In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Searching for the best video baby monitor? Since 2012, we've tested more than 91 baby monitors, including the 12 top video monitors in this review. We put each monitor through rigorous side-by-side testing for several months to compare performance attributes, including the range, sound clarity, video quality, ease of use, battery life, and more. Our comparison process and hands-on analysis help us determine which monitors meet your needs and budget. Whether you are considering WiFi or a dedicated monitor, or which features are the most useful, we have the details you need to find the best video monitoring option for your family and budget size.
Other monitors we've tested include the best sound monitors, which are typically less expensive and adequate for most parents, and top-ranked movement monitors to keep tabs on movement that indicates continued breathing. Our best baby monitor review is a great place to start if you aren't sure exactly what kind you need to meet your goals. You will find information about other gear in our review of baby products.
Editor's Note: The video monitor review was updated on July 25, 2024, with new information on testing and making the best choice for your family.
Lots of baby features, easy to set up & use, decent range, low EMF reading
Cons
Delayed camera control is annoying, no precision adjustment to camera, connectivity issues
No baby-specific features, requires a Google account, a barebones app that isn't intuitive
Sub-par sound, expensive
Past security concerns, no baby-specific features, must physically move the camera, poor sound quality
Disappointing battery life
Price, subpar sound, disappointing video
Limited range, fewer features, price
Challenging to setup, disappointing sound, subpar video
Mediocre video quality for the price, poor battery life
Some connectivity issues, unexpected updates make the app frequently not usable, expensive
Manual camera, poor sound quality, mediocre video quality
Poor night video quality, mediocre video quality overall compared to others
Bottom Line
The great video quality and tons of baby-help features make this a standout pick, but the delay in the camera control causes a big setback for this model
A great option for those looking for sharp video and crisp audio who aren't as concerned about baby-specific features
A relatively expensive option that is easy to use and has many features with lower EMF
This barebones model is easy on the wallet and doesn't compromise on video quality
A good pick for parents who want the option of checking up on their baby with a dedicated unit and a phone app
Higher scoring dedicated option, but other WiFi options scored higher and have better performance
Spendy monitor that is easy to use, but has a limited indoor range
Frustrating to use option with poor video and sound compared to other WiFi monitors
Background noise reduction and simple interface are this unit's strong points, but we don't recommend it for parents who want a monitor with long-lasting battery life
An aesthetic option that functions as way more than a baby monitor, but beware that app updates come unexpectedly
Not the best video or sound quality, but this simple monitor had the longest battery life we tested by a long shot
Good range, decent battery life, and helpful features make this one of our favorites for dedicated monitors despite its sub-par Night Mode video quality
The iBaby M8 2K Smart Baby Monitor is a baby-centric WiFi monitor offering great video quality, better-than-average sound clarity, and so many features you might lose track. Traditionally, we've loved the iBaby video monitors, and the new M8 is no exception. This monitor offers low EMF, sound activation, lullabies, ceiling projection, and more. We think parents will love the easy-to-use app, and little ones will love all the features that potentially provide soothing comfort in the nursery. Our parent tester remarked, “I love all the little features designed for babies, like the projector and lullabies; it feels like it does everything.”
The biggest downside to the M8 is an odd camera lag time when panning the camera in the app. The lag is slow, then speeds up quickly to meet what it thinks are your expectations. It lacks the precision to focus on a single area. While this is frustrating, we don't see it as a deal breaker, as it is momentary and rights itself. Most parents will put the camera in a single location that centers on the crib and might never even use the pan feature. However, if you need a wider or different view, you can always position the camera manually or use patience. If you don't mind sacrificing some baby-centric features, then the Google Nest Cam 2nd Gen might be a money saver with a longer lifespan and lower price. Overall, we are willing to overlook this hiccup to get a clear video and more baby-centric features.
The Nanit Pro is a cool video WiFi option that provides an above-crib viewpoint with more baby-centric features than most WiFi contenders. This monitor is easy to use, compatible with Amazon's Alexa, and has fairly true-to-life video images with an app that works even when using other apps. The Nanit had an impressive performance during testing, and its overall score is impressive compared to other contenders. This product includes temperature and humidity sensors, motion detection, 2-way communication, a nightlight, lullabies and nature sounds, sound activation, and more. We think parents will appreciate the intuitive user interface and the full-crib downward viewpoint. It even includes a breathing band for a complete “picture” of the baby to include movement monitoring when they are young.
This monitor is one of the higher price options in the lineup, which is a potential deal-breaker for those with tighter budgets. If a budget-friendly video option is what you're after, the Wyze v3 might be a potential basic option. One tester said, “While all of the features are cool if you aren't interested in the movement part, it is probably more monitor than you need to pay for or mess with.” You also need adequate Internet service for consistent monitoring with the Nanit, so it may not work if you have slow or sub-par Internet service. However, if your budget can cover it and you're looking for loads of baby-centric features, then the Nanit could be the baby monitor of your dreams with just about all the bells and whistles you can imagine.
Movement Monitor Review
If you'd like more information about the Nanit and how it functions as a movement monitor, we tested this monitor and several others in our Best Movement Monitor Review. It also performed well in that review.
With WiFi technology, the Nanit is a useful choice where range is a concern since it is only limited by the available Internet.
The Wyze Cam V3 is a simple security camera for general home security or monitoring. It is WiFi-connected, and you can add multiple cameras or viewers to your account. We appreciate the easy-to-use app and setup of this camera, and we like the small, unassuming nature of the design. The night vision video is crisp and clear; there is no lag when panning or zooming in. The real upside to this small camera is the low, low price. At this price, it is accessible to almost everyone with a new baby and could easily become addictive with multiple cameras everywhere. Our tester said, “I love how straightforward and simple this inexpensive option is for parents who don't need or want all the bells and whistles.”
This camera is not baby-centric and is more of a security monitor. It doesn't offer features like lullabies, nightlights, projections, etc. If you want something very baby-featured, then the iBaby M8 2K Smart Baby Monitor would be a better fit. This isn't a concern for many parents, as you can always buy other products to fill these niches (that might work better than a jack-of-all-trades product for your goals, needs, or preferences). In fact, some parents like to use nightlights and projectors as potential nursery decor additions and want something very specific. For the price, we think it is hard to beat this camera. It delivers everything you need to monitor your little one and keeps it simple with a design you can use for years to come, long past the crib stage of life. Adding additional cameras as your family's needs grow is also easy.
The Google Nest Cam 2nd Gen is a quality WiFi camera designed for security and general monitoring. This straightforward monitor offers some of the best video and better-than-average sound for a reasonable price that is neither high nor cheap. It connects via WiFi, so it is good for larger homes or those with a lot of walls. Its new smaller round shape is pleasing to the eye and decor. The video monitor tester reports, “This is a good option if you hope to use your camera for other things when you are done monitoring your baby overnight.”
This monitor is more difficult to use than many of the competing WiFi monitors, and it doesn't offer baby-specific features. So, it could be a poor fit for anyone looking for features like sounds, night lights, or projections. If you want other baby-related features, the iBaby M8 2K Smart Baby Monitor is one to read more about because it has all of the bells and whistles. The Next also requires a Google account, and the app isn't as intuitive as it used to be in the previous testing we've done on older versions. Overall, we love the longevity potential of this camera and the ability to use it for security or monitoring children or nannies as little ones grow. We also believe it offers much value given the multiple-use options and the lower-than-average price.
The LeapFrog LF920HD 7" Display is an easy-to-use and set-up dedicated monitor with a large 7-inch screen on the parent's unit. This monitor is perfect for those concerned with the security of WiFi or who want something with straightforward operation. The LF920HD has one of the best range test results in the dedicated group and a good range for most houses, with testing showing up to a distance of 80 feet and 6 walls. It is easy to use and has great range with better than average battery life.
Overall, this monitor only scored about average, but it was undeniably one of the best-dedicated options. The video is the most disappointing part, which is a bummer given the category, but it is good enough to see what you need to determine your little one's level of need. Our tester said, “The video isn't impressive, but if you want a dedicated option, it is on par with competitors and good enough for most families.” While more expensive than competing WiFi options, we think it could be the right choice for families who favor simplicity, need something for grandparents, or have security concerns about hacking into WiFi monitors. If you want more range or better video, the Google Nest Cam 2nd Gen or Wyze v3 are money-saving options you can use for several years.
The LeapFrog is a good choice for those who want to skip the app and WiFi steps.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Video Monitors
Since 2012, we've purchased and tested more than 91 different baby monitors across types. Our monitor testing protocols put the products through a multi-point performance test to score and rank video quality and other functionalities. We've logged hundreds of monitoring hours during testing, covering everything from battery life and range to sound clarity and more.
Our video monitor testing is divided across 6 rating metrics:
Video Quality (30% of overall score weighting)
Range (20% weighting)
Sound Clarity (20% weighting)
Ease of Use (15% weighting)
Battery Life (10% weighting)
Features (5% weighting)
Baby video monitors went through more than 46 individual tests to compare their performance. The most important metric was video quality; it corresponds to 30% of the overall score. Our video quality rating is informed by 4 specific tests that include a color chart to review accuracy and tonal quality and an eye chart to assess clarity and ability to relay finer details. Our testing took place in the GearLab in-house lab and homes with babies to monitor. The monitor reviews draw on months of research and data compiling information on how well the monitors worked, how easy they were to use, and how well they stayed “connected.” We used each monitor from setup through endless features to determine which contender has the best features, quality sound and video, ease of use, extended range, and most reliable connection.
Why Trust GearLab
Overseeing our expert group of monitor testers is by BabyGearLab founder, Dr. Juliet Spurrier , a board-certified pediatrician and mother of 2. Dr. Spurrier utilizes her extensive experience and education as a pediatrician, with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, and her journey as a mother to choose products for testing. Our team of expert testers includes Bob Wofford, father of 7 and lead in-house product tester who has been an integral part of testing development and execution for video monitor since 2014. Plus, Senior Review Editor Wendy Schmitz, another vital team member (and mother of 2) who has been reviewing and researching video monitors professionally since 2014. Bob and Wendy have evaluated over 42 video monitors since 2014 and well over 100 baby monitors, including video, top-ranked sound monitors, and movement over that time.
Finding the best video monitor for your needs is now easier with our testing details.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How to Pick the Best Video Monitor
Video monitors come in various types with a variety of different features. While we've identified our favorite features like sound activation and true pan and tilt video, many parents will want features like two-way talk to baby or expandability.
Wifi or Dedicated?
Dedicated options don't rely on WiFi, but some homes might require a WiFi option if the dedicated video range is not far enough or if there are too many walls between units. The dedicated options tend to be more straightforward and great for grandparents or babysitters as they don't require an app or the use of confusing technology. WiFi often means great range, better connectivity, and watching little ones away from home, but it requires downloading apps and setting up accounts that could require sharing if you have outside caregivers. While you might have the option of choosing either type based on your preferences, sometimes your home or your needs will make the decision for you. Larger homes or homes with many walls between the nursery and the parent unit could make WiFi your only choice.
The iBaby is one of the most baby-centric monitors in the review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Baby-centric Features
While we don't think baby-centric features or lack thereof are deal-breakers, some parents might. If you want an option with features like a nightlight or lullabies, you'll want to pay special attention to what each option offers. Some are very baby-centric and even include features like tracking breathing, while others are more utilitarian with video and sound. Those that were designed for security or general home use do not include baby-centric features but are also less expensive and often more straightforward in their functionality. We find many parents are initially jazzed by extensive features only to lose interest in them later on, leaving them largely unused.
Expandability
There are dedicated monitors that can expand by a camera or two, but most are a one-camera operation, which could be frustrating if you have a second child down the line. If you hope to expand your system to two bedrooms or set up nanny cams, then a WiFi option with a less baby-centric design is probably the better fit for your long-term needs. Checking with the manufacturer about add-on camera capabilities could be a quick way to narrow down your options.
The decibel level for the sound relayed from the Arlo was tested for comparison to the competition.
The Nanit EMF reading is relatively low for a monitor of its kind compared to similar products.
Analysis and Test Results
We tested and compared the top video products for monitoring little ones in comprehensive tests, side-by-side, for months. Our tests provide the details you need to decide which monitor is best for your baby or situation.
What Would We Do?
If you want to know what the parents at BabyGearLab would do or what we'd tell a friend based on our years of experience and tests, you can skip to that section and possibly save yourself some time. Spoiler Alert: It may not be what you think.
What's the Best Value?
Luckily, with so many video monitors on the market, prices are often reasonable, something we couldn't say 5 or 10 years ago. There are cool video monitors with quality images and lower price tags, some on par or with lower-priced sound monitors. There is something for every budget in this lineup with various products, including WiFi cameras. Our favorite budget camera is the Wyze Cam V3. This easy-to-use, wallet-friendly camera connects via WiFi, is relatively straightforward, and can connect several cameras at one time with multiple viewers. You can buy three of these cute squares before you get close to the price of the NestCam 2nd Gen (which is also reasonably priced!).
The range on the LeapFrog is better than some of the dedicated competition and if it doesn't work in your home, you might have to resort to WiFi-enabled monitoring.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Range
The range for video monitors is the distance and the number of walls between the nursery and parent units where the product stays connected and works without interruption or interference. While most manufacturers offer a “line of sight” or “open field” range to describe their monitors, this distance does not necessarily indicate how well it will work inside your home, where walls and interference abound. It doesn't matter how much you want a particular model or brand; if it doesn't have good connectivity in your home, you won't be happy or have the monitoring you desire.
We tested for indoor range and open field tests to provide a complete picture using the same measuring devices in the same field and house with the same walls and interference. Remember that the values inside your home are more important than those in an open field unless, of course, you are leaving a baby alone in an open field (which we don't recommend. Seriously, don't do that!).
Larger homes with more than 4 or 5 walls between the camera and the parent unit might be stuck using a WiFi camera. Most of the dedicated units only work through up to 4 walls. The LeapFrog LF920HD 7" Display has the most extended range for dedicated monitors in this review, with an impressive 80 ft through 6 walls. But, if your needs are higher than that, none of the dedicated monitors in this review will likely work in your home. The LeapFrog is our favorite dedicated option, in part thanks to the impressive range we didn't see in most of the dedicated competition.
On the other hand, WiFi-connected cameras are limited only by the wireless router location/power in relation to the camera and parent unit and the strength and speed of your WiFi. If necessary, you can often move routers or add range extenders to increase the range between the components if the WiFi monitor struggles to keep a clear or consistent connection. Purchasing a monitor from a retailer with a useful return policy (like Amazon) will allow you to test the monitor in your home to determine how well it works with less risk.
Test Now
We recommend you test your monitor as soon as you get it. If you wait, you might miss the potential return window. Even if your baby hasn't arrived, you can set up the monitor in the locations where it will be used and work with a partner or a radio to determine if the connection and features work the way you need them to.
Whether viewing on a large or small screen, the iBaby camera offers nice quality video with easy to see images and details that stand apart from the majority of monitors we tested. The images are so good, it might be hard to stop watching!
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Audio and Visual Quality
Monitors should provide clear and true-to-life video, and they should have quality audio that is easy to hear and clear enough for you to determine if you need to see what is happening, go back to sleep, or get moving to the nursery. So, while you might initially believe that video quality is the most important factor, we rated video and sound similarly because, without sound, the video quality doesn't matter. If it has a muffled sound, it is difficult to decipher or not loud enough, and you may miss your baby's cries and not know you should look at the video screen. If the sound activation or thresholds for background noise don't work well, you might lose sleep listening to a loud monitor generating excessive white noise or worse. Once alerted by the sound, you need a clear view of your baby with enough details to determine their needs, or the video device isn't much better than a sound monitor.
Most of the monitors in our tests have average sound quality and clarity that isn't excessively muffled or muted. Most have bright and high sounds without many mid-range or lower tones. This lack of tonal range isn't a deal-breaker, but it can make babies' cries harsher than they are in real life.
In our tests, the best sound score was earned by the Google Nest Cam 2nd Gen, and the dedicated LeapFrog LF920HD 7" Display. It appears that no matter how great your parent device is, the WiFi cameras struggle to transmit clear sound with useful sound features.
The full-screen video image is crisp and clear for the Nest Cam.
The VM901 video is pretty good with nice clarity and good color representation in daytime video.
These photos show daytime images for the Google Nest Cam 2nd Gen (above left), which earned higher scores for video quality, and the VTech Upgraded Smart VM901 5" Display (above right), which received one of the highest scores for video in the dedicated monitors.
Video quality is a metric you'd expect all of the competitors to perform well in. However, in our opinion, most failed to provide true-to-life images even in the daytime with adequate lighting. Given technology advancements, it is disappointing that most dedicated video monitors don't offer better video than a blurry image. Many aren't clear enough to see the baby's features and aren't even close to what you'd see if you were in the nursery. The night vision images for many are even worse than daytime video. Some visuals are so blurry and hard to decipher that parents might find themselves visiting the nursery because their baby has no face.
Only the WiFi cameras provide video on par with reality, with the iBaby M8 2K Smart Baby Monitor, Google Nest Cam 2nd Gen. Following close behind are the Wyze Cam V3 and the Nanit Pro. All of these options have clear images with enough detail to potentially see your baby breathe, which is significantly more impressive than viewing a faceless (and terrifying) blob in the crib. Sure, you know that is your baby, but what is the point of a video feed if it doesn't show something useful?
The night vision video is not as good as the WiFi cameras, but it is good enough to see what you need to determine your little one's level of need. While the baby looks on fire, we assure you she is not.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The LeapFrog (above) offers a disappointing night vision video. Much of this is related to the camera's angle in relation to the baby, so if you choose this option, we recommend a process of trial and error to find the best location with the clearest view.
The Infant Optics DXR-8 earned the highest video quality score for the dedicated monitors. The color in the video is similar to real life, but the images are on the fuzzy side and not as clear as those from the WiFi products.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The high video quality for the dedicated monitors is earned by the VTech Smart VM901. This option has easy-to-see details with no weird coloring. There is some blurring in the image when you move the camera, but it isn't a deal breaker.
Ease of Use
Ease of use may seem less important because once you know how to use a product, it typically stops being challenging, and after a while, it can even feel intuitive when it clearly isn't. However, there can be a learning curve with monitors depending on the type you select and the features it has. While the dedicated monitors are plug-in-and-go products that even technology-challenged grandmas can use, some take more skill or tech-savvy to negotiate. On the other hand, the WiFi monitors require some knowledge of technology and app navigation or the patience to learn new things. With all of them, you need to set up the camera with your computer or another device, and you need to set up an account and manage things like WiFi passwords and other settings within the app. While this can be a no-brainer for some, it can be more challenging if you lack technical knowledge, and it could be useless if your caregiver doesn't have the app required for using the monitor.
If you struggle with technology and don't need or want to see your baby from any other location outside your home, you might want to choose a dedicated monitor that requires little setup and has a more straightforward user interface. We aren't saying that most people can't sort out the WiFi monitors, but it is undeniably less work to plug the monitor into an outlet and turn it on than download and sign up for an app you need to learn.
The most used features of the LeapFrog have buttons on the face of the parent device, making it easy for anyone to use with minimal instruction.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The LeapFrog LF920HD is the easiest dedicated option to use. This monitor is a “plug and play” that pairs the camera and parent unit by itself. The parent unit has limited buttons, and the menu options are intuitive. We think most parents will stick to the buttons on the front of the unit without much menu searching. The Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO is also an easy-to-use dedicated monitor. It also comes with multiple lenses to add to the camera, which you can easily interchange, even if it is annoying that you must go into the nursery to do it.
The iBaby M8 has an intuitive interface on its app with the most used features on the main monitoring view.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Most of the app-required monitors are easy to set up for those who are comfortable downloading and setting up apps. All options walk users through the setup process step-by-step and have fairly intuitive menus that will seem familiar to most users who regularly use smartphones. They all come with a quick start guide that will have you up and watching your baby swiftly. It's still tough to beat the setup of plugging in a monitor and turning it on, which you get with the dedicated options.
The Infant Optics plugs in and has a charged battery life of about 11.5 hours.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Battery Life
Testing battery life was for the parent device only. While some of the dedicated options have a battery in the camera in a power outage, most don't, and they are not intended for all-night use. So, our battery tests only focus on the parent device.
The battery life ranges between 6.75 and 16 hours for the parent devices of dedicated monitors. The WiFi options are more challenging to gauge because the battery life depends on the parent device, whether or not it is used for other applications, and how old the battery is. However, we feel it is safe to say that most personal devices will work longer than the best-dedicated monitor battery if they are only used for the WiFi camera and are not running other applications simultaneously.
The VTech VM819 has the longest dedicated monitor battery life with 16 hours of runtime. The Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO and the VTech Upgraded Smart VM901 5" Display earned the lowest score with a runtime of about 6 hours. While not a deal-breaker, as most nap times last for less time, it could leave you wanting. None of the monitors in this review offer a battery in the camera for long-term use away from a plug. While this could be useful for travel, etc., you will still need a WiFi connection, which isn't as helpful as it may seem.
The iBaby has a user-friendly menu with intuitive icons that feel familiar even though they aren't.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Features
All of the products in our tests provide features for convenience and functionality. Some of the options also have additional features for fun or nursery details. All of the cameras have night vision with an automatic sensor that shifts as the ambient light changes, and all have 2-way communication with the baby so that you can talk to your little one from a distance. Some monitors come with lullabies, while others can relay the temperature and humidity of the nursery. No matter which features or functionality you want or need, there is likely a monitor in this review to meet your goals.
Thanks to the use of WiFi technology, the M7 range is as good as the internet connection in your home and on your parent device.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The features we focus on are those we feel increase the monitor's performance or make life easier for parents and increase the odds of you achieving a good night's sleep. We prefer options with sound activation that keep the parent unit silent as long as the baby is quiet. We believe this functionality allows parents to fall asleep faster because any ambient noise through the monitor speaker could potentially keep you awake. Some of the monitors are loud enough (even at low volumes) that they could keep light sleepers from getting the shut-eye they need. This lack of sound filtering defeats the purpose of using a monitor. We also like units with automatic “wake” screens that turn off after a certain amount of time with no use.
The iBaby Care M8 WiFi earned a perfect score for features in our tests. It provides multiple features that increase convenience for parents and are fun for a baby. For parents, this camera works with WiFi, can be accessed anywhere with the Internet or cell reception (with a data plan), works with multiple cameras, and has sound activation. The user interface is intuitive, and it has zoom/pan/tilt functionality. The iBaby M8 has a remote-controlled camera with the widest field of view in the group, motion detection, and built-in remote-controlled lullabies that include the ability to add personal music choices or a parent voice recording. The iBaby M8 also has sensors for temperature, humidity, and air quality, so parents can ensure the baby is cozy. The M8 has a ceiling mobile projector as well. If that isn't enough, the app will remain operating even if you use other apps or turn the screen off. The only thing lacking is an auto screen wake and sleep, which isn't a deal-breaker with all the other features onboard.
The Nanit has an easy to use interface that has the majority of features on the main viewing screen.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The Miku Pro and the VTech Upgraded Smart VM901 5" Display came in a close second for features. The Nanit Pro, LeapFrog LF920HD 7" Display, and Wyze Cam V3 scored just below the top in third place. Because many WiFi cameras are more for security and are not solely about baby monitoring, they have features that make parents' lives easier but nothing fun for a baby. They provide 2-way communication but no lullabies or room sensors. Given that many nurseries have “noise makers” (aka lullabies), the lack of this feature isn't a loss, in our opinion. So, while these WiFi options lack the gadgetry fun, sensors, and the other bells available on the Nanit Pro and iBaby M8 WiFi, they get the monitoring job done in a way that is easy to use. The bonus of most WiFi cameras (possibly not the iBaby) is that they can work for multiple purposes when baby monitoring is over. These options can seamlessly shift into a nanny cam, security, or pet camera. We think this takes the sting out of the lack of baby-centric features, which, in our experience, most parents typically stop using when the novelty wears off.
The menu options on the Infant Optics DXR-8 are intuitive and few require more than one click; this is where you find most of the features of the monitor including pan, tilt, and zoom. This monitor earned the highest score for the features metric out of the dedicated monitors.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The dedicated products didn't score as well as the WiFi options for features. They don't offer as many features as their WiFi counterparts, their features don't make the camera easier to use, or they don't work that well. The dedicated monitors have a 2-way talk but can only be viewed on the parent device that pairs with the monitor. Some provide temperature sensors and lullabies, but most don't include motion detection or a real zoom. The highest score for features for the dedicated video options is 8 of 10 for the VTech Upgraded Smart VM901 5" Display. It scored fairly average overall, but it is one of the better-dedicated options in the group. The LeapFrog LF920HD 7" Display also has a respectable number of features for babies.
Features are important, but we encourage you to consider which features you will use and which sound like fun in theory but probably won't be used over time. Many options have a higher price tag and justify this with features parents are unlikely to use. Features like alarm clocks for feeding schedules and alerts for low humidity might seem like something you would use, but sound activation and quality images are more critical in practice. In fact, additional features often translate to being harder to use, and many are novelty functions that most parents stop using. Don't be persuaded by bells and whistles that you might stop using in the first few weeks. Ultimately, you want a good monitor with great sound and video quality.
The menu on the Miku Pro is full of sub-menus and features, making it harder to navigate.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Sound Activation Vs. Notifications and Alerts
Sound activation functionality is something all parents should seriously consider. This feature helps keep the monitor silent unless a baby is actively making noise. This feature potentially results in more sleep as you aren't exposed to unwanted, annoying background noise. Sound activation translates to hearing only what you need to hear, a fussy or crying baby. This feature isn't available on all monitors.
Alternatively, notifications and alerts relay a message or email to your personal device (e.g., smartphone or tablet) when motion or sound occurs. This kind of feature is only found on WiFi monitors. It isn't ideal for monitoring a baby because it is typically delayed, sometimes as long as 30 minutes after your little one starts crying. The alert also can't provide details about the type of sound or motion, and excessive, vague messages can get annoying. For these reasons, we prefer sound activation over notifications/alerts, which we believe are not useful for monitoring children.
We measured each device for EMF emissions. The Nanit has one of the lowest levels in the group.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Levels
Electromagnetic fields (EMF) or dirty electricity is something we feel should be discussed when considering any baby monitor. Given that all wireless devices emit some level of EMF, we believe it is negligent not to discuss the potential health risks associated with the kind of radiation emitted by wireless products. While the jury is still out, and studies are not conclusive yet, there is enough evidence that EMF can potentially cause health problems that we feel it is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to exposing children than to ignore the potential impact.
Wireless devices and dirty electricity are nearly impossible to avoid in our technological age, but this doesn't mean that you shouldn't make an effort to limit exposure for your family. Despite current scientific evidence being somewhat conflicting, we feel parents should make informed and deliberate decisions about their children's exposure to potential health risks. Especially given that their developing bodies and systems are more susceptible to this kind of radiation. We can't say with absolute certainty that monitors pose a potential health risk, but we also can't say for sure that they don't. Given this, we feel it is critical to test and report on the EMF emission levels of each competitor in our review. With this knowledge, you have the information to determine which products align with your goals and beliefs concerning EMF exposure.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The lowest average EMF readings were 0.20 V/m for the Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO, 0.22 for the VTech VM819, and 0.23 V/m for the iBaby M8 2K Smart Baby Monitor and LeapFrog LF920HD 7" Display with the EMF reader 6 ft from the unit.
You can lower your baby's potential exposure if your camera setup is more than 12-15 feet away from your baby's usual resting place (adequate distance for night vision for most units). Given the sensitivity of a baby's developing systems, we recommend setting the monitor as far away from your little one as possible while adhering to night vision requirements. For most video monitors in this review, this distance is 10-15 feet away from the baby.
Safer Practices
Even though the jury might be out concerning the potential effects of EMF on health, you don't need to wait for definitive proof before you err on the side of caution and make thoughtful adjustments or decisions. There is enough preliminary evidence on the topic that choosing to limit EMF exposure makes sense, even if it is “just in case.” EMF exposure compounds over time, and there has been an increase in the number of devices emitting EMF. You can help decrease your baby's exposure by:
Turning devices off when not in use
Unplugging wireless routers at night (not possible if using WiFi monitors)
Keeping in-use products as far from your baby as possible
Don't put your WiFi router in the baby's room
Not convinced of the potential for harm? It never hurts to make thoughtful decisions to potentially increase the health of your home and the children in it. We encourage all parents to weigh the pros and cons of each home addition for how it could impact home health.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Being able to visually check in on your baby using a video monitor can be a game-changer for anyone who loves details or enjoys watching their baby sleep. Peeking inside the nursery can help you decide whether or not you need to check on your baby in person or if your little one can settle without you. Our ideal scenario uses a great monitor as your core monitoring solution. This could be a sound or video option, but video monitors give you more details. We believe our months of intensive hands-on, side-by-side testing of video monitors can help you narrow the products to the right solution for your family. Don't forget that a monitor is a useful and much-appreciated baby gift.
