melonbellies01

There’s nothing in the world that can compare to being a new parent. It just may be the hardest job you’ll ever love. Joy. Triumph. Sacrifice. And ultimately, selflessness. A selflessness that changes your life as much as it changes your baby’s.

But for all the sacrifice and joy, there’s countless hours of lost sleep. All those endless tears spent in frustration. And the inevitable sense of helplessness which drives away any sense of immediate relief.

And then there’s your baby to think about!

No one ever said being a parent was going to be a stroll in the park. It requires an almost superhuman sense of patience and a vigilance you may not have been even aware of for even the most basic necessities of your baby. But every now and then, you need your own break. You need shut eye just as much as your newborn does. And while baby monitors may be a vital necessity in any parent’s life, they’re not made equal. Some models have particular advantages over others. Some baby monitors come with expensive but entirely unnecessary features. And some are just simply cheap junk you’re not just wasting your money on; you’re actually putting your baby at risk by using them.

It might seem like a question of your own particular circumstances. But do you really know what to look for in a baby monitor? How do you know which is right for you and your newborn? More importantly, how do you know which ones to trust?

What To Look For In A Baby Monitor

If you don’t remember the quality of baby monitors in the past, just ask your own parents. You’re sure to get an earful about shoddy craftsmanship, garbled transmissions and battery drainage that resulted in replacements every other month.

But thankfully… that was the past. Today’s generation of baby monitors aren’t just more efficient. They’re undergoing constant innovation in both design, materials and price to offer parents the most reliable and state of the art features that aren’t just secure. They’re cost effective, as well.

Even at their most basic, today’s baby monitors come equipped with sophisticated wi-fi connectivity and range, providing efficient and secure remote accessibility that connect to many major apps. That’s the good news. The bad news is that illicit interference from hackers remains a major security concern. It’s not as widespread as twenty years ago, but it is an area you need to be cognizant of. Luckily, many manufacturers have begun implementing Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) technologies to help combat this nuisance.

But it’s not just increased security you want from a baby monitor. Like every other parent, price is a contributing factor in ensuring the best overall model for your money. But luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice quality and durability to be cost effective. How cost effective? In some cases, not much more than $100.

The Top 10 Baby Monitors

1. Nanit Plus Video Baby Monitor With Sleep Tracking

Nanit has been making headway in security by their use of high definition audio and video as well as design, and their video baby monitor is a perfect example why. Automatic alarms monitor both your baby’s movements as well as room temperature, while bird’s-eye view, zooming and night vision features help you keep watch even when you’re away! As an added bonus, the Plus video monitor comes with one full year of sleep tracking analytics to help you understand your child’s sleeping habits absolutely free.

2. Infant Optics DXR-8

There’s a reason why the DXR-8 model consistently draws rave reviews as one of the leading baby monitors on the market. It’s not just consistently reliable, but the clarity of its video transmission is virtually unsurpassed. With features such as remote panning and zoom capability, your child’s security is ensured even when you’re in the other room.

3. Snuza Pico

One of the biggest fears when you’re a parent is your child’s irregular breathing. Sometimes it’s an entirely natural occurrence, but it can still be alarming. That’s why the Pico movement monitor from Snuza is such an incredible blessing. It automatically vibrates if it notices no abdominal movement for 10 seconds, which can sometimes be enough to rouse your baby into waking. An additional bonus is a sleep analytic resource which helps you track your child’s sleeping habits, as wall as an automatic alarm if the Pico monitor notices your baby’s abdomen moving less than 8 times per minute.

4. iBaby Care M7

Boasting of a 1080 pixel video with infrared night vision, the iBaby Care M7 promises parents one of the most adaptable monitors available with full WiFi capabilities and even access for multiple users. But the M7 isn’t just a baby monitor. You can actually live stream footage of your baby for friends and family, making it an excellent choice for both versatility and communication.

5. Snuza Hero SE

One of the great things about Snuza is that they never fail to innovate. And their Hero SE model only adds to their reputation of high quality monitors. It’s lightweight and portable enough to allow maximum comfort for your baby while they’re sleeping, but highly effective in keeping track of their abdominal movements. The rouse warning can often be enough to wake them up entirely; which might seem frustrating at first, but can be just what you and your baby need for a good night’s sleep.

6. Philips Avent SCD630 Digital Video Baby Monitor

Philips has long been renowned for manufacturing high quality consumer electronics, and their SCD630 Digital Baby Monitor is certainly no exception to the rule. But where the SCD630 truly excels is its long range capabilities with crystal clear reception for close to 1000 feet. With a battery operating time of up to 10 hours, this digital video baby monitor combines superior performance, reliability and affordability in one superior product.

7. Toddlermonitor

Monitoring your children doesn’t just end once they turn 2! Toddlermonitor is a lightweight smart monitor that hangs on doorknobs and alerts you if your toddler leaves their bedroom. With state of the art Bluetooth LE technology that pairs with both Android and iOS devices, it’s easy to set up and grants you reassurance that the terrible twos don’t have to be so terrible after all!

8. Evoz WiFi Baby Vision Monitor

Evoz is a relatively new innovator in home security, and their WiFi Wireless Baby Vision Monitor connects directly to their free app supported by both Android and iOS. But that’s not even the main benefit of this model. There’s a wide range of auxiliary features with the Baby Vision Monitor, including in-app learning and advice resources, data and record tracking, instant notifications and sophisticated security technology making it one of the wisest investments you can hope to make in your child’s safety.

9. Snuza GO!

One of the more affordable and lightweight movement monitors we’ve seen from Snuza, the GO! model comes complete with a flexible tip and attaches easily to your child’s diaper without wires, cords or sensor pads. With a programmable alarm capable of being set at 15, 18 or 20 second intervals, GO! provides you peace of mind that your baby’s movements are healthy and entirely natural.

10. DBPOWER Digital Sound Activated Video Record Baby Monitor

Anyone who has multiple children knows that monitoring them at all times can present a unique challenge. But DBPower’s Digital Sound Activated Video Record Baby Monitor is capable of supporting a split screen for up to four video cameras, with full panning, tilting and shelf mounted functionalities. A full scale room temperature monitor alert, two way talk and sound activated LED lights help make this baby monitor a versatile addition for any family with two or more children.