Why I Love It: Emily DiDonato’s Go-To Baby Monitor for Three Kids

We're talking to real parents about the baby gear they just can’t live without, from $20 snot suckers to $300 breathable crib mattresses and everything in between.

Why did she get it?

With three kids at home—a newborn, a toddler and an almost 5-year-old—Emily DiDonato’s days are full of moving pieces. Between schedules, sleep routines and just keeping everyone on track, she’s learned that motherhood is less about perfection and more about finding systems that actually work.

“I think a lot of us are shown a very rosy, picture-perfect version of motherhood,” DiDonato said. “But now that it’s my third baby, I know that it’s a lot messier and more chaotic in reality, and there’s so much beauty in that.”

When she was getting ready for her first baby, she turned to the moms she trusted most—the ones who had already figured out what was actually worth it. And one product kept coming up again and again.

“I went to my most type-A and experienced mom friends and asked for recommendations,” she said. “They had spreadsheets upon spreadsheets with grading systems… and everyone had the Nanit on it.”

From the moment she set it up, it became a constant in her routine—something that helped her feel more connected and in control, even when she wasn’t in the room.

“I remember setting it up in my first nursery in New York City with my mom, and we thought it was the coolest thing ever—especially because you can access it anywhere at all times,” she said. “I just can’t picture my motherhood experience without it.”

Nanit Smart Baby Monitor System with Floor Stand

$399.00

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Why does she love it?

Now, it’s a staple because it solves real, everyday challenges. Here’s what she loves most:

Split screen for multiple kids: “I have multiple children and I need to be able to see them,” she said. Whether it’s keeping an eye on her baby during a nap or checking in on her daughter during quiet time, being able to monitor more than one room at once is key.

Two-way audio that actually gets used: “I can communicate with them, ask them what they need or what’s wrong or let them know that I’m on my way,” she said. It’s especially helpful when she’s across the house and can’t get there instantly.

Sleep insights that help you learn your baby: “As a mom, a lot of things can feel like a mystery—you’re learning as you go,” she said. “But seeing the patterns… it just starts to allow you to know and understand your baby better.” From tracking sleep trends to figuring out what routines actually work, those insights have helped her feel more confident in how she supports her kids.

Who would she recommend it to?

“Literally any mom,” DiDonato said. For first-time parents especially, she says it can be a huge source of reassurance.

“I remember feeling so comforted being able to check on my baby, even if I just stepped out for dinner around the block,” she said. “Having that peace of mind knowing they’re sleeping—it was everything to me.”

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