For many parents, one of the most important tools in your arsenal is a reliable baby monitor. These monitors offer peace of mind by allowing you to keep an eye (and ear) on your little one, whether you're in the next room, across the house, or across town. 

Like all good things, baby monitors have evolved over the years, transitioning from basic audio monitors to sophisticated devices equipped with video, temperature sensors, and even oxygen level monitoring with an app for your phone. Given this, it can be an increasingly tough decision to pick one. But we’ve narrowed it down for you!

We chatted with Kevin Lavelle, Co-Founder & CEO of an emerging baby monitor company, Harbor. Their mission is to create happier parents and healthier families, one restful night at a time. So, let’s dive in to see which baby monitor will get you and your family more safe sleep. 

What is a Wifi Baby Monitor?

A Wifi baby monitor connects to your home’s wireless network, allowing you to stream live video and audio to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. These monitors can come with apps that offer additional features like motion alerts, sleep tracking, and the ability to talk to your baby through the monitor.

Pros:

  • Flexibility: Monitor your baby from virtually anywhere.
  • Advanced Features: Many Wifi monitors offer extras like night vision, two-way audio, and even integration with smart home systems.
  • Multi-user Access: Both parents (and sometimes caregivers) can access the feed simultaneously from different devices.

One thing I found particularly interesting about Harbor is the ability to connect up to four cameras and four split screens. Unlike any other system that exists today, you can control the volume and zoom of each stream independently. 

Cons:

  • Security Concerns: There is a potential risk of hacking if the device or your network is not properly secured.
  • Dependence on Wifi: If your internet connection is unstable, the monitor’s performance can be affected. 
  • Higher Cost: Wifi baby monitors tend to be more expensive than their Non-Wifi counterparts.

I think about security concerns all the time with my two daughters, including the monitors they use in their daycares. But thanks to the innovation coming from Harbor, data privacy and safety isn’t something you’ll lose sleep over. 

“All Harbor communication happens on your home network (unless you are outside of your home), secure through mutually-authenticated TLS (mTLS) and end-to-end encryption,” says Lavelle. “Those are a lot of words that mean there are multiple, industry-leading moats we have created around a castle that we have built for you. As you and your family deserve!”

What is a Non-Wifi Baby Monitor?

Non-Wifi baby monitors use a dedicated frequency to transmit audio and video directly from the baby’s room to a receiver. These are often standalone devices that do not require an internet connection, making them simpler and more straightforward to use.

Pros:

  • Enhanced Security: Since they don’t connect to the internet, Non-Wifi monitors are virtually immune to hacking.
  • Reliable Connection: Typically, these monitors offer more stable connections, especially in homes with weak or unreliable Wifi.
  • Lower Cost: Generally more affordable, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious parents.

Cons:

  • Limited Range: You can only monitor your baby from within a certain distance, usually around 800-1,000 feet.
  • Fewer Features: Non-Wifi monitors usually lack advanced features like remote access, video recording, or app control.

One thing I learned while speaking to Kevin is that Harbor has built-in failsafe capabilities, meaning if you are using their monitor and your internet connection goes out, you are still connected. Harbor can work with and without the internet. In the event of an internet outage, Harbor still works as a one-to-one monitor without internet connection. *mind blown*

Which Baby Monitor is Right for Your Family?

When deciding between a Wifi and Non-Wifi baby monitor, consider your lifestyle, home setup, and specific needs. We polled our Poppylist community of new parents, and here were the Top 4 things they prioritized when selecting a baby monitor: 

  1. Quality video and audio: Finding a video camera that lets you see your baby well in a pitch-black room and hear every rustle and sigh despite the sound machine is a must.
  2. Long battery life: The people have spoken, and charging something every day is a no-go. There’s enough to remember already, so selecting a baby monitor with long battery life is a non negotiable, and rightfully so.
  3. Dependability: A non wifi baby monitor should keep a signal across the house and into the yard. A wifi baby monitor should be reliable and secure.
  4. User-friendliness: Whether you’re a first-time parent or not, a baby monitor should be an intuitive caretaking tool, and easy enough for grandma to use.

Wifi Baby Monitors Might Be Ideal If:

  • You frequently travel or need to check in on your baby while away from home.
  • You’re comfortable with technology and want to utilize advanced features like sleep tracking and remote access.
  • You live in a larger home where a non-Wifi monitor might struggle to maintain a connection.

"A Wifi monitor provides the flexibility to keep an eye on your baby, no matter where you are, giving you peace of mind even when you're miles away,” says Lavell. A key component of wifi baby monitors, including Harbor’s.

Non-Wifi Baby Monitors Might Be Preferable If:

  • You prioritize security and want to minimize the risk of hacking.
  • You have a smaller home or apartment where range is less of an issue.
  • You’re looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use device without the need for internet connectivity.

Top 5 Wifi and Non-Wifi Baby Monitors

True to our ethos, we love hearing from our Poppylist parents. Here are the top top-rated baby registry monitors in both categories, including Harbor, which has earned a coveted spot in both the Wifi and Non-Wifi space.

Top 5 Wifi Baby Monitors:

Harbor Baby Monitor, $336 yearly membership / $28 mo.

Harbor connects securely to your home Wifi and works without the internet in the event of a lost connection, ensuring continuous monitoring of your little one. Through end-to-end encryption with on-device storage (not in a third party cloud) Harbor has unparalleled security.

Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor, $299.99

The Nanit Pro is known for its advanced sleep tracking capabilities and crystal-clear video. It comes with a companion app that provides insights into your baby’s sleep patterns, helping parents to optimize their baby's sleep schedule. The overhead mount offers a bird's-eye view, making it easy to monitor every movement.

Owlet Cam Smart Baby Monitor, $119

The Owlet Cam delivers top video quality with a wide-angle view, night vision, and two-way audio. You can buy the monitor along with the Owlet Smart Sock, which tracks your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels, providing comprehensive monitoring for parents who need that type of data.

Lollipop Baby Monitor, $169

The Lollipop Smart Baby Monitor is a popular choice for its flexible setup options. It features a bendable stem that can be easily mounted anywhere, offering multiple angles for monitoring. The app includes noise and motion detection alerts and it’s super easy to travel with.

Miku Smart Baby Monitor, $299

The Miku Pro is celebrated for its real-time breathing monitoring without the need for wearables. It uses advanced sensor fusion technology to track your baby’s breathing patterns, sleep habits, and nursery conditions. With HD video, two-way audio, and sleep insights, Miku provides a comprehensive monitoring solution for modern parents.

Top 5 Non-Wifi Baby Monitors:

Harbor Baby Monitor, $336 yearly membership / $28 mo.  

Yes, it’s earned a spot in both categories because it connects securely to your home Wifi and works without the internet in the event of a lost connection, ensuring continuous monitoring of your little one. Through end-to-end encryption with on-device storage (not in a third party cloud) Harbor has unparalleled security.

Motorola MBP50-G2: $59.99

The Motorola MBP50-G2 offers a crisp, clear display along with remote pan-tilt capabilities. It's a favorite among parents with its dual-camera system, allowing you to monitor multiple areas of the nursery simultaneously.

Infant Optics DXR-8: $229.00

The Infant Optics DXR-8 stands out with its interchangeable lenses, letting you customize the viewing angle as your baby grows. This flexibility is perfect for adjusting to different monitoring needs over time.

VTech Audio DM221: $38.95

The VTech DM221 is known for its lightweight design and exceptional audio quality. This model ensures clear sound transmission, offering peace of mind without relying on a Wifi connection.

This is the baby monitor we used with my first daughter back in 2019. We had a really small home so I could hear everything. I found that baby monitors provided me too much information, actually increasing my anxiety. I knew she was in an extremely safe sleeping environment, and if she cried, I knew I’d hear her. This was the perfect option for us at the time.

Babysense Video Baby Monitor: $179.99

The Babysense Video Baby Monitor features intuitive controls and an impressive long-range connection, making it ideal for larger homes. Parents can move freely while keeping a close watch on their little ones.

So, which baby monitor will you choose?

Choosing between a Wifi and Non-Wifi baby monitor comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Wifi monitors offer advanced features and flexibility, making them a great choice for tech-savvy parents who want to stay connected no matter where they are. Non-Wifi monitors, with their enhanced security and straightforward design, are ideal for parents who prioritize simplicity and safety.

Ultimately, the best baby monitor is the one that gives you peace of mind and fits seamlessly into your family's routine. As you weigh your options, consider the factors that matter most to you, and rest assured that whether you choose Wifi or Non-Wifi, there’s a reliable option out there that will help you keep your little one safe and sound.

So, which one will you add to your Poppylist baby registry? If Harbor feels like the right fit for you, you can add their baby monitor to your Poppylist registry by clicking here.

Onward to more restful sleep!