If you’re new to the world of baby monitors, you may be shocked by the number of options available. Is a wireless monitor or a radio frequency monitor better? Do you need audio and video? What about a heart rate and oxygen monitor?

While some features are required for a baby monitor to be practical and valuable in daily life, others are optional. Others are just pointless gimmicks that you could avoid to save money. And some companies will take advantage of well-intentioned parents’ fears and uncertainties to increase their rates.

To help you cut through the clutter, we’ve put together a list of the best options, along with an ultimate baby monitor shopping guide. Keep reading to find our picks for the top baby monitor cameras on the market today.

Brings You Peace of Mind 

Keep your child safe and secure with this monitor. The real-time video gives parents constant access to their baby via the 2.4-inch color display screen. 

Pros:

Cons:

High-Quality Color Screen 

This baby monitor camera features eight infrared LED lights that are useful to track the activities of babies continuously. Automatic night vision and temperature monitoring are among the other built-in functions.

Pros:

Cons:

Secure Data Storage 

When you’re not in the room, this camera may be your eyes and ears with 360° motion tracking and motion and sound detection. It’s perfect for keeping an eye on your little one when you can’t be in the room with them.

Pros:

Cons:

Instant Alerts Keep You In The Know 

Keep an eye on your child at all times with this versatile and reliable camera. The built-in microphone and speaker allow you to communicate directly with your child from anywhere in the home.

Pros:

Cons:

Compatible With Alexa Personal Assistant 

You can watch your child or home from anywhere with the crystal clear, smooth live video. It’s also Alexa compatible to make recording and checking up easier than ever.

Pros:

Cons:

If you’re wondering whether or not you need a baby monitor, the answer is almost certainly yes. Parents who use a monitor say they sleep better because they know it’ll notify parents if their child wakes up or becomes ill.

Monitors, especially the most recent models with exceptional technical features, can be extremely useful in keeping an eye on your youngster. However, a baby monitor is only a tool at the end of the day. Think of it as the third set of eyes and hearing, but no more.

Some parents wonder if they can’t just repurpose one of their old smartphones as a camera in their baby’s room and stream the video feed via Skype or Facetime. Although technically possible, using your phone as a baby monitor is not recommended. The ability to see in the dark with infrared night vision is one of the most crucial characteristics of a baby monitor. Unfortunately, that is probably not something your old phone can accomplish.

Nowadays, baby monitors can do much more than inform you when your child is crying. However, depending on your lifestyle and the layout of your home, you may not require a monitor that can do everything. Here’s a list of the functions you’ll want to consider when selecting your baby monitor camera.