Most parents are probably all too familiar with the feeling of worry that comes with having a newborn. From doctor visits to food choices to, dare I say, staring at your little one while they sleep, parents tend to stay “on alert” when it comes to their new baby. Thankfully, there are so many great baby monitors to help us keep an eye and ear on our infants. If you’re in the market for one, you may be on the search for the very best baby monitors available.

Given the incidence of newborn sleep apnea and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), parents’ worries are justified. However, with today’s technology, there are many tools to help parents keep an eye on their little ones and reduce some of their anxiety. Above all, it’s vital to select a baby monitor with consistently strong video and sound output no matter where you are in the home. The last thing you want is to discover your system’s weak signal froze the video and your baby was left crying for far too long.

And if it feels like the stress from all those sleepless nights and anxiety from a fussy infant is taking its toll on you, you’re far from alone. One 2017 study found a link between parents struggling with helping their baby sleep and parenting blues. This sleep/depression connection held true even when normal parenting fatigue and sleeplessness were considered. “In other words, parents who worried that they could not manage their children’s sleep were more likely to have higher levels of depression,” says study author Wendy Hall, a nursing professor at the University of British Columbia. “That was true for both mothers and fathers.”

The good news is that when parents receive expert advice to help them get their little ones to sleep more soundly, they also get a huge mood boost themselves. “If you can find a way to regulate your child’s sleep, your own state of mind and self-confidence get a boost,” notes Hall.

With that being said, these are all the more reasons to invest in the best baby monitor that can help you tend to your infant — while simultaneously tending to your own wellbeing too. Given that there are several choices, it can be difficult to know which monitor will meet your needs. To make this choice easier for you and your new family, StudyFinds visited 10 of the leading expert websites to find the best baby monitors for your little one! Our list is comprised of the five most recommended systems across these sites, If we missed your family’s go-to, let us know in the comments below!

The List: Best Baby Monitors, According to Experts

1. Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro

The overall best baby monitor is the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro. According to NBC News, it fits the bill because “you get a basic video screen with night vision, multiple lenses for wider angles, and pan and tilt features so you can get the position just right. It has audio indicators for noise and temperature sensors, and can handle multiple cameras if you use it for more than one child.”

This monitor provides the finest value regarding features, cost, and dependability, according to reviewers. It is “a baby monitor that includes state-of-the-art features [and] ensures you can monitor your baby with the utmost comfort and the best possible audio clarity,” writes National Today.

According to CNET, “Active Noise Reduction is the feature of note for the Infant Optics baby monitor, which is largely considered the gold standard of non-Wi-Fi baby monitors. ANR filters out background noise from fans, humidifiers and so on without silencing your baby’s cries.”

2. Nanit Pro Camera

With its top-of-line audio and video quality and the ability to add on accessories, the Nanit Pro comes highly recommended! “The Nanit Pro also provides a few ‘peace of mind‘ features, like push notifications when movement or sound is detected or if the temperature or humidity slips outside the desired range. The app saves video clips that correspond to each alert so you can go back and review any activity,” adds CNET.

This monitor has all the bells and whistles to help keep your baby safe and make your life easier in the process. “It tracks sleep, monitors breathing motion with a wearable band, and has an auto-memory capture. Connected to WiFi, you can zoom in to check in on your little one and Nanit Insights from anywhere,” writes Parade.

“There are plenty of Wi-Fi baby monitors out there, but few have advanced smart features like the Nanit Pro system,” adds NBC News. “If you want the whole nine yards, this is it.”

3. Eufy SpaceView Pro

The Eufy SpaceView Pro is simple to set up and provides good image and sound. Additionally, instead of using wifi, it is linked to a local video stream, making it significantly more reliable and secure. According to the NY Times’ Wirecutter, “The star feature of the Eufy SpaceView is its 720p camera, which can be panned from side to side and tilted up and down remotely using the monitor’s controls—so you don’t need to tiptoe into the baby’s room to make camera adjustments. The monitor’s screen is big enough to see comfortably and has easy-to-use controls for adjusting temperature and sound alerts.”

Moreover, if you’re looking to enjoy some relaxing on the back porch or want to accomplish some yard work while the baby sleeps, this is the go-to monitor due to its strong signal! “Eufy boasts one of the longest ranges of any monitor we tested, with a range of up to 1,000 feet,” says Forbes.

NBC News also mentions: “If you want something a bit more modern, Eufy’s SpaceView monitor boasts a 5-inch 720p screen that looks much better than many of its competitors. The superior video quality is its main selling point, but many reviewers also note a longer range than competing models, plus the ever-useful pan-and-tilt and extra wide-angle lens.”

4. Miku Pro Smart 

Miku Pro Smart is one of the top-rated Wi-Fi controlled baby monitors. From easy setup to two-way audio to those sweet “extras” like white noise sounds and lullabies, this monitor has it all! “Use the compatible smartphone app to help monitor your baby’s breathing, sound, motion, room temperature, and humidity, plus get real-time alerts that notify you about changes in your baby’s vitals and nursery conditions; no wearables necessary,” writes Good Housekeeping.

The Babylist names this the best baby monitor for movement, stating, “It uses a proprietary technology called SensorFusion that’s completely contact-free and works with any age. You’ll get real-time updates and alerts on your smartphone if anything changes.”

“No wearables means no laundry, no charging and no worrying about middle-of-the-night dislocation. And you don’t have to buy any peripherals either. Miku’s approach adds convenience to peace of mind, making it a truly premium experience — with a premium price tag to match,” mentions CNET.

5. Vtech DM 221

Another great pick is the Vtech DM 221. Due to its top-notch audio capabilities and more affordable pricing, this monitor is loved by many! “Using digital audio technology, the DM221 offers clear audio transmission with a range of 1,000 feet and eliminates the crackle of analog models. A two-way intercom allows you to talk to your baby, while a five-level sound indicator can visually alert you to cries,” explains The Strategist.

Though this monitor does not offer a visual of your little one, “VTech’s audio-only monitors have the most important features at a fraction of the price: a 1,000-foot range, light-up audio indicators, and a small screen that shows you signal strength and battery life,” adds NBC News.

CNET adds, “While the lack of a camera is an instant deal breaker for a lot of parents, team audio-only will love the few features that VTech’s monitor does include. This monitor is basically foolproof, which makes it a good choice for traveling or backup.”

Choosing the right monitor should be simple, not add to the anxiety of being a parent. Any of these choices can help you keep an eye on your little one and get back to what’s really important – raising your family!

You might also be interested in:

• Best Baby Carriers
• Best Breast Pump 
• Best Tablets for Kids
• Best Toddler Toys
• Best Organic Baby Formula

Sources:

• CNET
• Wirecutter
• Baby List
• Forbes
• NBC News
• Parade
• The Strategist
• Good Housekeeping
• PC Mag
• National Today

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.