For the first few months of your baby’s life, it may feel that you’re completely attached at the hip to them. With contact naps aplenty and no real routine in place, those newborn days are a joy of closeness.
Over time though, as your baby settles into more of a consistent routine and (let’s be honest) you’re ready to reclaim a little more of your evening back, it’s probably time to start thinking about a baby monitor. A good baby camera or monitor will leave you feeling confident that you can see and hear your baby well, while not in the same room.
If you’re happy with just being able to hear your baby, there are some great audio-only options. More common are the traditional video monitors, with the camera in the nursery and a separate viewing screen which stays with the caregiver. If you’re willing to splash out a little more, a smart camera could be more your scene. These connect through Wi-Fi via an app on your smartphone or tablet, which means you can check in on your baby even when you’re not in the house.
For an even further level of monitoring, wearable elements – like wraps or socks – allow you to monitor more than just your baby’s crying or movements, including their breathing, oxygen levels or temperature. We have to note that while these can be a welcome addition for new or anxious parents, keep in mind they’re not medical devices and are often not 100 per cent accurate.
Whether it’s a simple, affordable audio-only option you’re keen on, or if you’d prefer a bells and whistles set-up with soothing features and remote viewing, we’ve got you covered.
How we tested
We tested each camera and monitor over the course of a few nights for both naps, nighttime sleep and observing play. Our little helper is seven-months-old and just beginning to move around independently while in the cot alone. Prices range on average from £29.00 to £399, offering varying features. We chose nine of the best to suit every parent’s budget, to give a great view of your child, day or night.
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The best baby monitors for 2023 are:
- Best overall – Cubo AI sleep safety bundle baby monitor: £369, Cuboai.com
- Best for extra features – Nanit pro camera baby monitor: from £299, Nanit.com
- Best for tracking heart rate – Owlet smart sock 3 baby monitor: £289, Owletbabycare.co.uk
- Best for crying babies – Tommee Tippee dreamee sound, motion and video baby monitor: £169.99, Tommeetippee.com
- Best for awkward spaces – Lollipop baby monitor: £166, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for audio only – Vtech DM1212 audio baby monitor: £34.99, Currys.co.uk
- Best for active babies – Babymoov 360° yoo moov motorised video baby monitor: £199.99, Babymoov.co.uk
- Best parent unit – Motorola VM65X smart baby monitor: £220, Argos.co.uk