Top 3 Budget Baby Monitors
Vtech VM819 Video Baby Monitor
We found this model ideal for parents seeking a reliable video monitoring solution without a hefty price tag.
- Offers 19 hours of video monitoring on a single charge.
- Features two-way communication and lullabies for soothing your baby.
- This model does not support additional monitors or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Wyze Cam Pan 1080P
We believe this monitor suits tech-savvy parents looking for an affordable app-enabled video option.
- Highly manoeuvrable with pan, zoom, and tilt features for comprehensive room coverage.
- Offers video monitoring at a budget-friendly price.
- Requires a secure Wi-Fi connection, which may be a concern for some users.
Babysense Video Baby Monitor
We think this monitor is great for parents who want mobility without sacrificing the ability to monitor their baby closely.
- Includes a zoom feature for a closer look at your sleeping baby.
- Offers versatile mounting options and a 360-degree pan and tilt functionality.
- It has a limited range of 900 feet, so ensure it fits your home layout.
Which budget baby monitor is best?
Choosing the right baby monitor to keep an eye on your little one is a significant decision. Selecting one that’s both affordable and effective can provide parents with considerable peace of mind.
For those seeking a reliable monitor without breaking the bank, the Vtech VM819 Video Baby Monitor stands out. It delivers the advantages of video monitoring while maintaining a budget-friendly price point.
Essential Considerations Before Buying a Budget Baby Monitor
Your baby’s sleep is vital for their healthy development, and ensuring you get enough rest is equally important. Current sleep recommendations suggest room sharing with your baby during the first six months. Transitioning to having your baby in another room can be challenging for many parents, but it helps establish a structured sleep routine and may lead to better sleep for you at night.
To facilitate this transition, many parents opt for a baby monitor. With hundreds of options available, some can be prohibitively expensive. While it’s essential to avoid compromising on quality, finding a budget-friendly baby monitor is crucial to leave room in the budget for other essentials like diapers and wipes.
Here are some key aspects to consider when shopping for your baby monitor:
Security of Baby Monitors
As more baby monitors connect to Wi-Fi, they offer the convenience of monitoring your baby from anywhere via an app. However, this raises security concerns regarding hacking or interference. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your monitor can connect to Wi-Fi, ensure you use a strong password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Regularly updating your baby monitor’s software is also a good practice.
Range of the Baby Monitor
When selecting a budget baby monitor, the range is a critical factor. While this may not be a concern for those living in small flats, it could pose a problem in larger homes, especially if your baby is on the opposite side from you. Some systems eliminate range limits, particularly those connected to Wi-Fi and app-based monitoring. Be sure to check the specifications of each product to ensure it meets your home’s distance requirements.
Not a Substitute for Care
The biggest drawback of any baby monitor is the false sense of security it may provide. It’s essential to remember that it should not replace active parental attention. While baby monitors allow you to check on your child from another room, they can never compare to the care and attention a caregiver provides.
Key Features to Look for in a Quality Budget Baby Monitor
Video Capability
The best budget baby monitors provide video monitoring, allowing you to see your baby as well as hear them. This feature is particularly useful during the transition from room sharing to having their own space, as it allows you to ensure your baby is safe and comfortable.
App Connectivity
Monitors with app connectivity help eliminate range concerns and make it easy to keep an eye on your baby. Regular software updates can also be done through the app. While these features can introduce security risks, using a strong password and keeping the software current can mitigate these concerns.
Accessories
Many of today’s top baby monitors come with additional features like extra monitors or sensors to monitor your baby’s temperature and room humidity. Some models include alerts for movement or sounds, which can be particularly helpful. Having extra monitor units allows you to share nighttime caregiving responsibilities with a partner.
Rechargeable Batteries
When choosing a monitor, consider whether it has rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries. Monitors with rechargeable batteries are preferable, as those relying on traditional batteries can limit your mobility and lead to ongoing costs for replacements.
Night Vision Quality
Since you’ll be using your baby monitor primarily during night-time or nap times, it’s crucial to select one with clear night vision. Without this feature, the monitor may be ineffective.
Expected Costs for a Budget Baby Monitor
If you’re only in need of audio monitoring, you can find options in the £20-£50 range. For monitors with additional features, such as video capabilities, budget models typically fall between £50-£100.
Budget Baby Monitor FAQ
Can you leave the baby monitor on throughout the night?
A. Many parents choose to leave their baby monitor on all night, allowing them to respond quickly if their baby wakes up or has a nightmare. However, turning it off during the night can lead to better sleep for parents, which is often much needed.
When is it safe to leave a baby with a monitor?
A. It is recommended to share a room with your baby for the first six months. After this, you can safely transition them to their own room while using a baby monitor. Many parents continue to use a baby monitor until their child reaches about four years old.
Is it necessary to use a baby monitor?
A. If you live in a small space where you can hear your baby crying, a monitor may not be essential, though video monitoring can still offer benefits. If you wouldn’t be able to hear your baby without it, using a monitor until they are around four years old is advisable.
Our Top Picks for Budget Baby Monitors
Best Overall Budget Baby Monitor
Vtech VM819 Video Baby Monitor
Key Features: This monitor offers all the reassurance of a video system at a fraction of the cost of premium options.
Advantages: With a single charge, it provides up to 19 hours of video monitoring. It also includes lullabies and two-way communication to soothe your baby.
Limitations: As a non-expandable model, it lacks the ability to add additional monitors and does not feature Wi-Fi connectivity.
Where to Purchase: Available on Amazon
Best Value for Money
Wyze Cam Pan 1080P
Key Features: This app-enabled video monitor is accessible for nearly everyone.
Advantages: It’s highly flexible, with pan, zoom, and tilt features to cover every corner of the room. You can enjoy video monitoring without a hefty price tag.
Limitations: Being app-based means you need to ensure your Wi-Fi is secure.
Where to Purchase: Available on Amazon
Worth Considering
Babysense Video Baby Monitor
Key Features: This model features a 2.4-inch video monitor, providing mobility while keeping an eye on your baby.
Advantages: Includes a zoom feature for a closer look and comes equipped with voice activation, alarms, timers, and 360-degree pan and tilt. It’s also wall-mountable for added convenience.
Limitations: With a range of only 900 feet, confirm it meets the needs of your home environment.
Where to Purchase: Available on Amazon