2020 Best Baby Monitors For All Budgets, Types, And Needs

As any new parent knows, it can be hard to leave your little one alone in a room when you put him down for that nap. Sometimes, using a baby monitor is an outright necessity.

You want to have your eyes on him at all times — just in case. On the other hand, you have chores to do, dinner to cook, or maybe you just want to sit down and watch Netflix in peace for a moment!

Baby monitors are perfect for keeping watch on your baby as they sleep, especially when they are old enough to move to their own room without supervision.  A good summer baby monitor camera can provide you with the peace of mind you need to enjoy your life and take care of your baby.

You may be wondering whether or not you should be investing in a baby monitor, however, for some parents, it’s an absolute necessity in order for their baby to sleep soundly. If your baby can sleep well you will also be able to get the rest you need to take care of your baby when they are awake and causing mayhem. A digital monitor is one of the many clever devices that have been developed in the last twenty years to help ensure that parenting can be slightly easier.

In the very early days of your baby being born, you may get carried away with buying all the accessories you’ll think you’ll need; but one thing’s for sure – a baby monitor is essential when it comes to the wellbeing of your baby.

When you’re not in the room, you’ll immediately learn to recognize different cries – whether they are hungry, need changing or even in pain. As time goes by you will become more confident knowing when your baby needs attention and when they need to rest.

Before you rush out and buy one, though, understand that these are not your Grandma’s baby monitors (wait, did they have those back then?). It’s not as easy as grabbing any baby monitor off the shelf, it’s important you do your research beforehand, as different brands and models include a variety of different features, which may or may not be suitable for you.

These days the baby monitors have a touchscreen, tracking, and security to the max. There is plenty to consider before you go out and spend any money.  Before you start worrying about the best summer infant dual view digital color video baby monitor we thought it was important to do a simple breakdown of the types of baby monitors.

I’m sharing the best baby monitors for the money, with the most technology, in all budget ranges. First, let’s review the two major types of baby monitors out there.

Types of Baby Monitors

There used to be only a few brands and one type of baby monitor available, so purchase was easy-peasy.

However, with today’s vast and rapidly-changing technology, the best-selling baby monitors have suddenly become endowed with near-superpowers. The variety is almost overwhelming and each ‘summer infant full view baby monitor’ will be claiming it is the best and most affordable baby monitor money can buy!

When it comes to choosing a baby monitor, you’ll most likely come across two different types – audio or video.

An audio monitor is a traditional version, where one device stays in the nursery, while you carry the other around with you. These have been on the market for many years and there are definitely a few tried and tested brands that produce quality products.

A video monitor works in the same way, however, instead of simply listening out for cries, you’ll be able to watch every move your baby makes via a video monitor. There is the option of sticking to a basic model with basic features, which will be budget-friendly, however, the more expensive high-end models may allow you to zoom and move the lens to view the scope of the room.

Obviously, this type of parental care has increased in recent years as certain technologies have taken a step forward. For some parents, this is the perfect solution. For other parents, the audio monitor is enough.

Wi-Fi monitors

You can now purchase baby monitors that are connected to the Wi-Fi, in which you’re able to watch your baby sleep via your smartphone or tablet.The convenience and portability of this method are undeniable. It is becoming an increasingly popular way to monitor your baby while getting some much needed time to yourself.

So, while the traditional baby monitor may only work in and in the nearby surroundings of your home, you needn’t get too watery-eyed when the grandparents come to babysit. We’ve all been there…

You can stay in the loop with what’s going on by using an app that links to your Wi-Fi baby monitor, but remember not to become too obsessed that you let it get in the way of your much-needed date night! You need some time to just chill-out in order to recharge your batteries and get back to being a mum again the following day.

The peace of mind a Wi-Fi monitor can give is important. A good parent will know when they need to take a break and the baby monitor allows you to have those moments to yourself.  It has been a while since baby monitors first came onto the market and now they are almost essential.

However, when using Wi-Fi monitors, do be extra careful and ensure you have all of the necessary security features installed. It is important to buy from a trusted manufacturer and ensure that you have taken all the necessary cybersecurity measures.

Much like having a Transformer guarding your sweet sleeper, some smart-tech-enabled versions can do things such as:

• Track your baby’s sleeping patterns
• Check the humidity levels in the room
• Sense air quality

Of course, you’ll pay a premium for those options. This might have you wondering, “Are expensive baby monitors worth it?”

And more importantly for those who are design-conscious, “Are there any high-tech blue or pink baby monitors to match my baby’s nursery?!” Yes, we know you’re out there! And there are plenty of monitors that are designed specifically with those thoughts in mind.

Below, you’ll be able to decide for yourself which features on different types of baby monitors are essential and worth paying for. (And, which belong on Optimus Prime rather than in your nursery!)

Best Baby Monitors on the Market

As we mentioned, there are many bells and whistles on today’s baby monitors. But generally, they can be divided into two categories: video and Wi-Fi enabled.

We’re going to show you our top picks for the best selling baby monitors available for each budget level, so you can make your own conclusions about which fits your family’s needs best.

We’re here to help you decide whether you need an infant optics add-on camera unit for infant optics dxr-8 or just a classic no-frills baby monitor that does the basic job.

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg if you don’t want to, but saving money up for a baby monitor can help you acquire one.

SEE ALSO: 3 Ways To Save Money For A Baby On The Way

Top Baby Video Monitors

Baby video monitors are equipped with:

• a video camera,
• receiver, and
• transmitter unit.

And not to worry, your baby video monitor will work in low light or even completely dark rooms.

High Budget Pick:

The Infant Optix DXR-8 with Interchangeable Optical Lens

Read Reviews >

While this choice is on the high end (when not on sale), it features great versatility in a small package. It is the perfect product for the overly worrisome parent and it is one of the more popular monitors on the market for that very reason.

And customers love it if having nearly 24,000 reviews on Amazon and scoring a 4.4 rating means anything to you!

As one of the best-selling baby monitors around, that high rating means this monitor is reliable, functional, and helps give parents peace of mind.

The Infant Optix skips the Wi-Fi option to offer 2.4 GHz FHSS wireless transmission for crystal-clear audio and color video reception at the receiver.

It has a long battery life and is capable of zooming, panning, and tilting when necessary. If your baby wriggles around or tries to climb the cot these features are especially useful. They ensure you can keep tabs on your adventurous baby!

The included interchangeable zoom lens adds increased functionality, and there’s even a wide-angle lens that’s sold separately for those who want it.

A two-way intercom, audio-only option, and a remote temperature display round out the impressive set of features.

Middle Budget Pick:

The CasaCam BM200 Video Baby Monitor with 5” Touchscreen

Read Reviews >

This mid-range baby video monitor features a large 5” touchscreen LCD display in full color. Its user-friendly interface has six language options and LED lights that are sound-activated.

In my opinion, this is the best baby monitor for the money. Put this one on your baby registry!

The high-definition camera can pan 270º and tilt 110º, plus it can be adjusted remotely so the baby isn’t disturbed in the middle of the night. Digital zoom allows you to get up close to your little sleeper, and the entire thing is expandable to four cameras of optimum coverage.

Additional features include:

• Nightlight and automatic night vision
• Temperature sensor
• Two-way audio
• Choice of lullabies to lull your baby to dreamland

The system fits any nursery set-up with a convenient charging cradle or a wall mounting bracket for easy location.

The CasaCam also comes with a great worry-free warranty. You can replace it without questions asked within 100 days after purchase and if it stops functioning within the first year of use, the company will replace it.

Project Nursery 5″ High Definition Baby Monitor System

Read Reviews >

Perfect for keeping an eye on your little one as you sleep, this project nursery baby monitor is equipped with a 1.5” Mini Monitor (which is actually the world’s smallest monitor) allowing you to have hands-free access at all times. This means you can simply get on with your daily tasks; whether it be cooking, cleaning or doing the laundry, while still being able to watch your baby.

It features an easy navigation menu, for simple access to the features you need quickly. The main monitor also serves as a useful clock, a timer and room thermometer; which are all shown on the same screen, making it ideal for busy parents to keep a check of these important features. What’s more, you’ll also be instantly notified if your baby should make any movements or noises.

Budget Pick:

Babysense Baby Monitor

Read Reviews >

This is the best budget baby monitor with video if you want to spend under $100 on a quality product.

This powerful, yet budget-friendly baby monitor pick is equipped with a 2.4-inch HD LCD color screen. It offers 2.4 GHz digital wireless transmission for an interference-free connection that’s secure as well.

The additional digital zoom and infrared night-vision plus two-way intercom and room temperature monitoring make this one worth considering.

Best Baby Monitors with Wi-Fi

Our choices for top-selling baby monitors with Wi-Fi are all reliable and high-performing. The price is consistent with smart-app features.

High Budget Pick:

Nanit Smart Baby Monitor

Read Reviews >

Are you tech-obsessed? Of all the types of baby monitors, this is the one for you. The Nanit won Bump’s Best of Baby Awards for 2018 and for good reason.

This over-the-crib monitor offers all you’d expect from video monitoring with the addition of an app that records sleep scores and sleep insight reports. It also provides tips on helping your child sleep better.

The innovative birds-eye-view camera uses real-time video in HD quality to track when your baby is sleeping, fussing, or wide awake.

It translates this data into individualized reports, so you can monitor your baby’s sleep quality.

Middle Budget Pick:

Lollipop Baby Camera with True Crying Detection

Pink baby monitor

Read Reviews >

If the design is on the top of your list, take a look at the Lollipop Baby Camera. Not only is this technology easy to use and completely reliable when you’re out and about, but it looks great. Now you can see and hear your baby, so you know they’re safe, and they feel safe with a friendly, pretty monitor watching over them.

Some of the key technology features that this baby monitor offers include:

• Remote music – play lullabies and soft music for your little one
• Multiple screens – control more than one monitor at the same time
• True crying detection – recognizes real crying (no false alarms!)
• Night vision – near baby or wall mount
• Live view sharing – multiple family members
• Privacy mode – added security

This wi-fi baby monitor can also be installed in three easy ways: on a table surface, on the wall, on the crib railing.

Not to mention, it’s perfect for the Moms looking to purchase pink baby monitors for a girl’s nursery. The Lollipop Baby Camera also comes in blue, and green.

Budget Pick:

Vtech DM221 Audio Monitor

Read Reviews >

This pick, while middle-of-the-road in price, is a bit old-school in that it is a simple audio monitor.

However, it’s been recommended by the Bump and other sites and it gets consistently good reviews all around.

The digital audio technology is excellent with clear, crackle-free transmission.

The two-way intercom function allows you to soothe your baby from afar. The transmitter also offers a dim, unobtrusive night-light for your little sleeper.

The best part is its compact size, which allows you to tuck it away in an overnight bag — or your purse — for travel.

It’s the best budget baby monitor out there for under $50.

The Owlet Baby Monitor

There’s a newer type of baby monitor on the market now, and it’s a smart sock by Owlet. The technology keeps improving and each step forward aims to reduce your worrying.

The sock wraps around your baby’s foot comfortably. It tracks heart rate and oxygen levels using clinically-proven pulse oximetry.

The Owlet baby monitor sock comes with a base station and phone app. Information is sent to the base station via Bluetooth. The base will glow green to let you know everything is okay. However, if something appears to be wrong, it will notify you with lights and sounds.

With the Owlet app, you can receive notifications and stream real-time heart rate and oxygen levels on your smartphone.

The Owlet baby monitor is an advancement in the baby monitoring market that ensures that parents can rest easier. The ability to monitor your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels may be too much for some parents. But for many parents the peace of mind provided by the Owlet sock will be a key selling point.

They’ve also developed an Owlet baby video monitor to complement the smart sock.

Nifty and so high-tech! The Owlet baby video monitor combines the best parts of care and comfort to ensure your worrying can be kept to manageable levels.

Read Reviews for Owlet >

This type of baby monitor is an investment but is well worth the peace of mind. Plus, it’s HSA/FSA approved, so you can claim the purchase with your Healthcare Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.

In fact, Baby Help community member and Mom, Rachel C. said:

“I couldn’t rest when my baby slept because I was so worried about SIDS. Owlet let me check his heart rate and oxygen level as many times as I needed to calm my fears and actually sleep between feedings. It’s the best money I ever spent; I recommend it to every parent who needs to calm their mind while ensuring they can keep their child as safe as possible.”

According to an Owlet study, 96% of Owlet parents report less anxiety and 94% report better sleep.

Where to Buy Baby Monitors

If you’re wondering where to buy baby monitors like the ones we’ve specified, you can find all the ones mentioned above at Amazon.

Take a more in-depth look at the features and read many of the highly rated reviews to make the best choice for your family! Getting the opinions of users is always a great way of choosing a product that suits you.

 Alongside this, it would also be worth picking up a copy of ‘The Happiest Baby on the Block’ Amazon Prime which gives parents an insight into the best ways to calm a crying baby. It is always a good idea to seek out expert advice and this book is a fantastic way to feel more confident with your baby.

Best Baby Monitors 2020 — At Your Convenience

With all the types of baby monitors available today, your only decision will be whether you’ll go high-tech, low-tech, or somewhere in between.

Inevitably, the wide variety of monitors on offer can cause some choice overload. There are many practical and inventive products on the market. To make the right decision you will have to determine your requirements and your budget.

Not every parent will feel it is necessary to constantly monitor their baby’s heart rate. And for others, this will be the perfect type of product to ensure their baby is safe.

Part of taking care of your baby involves taking care of yourself. Using a baby monitor will help you to rest and have some time to yourself without feeling guilty or scared.

Our high budget choices are amazing, but our mid- and low-range options have all the functionality and reliability you need to feel like both you — and your baby — can get a good night’s rest.

However, it also doesn’t hurt to review baby monitor consumer reports to help you make a more informed decision. Do your homework!

Will you be purchasing a new baby monitor soon? Are you looking for simplicity, or all the bells and whistles?