The Best Baby Monitors for Tracking Sleep, Breathing and More

Launched in 2016, Nanit is the best sensor-free breathing and motion-tracking monitor on the market thanks to its innovative design and unmatched functionality. It’s a Babylist parent favorite—it topped the list in our annual Most Loved Baby Products survey, with hundreds of parents naming it not only as their favorite baby monitor but as their favorite item on their entire baby registry. It’s also the monitor I’ve used (and loved) for the last four+ years.

The Nanit makes it easy to track sleep, movement and even growth with a crystal-clear 1080p HD camera, all from your phone. Setup is quick, and the Nanit Insights app is intuitive to use and shows daily sleep stats that many parents (myself included) rely on to build nap and nighttime routines. 

Another standout is the Breathing Wear, a soft cotton band that fits over most pajamas and tracks breathing motions by reading subtle movements in the fabric’s custom pattern—no sock, clip or sensor needed. It’s not a medical device, but it is an extra layer of reassurance and something you can use either daily or if you’re feeling especially anxious. (I used it when my little one was sick.)

“This is the best baby monitor on the market for peace of mind,” one parent said in our annual survey. “It is so easy to use, tracks the baby’s sleep and progress and has such a clear view. I felt so much better putting my baby in the crib with this monitor, knowing it would alert me if his breathing level dipped or if the temperature changed from my preferred range.”

The biggest Nanit con is its price; it’s expensive, especially when you start adding on accessories like the breathing band or the travel stand. Nanit Insights will also cost you a subscription fee if you want to continue to use it beyond the first year. And if you love the idea of sleep info and stats but tend to be anxious, the Nanit may do more harm than good; it can feel like information overload for certain parents. (This is the case with most movement monitors, but especially so with the Nanit.)

One more thing to note: while I considered the phone-only view as a pro (I loved being able to see what my son was up to on my phone when I was away from home, and didn’t mind that there wasn’t a dedicated parent unit for in-home use only), some parents see it as a con—and Nanit listened. Nanit Home, a dedicated parent unit for in-home use only, is coming soon. It’s not required to use the Nanit but will be sold as an add-on.

Additional Specs:

• Monitor Type: WiFi video, via smartphone; iOS and Android

• What’s Included: Nanit Pro Camera with Wall Mount, 1 small Breathing Band

• Camera: Yes

While Nanit led the way in non-wearable movement monitoring, Owlet was one of the first brands to offer a wearable tracking component for babies. This FDA-cleared monitor uses a wearable called the Dream Sock that slips over your baby’s foot and tracks their pulse rate and oxygen levels in real time, sending an alert if something seems off. (Curious about what “FDA-cleared” really means? This FDA-approved vs. FDA-cleared explainer breaks it down.) 

Beyond vitals, the sock also tracks sleep patterns—including wakings, quality of sleep and total hours slept—so you can get a clearer picture of your baby’s rest. The rechargeable battery lasts up to 16 hours and fully recharges on its base in about eight, and the sock fits babies from about six up to 30 pounds (about 18 months old).

“The Owlet gives me the most peace of mind at night and helped alleviate a lot of postpartum anxiety around bedtime,” one parent said in our annual survey. “[It] allowed me to sleep—as much as possible with a newborn!”

This bundle includes the sock + a WiFi camera that streams 1080p HD video and audio. The camera offers zoom and a wide-angle view as well as temperature and humidity monitoring and two-way audio.

There are a few things to be aware of if you’re considering the Owlet. The sock needs to be within 100 feet of its base station, so if your room is far away from baby’s, this may not be the wearable for you. The system can also sometimes be glitchy (both the sock and the WiFi camera/connection)—although not all parents experience this issue. And, like all movement monitors, you shouldn’t rely on it in place of safe sleep.

Additional Specs:

• Monitor Type: WiFi video, via smartphone

• What’s Included: Sock Sensor, Base Station, four pairs of socks total (two in Size 1 and two in Size 2), power adapter and charging cords. Socks fit babies 1-18 months and 6-30 lbs.

• Camera: Yes

Most movement monitors come at a steep price and with lots of bells and whistles. If you don’t need (or want) a video component—or are already using a video monitor that doesn’t have movement tracking but want to pair it with something that does—check out the Snuza.

The Hero is simple, portable and more affordable than the Nanit and the Owlet. It clips directly onto your baby’s diaper and tracks abdominal movements while they sleep. If no movement is detected for 15 seconds, it activates a pre-alarm notification and vibrates to try to rouse your baby; if movement still doesn’t resume after five more seconds, an alarm sounds. It’s easy to use, travel-friendly and a great add-on if you already own a separate video or audio monitor.

One thing to keep in mind: you can’t use the Snuza once your baby starts rolling over or when they’re in motion, such as in a car seat or stroller. And many parents mention its short battery life, especially after consistent use. 

Additional Specs:

• Monitor Type: Battery-powered wearable

• What’s Included: Clip-on movement monitor (medical grade plastic and silicone, BPA-free)  

• Camera: No

Like the Snuza, the Sense-U is a solid choice if you’re looking for a wearable that will monitor your baby’s breathing but doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars. The Sense-U is a compact wearable that clips onto your baby’s diaper and tracks breathing (it has an arousal vibration and alarm, similar to the Snuza). It also monitors your little one’s temperature (a helpful feature when your baby is sick or if you’re worried they're either over or underdressed) and will alert you if your little one rolls onto their stomach—two features you won’t get with the Snuza. 

“It’s a major plus for peace of mind at night and works well,” one parent noted in our survey.

The Sense-U can be used on its own or alongside an app. And while there’s no built-in video monitor in this version, a different bundle—the Pro Baby + 2.5K PTZ Cam—does include a camera. (The brand also makes a Smart Sock Shoe.)

The Sense-U app only works with one phone; you can’t link multiple users. This can be frustrating for two-parent families who aren’t often home at the same time. Like other movement monitors, it’s not a medical device and isn’t intended to be used as one. Some users also complain about connectivity and app glitches, occasional false alarms if the sensor isn’t clipped properly to baby’s diaper and inaccurate temperature readings. (Adjusting the sensor clip and making sure it’s placed correctly near baby’s belly button can help.)

Additional Specs:

• Monitor Type: Rechargeable battery-powered wearable (uses Bluetooth)

• What’s Included: Clip-on movement monitor

• Camera: No