The best baby monitors in 2025

Written by

24th Apr 2025

This article contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.

Key takeaways

Baby monitors give peace of mind, letting you keep an eye (or ear) on your little one day and night.
There are lots of types, from simple audio monitors to smart video ones that link to your phone.
Extra features like temperature alerts and lullabies can make life easier and help soothe your baby.

How long will I need a baby monitor for?

There is no specific time or age when you should stop using a baby monitor. Every family is different and there’s certainly no right or wrong answer. Some parents might stop using a monitor as soon as their baby is regularly sleeping through the night (trust us, this will eventually happen!), while others will continue to feel better using a monitor until their toddlers are 2, 3 or 4 years old.

Using a video monitor can help you monitor when and how well they get to sleep, if they are climbing out of their crib and indulging in any potentially risky behaviour, like climbing on other pieces of furniture or swinging from the curtains! You might also want to continue to use an audio or video baby monitor if you live in a larger house or it is difficult to hear your little one from your own bedroom.

There may be some issues as your child gets older though. As they become more aware that they are being observed they may start to modify or hide behaviours and will eventually start to want more privacy. Some parents can also become more rather than less anxious using baby monitors in the long-term.

What types of baby monitors are available?

The two main types of baby monitors are the audio baby monitor and the baby video monitor, also known as a baby cam. The audio type only allows you to hear what is going on in the room while the video monitor allows you to watch live camera footage as well.

Audio-only models tend to be cheaper but there are some benefits to video baby monitors. Babies tend to make a lot of perfectly natural noises in the night and this can disturb your own sleep if you have an audio monitor on all night. Your baby also needs you to be as rested as possible and some parents prefer to sporadically check on the video feed during the night, only turning the volume on occasionally.

Beyond that, you can also choose between analogue and digital baby monitors (with digital becoming more and more popular) and wireless baby monitors that either hook up to a dedicated monitor or can be used with smartphone apps, home computers and digital assistants like Alexa or Siri via your home WiFi.

You can also choose from a wide range of specialist features and functions, from a baby breathing monitor or baby heart rate monitor to models that allow 2-way communication (allowing you to talk to and soothe your baby from a distance), ones that can tilt and zoom and even ones that can sing or play lullabies.

Baby monitor features to look out for

Lots of parents are happy with a cost-effective audio-only monitor, so you can hear your baby’s gurgles or cries. However, thanks to modern technology, there are many other clever additional features available for those parents who love gadgets or think some extra features will come in handy.

Video: Video baby monitors are not essential but will allow you to see your baby during nap times and whilst they slumber at night using infra-red, via a mini screen on the parent unit. Some wifi baby monitors offer remote access, so you can view your baby if you are in the office or away from home on a tablet or computer.
Temperature: There are clear guidelines about the temperature your baby’s room should be to reduce thehttps://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/babymarketplace/nursery-furniture/nursery-furniture chance of SIDS and some monitors show the room temperature and alert you if it is too hot or cold.
Night lights: These monitors have in-built night lights to help your baby sleep peacefully and ensure you don’t trip over nursery furniture during night time feeds or nappy changes!
Talk-back: These models have talk-back features, so you can chat to your baby and help them self-soothe from another room in the house.
Music and lullabies: Tired of singing to your baby? Some monitors will play lullabies or nursery rhymes when the monitor is activated.
Light display: Lots of little ones enjoy light displays and this monitor projects a light display onto your baby’s wall.
Sound-activated lights: If you are watching TV, doing daily chores like vacuuming or playing with older children, these lights will let you know that your baby has made a noise.
Movement sensor: This feature on more expensive models is connected to a pad that is placed under your baby’s mattress, which will sound an alarm if movement is not detected for a certain period of time.
Remote control: This allows you to control some features on your baby’s monitor, such as music and turning the nightlight off, without going into their room and disturbing them.
Camera control: Some baby cams are fixed while others give you a bit more control, allowing you to pan out, zoom in or tilt the camera for a different view.

Things to think about when buying a baby monitor

Check the clarity and range on your monitor before you buy and consider the size of your house; you need to know that if you are having a cup of tea in the kitchen, you will hear your baby if he starts crying. The cheaper options will have a smaller range, whilst the top of the range monitors will stretch further.

Older houses may have thicker walls that may result in issues with the signal, whereas newer the signal is likely to be clearer in more modern homes. Most baby monitors are digital rather than analogue, so they will not pick up sounds from other children’s nurseries, who are using the same radio frequency. Some monitors will have a number of channels to use, which can be useful if you live in a busy urban area, which will be more prone to interference.

Decide whether you want an audio-only or a video baby monitor and whether you want one with extensive extra features. Price will also come into it of course, especially with the more all-singing, all-dancing models, but there are plenty of baby monitors to suit different budgets.

8 questions to ask yourself when buying a baby monitor

Do I want a video or audio-only baby monitor?
Does it have clear sound?
Does it have a good range?
What extra features do I want?
Do I want a smart baby monitor to connect to my phone?
Is it easy to set up?
Does it have a good battery life?
Is it safe and secure?

Safety tips when choosing a baby monitor

Ensure that all electrical cords from the monitor are kept well away from your baby’s cot, or play area, so they will never get caught up in them.

You might have read alarming stories about smart baby monitors being hacked. This is rare but has reportedly happened in a number of cases. There are steps you can take to reduce the risks, including:

Set up a strong password. Don’t rely on the default password that comes with the monitor as this may already be known to attackers.
Use two-factor authentication and any other security measures that are available with the device.
Run and install regular updates when they are available.
Turn off the camera when you are not using it.

You might also have read stories about the radiation from baby monitors being potentially harmful to babies. There have been conflicting reports and research in this specific area is limited but it is ongoing. Some baby monitor manufacturers address the issue of EMF radiation in their FAQs and there are low-EMF baby monitors available if this is a concern.

Can a sensor monitor prevent cot death?

As well as baby monitors that allow you to see or hear your baby, you can get specialist kit like a baby breathing monitor, baby heart rate monitor and baby movement monitor. There is no evidence available yet to suggest that these sensor monitors protect babies from cot death, otherwise known as sudden instant death syndrome (SIDS).

SIDS is thankfully very rare and some people have reported these systems giving out false alarms, which can really pile on the parental anxiety. On the other hand, if you feel a sensor monitor will give you more peace of mind, it could be beneficial.

Most deaths happen during the first 6 months of a baby's life, which is one reason why the NHS and others advise that your baby sleeps in your room (but not in your bed) during this period. You can find out about how to help your little one stay safe while they sleep by reading the Safer Sleep Advice from leadings SIDS charity the Lullaby Trust.

Can I buy a second-hand baby monitor?

Lots of baby gear is perfectly fine to source second-hand and doing so can save you a lot of money at a time when you suddenly find yourself needing to buy a lot of new essentials. You should be particularly careful with any electronic equipment though, including baby monitors.

You should probably steer clear if a monitor looks like it has been modified or repaired, or if it shows excessive amounts of wear and tear. You should also look for an actual baby monitor rather than a wireless security monitor sold as ‘suitable for babies’. A Which? investigation opens in a new window found that some security cameras were unsuitable for baby monitoring, due to issues ranging from pictures that were too zoomed out to wireless security vulnerabilities and a lack of useful features such as temperature sensors.

The best baby monitors in 2025

1. Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Baby Monitor

What sets this baby monitor apart is that it reduces any background noises so that you can listen to your baby as closely as possible. Its camera has a closed circuit system so that it cannot be hacked through and its quality is clear (with a 720P resolution). Through a large 5-inch display, you can zoom in, out, pan and tilt the camera angle so everything is under your eagle eye. Parents especially choose this monitor because it requires no extra subscription fees, has good water resistance and a strong connection throughout the house. For extra security, you can only view your baby through one monitor, so if you want two monitors you will have to buy a second camera.

2. Babysense 5.5” 1080p Full HD Split-Screen Baby Monitor

Mum after mum has been jumping on this since it became an Amazon’s Choice baby monitor. And for good reason: connecting with up to 4 cameras, it’s especially helpful to parents of more than one baby. It’s also got a split screen option so you check in on two little ones at the same time. This monitor also has lullabies, night lights and two-way audio. And for those parents that want some extra peace of mind, the monitor doesn’t require any WIFI or internet connection, so no worries about hacking.

3. BOIFUN IPS 720P 5 Inch Baby Monitor

This is a more affordable BOIFUN monitor. This one pans 330 degrees, tilts 135 degrees and can be zoomed up to three times. It’s also got temperature monitoring functions, as well as built-in lullabies, while additionally offering us two-way audio to communicate with our little sweethearts and a reminder for feeding time. Its battery can last independently for up to ten hours, so doesn’t have to be plugged in 24/7. So many parents comment on how this is an excellent monitor that doesn’t break the bank.

4. Nanit Pro Baby Monitor and Floor Stand

The most-bought baby monitor, this monitor truly is a stand-out, all-in-one package in our opinion. It’s got excellent video quality, a bird’s-eye view, cry detection and allows you to connect with it through its own special app. The monitor then goes above and beyond, as it includes patented tech that analyses your baby’s sleep patterns and gives you tips and tricks for improving their sleep quality. You also get a soothing sound machine and nightlight, a breathing band and a floor stand, so you don’t have to buy any extra accessories.

5. Babymoov YOO-Moov Baby Monitor and Night Light

This is the most hassle-free monitor on the market. It doesn’t need any WiFi connection, you just plug it in and you are good to go – you probably won’t even need to read the instructions. This award-winning monitor also has a unique 360-degree silent motorised camera that you’ll be able to control and mount to a wall. With a nightlight and lullabies and even temperature sensor, it is a worthy rival to many higher-end and more expensive baby monitors out there.

6. Nanit Pro Camera and Flex Stand Duo

For a slightly more cost efficient Nanit Pro, this is a brilliant option. It doesn’t have a bird’s eye view but a 130-degree view, and it does not come with a floor stand. Along with the package comes a light and sound nightlight. It’s also so easy to connect to its app.

7. Tommee Tippee Dreamsense Smart Baby Monitor

Another brilliant option is this camera that connects straight to your phone. This Tommee Tippee baby monitor can move at a 120-degree view and a 80-degree tilt. Like many others, it has sound, light, temperature and humidity detectors, sleep tracking tech, incorporated lullabies and a two-way talkback feature. All you’ll need to do is take the little parent pod around with you: it will notify you of any changes or things that need your attention through different coloured lights. Just pick up your phone if you need to check on the little one.

8. Hubble Nursery Pal Deluxe Connected 5'' Baby Monitor

A highlight of this baby monitor is, hands-down, its 1080p touch screen. It doubles up as a mini-iPad, with games, picture books and videos to entertain children when they get a little older. Like other monitors, it comes with a colour night light, sleep trainer tech and two-way communication. This does need to be connected to WiFi and you can use its app to be alerted if your baby makes any new sounds, sudden movements or the room changes temperature.

9. LeapFrog Baby Monitor

You’ll be very excited to use this monitor: we’ve seen so many parents raving about it, even saying that ‘wow is an understatement’ to describe it. This one’s battery can last up to a whopping 12 hours and is one of the few monitors that have a touch screen display. The resolution of the display is fab too: 1080p and the option to zoom in 8 times (possibly the highest out of all options here). The camera turns an impressive 360 degrees and comes with an incorporated nightlight, sounds, stories and lullabies.

10. VTech Video Baby Monitor

Baby monitors can be so expensive, but there are cheaper options that work just as well and often include more than simple basic features so you don’t have to miss out on any of the tech swag. This affordable set includes a camera that can pan up to 270 degrees and tilt up to 70 degrees. It also has an incorporated nightlight and various sounds and lullabies. You can zoom in the camera twice, and easily move around the house within a 300-metre range.

11. Owlet Duo Plus Smart Sock 3 Plus & Cam 2 Baby Monitor

If you’ve got a little more money to splurge, here’s an award-winning baby monitor that also has SMART SOCKS. They fit comfortably around your baby’s foot to track their heart rate, oxygen levels and sleep patterns. You receive three pairs made of fabric with a built-in 16-hour battery. If anything goes awry, you’ll know through a notification from your Owlet App. The camera is has fantastic high-res quality, can zoom in four times and moves at a 130-degree angle. As most monitors, this also has the two-way audio feature, along with a temperature and humidity sensor.

12. Maxi-Cosi see baby monitor

An attractive price and design, you can connect this baby monitor to your Alexa or Google Assistant and also take video snippets to share via socials. As soon as your camera detects a sound, it automatically pans the room and allows you to talk to your baby with its two-way talkback feature. It comes with a variety of lullabies and a kit to mount it to the wall.

Check out our handy checklist of baby essentials to make sure you don't forget anything...

Next up for you...