don't need to see them) is motion sensor pads. These plates lay under your baby's mattress and alert you if your little one doesn't move or breathe for a period of time so that you can go and check on them.
Wearable monitors
Working similarly to a fitness tracker, these innovations mean that your baby wears a smart item (usually a piece of clothing or a clip-on monitor) to help monitor their movement and even oxygen levels. These monitors also supply trackable data, which can help parents learn about their child's sleep habits.
Are baby monitors safe?
Take time to ensure your baby's monitor is in a secure location in the nursery where it won't get knocked over. If it's on the wall, regularly check the fittings in case they start to come loose over time.
Double-check your digital security, too, especially if your monitor connects to the internet. Laura says, "Setting a strong and unique password for apps and your Wi-Fi is the most important step in securing your baby monitor." You can also use two-factor authentication where possible.
When it comes to movement monitors, Katie Holmes also mentioned: "If parents choose to use a movement monitor, we recommend they buy a new monitor that is certified as a medical device and follow the monitor’s instructions. Safer sleep advice should also be followed for every sleep, day and night."
"Parents should have a plan ready if the monitor alarms, including accessing basic life support and baby first aid training. A monitor can never replace a parent's supervision, and if parents are ever worried about their baby’s health, they should seek medical advice."
Do I need a baby monitor?
If you're wondering if you need a baby monitor for baby, current NHS advice is to keep your baby in the same room as you until they are six months old, particularly when sleeping, as this can reduce the chance of SIDS. Most parents find baby monitors handy for those times when they need to leave the room momentarily. A monitor can be helpful when you need to pop to the loo or head into the kitchen to make dinner and still make sure your baby is sleeping comfortably.
No devices on the market will substitute at least one person being in the same room as the baby for safer sleep, but a baby monitor can help for those times you need to be away from them for short periods of time and for when they move to their own room after the first six months.
Do I need a video baby monitor or just audio?
Choosing between a video or audio baby monitor depends on personal preferences. Video monitors provide visual reassurance, allowing you to see your baby, while audio monitors focus solely on sound. Consider factors like peace of mind, portability, budget, and additional features. Video monitors are generally more expensive but offer added benefits. Ultimately, it's about your needs and priorities.
When should I start using a baby monitor?’
You only really require a baby monitor when your baby starts to sleep in a separate room from you. As above, for the first six months of your baby's life, they should be in the same room as you when they're asleep, both day and night. However, many parents like to have a monitor from birth so they can nip to the toilet or make a cuppa while still keeping an eye on the baby.
What age do you stop using a baby monitor?
There is no official NHS guidance or set age for when to stop using a baby monitor; it is entirely your choice. The Mother&Baby team stopped using their baby monitors when their little ones were between two and four years old, but it really depends on how comfortable you personally feel with giving it up. You may, for example, want to wait until your tot has moved into a toddler bed.
Whether you're pregnant or have already welcomed your new baby into the world, you know you need a lot of stuff. The Amazon Baby Wishlist is the best way to keep track of everything you need for your baby - and it's easy to set up.
Can baby monitors be hacked?
While highly unlikely, there are several steps you can take to help prevent potential hacking and keep your baby monitor connection safe.
CEO of privacy-tech start-up Murena, Gaël Duval said: "Make sure the password for your baby monitor is entirely unique, and not used for any other accounts, as this ensures that if a password for a different account is leaked in a data breach, then your baby monitor's password isn't exposed as part of that."
"Similarly, a baby monitor can be accessed via unsecured Wi-Fi, so make sure you have a password on your home network and change this from the default broadband provider password."
Another thing that Gaël recommended was looking at the companion app on the app marketplace to see what permissions the app will request. "If you take a look on The App Store, you can see a privacy score out of ten for any app. The higher the score, marketplace the better, making it easier to make an informed decision."
About the expert
Kate Holmes is the head of the head of support and information at the Lullaby Trust, which helps to raise awareness around SIDS and provide better, expert advice around safer sleep and emotional support for bereaved families.
Gaël Duval, is CEO of privacy-focused tech start up Murena, which sells Android smartphones with enhanced privacy features that do not collect data.
Laura Kankaala, Head of Threat Intelligence at F-Secure, who help to protect family, devices, privacy, identity and online lives easy. The company work with over 200 global brands, including Vodafone and Virgin Media.
Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.