Baby monitors let parents hear, and in many cases see, their baby from another room. The category covers audio-only monitors, video monitors with a dedicated handset and Wi-Fi models that stream to a phone. No models are listed here at the moment, so no brands can be named yet.
How to choose a baby monitor
Audio or video. An audio monitor is simpler, cheaper to run and enough if you only need to know when the baby wakes. A video monitor shows whether the baby is settled or has rolled into an awkward position, which saves repeated trips to the nursery.
Dedicated handset or Wi-Fi app. A monitor with its own handset connects directly to the camera, so it keeps working when the internet is down. A Wi-Fi model lets you check in from anywhere with a phone, but it depends on your router and home network.
Range and power. Walls, floors and appliances reduce the usable range, so treat the box figure as a best case in open space. In South Africa, power cuts are a real consideration: look for a handset with a rechargeable battery and a camera that can run from a power bank or backup supply.
Night vision and picture quality. Infrared night vision is standard on video monitors and is what lets you see a sleeping baby in a dark room. A clear picture in low light, a sensible zoom or pan function and a screen big enough to read at a glance matter more than headline resolution.
Privacy and extras. Encrypted connections and the ability to set a strong password reduce the risk of unwanted access. Two-way talk, a temperature display, lullabies and sound alerts are useful extras, but choose them only if you will actually use them.
Brands we carry
There are currently no baby monitors listed in this category, so there are no brands to show. Shoppers who want a camera for general home monitoring can browse the parent category, Security & IP cameras, and check back here for baby monitors as they are added.
Baby monitor FAQ
Do I need a video baby monitor?
No, an audio monitor is enough for many families, especially in a small home where you can reach the nursery quickly. A video monitor is worth considering if the baby sleeps far from you, if you want to check without opening the door, or if you have twins or a restless sleeper.
Is a Wi-Fi baby monitor better than one with a handset?
Neither is better for everyone. A handset model works without internet and is less exposed to online risks, while a Wi-Fi model lets you watch from your phone when you are away from home. If your internet connection or power supply is unreliable, a handset model is usually the safer choice.
How far does a baby monitor work?
Real-world range is shorter than the figure quoted on the box. Thick walls, several floors and interference from other devices all cut the signal, so a monitor rated for a long open-air distance may still struggle across a double-storey house. Check that the handset warns you when the signal drops out.
Can a baby monitor be hacked?
Internet-connected monitors can be accessed by others if they are poorly protected. Change the default password, keep the firmware updated and use a monitor that encrypts its connection. A non-Wi-Fi monitor with its own handset avoids most of this risk because it never connects to the internet.
