Once your baby sleeps in their own room, or you simply want to cook dinner while they nap, a baby monitor quickly becomes one of the most-used items in the house. But the choice can feel overwhelming: screen sizes, Wi-Fi or no Wi-Fi, night vision, two-way audio, temperature displays and more.
The trick is to start from how you will use the monitor, then pick the features that matter for that. In this video baby monitor buying guide we explain each feature in plain language, compare the two main types (a monitor with its own parent unit and a Wi-Fi camera you watch on your phone), and give you a short checklist to help you choose. You can compare every model in our baby monitor collection.
Two main types of video baby monitors
| Monitor with parent unit | Wi-Fi camera with app | |
|---|---|---|
| How you watch | On a dedicated handheld screen | On your smartphone or tablet |
| Needs home Wi-Fi? | Models described as "no Wi-Fi" connect camera and screen directly | Yes |
| Good for | Parents who want a separate screen that is always ready | Parents who want to check in from their phone |
| Example | 5-inch portable no-Wi-Fi monitor | Wi-Fi baby monitor camera (5MP) |
Neither type is better by default. It depends on whether you prefer a dedicated device or your phone, and on how reliable your home Wi-Fi is.
The features that matter
Screen size
For monitors with a parent unit, the screen size decides how easily you can see details at a glance. Our range includes screens of 3.2, 3.5, 4.3 and 5 inches:
- 3.2 to 3.5 inch: compact and easy to carry around the house, such as the 3.2-inch video baby monitor or the 3.5-inch video baby monitor.
- 4.3 inch: a middle ground between size and portability, like the 4.3-inch video baby monitor.
- 5 inch: the largest view, nice on a nightstand, such as the 5-inch monitor with temperature display.
Night vision
Most of the time you will check the monitor when the room is dark. Night vision lets the camera show a picture in low light, so you can see your little one without switching on a light. Check each product description for the night vision details.
Two-way audio
Two-way audio lets you hear your baby and talk back through the camera. Many parents use it to softly reassure their little one, or to talk to an older child in the next room.
Temperature display
Some models show the room temperature on the parent unit. It is a handy way to keep an eye on the nursery without walking in. The 5-inch monitor with temperature display is an example.
Wi-Fi or no Wi-Fi
A Wi-Fi camera streams to an app, which means you can check in from your phone. A monitor without Wi-Fi uses a direct connection between camera and parent unit, so it does not depend on your home network. Think about where you will use it: at home only, or also when you visit grandparents or travel.
Camera resolution
A higher resolution gives a sharper picture, which can help you see small details. The Wi-Fi baby monitor camera is listed with a 5MP camera.
Power and portability
If you like to carry the parent unit around the house, check how it is powered and charged. For the camera, think about where the nearest socket is in the nursery.
How to choose: a quick checklist
- Do I want a separate screen or to use my phone?
- How reliable is my Wi-Fi in the nursery?
- Which screen size suits me: compact or large?
- Do I want two-way audio?
- Would a temperature display be useful?
- Will I take the monitor with me when traveling?
Setting up your monitor
A few practical tips that help you get the most out of any video baby monitor:
- Read the manual first and follow the placement guidance that comes with the camera.
- Keep cables out of reach of your baby and tidy them along the wall.
- Test the picture in daylight and in the dark before the first night.
- Check the sound level so you hear your baby without being woken by every rustle.
- For Wi-Fi models, use a strong password on your home network and keep the app up to date.
Which monitor suits which family?
| Situation | Consider |
|---|---|
| Small home, one nursery | A compact 3.2 or 3.5-inch monitor with a parent unit |
| You like a big picture on the nightstand | A 4.3 or 5-inch monitor |
| You want to check in from your phone | A Wi-Fi camera with app |
| Weak Wi-Fi or frequent travel | A portable no-Wi-Fi monitor with its own parent unit |
| You want to keep an eye on the room temperature | A monitor with temperature display |
Still unsure? List the three features you would use every day and choose the model that covers those. Extra features are only useful if you actually use them.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the biggest screen by default. A large screen is lovely on a nightstand, but a compact one is easier to carry around.
- Forgetting about Wi-Fi coverage. If your Wi-Fi is weak in the nursery, a no-Wi-Fi model may suit you better.
- Treating the monitor as a replacement for checking in. A monitor is a helpful tool, not a substitute for your own care and attention.
Looking after your monitor
A little care keeps your monitor working well for a long time. Wipe the camera lens and screen with a soft, dry cloth, keep the parent unit charged and in a fixed spot at night so you always know where it is, and check the cables now and then. For Wi-Fi models, install app updates when they become available. If the picture or sound ever seems off, the manual that comes with the monitor is the best place to start.
Complete the nursery
A monitor is one part of a calm nursery routine. Many parents combine it with a cozy baby sleeping bag and other everyday helpers from our baby essentials collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Wi-Fi and a no-Wi-Fi baby monitor?
A Wi-Fi monitor streams to an app on your phone. A no-Wi-Fi monitor connects the camera directly to its own parent unit and does not use your home network.
Which screen size should I choose?
Compact screens (3.2 to 3.5 inch) are easy to carry. Larger screens (4.3 to 5 inch) are easier to see at a glance, especially on a nightstand.
Do all monitors have night vision?
Night vision is listed for most models in our range. Check the product description of the model you like.
What is two-way audio?
It lets you hear your baby and talk back through the camera from the parent unit or app.
Can I take a baby monitor on vacation?
Yes. A no-Wi-Fi monitor with its own parent unit is easy to set up anywhere with a power socket. A Wi-Fi camera needs a Wi-Fi connection at your destination.
Find your monitor
The best video baby monitor is the one that fits your home and your routine. Decide between a parent unit and an app, choose your screen size and pick the extras you will actually use. Compare every model side by side in our baby monitor collection.
