The ultimate peace-of-mind guide to the essential early parenting years device
The best baby monitors are indispensable in the early years of parenthood, helping you feel confident and supported by providing what everyone craves – a little peace of mind whenever your little one is sleeping in another room. The latest baby monitors are packed with features such as smart sleep trackers, movement sensors and high-security non-Wi-Fi video monitors. Here’s how to choose the right one for you.
What is a baby monitor and do I need one?
A baby monitor is an electronic device which allows you to listen to, watch, and sometimes even track the movement or vital signs of a child while they're in a different room. You can choose from high-tech AI smart monitors that track breathing, sleep cycles and room acoustics via smartphone apps, or ultra-secure non-Wi-Fi monitors that prioritise instant plug-and-play simplicity and hacker-proof privacy. Before you buy, consider what signal range you need, whether or not you want a baby monitor to use Wi-Fi, and what extra features you would like, such as movement sensors or a night light.
Best smart: VTech RM7567HD
VTech’s 7" HD colour baby monitor provides a wide-angle view and remote digital zoom, tilting to any angle needed to provide a full view, plus automatic infrared night vision. The MyVTech Baby Plus app uses smart technology to give you detailed insights about little one’s sleep patterns with no fees or monthly subscriptions.
Best video: LeapFrog LF5817HD
Connect your phone or tablet to LeapFrog’s Baby Care+ App to stay connected to your baby, whether you're at home or on the go, with a high-definition 7", 720p colour LCD Parent Viewer Display. There’s also a night light so you won’t need to disturb your baby’s sleep, plus a two-way intercom for seamless communication wherever you are.
Best for sleep analytics: Nanit Pro
If you want a data deep dive, Nanit’s Insights Plan provides info not only on sleep patterns, but also breathing motion monitoring, temperature and even developmental tracking. It also has two-way audio, and you can see your baby’s whole cot with a bird’s-eye view. HD night vision and zoom let you check on your little one – via the app (subscription required) – without waking them.
Best for health tracking: Owlet Dream Duo Sock & Dream Sight
Combining medical-grade health tracking with 2K HD video in an easy-to-use app, this is Owlet’s most complete baby monitoring system (Note: a subscription is required). The Dream Sock continuously tracks live pulse rate, oxygen levels, sleep and room conditions, all while streaming video – with advanced anti-hacking protection using encryption – straight to your phone.
Best high security: Angelcare AC25 Baby Movement Monitor
With no use of Wi-Fi for added security, Angelcare’s one-of-a-kind, innovative wireless movement sensor pad sounds an alarm on the parent unit if, after 20 seconds, micro movements are not detected. It's effective up to 150 meters, includes a handy night light and lullaby feature, two-way talk-back, room temperature display and a large 4.3-inch LCD screen.
Best budget pick: Hubble Nursery Explore
Great value, dependable performance and foolproof, Hubble’s lightweight monitor has a high-res 2.8" diagonal screen, plus automatic infrared night vision to give clear visuals in low-light conditions. You can also play soothing sounds and lullabies, as well as tracking room temperature, all via a minimal, uncomplicated design.
Get expert advice
For everything else you’ll need for life with a newborn, read our baby checklist and book a free appointment with one of our baby experts, in-store or online. Sign up to My John Lewis for free exclusive perks, just for parents, including personalised rewards and offers.
