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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!
That’s where the best baby monitor can literally save the day.
Before you rush out and buy one, though, understand that these are not your mama’s baby monitors.
Types of Baby Monitors
There used to be only a few brands and one type of monitor available, so purchase was easy-peasy.
However, with today’s vast and rapidly-changing technology, baby monitors have suddenly become endowed with near-superpowers.
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?”
As we run through our top picks for all budgets, you’ll be able to decide for yourself which features are essential. (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.
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
While this choice is on the high end (when not on sale), it features great versatility in a small package.
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.
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
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.
The high-definition camera can pan 270º and tilt 110º, plus it can be adjusted remotely so baby isn’t disturbed in the middle of the night. A 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.
Budget Pick:
Babysense Baby Monitor
This is a great choice if you want to spend under $100 on a quality baby video monitor.
This powerful, yet budget-friendly 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 makes this one worth considering.
Best Baby Monitors with Wi-Fi
Of the baby monitors with Wi-Fi, our three top choices are all reliable and high-performing. The price is consistent with smart-app features.
High Budget Pick:
Nanit Smart Baby Monitor
Are you tech-obsessed? Then this is the monitor 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 bird’s-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.
Budget Pick:
Vtech DM221 Audio Monitor
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.
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!
Best Baby Monitors 2018 — At Your Convenience
With all the choices available today, your only decision will be whether you’ll go high-tech, low-tech, or somewhere in between.
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.
Will you be purchasing a new baby monitor soon? Are you looking for simplicity, or all the bells and whistles?
Share in the comments below!
Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links through which we may receive a commission for purchases made by you.
