10 of the best baby monitors 2024 – tried and tested

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We've tried and tested a whole range of different models and types to come up with the best options to suit different needs, along with expert guidance on how to choose the right one for your home and your child(ren).

Best baby monitors at a glance

• Best Wi-Fi free baby monitor: LeapFrog LF920HD 7 inch HD video baby monitor, £159.99 at John Lewis
• Best baby monitor for picture quality: Momcozy 1080p Video Baby Monitor, £159.99 £119.99 at Amazon (Save £40 or 25%)
• Best budget video monitor: Motorola VM483 Video Baby Monitor, £75.72 at Amazon
• Best baby monitor for travel: Babymoov Yoo Go Plus Video Monitor, £149.95 £119.96 at Natural Baby Shower (Save £29.99 or 20%)
• Best baby monitor for multiple kids: Babysense HD Split-Screen Monitor, £119.99 £90.99 at Amazon (Save £29 or 24%)
• Best baby monitor for sleep tracking: Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor, £298.99 £209.99 at Amazon (Save £89 or 30%)
• Best movement baby monitor: Angelcare AC25-1 Baby Movement Monitor with Video & Sound, £249.99 at Very
• Best baby monitor for growing with your baby: Cubo AI Plus, £279 £219 at Amazon (Save £60 or 22%)
• Best baby monitor for heart rate tracking: Owlet Smart Sock, £299 at John Lewis
• Best baby monitor for audio only: VTtech BM1000, £24.99 at Amazon

Use these links to learn more about how we picked the baby monitors in our list as well as how we tested them.

• How we chose the best baby monitors
• What are audio baby monitors?
• What are video baby monitors?
• What are movement sensor baby monitors?
• What are wearable baby monitors?
• Important things to look for when buying a baby monitor
• When do you stop using a baby monitor?
• Are baby monitors safe?

Here's our pick of the best baby monitors to buy in 2024

Best video baby monitors

1. LeapFrog LF920HD 7” High Definition Pan & Tilt Video Monitor, £159.99

Best Wi-Fi-free monitor

Type: Video | Frequency type: Digital | Range: up to 300m | Screen size: 7 inches | Talkback function: Yes | Night vision: Yes | Alerts: Sound and motion | Control with app: No

Pros:

• Pan and tilt camera remotely
• Large display
• Colour night vision
• Wi-Fi and app-free

Cons:

• Sometimes loses connection
• Needs frequent charging

If you're looking for a video monitor that does it all without needing to connect to your home Wi-Fi, this is a safe option. It boasts a wide angle pan and tilt camera, a giant 7 inch high definition screen, a good built-in range, plus the added bonus of a built-in nightlight. It also has colour night vision, which is quite a novelty, but all these features do mean the parent unit will need frequent charging. Although the RRP is £199.99, the monitor is often on special offer for under £150, making it good value given its impressive features.

LeapFrog monitors are made by VTech, which has a strong reputation in the baby monitor world. We have found their models can disconnect occasionally (you will need to turn the camera on and off to fix this) but that is pretty standard across the market. Overall this is a great value monitor for those who don't want to go down the Smart route and use Wi-Fi. Parent tester Rachel said, "It is a fantastic baby monitor. Great battery life, signal, picture quality. The zoom and rotation is the best I've seen."

It is so intuitive I didn't even have to read the instructions to set it up! It is ready to use out of the box – there is no app to download or register for, or wifi network to connect to which is great as it means it can be taken on holiday, to grandparents houses etc and be set up quickly and simply.

Read the full Leapfrog LF920HD 7" High Definition Pan and Tilt Monitor review

Available from: John Lewis, Argos and Mamas&Papas

2. Momcozy 1080p High-Performance Video Baby Monitor, £159.99

Best baby monitor for picture quality

Type: Video | Frequency type: Digital | Range: not supplied | Screen size: 5 inches | Talkback function: Yes | Night vision: Yes | Alerts: Sound | Control with app: No | Award: Gold – Baby Monitor, MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• Great screen quality
• Easy to use
• Energy-saving VOX mode

Cons:

• No motion sensor
• Often out of stock

Momcozy is best known for producing breast pumps, but the brand's foray into baby monitors has been a huge hit – so much so the only issue you may have is finding it in stock. MFM reviewer Emily, a first-time mum, described this monitor as having "exceptional picture quality" and couldn't praise the 1080p high-definition video enough. Although the parent unit has a relatively compact 5-inch screen, the quality of the video feed makes this more than enough.

Sleep expert Chris McFadden echoed our testers' comments that "the quality of video is top-class," adding, "it's definitely one of the best monitors I've used in this price range."

The aim of the monitor is to offer best-in-class wifi-free performance, with a focus on offering only the features parents really need to keep the price competitive. You won't find additions like a nightlight or a motion sensor, but there is a full pan-and-tilt camera, a temperature sensor, 2-way talk and lullabies, and a handy VOX (voice-activated) mode to save battery. Using this can mean the parent unit works all night without needing to be plugged in.

The monitor is also designed to grow with your family, with a split-screen feature and the option to add more cameras as and when you need, however, these are often out of stock (in fact, this hugely popular camera can be hard to track down at times).

You can zoom in and out to watch closely to see your baby without having to go into the room and disturb their sleep.

Available from: Momcozy and Amazon

3. Motorola VM483 Video Baby Monitor, £75.72

Best budget video monitor

Type: Video | Frequency type: Digital | Range: 1,000ft (around 300m) | Screen size: 2.3 inches | Talkback function: Yes | Night vision: Yes | Alerts: No | Control with app: No

Pros:

• Great value
• Compact design
• Secure network

Cons:

• Small screen
• Poor battery life

If you're looking for a video monitor on a tighter budget, this Motorola model offers all the basic features you need and is staggering value, often on sale for around £60. Although still an investment compared to a very basic audio monitor, it's significantly cheaper than the smart monitors and tracking monitors that now dominate the market, and it comes from a brand that offers a good sturdy build.

This monitor operates without Wi-Fi, which is great if you have reservations about connecting your baby monitor to your home network and/or downloading an app. It has a range of up to 1,000 ft (about 300m) which should be fine for most houses, and though it doesn't pan remotely, the camera itself has a well-designed stand that can be angled to get a good view of the cot, and there's a built-in digital zoom too. The screen on the parent unit is 2.8 inches, which is relatively small compared to pricier models, but still enough to see your child easily provided you've mounted the camera in the right spot.

The model also has night vision, and a 2-way talk feature, all of which are impressive additions at such a low price point.

Kate, a member of our Top Testers Club praised Motorola monitors for "amazing video quality and great range in our very long house," but, along with many other parents, she did flag the brand's notoriously short battery life, so bear in mind you're likely to have to keep the parent unit plugged in most of the time to get the most out of this product.

My Motorola monitor is still going after over 3.5yrs of being used everyday.

Available from: Amazon

4. Babymoov YOO Go Plus Video Monitor, £149.95

Best baby monitor for travel

Type: Video | Frequency type: Digital, wireless | Range: 300m | Screen size: 5 inch | Talkback function: Yes | Night vision: Yes | Alerts: Sound | Control with app: No | Awards: Editor's Choice – MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Great for travel
• Long battery life

Cons:

• No wall plug
• No pan and tilt
• Need to remember to charge both items

If you travel a lot, or your child sleeps in various different rooms/homes/settings, then a monitor that's easy to move without wires and permanent fixtures is a brilliant choice. Babymoov really has thought of it all with this smart wireless monitor, which comes with a bundle of different mounting options to make moving the camera around a breeze.

You will need to remember to charge both the camera and the parent unit, but they will both last once you have. "The monitor and camera charge within an hour, and the batteries last for over 8 hours.

It's more than just a travel monitor too, and for the price, it offers some really great features. The voice-activated mode saves energy and battery life and our testers found it worked well. Ceri, who tested with her 11-month-old, said, "The picture quality is amazing with such clear images. The features – such as playing lullabies – make the camera fantastic as it provides perfect sounds to help settle your little one."

Sleep expert Chris McFadden thought it offered great value, and added "I really like the look and feel of this product. It feels robust." That said, he did note that the camera itself doesn't pan and tilt, so you can only view from one angle. He also flagged that the unit was supplied with a USB cable, but no wall plug: Babymoov states this is for environmental reasons (reducing excess plastic) but it does mean you'll need to find a spare USB plug to charge the device.

We are an active family and often visit friends and family, so having the options of a camera so portable is absolutely a huge selling point for us. The spherical camera can easily be slotted in to the other components which feature a large clamp (for cots and bedsides), a ring to sit on (for shelves or bedside tables), a suction cup (for windows, tiles or mirrors) and a wall mounting bracket for nurseries.

Available from: Babymoov and Natural Baby Shower

5. Babysense HD Split-Screen Baby Monitor, £119.99

Best baby monitor for multiple kids

Type: Video | Frequency type: Digital | Range: 300m | Talkback function: Yes | Night vision: Yes | Alerts: No | Control with app: No

Pros:

• Add up to 4 cameras, see 2 at a time
• Good night vision
• Quality screen

Cons:

• No movement alerts or smart features
• Can't buy it with just 1 camera

If you have more than one young child, you'll need a baby monitor that can be expanded with multiple cameras. While a number of the models listed here have the option to add an extra camera, this model goes one better by also offering a split-screen display on a single parent unit. The package comes with 2 cameras as standard, but you can add up to 4 in total (although you can only see 2 on screen at any time).

Parent tester Alexandra added, "I love the split-screen, and the dual camera functions work really well. The night vision is excellent, the audio is clear and unbroken. The screen is a really good size and the battery life is amazing. I also love the two-way talk-back functionality."

The camera has pan and tilt options plus 2x and 4x zoom and clear night vision. There are also built-in white noise and lullabies. However, although Babysense does make a breathing monitor, this model doesn't have any of the more "smart" features like movement alerts or a Wi-Fi connection and app. The upside of that? Babysense has managed to create a monitor that should last up to 20 hours in ECO Mode and 12 hours in Standard Mode – significantly more than some rivals. However, it does mean you're restricted to the built-in range of 300m.

The split screen function is invaluable when you have more than one infant. Being able to keep an eye on both my little ones, without having to switch the camera from one to the other has been immeasurably helpful. You can even adjust the camera when in split-screen mode.

Read the full MFM Babysense HD Split-Screen Baby Monitor review

Available from: Amazon and Babysense

Best tracking / movement / wearable baby monitors

6. Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor, from £298.98

Best baby monitor for sleep tracking

Type: Video | Frequency type: Digital | Range: Wi-Fi | Talkback function: Yes | Night vision: Yes | Alerts: Sound and motion | Control with app: Yes | Awards: Bronze, Baby Monitor – MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• Sleep tracking
• Cable cover attachments included
• Great quality camera

Cons:

• High price point
• Insights costs extra after first year
• No screen (phone only)

The Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor is a hybrid video monitor, sleep tracker and wearable. The camera itself has in-depth movement tracking options of its own, but by adding a wearable element (a swaddle, pyjamas or a chest band - sold separately or in bundles) you'll be able to find out even more about your baby's sleep habits by tracking their breathing too. The app will then give you expert guidance and tips to help your baby to sleep better. Unlike some smart monitors, the wearable is not a sensor in itself, it's printed with a pattern that the camera tracks to "see" your child breathing, so there are no electronic parts on or near your baby.

All our testers raved about the app's sleep tracking and guidance, although they did point out the added expense of using this monitor over time: you'll need to buy more wearables in larger sizes, the multistand (which also unlocks the ability to set alert zones in the room to track a toddler's movement) comes at an extra cost, and the app has various (optional) subscription packages.

The subscription element is something to consider if you plan to monitor your child long-term. You'll get 1 year of Insights Basic included with your purchase (and Basic is all you really need). After that you will need to pay a subscription to unlock sleep insights and some features – this can cost anything from £60.99 to £259.99 per year depending on the level of insight you require and the offer at the time. The free version of the app is good enough to use once that first year is up, but doesn't store sleep data or allow you to save memories. Some features, like alert zones, also become unavailable.

There's no doubt the Nanit is aesthetically pleasing and well-designed, and we like that there are multiple mounting options for a clear view. Both the wall mount and stand have built-in cable tidies which are a huge bonus where safety is concerned. The wide-angle lens offers a clear picture, although like anything that connects to your home Wi-Fi, our testers did report that it would occasionally disconnect and it does lag slightly on slower home Wi-Fi speeds. You also need to consider if you're happy to view the feed on your phone or tablet, as there is no separate parent unit/screen. In our tests, having it open ran down the battery of an iPhone 13 in about 5 hours, but this is very much designed to be used with alerts, rather than an "always on" view.

Other features include two-way sound, sleep aids like white noise and lullabies built in, a temperature sensor, and a new split screen option if you have multiple cameras.

It’s sophisticated, reliable and high-tech. The app is amazing and the sleep insights are fascinating. I honestly think it’s the best camera on the market. My boyfriend and I are total health and tech geeks and love analysing our daughter’s sleep.

Available from: Amazon, Mamas & Papas and John Lewis

7. Angelcare AC25-1 Baby Movement Monitor with Video & Sound, £249.99

Best movement baby monitor

Type: Video and movement | Frequency type: Digital | Range: 150m | Screen size: 4.3 inch | Talkback function: Yes | Night vision: Yes – infrared | Alerts: Sound and visual | Control with app: No

Pros:

• Motion tracking
• Good quality screen
• Lots of features including a nightlight and 2-way talkback

Cons:

• High price point
• Short range compared to others on list

This sleek and stylish baby monitor from Angelcare comes with a wireless Movement Sensor Pad that is placed under your baby's mattress. The clever technology has 4 sensitivity levels and monitors every movement from each corner of the mattress, it will then alert you if no movement has been detected for 20 seconds. Don't worry about the pad disturbing baby either, parent tester Constance found that the "pad is slim and discreet once placed under the mattress and it doesn't affect baby's sleep at all."

The monitor doesn't connect to Wi-Fi, which gave parent tester Constance extra reassurance that her baby was being monitored securely, but she did note that this may be a drawback for some parents who prefer remote access. It also only has a range of 150m which is the shortest on our list.

The video quality is impressive (including its infrared night vision), it has a great battery life and our parent tester found it very easy to set up and use. There are also a lot of great features built into the monitor too, including a controllable nightlight, 2-way talk-back, room temperature display and 4 lullaby modes. Although it comes at a high price point, its wealth of features and excellent movement tracking make it a great option if its within your budget.

This baby monitor offers a well-rounded selection of useful features aimed at keeping parents connected and reassured about their baby's well being. For those focused on in-home monitoring and have a good budget, this is an excellent baby monitor for peace of mind.

Read our full MFM Angelcare AC25-1 Baby Movement Monitor with Video & Sound review

Available from: Very

8. Cubo AI Plus Smart Baby Monitor, from £279

Best baby monitor for growing with your child

Type: Video and movement | Frequency type: Digital | Range: Wi-Fi | Talkback function: Yes | Night vision: Yes | Alerts: Numerous sound and motion | Control with app: Yes | Awards: Silver, Baby Monitor – MadeForMums Awards 2024

Pros:

• Customisable alerts
• Quality camera that looks great
• Motion tracking

Cons:

• Premium subscription expires after 12 months
• Expensive
• Add-ons cost extra

This little bird-shaped baby monitor does a lot more than just look cute. It packs in all kinds of smart motion features, including alerts when your baby rolls over or covers their face, a cry and cough sensor, plus the option to add a sensor pad for further tracking and sleep information. It's controlled by an app so you don't get a parent screen but instead set up numerous custom alerts to your phone.

One feature that really stood out to us was the ability to map out custom "danger zones" in your home – you then get a special alert if your child moves into these areas. While a lot of baby monitors have standard in-cot motion alerts, this special features gives this monitor more longevity once your child has moved to a bed: you could set up a zone around their bedroom door to alert you when they leave their room, for example. The Nanit (see above) has this feature, but you'll need to buy an additional stand to unlock it.

Our parent testers also loved the extent to which the app tracks and records, too. "I loved how the Cubo was able to capture and record moments, allowing you to see the development of your child," said parent tester Janet. These can be downloaded and kept, although Janet did point out this may come at an extra cost later down the line. Similar to the Nanit, the Cubo AI Plus comes with a 12-month premium subscription, after which you'll need to pay to keep certain enhanced features. At £49.99 and £69.99 per year, they're cheaper than the Nanit options, but still a significant extra cost.

I cannot recommend this monitor enough. It is so much more than just a simple baby monitor. The quality of the camera is outstanding. It is not difficult to see detail on the screen and the sound is also very good. I can’t fault it at all.

Read the full MFM Cubo AI Plus Smart Baby Monitor review

Available from: Amazon and Cubo AI

9. Owlet Smart Sock, from £299

Best baby monitor for heart rate tracking

Type: Heart rate | Frequency type: Digital | Range: Wi-Fi | Talkback function: No | Night vision: No | Alerts: Pulse | Control with app: Yes

Pros:

• Comfortable to wear
• Easy to set up and use app
• Offers reassurance in the early months

Cons:

• Connectivity issues
• Doesn’t have longevity of other monitors
• High price point

The Owlet features a wearable "sock", designed to provide more precise information than traditional video monitors. It uses an infrared light to measure the child's pulse. This is then connected to a base which sends information over Wi-Fi to a connected smartphone, meaning you can check your baby's pulse wherever you are.

While it may be useful to have these statistics at hand, you should remember it will not be 100% accurate at detecting low oxygen levels in the blood. Researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found it to have an 88% sensitivity rating in detecting oxygen levels in the blood, so it’s best viewed as a device to provide some extra reassurance, and not a medical device.

Our testers found the smart sock easy to put on their babies, but there were concerns babies wouldn’t keep the it on for the full 12 months Owlet has designed for. They also found the app easy to use but mum Zoe did experience some connectivity issues.

The standard Owlet set-up doesn't feature a camera, instead letting the app alert you to your baby's movement. However, if you do prefer to have a visual too, you can purchase a bundle featuring an impressive HD camera, but at £389 this makes it the most expensive offering in our list.

The sock is comfortable for my daughter. She didn't even notice she was wearing something on her feet.

Available from: John Lewis, Natural Baby Shower and Owlet

Best audio baby monitors

10. VTech BM1000, £24.99

Best baby monitor for audio monitoring

Type: Audio | Frequency type: Digital | Range: 50m | Talkback function: No | Night vision: No | Alerts: Sound and lights | Control with app: No

Pros:

• Affordable
• Sound sensitive lights
• Belt clip
• Out of range alert

Cons:

• Very basic functionality
• No video or motion alerts

This is a simple audio-only baby monitor that works well across the home without breaking the bank. Despite being a budget buy, the sound quality is clear and consistent even when moving between rooms. The sound sensitive lights are also a useful alert system for when you have the audio alerts kept low.

Battery life tops out at about 7 hours, so good enough for a night or two (given that it will be on standby for much of this time if your baby is sleeping). The top of the monitor itself is a little top heavy though, so it's worth making sure you have it set up in a solid spot to avoid it falling and potentially waking baby.

The out of range alert is a nice addition which lets you feel peace of mind knowing that you're connected, even if your baby is quiet and there are no noise alerts. The addition of a belt clip is also nice touch that lets you keep this on you as you move about without thinking about it.

Available from: Amazon and Kiddies Kingdom

How we chose the best baby monitors

We recruited families across the UK to test all the different types of baby monitor to see which ones really perform. They reported back to us with their thoughts on everything from signal range and battery life to video quality, and we ensured they really put the monitors through their paces. We also recruited sleep expert Chris McFadden to put 2024's newest monitors to the test as a group.

We also spoke to members of our Top Testers Club who have purchased baby monitors over the last few years, to see which models and brands are most popular with parents, and to get a better idea for the types of baby monitor that are most in demand. This also flagged some important concerns many parents have regarding certain models and features.

Once we had feedback, we cast our editorial eye across the market as a whole and examined all the baby monitors as a group, looking at how they compared with each other and how they catered to different requirements. Our aim is to bring you the very best across each category and budget, recognising that different situations have very different needs.

What are the different types of baby monitors?

Audio baby monitors

Usually the most affordable option, these only allow you to hear your baby, but not see them. They generally come in 2 parts: a unit with an audio sensor that goes in the baby's room, and a parent unit that you keep with you to listen out for cries. Many of these operate wirelessly: some require batteries, others can be charged when not in use.

Video baby monitors

These consist of a camera with sound to capture both video and audio of your baby, and some way of viewing that video feed (either a parent unit with a screen, an app for your phone, or both). You'll need to mount the camera in the child's room so you can see the whole cot (some may come with a stand or mount for this). Most cameras are wired, so you'll also need a plug socket within easy reach. In terms of providing the video and audio feed, some connect to your home Wi-Fi, and others run off their own built-in signal. Many give you the option to do both.

Movement sensor baby monitors

These baby monitors come with an additional unit (usually a thin mat that goes under the cot mattress) which tracks the tiny movements your child makes as they sleep. The idea is to give extra reassurance that your child is safe and well: if no movement is detected after a short period, you get an alert. You may find that a high-end video monitor has its own built-in movement sensor, too. These tend to work in the opposite way: they alert you when your child makes a large movement (such as rolling over, sitting, or standing up) to let you know they are awake/unsettled.

Wearable baby monitors

These use similar technology to fitness trackers or heart rate monitors to take an even closer look at what your baby is doing while they sleep. You put your baby to sleep wearing the smart item (either a piece of clothing or a clip-on monitor) and it tracks their movement and breathing to deliver data to an app. They often work in conjunction with a video monitor, so you get sound and pictures too. Tracking this data can help reassure anxious parents during overnight sleep, and also help to learn more about the baby's sleep habits and patterns to create a better routine. The UK government's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has determined that some of these products are borderline with medical devices, so it's likely we'll see more regulations in this area in the future.

What to look for when buying a baby monitor

Power supply – Some monitors (particularly video ones) will need to be plugged in at all times, so you'll need to ensure you can mount the baby unit safely with all wires out of the way of tiny hands. Audio or "wireless" monitors may take batteries, or come with a mains charger. For those that need charging, check the battery life: most last 8-12 hours max, so will need recharging every day.

Parent unit –If your video monitor comes with a parent unit (a screen to view and control the camera) then you'll need to be able to charge this too. Most have a reasonable battery life but larger screens or those with more features use more power, and if you want to keep the screen on with the brightness up at night, you'll usually need to plug it in. Look for parent units with standby or voice-activated modes to conserve power and give you more flexibility.

Range – Many baby monitors have their own analogue or digital signal built into the units: digital is now the norm but do check before you buy. The product specs will list the maximum range of this signal: this is how far you can take the parent unit from the cot or crib. However, the stated range doesn't take into account walls, floors, furniture, or anything else that could interfere with the signal. If you have a large house or thick walls, you may find that you can't go too far from the baby's room, and may find a Wi-Fi monitor is more reliable.

Wi-Fi connection – Although most monitors will have their own signal built in, some will also connect to your home Wi-Fi, and have an app you can add to your phone. This opens up lots of new options, including increased range, the ability to record and save videos, and perhaps the ability to view the live feed from multiple devices (such as a parent unit and a smartphone or tablet). It may also mean you can view the feed using your phone's data if you're away from the house (although we don't condone spying on the babysitter!). If you're adding your baby monitor to your home Wi-Fi it's important to ensure your home WiFi is secure and your devices are password protected. You should also make sure to update the app and/or firmware each and every time a new version is released.

Camera and video quality – Most decent video monitors now have HD video, and you'll want something with good night vision as you're likely to be watching a dark room. Some models even have colour night vision now. Also consider the lens in the camera: more expensive models may have a wide-angle lens to view the entire cot, a zoom function, or be able to track movement and automatically pan and tilt. Others may need to be mounted higher up for the same visibility.

Crying and movement alerts – Movement monitors and wearables offer the most in terms of movement alerts and tracking, keeping an eye on your child's breathing throughout the night. But many of the more high-end video monitors can also be set to wake – and even record video – if your baby stirs or makes a sound. This feature comes in particularly handy as your child gets older and is able to climb out of their cot: at least you'll be able to watch back and see how they did it!

Features to soothe your baby – A lot of monitors have 2-way audio so you can talk to your child. Some will even play light shows, lullabies, soothing sounds, or white noise. Do look into these options as they're often overlooked, but this could mean you don't need to buy a separate sleep aid. On the flip side, they can push up the price of the overall unit considerably, and many families end up not using many (if any) of these extras.

Ease of expansion – Do you have more than one child, or are you considering extending your family in the future? If so, you may wish to look for a unit that has the option to add more cameras. Some people use monitors until their children are preschool age, and being able to see all your children on one screen is far easier than plugging in, charging, and keeping an eye on two or more separate systems.

Mount or stand – Video monitors will need to be placed on a shelf, fastened to a wall or placed on a stand to give you a good view of your baby. Some come with stands, others have mounts that need to be screwed into the wall, and a few have clips or mounts. Do look into this when you purchase, especially if you live in rented accommodation and can't put holes in the walls. You can buy universal stands (such as the Flexi Air 360, £46.99) or flexible camera holders that fasten onto the cot. Or you could consider damage-free options like Command hooks or strips.

Price – Baby monitors range from around £20 for a simple audio monitor to over £300 for a wearable and camera unit combined. Somewhere in the middle, you'll find an ever-increasing range of video monitors, which can vary from about £60 to £200. More expensive models will generally have more features, larger and better quality screens, and better cameras.

When do you stop using a baby monitor?

When you stop using a baby monitor while your child is sleeping will depend on your child's age and development. "Most experts recommend stopping baby monitor use between ages 2 and 4," is the advice from security brand Reolink. "By this time, children have developed more regular sleep patterns. They can also get in and out of bed without assistance. These milestones mean less need for constant overnight supervision."

Your child may have different monitoring needs, though, so it's always worth considering their specific sleeping pattern and development before you stop using a monitor. "Look for signs your toddler or preschooler is outgrowing the need for nighttime monitoring," writer Alicia noted in the same article from Reolink. "Watching for critical physical and behavioural changes can help determine the right time. This is how you can decide when to stop using a baby monitor."

That being said, when we chatted about all things baby monitors with our Top Testers Club, several parents said that they have continued to use their baby monitors as their children have gotten older. "Started using at 7 months when she went into her own room," said parent tester Kelly. "Still using at 4! Not sure when I'll stop. It's so handy for checking she's in bed etc without going in her room and waking her up!" MadeForMums Community Manager Dani also pointed out that her daughter was at least 6 before she realised they could switch it off.

Are baby monitors safe?

A baby monitor is an essential piece of kit for any parent. As you'll see from the above guidance, there are a range of options on the market all with a variety of features. Ultimately, you should always purchase a sturdy monitor that can hold up to the rigours of family life like those we've tested and suggested in our list. Of course, baby monitors are just a tool designed to be used in conjunction with checking on your baby regularly in person so always ensure you monitor their temperature, movements and breathing.

It's also worth spotlighting the fact that many parents have questions about security and WiFi baby monitors, with some concerns about potential hacking. Like any other internet-connected device, WiFi baby monitors can be vulnerable, so it's always worth taking a few precautions and following good online security practices in the same way you would when securing other devices at home.

For example, enable security software updates and two-step authentication on your monitor as well as changing the default password to a strong password. This should be updated regularly to ensure its efficacy. Lastly, you should only use WiFi networks you trust, again ensuring that you follow password best practices with your home WiFi network. You could also opt to unplug the monitor when it isn't in use to be doubly sure it won't get hacked.

If this is a concern for you, our list includes multiple fantastic WiFi-free options. For more information, be sure to check our guide on how to keep your baby monitor secure from hackers.

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