18 Best Baby Monitor for Travel in 2023
The ideal travel baby monitors are versatile enough to cater to various vacation types and environments. However, the specific features that make a baby monitor perfect for travel vary from one family to another, depending on their travel preferences. In my family’s case, as we frequently stay in Airbnbs, we always bring along a portable baby monitor. Our children are accustomed to sleeping in their own rooms, which allows us the luxury of sleeping in our own space.
Personally, we prioritize baby monitors equipped with cameras because we like to be able to visually check on our children once they have fallen asleep (so we can gauge how long we need to remain quiet). On the other hand, families who engage in outdoor adventures might seek wireless travel baby monitors or those without Wi-Fi connectivity. Regardless, we have compiled a comprehensive list of top-rated travel baby monitors with detailed reviews to assist you in finding the best fit for your needs.
Related: Baby Monitor Buying Guide
Best Baby Monitor for Travel
There are two primary types of travel baby monitors: audio-only and audio with video. For parents of toddlers or young children, a simple and portable baby monitor that enables them to hear their children from a different room or area is often sufficient.
However, parents with younger babies may require more comprehensive support, such as a portable baby monitor with a camera. Understanding this, we have categorized our list accordingly. The first category focuses on audio-only monitors, which allow parents to listen to their child’s room but not vice versa.
Some of these monitors also feature a “walkie-talkie” function, enabling parents to communicate through the monitors. This category is ideal for finding the best baby monitor for camping or locations without Wi-Fi connectivity.
Related: Best Baby Sound Machines
The second category encompasses travel baby monitors equipped with both audio and video capabilities. These options are well-suited for vacation homes or situations where the child is in a separate room. They enable parents to not only listen to their child but also keep a watchful eye on them. Please note that these monitors require a Wi-Fi connection to stream the video.
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14 Best Baby Monitors with Camera:
For our family, the ideal travel baby monitor includes a camera, as it provides us with the visual reassurance we need. However, it’s important to note that video transmission requires a power source and, in some cases, Wi-Fi connectivity. As you plan your next trip and select a travel baby monitor, keep these factors in mind to ensure you make the right choice.
HelloBaby Travel Monitor with Camera and Audio without Wifi
The HelloBaby Travel Baby Monitor offers a unique feature among the available options in the market: a stable video transmission without the need for Wi-Fi connectivity. While the baby camera does require a power source, this monitor is particularly suitable for cabins or vacation homes with unreliable Wi-Fi signals. The parent screen has a battery life of approximately 3-4 hours, making it convenient for daytime use. We suggest plugging it in for overnight monitoring.
Furthermore, the HelloBaby Travel Baby Monitor stands out as one of the most affordable portable baby monitors currently available that includes video functionality.
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Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Video Baby Monitor
The Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro is a highly recommended choice for a travel baby monitor that does not rely on Wi-Fi connectivity. With its 720P 5″ screen, it provides a clear and convenient view of the baby.
An exclusive feature of this model is its Active Noise Reduction capability, which effectively eliminates background noise, allowing parents to enjoy better quality sleep.
While the baby monitor does require a power source, it offers useful functionalities such as 6x zoom for closer inspection if necessary and a night mode. The night mode enables the screen to enter sleep mode and only activates when the baby makes a sound, conserving energy while ensuring parents are promptly alerted.
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Lollipop Baby Monitor (Turquoise) – with Contactless Breathing Monitoring
The Lollipop Baby Monitors are renowned for their exceptional portability and versatility, as they can be attached to various objects. Thanks to their flexible base, they can be wrapped around beds, furniture, lamps, and more.
These monitors offer a range of advanced features, including crying detection, border crossing alerts (such as when a leg hangs out of the crib), and even breathing monitoring with a subscription.
While the baby monitor requires a power source, the parent monitor is conveniently accessible through a downloadable app that can be installed on any smartphone or tablet. The app can also be shared across multiple devices, providing flexibility and convenience for parents.
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eufy Baby, SpaceView Pro 720p Video Baby Monitor
Eufy has established itself as a reliable brand for household technology, and we can personally attest to the satisfaction of owning one of their robot vacuums.
The eufy Baby Spaceview Pro stands out as an excellent option among travel baby monitors. It boasts a spacious 5″ monitor, an impressive range of 600 feet, and over 30 hours of battery life for continuous monitoring. Additionally, its night vision capabilities ensure clear visuals even in low-light conditions.
Setting up this portable baby monitor camera is a breeze, taking just a few minutes before it is ready to use once plugged in. It operates on a wireless FSHH transmission, eliminating the need for Wi-Fi connectivity.
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ANMEATE Video Baby Monitor with Digital Camera
The ANMEATE Wireless Travel Baby Monitor has received highly positive reviews as one of the top choices for a travel baby monitor that doesn’t rely on Wi-Fi connectivity.
This portable baby monitor features a compact screen, making it convenient to store in a pocket while the baby is napping. The rechargeable battery offers an impressive 8 hours of usage in eco-mode. Moreover, it supports multi-camera capability, allowing monitoring of multiple children or rooms.
With a transmission range of 900+ feet, this monitor has garnered excellent feedback from parents regarding its coverage. As an added bonus, it is one of the most affordable options available in the market.
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Moonybaby Split 50 Baby Monitor with 2 Cameras and Audio, No WiFi
We absolutely love this particular model due to its exceptional value and the fact that it includes TWO monitors at an affordable price. As parents traveling with two toddlers who aren’t quite ready to share a room yet, this is the perfect solution for us.
The Moonybaby Split 50 ranks highly on the list of best baby monitors for travel, particularly when multiple children are involved.
Not only does it come with two monitors, but it also offers convenient features such as built-in lullabies, 2-way talk back, and room temperature detection. The 5″ screen even provides a split-screen option, allowing simultaneous viewing of both monitors.
Considering the inclusion of two monitors, this portable baby monitor stands out as one of the best options available in terms of affordability and value for money.
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VTech VM819-2 Video Baby Monitor with 19-Hour Battery Life
The Vtech VM819-2 stands out as the most cost-effective wireless travel baby monitor that comes with multiple cameras.
While the monitor screen size is smaller compared to other models, measuring 2.8″, it still offers an array of features including a 19-hour battery life, a long range of 1000ft, night vision, 2-way talk functionality, temperature alerts, and more.
One of the standout features of this baby monitor is the “Auto-On Sound Indication.” This allows you to turn off the screen and mute the volume while you go to bed. However, when one of your babies starts crying, the screen and volume will automatically turn on, alerting you to their needs.
If you’re interested in trying out multiple monitors on a single screen without relying on Wi-Fi connectivity, this option provides the most affordable solution.
Related: Best Baby Monitors With Night Vision
Babysense 5″ HD Split-Screen Baby Monitor
Here’s another fantastic choice for a dual monitor option: the Babysense HD Split-Screen. This travel baby monitor is perfect if you prefer a Wi-Fi-free setup.
With its large 5″ screen, the Babysense HD Split-Screen offers a split-screen feature, delivering a high-definition camera feed. It boasts a range of over 900ft, two-way audio, night vision capabilities, and an impressive battery life of 20+ hours.
A notable feature of the Babysense monitor is the built-in night light located at the base of each camera, providing added convenience during nighttime use.
Additionally, this camera provides remote pan, tilt, and zoom functionalities (up to 4x), allowing you to view your babies from various angles. While the cameras require a power source, the parent screen can operate solely on battery power.
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Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Wall Mount
The Nanit Pro is a highly recognized and pricier option among the baby monitors mentioned.
It offers compatibility with popular smart home platforms like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Alexa. Additionally, it can integrate with Nest Cam IQ Indoor and Outdoor cameras and the Netatmo Welcome Home security system.
The Nanit Pro is particularly well-suited for newborns and young babies, but the cost and extensive features may not be necessary for parents with babies older than 6 months.
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Angelcare 3-in-1 AC527 Baby Monitor with Movement Tracking
The Angelcare AC527 comes with a parent unit monitor, a high-definition camera, and a movement plate.
The movement plate is a valuable addition for parents who have concerns about their baby’s movements. It alerts if there is no movement detected for 20 seconds.
However, it’s important to note that the inclusion of the movement plate significantly increases the overall price of this monitor, making it one of the more expensive options on the list.
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NANNIO Hero3 Video Baby Monitor with Vibration Alert
The Nannio Hero3 stands out as an affordable option among the baby monitors listed, and it is available in four different pastel colors.
However, one downside of this monitor is its relatively small screen size, measuring 3.5 inches. Due to this, the Nannio Hero3 may be more suitable for parents with slightly older babies or children who still require reassurance.
On a positive note, both video and audio transmission are done through a secure 2.4GHz channel using FHSS technology, rather than relying on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This ensures privacy for both you and your baby.
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Owlet Cam Smart Baby Monitor – HD Video Monitor with Camera
The Owlet Cam Smart is considered one of, if not the top, baby monitor currently available in the market.
With this monitor, you can have a comprehensive view of your baby from any location, using either the dedicated monitor or your smartphone.
The camera provides a wide-angle view, along with a 4x pinch-to-zoom function, ensuring you have a clear picture of your baby. Additionally, it includes a room temperature sensor for monitoring the environment.
Furthermore, the Owlet Cam Smart allows you to listen to your baby using background audio while using your phone for other tasks. The two-way talk feature enables you to communicate with your baby no matter where you are.
For added functionality, you have the option to upgrade and incorporate the Owlet Dream Sock. This additional feature allows you to monitor your baby’s movement, heart rate, and oxygen levels for enhanced peace of mind.
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Hubble Connected Nursery Pal Cloud 5″ Smart HD Baby Monitor
The Hubble Nursery Pal Cloud offers flexibility with the option to choose between one or two cameras based on your needs.
Considered one of the top portable baby monitors available, this monitor enables you to conveniently use your smartphone to access the live feed of your baby from any location worldwide, utilizing the internet connection feature.
Additionally, the dedicated 5″ baby monitor screen provides a long range of up to 1,000ft, ensuring you can stay connected with your little one even when you are in a different part of your home or nearby surroundings.
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Miku Pro Contact-Free Breathing & Sleep Tracking Monitor
The Miku Pro is positioned as one of the more high-priced baby video monitors among the options mentioned. However, it offers a plethora of additional features that may justify the investment for certain parents.
This baby monitor provides the capability to not only monitor your baby’s movements but also track their breathing and sleep patterns. What sets it apart is that it accomplishes this without the need for wires, wearables, batteries, or specialized clothing, providing optimal convenience and flexibility.
With SensorFusion technology, all monitoring functions are seamlessly integrated into the monitor itself. The data is then transmitted to the Miku app on your smartphone, allowing you to visualize your baby’s breathing rate in real-time, directly on the screen.
While the Miku Pro utilizes WiFi connectivity, it employs advanced security measures to ensure privacy. The monitor is equipped with a dedicated crypto chip, which, in combination with robust 256-bit encryption and 2-step authentication, ensures the highest level of data protection.
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4 Best Travel Baby Audio Monitors:
These particular travel baby monitors do not include video capabilities. Therefore, if you are specifically seeking an audio-only option, a travel baby monitor without Wi-Fi, or a baby monitor suitable for camping where cellular service is limited, these models would be excellent choices for your family.
VTech DM111 Upgraded Audio Baby Monitor
The VTech DM111 audio-only monitor is an excellent choice for a travel baby monitor that doesn’t require Wi-Fi. This portable baby monitor can be charged using an A/C adapter or, alternatively, it can operate on AAA batteries. The rechargeable battery provides a usage time of up to 8 hours.
With its impressive range, this long-range travel baby monitor can extend over 1000 feet from the parent unit to the child unit. Furthermore, unlike many other models that generate static sound when there are no voice transmissions, the parent monitor remains quiet during such periods.
Considering its affordability, the VTech DM111 is one of the most cost-effective options available, offering both a rechargeable battery and wireless transmission capabilities.
TimeFlys Audio Baby Monitor Mustang OL
The TimeFlys audio wireless travel baby monitors provide a truly wireless experience for both the parent and baby components, making it a strong contender for the title of the best baby monitor for camping.
This particular model offers a range of features, including two-way talk functionality, a range of up to 1000 feet, temperature monitoring with warnings, lullabies to soothe the baby, and the convenience of USB charging.
Both the parent and child components of the monitor are equipped with rechargeable battery options, as well as the ability to be powered through an A/C adapter, providing flexibility in terms of power sources.
Philips AVENT Audio Baby Monitor DECT
The Philips Avent Audio Baby Monitor Without Wifi is a reliable choice for your vacation if you have access to a power source in the room. While the child unit requires a plugin, the parent unit can operate on a rechargeable battery for up to 24 hours.
With an indoor range of 150 feet and an outdoor range of 1000 feet, this monitor provides sufficient coverage for most situations. The child unit is equipped with five sound lights, allowing you to monitor the noise level in your baby’s room, even if the parent unit is muted.
Additionally, the monitor features a built-in night light, providing a soothing glow to help comfort your baby during sleep time.
Motorola AM24 Audio Baby Monitor with LCD Screen
The Motorola portable baby monitor offers some unique features that set it apart from other audio-only monitors. One standout feature is the LCD screen, which displays the room temperature of your child’s environment. This feature can be particularly useful in unfamiliar vacation homes where you want to ensure your child’s comfort.
Another notable feature is the out-of-range alarm, which beeps gently to alert you when the parent monitor is no longer in range of the child’s monitor. It’s important to note that this alarm cannot be disabled, as it serves as a safety feature.
One aspect to consider is that the child’s monitor needs to be plugged into a wall outlet, while the parent monitor is rechargeable. This makes it suitable for vacations in accommodations with access to power but may not be the ideal choice for camping, unless you are in a glamping setup.
Tips for Choosing the Best Baby Monitor for Travel
Before selecting a travel baby monitor, it’s essential to evaluate the features that would be most beneficial for your family or specific trip. Take into account the following factors when making your decision:
Cost:
Determine your budget and weigh the features offered by different monitors within that price range. You may prioritize affordability or be willing to invest more for additional features.
Audio vs. Video:
Assess whether an audio-only monitor suffices or if you require the added benefits of a video monitor, depending on your child’s needs and your specific circumstances.
Extra Features:
Take note of the additional features available, such as two-way audio, temperature sensors, split-screen viewing, rechargeable batteries, wireless options, extended range, and more. Consider which features are essential for your family’s requirements.
Multi-Use:
Determine whether you prefer a monitor that can be used both at home and during travel, providing familiarity and convenience for your child.
Battery Life:
Consider the battery life of the monitor, especially if you will be in situations without easy access to power. Longer battery life is advantageous for extended use, particularly during camping trips or when outlets are not readily available.
Size & Weight:
Assess the size and weight of the monitor, keeping in mind the overall weight of your luggage and the portability factor. Smaller and lighter monitors are more convenient for travel.
Number of Children / Multiple Monitors:
If you have multiple children or require coverage in different areas, determine whether the monitor allows for multiple cameras or if additional units can be purchased separately.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the travel baby monitor that best suits your family’s needs and preferences.
FAQs: Best Baby Monitor for Travel
What are the top travel baby monitors available?
The Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro is widely regarded as the best non-WiFi baby monitor for travel in 2023, offering excellent image quality and a range of useful features. On the other hand, the Nanit Pro is considered the best WiFi-enabled baby monitor for travel.
Which baby monitor is the most lightweight?
According to our research, the Miku Pro is the top lightweight smart monitor for travel in 2023.
Which baby monitor has the longest battery life?
Among the baby monitors we tested for travel, the Eufy SpaceView Pro stands out with the longest battery life, lasting up to thirty hours in “stand-by” mode.
Is it possible for baby monitors to be hacked?
Yes, baby monitors can be vulnerable to hacking, especially WiFi-enabled monitors that transmit video and audio over the internet. It’s important to take security precautions when using such devices.
