Searching for the best baby monitor is a big decision when it comes to baby gear [1]. As new parents, we're all immediately transported to a place of worry when our little ones are born, and when we tuck them in at night — as infants and even later as babies — the baby monitor is our lifeline. It's how we can check in to see how they're doing without disturbing them. Whether you want a smart baby monitor with oxygen level readings, a baby monitor without WiFi, or one with just audio, here are our five picks.
Shopping for other newborn essentials? Also check out our lists of the best baby gear [2], strollers [3], nappy bags, and other baby products [4].
Best Non-WiFi Baby Monitor: Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
If you want something reliable that runs without WiFi and you don't need to store the footage, the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor [5] ($166, originally $230) is all about that digital privacy. Plus, it has a strong night vision, temperature setting, and great zoom features.
Best Smart Baby Monitor: Nanit Smart Baby Monitor
The Nanit Smart Baby Monitor [6] ($245) does it all: takes HD video and photos (with zoom); tracks sleep and provides personalized sleep tips based on your child's sleep [7]; has temperature and humidity sensors, night vision, and a nightlight; and, best of all, is Amazon Alexa integrated. With Alexa, you can ask how your baby slept last night and what time they woke up or inquire as to how many times you stumbled in and took them out of the crib to soothe them — all so you can figure out how to get your baby to sleep better so, in turn, the whole family sleeps better.
Best Affordable Baby Monitor: Summer Infant In View 2.0 Video Monitor
The Summer Infant In View 2.0 Video Monitor [8] ($85) earned rave reviews, and it's easy to see why. The crystal-clear LCD screen and remote zoom camera make this an easy option for baby monitors.
Best Baby Monitor For Baby's Vitals: Owlet Cam
New parents are increasingly more interested in tools that help them monitor their baby's health. From the people who brought you the Owlet Smart Sock, the Owlet Cam [9] ($149) is a monitor that enables you to see and hear your baby from anywhere, plus it pairs with the Smart Sock.
Best Audio Baby Monitor: VTech DM221-2
It's not surprising that the VTech DM221-2 [10] ($30) is a bestseller. What it lacks in bells and whistles, it more than makes up for by providing clear sounds and at an affordable price.