A baby monitor lets an exhausted new parent hear or see the baby from another room.
A baby monitor suits parents who want to hear, or see, the baby from another room. Choose between audio only and video, then check whether it has its own screen or uses a phone app, how clear the night view is, the range, and how long the battery lasts.
Gift ideas
A retailer can change a price at any time, so check it before you buy.
eufy Wi-Fi Baby Monitor, Security Camera, 2K Resolution with Pan & Tilt, AI Cry Detection Night Vision, Sound and Room Temperature Detection, Baby Camera Monitor, Requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Nanit Pro Camera is a connected baby monitor with app access, designed to help you keep an eye on your baby at home or while travelling. The Flex Stand makes it easy to move between rooms, from the nursery to the playroom. Design details: 1080p HD video - See your baby in and around the cot, day or night No sensors. No wires. - The included Breathing Band pairs with the Pro Camera to track your baby's breathing motion while they sleep (not a medical device) Built-in nightlight - Dimmable light to assist with overnight feeds and changes 256-bit AES encryption - Helps protect your data and privacy Secure user accounts - Choose who can access your camera and what they can see Includes: 1 x Nanit Pro Camera 1 x Flex Stand 1 x Small Breathing Band
A baby monitor suits parents who want to hear, or see, their baby from another room. It is a useful gift for first-time parents in the weeks before the baby arrives, and for any family where the nursery is a long way from the kitchen or the sofa.
It is a sizeable gift, so it suits a group of friends or relatives chipping in, or a grandparent who wants to give something practical.
What to look for in a baby monitor
Audio or video. An audio monitor carries sound. A video monitor adds a camera and a screen.
Screen or app. Some come with a parent unit with its own screen. Others use an app on a phone, which needs wi-fi and a phone to use it on.
Night view. A camera that shows a clear picture in the dark is useful for night feeds.
Range. In a small flat any monitor will do. In a large house, check the range on the listing.
Battery. A parent unit that holds its charge can be carried from room to room.
Extras. Some include a lullaby, a night light or a two-way talk button.
Set-up. Look at how it mounts, and where the cable has to go.
When a baby monitor is the wrong gift
Families differ on how much they want to watch, and some prefer an audio monitor only, or none at all. If you don't know their view, ask before buying. And if they live in a small place where they can hear the baby anyway, they may like a different present more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an audio and a video baby monitor?
An audio monitor carries sound from the baby's room to the parent unit. A video monitor adds a camera and a screen, so parents can see as well as hear. Some families prefer audio only.
Do baby monitors need wi-fi?
Some do. Monitors with a phone app connect over wi-fi, while many with a parent unit connect directly to it. The listing says which, so choose the one that fits the home, the phone and how the family likes to use it.
Is a baby monitor a good baby shower gift?
It can be, but it is a personal choice, and some families want one while others don't. Ask first if you can. It is also a good gift for friends or relatives to give together, since it is a sizeable present.
