Even a basic audio-only product means you’ll be able to hear your baby, even if you need to close their bedroom door to keep pets out. The Mumsnet Rated Nanit Pro Smart baby monitor may be one of the most expensive baby monitors on our list, but if you’re in need of extra reassurance and money is no object, then this monitor is pretty amazing. Sensor pad: Some monitors have an additional sensor pad which can be placed underneath your baby’s mattress. So far, no hackings have been spotted and no critical information regarding your account was affected (username, password). The portability of the device also allows you the freedom to move around your home, while keeping tabs on your little one, which many parents have found handy, especially when cooking meals.

Due to the lack of video, the parent unit’s rechargeable batteries will run for around ten hours, which makes this audio-only monitor ideal if you happen to flop onto the bed exhausted and forget to put the monitor on charge. They could then stream or record video from the device, take screenshots, or even play music on the device. Owlet is divided into two parts – a sock that comes in three sizes with a sensor inside the sock, which can be moved between the differing sock sizes, and a base station that you plug in near to where the baby sleeps. While the primary function of a baby monitor has always been to let you hear your child during bedtime, the advent of two-way talk on these devices opens up some added convenience.

This means that if you want to use the monitor around the house you don’t have to have your phone switched on, or you can have the parent unit on for the babysitter and check in on your baby via your smartphone while you’re out having dinner with friends. Two-way talk can be useful for soothing your baby to sleep from downstairs and another consideration is whether you're interested in lullaby or soothing sounds features, which can be remote controlled via the monitor's smartphone app. They allow you to see, hear, and talk to your baby, so you can rest assured you will never miss out on a precious moment. To find out which smart baby monitor offers the best features, we've tested ten of the latest designs. Of course, not everyone wants this kind of detail but you can’t fault this monitor for its technology.

What’s more, the base station plays a rather annoying song when the sock slips or isn’t placed properly.This means you can set up a zone in your house – be it the kitchen or stairs – and you will get alerted on your smartphone when your child enters that area. Battery life: Most parent units are battery operated – if you're likely to forget to plug it in overnight, choose one that charges quickly or has a portable docking station so you can charge it while in use. It also features a temperature indicator and a 'Vox mode', which is activated by your baby's voice and means you won’t be disturbed unnecessarily by their every move. App connected: Some smart monitors can be connected to an app on your phone which allows you to still see and talk to your baby. The monitor also has five lullabies to choose from, but if you want to play them, you’ll have to listen along to them on the parent unit.

While we tested the model that spans 0-18 months, if you pay a bit more you can opt for the 0-5 years version instead. Take time to ensure your baby's monitor is in a secure location in your baby's nursery where it won't get knocked over. As technology has advanced, there are now many different types of baby monitors to consider choosing from. It's got an impressive 300-metre range, and there's an alert that sounds if you go out of signal range. The monitor includes a built-in room thermometer and temperature display, a 360-degree night vision camera, sound-activated nightlight, and two-way talkback.The motion and sound sensors also work wonderfully, sending a push notification and triggering a recording with each event. What we like most about it is that you can link it to both the 5in portable parent unit that comes with a colour screen and HD audio, and the dedicated BT Smart Controls app, which lets you keep an eye on your baby via a smartphone or tablet. She is a mum-of-two with a passion for helping women from all walks of life – from supporting breastfeeding mothers with expert advice to encouraging conversations about mental health.

Branded as ‘a smart monitoring system for baby and you’, the device gives you the tools to keep track of your baby’s breathing, temperature, crying, position, sleep and more. I’ve been working with computers for ages, starting with a multi-year stint in purchasing for a major IBM reseller in New York City before eventually landing at PCMag (back when it was still in print as PC Magazine). Alternatively, Wi-Fi video baby monitors behave in the same way as all other devices currently connected to your Wi-Fi network — by connecting to your router.

Most baby monitors are solid pieces of kit, designed to withstand knocks and drops from tired parents and boisterous toddlers. What we like most about this baby monitor is the fact that as well as giving you all the basics you need in a decent video baby monitor - such as two-way talk, a parent unit with a good-sized screen and a good range of up to 250 metres – it also offers the movement pad for added peace of mind.