Baby monitors have gone from simple audio walkie-talkies to full-blown surveillance systems with AI, breathing detection, and 4K video. And honestly, the choices are overwhelming. Do you need a smart sock that tracks oxygen levels? A camera with night vision? A monitor that connects to your phone vs. a dedicated parent unit?
Let's cut through the noise.
Audio vs Video vs Smart Monitors
Audio-only monitors still exist and they still work. If your bedroom is down the hall and you just need to hear crying, a basic audio monitor does the job for $30-50. No Wi-Fi required, no app to crash, no hacking risk.
Video monitors let you see your baby without opening the door. This is genuinely useful — you can check if they're actually awake or just making sleep noises. Most parents who try video don't go back to audio-only.
Smart monitors add features like sleep tracking, breathing detection, temperature monitoring, and movement alerts. Some clip to the diaper, some go on the foot, some sit under the mattress. These are where things get both interesting and controversial.
Wi-fi vs Dedicated Frequency
Wi-Fi monitors stream to your phone. You can check on your baby from anywhere — the office, the grocery store, wherever you have signal. Convenient? Very. But they come with real downsides.
Wi-Fi monitors can be hacked. There have been documented cases of strangers accessing baby camera feeds because parents used default passwords or the manufacturer had weak security. If you go Wi-Fi, change the default password, enable two-factor authentication, and keep the firmware updated.
Dedicated-frequency monitors (DECT or FHSS technology) transmit directly to a parent unit on an encrypted channel. They can't be accessed remotely, which means no app viewing — but also no hacking risk. They also work during internet outages.
DO YOU NEED BREATHING AND OXYGEN MONITORING?
This is where it gets personal. Smart socks and clip-on monitors that track heart rate and oxygen saturation have become popular with anxious new parents. The appeal is obvious: you'll get an alert if something goes wrong.
But the AAP hasn't endorsed consumer-grade vital sign monitors for preventing SIDS. These devices can generate false alarms that spike your anxiety, and some parents start relying on them instead of following safe sleep practices. A monitor isn't a substitute for putting your baby on their back in an empty crib.
That said, if your pediatrician recommends pulse oximetry monitoring for a medical reason, that's different. Follow their guidance.
Placement and Cord Safety
This matters more than most people realize. Monitor cords are a strangulation hazard. The CPSC has documented deaths from babies getting tangled in camera cords that were within reach of the crib.
Mount the camera at least 3 feet from the crib. Run cords behind furniture or through cord covers. Never drape a cord over or near the crib rail. Wall-mounting is safer than setting it on a nearby shelf.
Battery-powered cameras eliminate cord risk entirely, though you'll need to remember to charge them.
What we Actually Recommend
For most parents: a video monitor with a dedicated parent unit (no Wi-Fi) covers 90% of your needs. Brands like Infant Optics, eufy, and VTech make solid options in the $100-200 range.
If you want smart features, pick one with strong encryption, regular firmware updates, and a company that's been around for more than two years. Read the privacy policy — some companies sell your data.
Skip the bells and whistles you won't use. A clear picture, reliable connection, and decent night vision are what you'll actually care about at 2 AM.
The best monitor is one that gives you peace of mind without creating new problems.