How to Build a Smart Baby Nursery
Want gadgets and gizmos aplenty? Start here.
By
A crib that soothes your baby back to sleep before you’re out of bed. A baby monitor that tracks breathing, movement and sleep analytics. A changing pad that tells you what your baby weighs at each diaper change, down to the ounce. Welcome to your smart nursery.
Whether you’re already a gadget-lover or simply tech-curious, a smart baby nursery can make life with a baby a little more manageable (and sometimes even a little more fun). Here’s what a smart nursery can offer—and the best products to help you build one.
What Is a Smart Baby Nursery?
A smart baby nursery uses tech-enabled, data-driven gear to help you better understand and care for your baby. Smart baby products typically utilize technology like sensors, cameras, built-in WiFi capability and apps, aiming to make parenting easier and more informed.
There are two main types of smart baby gear:
Connected products that link to apps and send data to your phone (think: a changing pad that logs your baby’s weight or a formula maker you can control from your phone).
Smart products that go even further by studying that data and responding to it, like a baby monitor that analyzes your baby’s sleep and generates tips and insights, or a bassinet that learns your baby’s cries and wake patterns and auto-responds.
Smart Nursery Pros and Cons
A traditional nursery is just as safe and functional as a high-tech one. Whether or not to go smart depends on your lifestyle, tech comfort level and budget.
Pros of a smart nursery
All the data, all the time. Want to know how long your baby napped, the humidity level of the room and how much they weigh after every feed? Smart gear tracks it all in real time. For many parents, having this information at their fingertips is empowering and confidence-building.
Effortless tracking. And speaking of data, there’s a lot to keep track of as a new parent. (How many wet diapers did baby have? How many ounces did they drink? When was the last time they ate?) Smart gear can help; it automatically logs data points like feeds, sleep, diapers and more, so you don’t have to. It also makes it easily shareable with your pediatrician or other caregivers.
Insights, analysis and action. So you have all the data—but now what? Babies are a bit of a mystery, especially if you’re a new parent. Beyond collecting information, many smart products help make sense of what your baby is up to and why they’re up to it. It can pick up on patterns and trends so you can take action and make your life a little easier.
It’s fun. If you love tech and optimization, building a smart nursery can feel empowering and genuinely enjoyable.
Cons of a smart nursery
It’s pricey. Smart gear costs more. If you want to explore creating a smart baby nursery, be sure your budget allows for it.
Information overload. Too much data can be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. Information like how many minutes your baby is sleeping or how many ounces of breast milk they consumed can be helpful for some parents, but detrimental for others. It can also cause unnecessary anxiety. Spend some time thinking through how you process data and how much you really want to know about your newest family member before you dive headfirst into designing a smart baby nursery.
Constant connection. Smart baby gear creates a reliance on tech, but especially your phone. That can be convenient—or distracting. Another thing to consider is that smart gear requires a power source and, often, a WiFi connection. Consider backup plans like a basic monitor in case of outages.
How to Build a Smart Nursery
There’s no blueprint for building a smart nursery; it’s all about what works for you. Here are a few tips to get started.
Do your research. Not all smart gear is created equal. Think about which categories matter most (sleep, feeding, monitoring, etc.), then read reviews, compare products and talk to other parents.
Set a budget. Smart gear can add up quickly. Decide what’s worth the splurge (maybe a smart monitor) and what you can skip (like a WiFi-enabled swing).
Mix and match. You don’t need to go all-in. A smart changing pad + a traditional crib? Totally fine. Choose what fits your lifestyle, and skip what doesn’t.
Check your tech. Make sure your home WiFi network is strong and reliable, especially in the nursery. If coverage is spotty, consider a mesh networking system or WiFi extender. You might also want to invest in a smart speaker (like Alexa or Google Home) or smart plugs to control multiple devices more easily.
The Best Smart Baby Gear
Smart baby monitors
If you’re only getting one smart nursery product, make it a monitor. It’s the hub of any smart nursery, offering real-time audio and video plus tons of advanced features like sleep tracking, breathing motion, temperature and humidity sensors and more—all accessible from your phone.
Pro tips:
Smart monitors offer detailed analytics—which some parents love and others find overwhelming.
WiFi-based monitors let you check in anytime, anywhere, but they require your phone and a stable internet connection.
Most models allow multiple users (helpful for caregivers or grandparents).
Expect to pay more than you would for a basic video or audio monitor.
Nanit
Nanit x Babylist Ultimate Bundle
Owlet
Dream Duo 2 Smart Baby Monitor
eufy
S320 Smart Sock
Motorola
PIP1610 HD Connect 5" 1080p Remote Pan/Tilt Video Baby M...
Smart bassinets
Smart bassinets, also called smart cribs, use motion, sound and responsive technology to help soothe your baby and (hopefully) extend their sleep. The most advanced models can even learn your baby’s cries and wake patterns and react automatically with gentle rocking or white noise.
Pro tips:
May help extend baby’s sleep, but some babies struggle with weaning off the motion.
If auto-response to crying is important to you, double-check that it’s included; not all smart bassinets have it.
Smart cribs are pricier than traditional bassinets and require a power source.
Always follow safe sleep guidelines, regardless of the technology.
Happiest Baby
Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet
Cradlewise
All-In-One Bassinet, Smart Crib, Baby Monitor
Maxi-Cosi
Starling Smart Bassinet
UPPAbaby
Soma Smart Bassinet
Graco
SmartSense Soothing Baby Bassinet
Smart furniture and accessories
Even traditional nursery staples like gliders, night lights and changing pads can get a tech upgrade. These smart extras blend convenience, functionality and a little bit of tech magic, putting a modern spin on nursery classics. Depending on your preference (and your budget), you can add a few or just one to your space.
Pro tips:
Expect to pay more, but many of these items offer extended use beyond the baby stage.
Choose based on what will make your day-to-day easier—don’t feel like you need everything.
Hatch
Hatch Baby Sound Machine
Nanit
Sound Machine and Night Light
Munchkin
UV STEP Diaper Pail
Namesake
Harbour Electronic Recliner & Swivel Glider
Safety 1st
Connected Nursery Under Crib Smart Light
Hatch
Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale
IKEA
TREDANSEN Motorized Black-out Blinds
Smart gear, feeding, health and safety
From baby swings to thermometers, these products use tech to simplify daily routines and give you more peace of mind.
Pro tips:
Smart baby gear has a steeper learning curve than traditional gear. If you’re the type of person who would rather touch one button to start a swing rather than learning to customize it with 25 different motions via an app, be selective about your product picks.
Like other smart gear, these products tend to cost more than traditional versions.
Registering for a few smart products is a good way to dip your toe into a more tech-forward space to test the waters. If you love it, you can always buy more later.
Safety 1st
Connected Nursery Smart Humidifier
LEVOIT
Core 300S Smart Air Purifier
4moms
MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing
Munchkin
Bluetooth Enabled Baby Swing
Talli
Baby One-Touch Baby Tracker
Kinsa
QuickCare Digital Thermometer
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