For new parents, the sound of silence from the nursery can be more alarming than the loudest cry. The instinct to constantly check on your sleeping baby is powerful, but it can also be exhausting. Baby breathing monitors offer a technological solution, providing an extra layer of reassurance by tracking your little one’s well-being and alerting you if something seems amiss.
These devices range from simple movement pads to advanced smart monitors that track vital signs, all designed to give you greater peace of mind. With various options available, from non-wearable sensors to camera-based systems, finding the right monitor for your family’s needs can help everyone sleep a little more soundly. This roundup highlights ten of the best baby breathing monitors to help you make an informed choice.
Our Top Picks for Baby Breathing Monitors
- Babysense Video & Baby Movement Monitor Bundle
- Angelcare AC701 Touchscreen Movement and Sound Monitor
- Owlet® Dream Duo (Gen 1) Smart Baby Monitor
- Nanit Pro Complete Monitoring System, 2-Pack (White)
- Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor with Camera
- Babysense Video & Breathing Movement Monitor Bundle
- Snuza Hero Baby Monitor
- Wellue O2Ring Pulse Oximter
- Momcozy Smart WiFi Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio
- Babysense 7 Under Mattress Baby Movement Monitor
Babysense Video & Baby Movement Monitor Bundle
This FSA and HSA-approved bundle combines two essential monitoring tools into one comprehensive package. You get a high-quality video monitor alongside a sensitive under-the-mattress movement sensor, providing both visual confirmation and breathing monitoring. It offers a complete solution for parents who want multiple layers of protection.
The 2.4-inch video monitor uses enhanced 2.4GHz FHSS technology for a secure, interference-free connection with crystal clear digital vision and sound. Meanwhile, the non-touch movement monitor uses two sensor pads to detect a baby’s micro-movements through the mattress without any direct contact, ensuring your baby’s sleep remains undisturbed while you gain peace of mind.
Angelcare AC701 Touchscreen Movement and Sound Monitor
The Angelcare AC701 provides reliable monitoring with its integrated movement sensor pad that alerts you if no motion is detected in the crib for 20 seconds. This system is designed to give parents confidence, knowing they will be notified of any significant changes in their baby’s movement patterns. The touchscreen parent unit makes operation simple and intuitive.
An adjustable sensitivity feature on the sensor pad allows you to customize the movement detection level to match your specific needs and your baby’s sleep style. This flexibility ensures accurate monitoring without false alarms, making it a trusted choice for many families seeking a straightforward and effective breathing monitor.
Owlet® Dream Duo (Gen 1) Smart Baby Monitor
This innovative system features the first-of-its-kind FDA-cleared Dream Sock, a smart wearable that tracks your baby’s pulse rate and oxygen levels. Paired with the Owlet Cam 2, it provides a complete picture of your baby’s well-being with 1080p HD video. It is intended for use with healthy infants between 1-18 months and 6-30 lbs.
Through the Owlet Dream App, you can view and track your baby’s vital signs, wakings, and sleep trends from anywhere in real-time. The system provides timely notifications when your baby needs attention, offering a deeper understanding of your infant’s safety and giving caregivers significant peace of mind.
Nanit Pro Complete Monitoring System, 2-Pack (White)
This comprehensive HSA/FSA eligible system includes two Nanit Pro Cameras and utilizes cutting-edge computer vision technology to track sleep, breathing motion, and even height. The 1080p HD video allows you to see your baby clearly from anywhere using the app. It is the only smart monitor with a Split Screen feature for viewing two cameras at once.
The included Flex Stand offers ultimate portability, allowing you to snap your Pro Camera into place for a 130° view of almost any sleep or play space. With features like the Alert Zone that notifies you if your child enters an off-limits area, the Nanit Pro provides a sophisticated and versatile monitoring solution for modern parents.
Miku Pro Smart Baby Monitor with Camera
The Miku Pro stands out with its truly contact-free breathing and sleep tracking, powered by SensorFusion technology. It requires no wearables, charging, or repositioning and works accurately through blankets and in any sleep position. This makes it a long-term solution, with many families using it well beyond age three.
You can gain detailed insight into your baby’s unique breathing, wellness, and sleep patterns. Parents report improved sleep routines and faster response to changes thanks to the real-time data. The system also prioritizes security with a tamper-resistant Crypto Chip, dual-layer encryption, and two-step authentication, allowing for safe and secure monitoring from anywhere.
Babysense Video & Breathing Movement Monitor Bundle
This bundle pack combines the new model Babysense Video Baby Monitor V24R with the trusted Babysense 7 movement monitor to provide optimal protection. It is an excellent choice for parents looking for a reliable two-in-one system that covers both visual monitoring and essential breathing movement detection.
The video monitor offers high-quality, stable streaming with a secure, interference-free connection and crystal clear digital vision and sound. The under-the-mattress monitor features enhanced sensitivity to detect a baby’s micro-movements without any physical contact, using two sensor pads for full crib coverage and undisturbed sleep.
Snuza Hero Baby Monitor
The Snuza Hero SE is a portable, wearable monitor that clips directly onto your baby’s diaper. Its advanced sensor technology provides an early alert when abdominal movement cannot be detected. A green light and ticking sound offer constant reassurance that movement is being monitored.
This device is designed to function without WiFi or Bluetooth. It provides a gentle pre-alert vibration if no movement is detected for 15 seconds. If movement remains absent for a further 5 seconds, an audible alarm will sound. This straightforward, medical-grade device is a simple and effective tool for safer sleep.
Wellue O2Ring Pulse Oximter
The Wellue O2Ring is a wearable ring sensor that continuously tracks blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate. It is a comfortable, lightweight, and rechargeable device designed for detailed health monitoring. While not marketed exclusively for babies, it is used by some parents for its precise tracking capabilities.
The device connects to a free app and PC software that provides graphic reports and data trends. A key feature is its ability to mark unusual data in the report if SpO2 or heart rate levels fall outside your preset thresholds, and it can provide a vibration reminder to alert you.
Momcozy Smart WiFi Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio
This versatile monitor gives you the option to use a dedicated parent unit for reliable at-home monitoring or the Momcozy app to check the live feed from anywhere. The 5″ 1080P screen and clear night vision ensure you always have a clear view of your baby, with advanced encryption for privacy and security.
Smart features include a Danger Zone Alert that notifies you via the app if your baby leaves a designated safe area. It also offers motion detection alerts that can notify you of your baby’s movements, including potential dangers like a covered face, providing an extra layer of assurance.
Babysense 7 Under Mattress Baby Movement Monitor
The Babysense 7 is a dedicated under-the-mattress monitor focused solely on detecting your baby’s micro-movements. This highly sensitive, non-touch device is placed under the crib mattress, ensuring it never touches or disturbs your baby. It is a straightforward solution for parents primarily concerned with monitoring breathing movements.
With enhanced sensitivity, it reliably monitors for movement throughout the entire sleep period. The system includes two sensor pads to cover the full crib area, providing comprehensive monitoring. For those who already have a video monitor or simply want a dedicated breathing monitor, the Babysense 7 is a focused and effective choice.
How to Choose the Best Baby Breathing Monitor
As a parent, I know that finding the right baby breathing monitor can feel overwhelming. The market is flooded with options, each promising the ultimate peace of mind. But what should you really be looking for? It boils down to understanding the different technologies and how they fit into your specific lifestyle and nursery setup.
First, let’s talk about the core technology. The most common type is an under-mattress sensor pad. These pads detect the tiniest movements, including your baby’s breathing. If no movement is detected for a set number of seconds, an alarm will sound. They are non-wearable, which is a big plus for many parents. Another popular option uses wearable sock or band technology that tracks blood oxygen levels (SpO2) and heart rate directly from your baby. These provide very specific data but require your baby to keep the sock on, which can be a challenge as they become more mobile. Finally, there are video and audio monitors with advanced analytics that claim to detect breathing through the camera. These are less direct but integrate monitoring into a single device.
Next, consider your home’s connectivity. Most monitors connect via a dedicated parent unit or directly to your smartphone via an app. App-based monitors are convenient because your phone is always with you, but they rely on a stable Wi-Fi connection. A dedicated unit operates on a closed radio frequency, which can be more reliable and secure, but it means carrying another device around the house. Think about which system would cause you less stress.
Alarm customization is a feature I find incredibly important. A monitor with adjustable sensitivity and volume can prevent false alarms, which are not only startling but can also lead to “alarm fatigue,” where you might start to ignore them. Look for a monitor that allows you to set the alert delay and volume to a level that works for you and your baby’s sleep environment.
Finally, think about portability and power. If you travel often or plan to have your baby sleep in different rooms, a compact, easily portable monitor is essential. Check the battery life on both the baby unit and the parent unit (or your phone’s battery drain with an app). The last thing you want is for your monitor to die in the middle of the night. By weighing these factors—technology type, connectivity, alarm settings, and portability—you can find one of the best baby breathing monitors for peace of mind that truly suits your family’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are baby breathing monitors safe to use?
Yes, when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, baby breathing monitors are generally considered safe. It is crucial to place sensor pads correctly under the mattress and to ensure any wearable devices are the right size and not too tight. The most important safety rule is that these monitors are not a substitute for safe sleep practices. You should always follow the ABCs of safe sleep: your baby should sleep Alone, on their Back, and in a bare Crib. The monitor is an added tool for your awareness, not a prevention device for SIDS.
How accurate are these monitors, and do they have false alarms?
Accuracy varies by technology. Under-mattress sensors are very good at detecting movement, but they can sometimes be triggered by a baby moving to a corner of the crib where the sensor is less sensitive, or by very shallow breathing. This can lead to false alarms. Wearable pulse oximeters are highly accurate for heart rate and oxygen levels but can alarm if the sock comes loose. False alarms are a common experience for many parents, which is why choosing a model with adjustable sensitivity can be a huge help in managing this issue.
At what age should I stop using a breathing monitor?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it’s a personal decision. The risk of SIDS decreases significantly after 6 months and is very low after 12 months. Many parents choose to use a monitor through the first year, while others continue into the toddler years for general peace of mind, especially if they have a multi-child monitor. You should follow your own comfort level and your pediatrician’s advice. The monitor’s manufacturer will also have a recommended age and weight range for their specific device.
Can I use a breathing monitor with a baby who has special health needs?
Many parents of preemies or babies with specific health conditions like apnea find these monitors invaluable. However, it is absolutely essential to consult with your child’s pediatrician or a pediatric pulmonologist first. They can advise you on whether a consumer-grade monitor is sufficient or if a prescribed medical-grade device is necessary for your baby’s specific condition. Never rely solely on a consumer monitor for a baby with a known medical issue without professional guidance.
Do I still need a regular baby monitor if I have a breathing monitor?
This depends on the type of breathing monitor you purchase. Many modern devices are all-in-one units that include a camera, audio, and the breathing sensor technology. However, if you opt for a basic under-mattress sensor or a wearable sock, it will only alert you to breathing irregularities. You will likely still want a separate audio or video monitor to see and hear your baby for general care, like knowing when they are awake or crying. When searching for the 10 best baby breathing monitors for peace of mind, you’ll notice many combine these features to simplify your nursery.