Baby Safety with Baby Monitors

Ever since the highly publicized Lindberg Baby kidnapping incident in 1932, baby monitors have emerged as an indispensable component of nursery safety gear. These devices empower parents to vigilantly watch over their precious little ones, ensuring their well-being and peace of mind.

At Motherhood HQ, our inspiration to create this website stemmed in part from the increasing incidents of baby monitor hacking in 2019. As tech-savvy millennial moms, we delved into the depths to comprehend how parents can safeguard their babies at home and have created several guides to assist fellow parents in selecting secure monitors that are impervious to hacking.

What is a baby monitor?

A baby monitor is a wireless device consisting of a transmitter and receiver, used to remotely monitor the sounds and movements of an infant. The transmitter is placed near the baby while the receiver stays with the parent or caregiver, allowing them to hear and see their little one from a different room. This technology has evolved significantly over the years, with modern monitors offering advanced features such as high-definition video and real-time monitoring through smartphone apps.

4 reasons you should invest in a safe baby monitor?

Aside from the obvious reason of ensuring constant supervision of your baby, baby monitors can also alert parents to any potential danger or discomfort that their child may experience.
Some monitors come equipped with sensors that can detect changes in temperature, humidity, and even heart rate, providing valuable information to parents about their baby’s well-being.
Baby monitors also promote better sleep for both babies and parents. With the assurance that they can monitor their child remotely, parents can rest easier knowing they can quickly attend to any needs that may arise.

Safe baby monitors provide peace of mind, especially for busy working parents who may have to leave their child in the care of a nanny or babysitter. With secure and reliable monitoring, they can stay connected with their baby throughout the day.

Types of baby monitors:

There are two main classes of baby monitors; audio and video baby monitors. Audio baby monitors transmit sound from the baby’s room to the receiver, while video monitors also offer visual monitoring through a camera. Some modern options even combine both audio and video features, making it easier for parents to keep an eye and ear on their child simultaneously.

Another key classification of baby monitors is non-Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi monitors. Non Wi-Fi baby monitors rely on localized radio frequencies to transmit data, while Wi-Fi monitors use internet connectivity to send information. It’s essential for parents to note that Wi-Fi baby monitors may be more vulnerable to hacking and security breaches.

We strongly prefer non-Wi-Fi monitors because most models utilize FHSS technology, which is highly resistant to hacking. However, there are a select few Wi-Fi monitors that are deemed secure due to their advanced encryption and robust security settings, preventing hackers from intercepting signals during transmission. Read more about the key differences between Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi baby monitors here.

Which baby monitor is considered safe or unsafe?

While all monitors can provide the utility of transmitting audio and visual signals from the baby unit to the screen/parent unit, some brands transmit these signals on a weak security framework that can let hackers hijack the signals.
Others are also known to release significant bursts of radiationEMF radiation that can cause harm to the baby. Therefore, it’s imperative for parents to choose a monitor that adheres to strict safety standards.

Some baby monitors are also designed with cords that pose strangulation hazards in your baby’s nursery. Learn more about mounting baby monitors safely here.

What should parents look for in a safe baby monitor?

Encryption: Make sure that the baby monitor uses secure encryption technology to protect against potential hackers accessing the audio and video feeds.
Password protection: Choose a monitor that allows you to set a unique password to prevent unauthorized access from outside parties.

Range and signal quality: Consider the size of your home and make sure that the monitor has enough range to reach all areas. The last thing you want is for the signal to drop out when you are in another part of the house.
Screen size and resolution: If opting for a video monitor, choose one with a large screen size and high resolution for better visibility.
Low EMF emissions: Look for monitors with low EMF levels to reduce the potential risk of radiation exposure to your baby.

Cordless design: Avoid monitors with cords in the baby’s room to eliminate the risk of strangulation.

Our Safe Baby Monitors Lists:

Non-Wifi Monitors List:

We curated a list of top hackproof video baby monitors that rely on FHSS technology utilizing a local network to transmit signals within a close range not exceeding 1000 ft. These monitors come with LCD screens and different brands come with various features such as lullabies, remote PTZ control, alarms, notifications, temperature monitoring, and more. These models do not have a phone or smartphone app and do not connect to the internet.

If you are worried about hacking, these monitors will give you peace of mind as they are not connected to any external network, making them virtually impossible to hack. Some of the popular brands we recommend include Infant Optics DXR 8 Pro and Eufy Spaceview Baby Monitor.

Best Non-Wi-fi Baby Monitors List with reviews of secure hackproof monitors — List and Reviews with Comparison Table of Best Non-Wi-Fi Baby Monitors

Wifi Monitors List:

For parents who prefer a wifi baby monitor, we have also compiled a list of monitors that come with secure encryption technology and password protection. These can be accessed through an app on your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one from anywhere. Some even offer additional features like two-way audio, night vision, and remote pan/tilt/zoom. However, it’s important to note that Wi-Fi monitors may be more vulnerable to hacking and unauthorized access from outside parties.

Here are 25 ways to secure your Wi-Fi monitor from hackers.

To truly enhance your peace of mind, it is crucial that these monitors employ cutting-edge encryption, implement two-step authentication, and feature advanced settings that necessitate complex passwords. Some highly recommended WiFi monitors that meet these criteria are the Nanit Plus Smart Baby Monitor and the Cubo Ai Plus Baby Monitor

5 GHz wifi baby monitors reviews - MotherhoodHQ .jpg — Check out our entire list of Wi-Fi monitors here.

Long-range monitors List:

If you have a larger home or frequently travel with your baby, we also have a list of long-range monitors that can cover distances up to 1000 ft or more. These are great for parents who want to check on their baby while doing chores around the house or spending time in the backyard. They use either FHSS technology or Wi-Fi connectivity and offer features such as night vision, two-way audio, and remote control.

Here is a list of all 9 long-range monitors we recommend.

Audio-only monitors List:

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, we also have a list of audio-only baby monitors that use radio frequency to transmit sound from the baby’s room to a receiver. These are simple and easy to use, with no complicated setup or apps required. They are also less expensive compared to video monitors and can be a good option for parents on a budget. However, keep in mind that audio-only monitors do not provide visual monitoring and may have interference from other household devices.

Here is our list and reviews of top-rated audio monitors to consider.

Monitors with screen and app list:

If you want the best of both worlds, we also have a list of baby monitors that come with a dedicated screen for in-room viewing and an accompanying app for remote monitoring. These provide the convenience of having a visual display without sacrificing the ability to check on your baby from anywhere. Some even offer features such as temperature monitoring, lullabies, and activity tracking.

See our detailed reviews of monitors with screen and apps here.

Smart home monitors lists:

We also have lists of monitors that integrate with Google Home, Apple Homekit, and Alexa Home ecosystems. These smart home monitors allow you to control and monitor your baby using voice commands, making it easier to multitask and keep an eye on your little one. They also offer features such as custom alerts, video recording, and environmental sensors for added peace of mind.

Baby monitors that record list:

For parents who want to keep a closer eye on their baby’s activities, we have a list of monitors that offer recording capabilities. These allow you to record and save footage of your baby’s movements and sounds, which can be especially helpful for tracking sleep patterns or capturing adorable moments. Keep in mind that these types of monitors may come with additional fees for cloud storage or require a separate SD card for recording.

You can pick any of these baby monitors that record here.

VOX monitors list:

We have also reviewed top monitor brands that are sound-activated and only transmit signals when your baby makes noise, saving you from constant background noises. These VOX monitors also have adjustable sensitivity levels and offer features such as two-way communication and remote pan/tilt/zoom for added convenience.

Check out our list of VOX monitors here.

Split-screen monitors list:

For parents with multiple children, we have compiled a list of split-screen monitors that allow you to monitor more than one room at a time. These can be perfect for families with twins or siblings who share a room, giving you peace of mind knowing you can keep an eye on all your little ones from one screen. As opposed to monitors that only give you the option to scan between camera footages, split-screen monitors offer a simultaneous view of multiple rooms.

To make an informed decision, read all our reviews of split-screen monitor options here.

Baby monitors with environmental sensors list:

In addition to monitoring your baby’s movements and sounds, some monitors also come equipped with environmental sensors. These can include temperature, humidity, and air quality sensors that alert you if the room conditions are not suitable for your baby. This feature is especially helpful for parents who live in areas with extreme weather conditions or have babies with respiratory issues.

We also have a curated list of monitors and mirrors you can mount in your car here. If you are deaf or have any hearing impairment, we have also picked top monitors for deaf parents that utilize light, vibration and a combination to notify you when your child needs you.

Battery-operated monitors list:

For parents who are on the go or have frequent power outages, battery-operated monitors can be a lifesaver. These monitors allow you to monitor your baby without being tied down to an outlet, giving you flexibility and peace of mind no matter where you are. If you want to go camping or offgrid, pick any of these recommendations.

How baby monitors fit in Motherhood HQ’s theme of baby safety:

Baby monitors provide an extra layer of safety for parents by allowing them to keep a constant eye on their baby’s well-being. Whether it’s monitoring the baby’s sleep, tracking room temperatures, or being alerted to any potential issues, these devices help parents make informed decisions and take necessary actions to ensure their baby’s safety.

With technological progress allowing non-wearable tracking of baby vitals using sensor fusion and computer vision technology, parents can now reliably monitor their baby’s breathing, heart rate, and movement without any discomfort to the baby. This technology has revolutionized the safety aspect of parenting and has become an essential tool for modern-day parents. No other baby gear gives you the con

Additionally, with the rise in popularity of smart home devices, many baby monitors now come equipped with features such as night vision, two-way audio communication, and remote viewing through mobile apps. These added features not only make monitoring your baby more convenient but also provide an added layer of security and peace of mind for parents.

At Motherhood HQ, we understand the importance of keeping your baby safe at all times, which is why we have curated a list of the best and most highly-rated baby monitors on the market. We thoroughly review each product before adding it to our list, ensuring that they meet the highest safety standards and provides reliable monitoring for parents.