Whether you are a first-time, second time or experienced parent, you are either looking for a baby monitor or a better solution to your old baby monitor or camera.
After so many months of carrying your little one so close in the womb, it’s only natural to want to see and hear them now that they are safely home with you.
In most cases, no two families have the same requirements for baby monitors or cameras. There is a lot to think about when it comes baby monitors as they will play a huge part in your lives.
Types of Baby Monitors and Smart Camera Alternatives
There are various types of baby monitors from the traditional dedicated baby monitors with a base station to smart security baby monitors with phone apps and more. Traditional baby monitors have become very expensive and most of the time, don’t do a great job either.
This is where smart cameras come in. With the latest advances in technology today, smart cameras are readily available from various brands and use cases. Some of the smart cameras also double as a baby monitor featuring AI BabyCry detection technology and also have dedicated phone Apps that run in the background when minimised, to provide audible notification for any baby sound or movement, which is probably the the two most important features parents look for in a baby monitor.
Dedicated Baby Monitor and Smart Camera Brands
There is a huge list of Baby monitor brands ranging from VTtech, Owlet, Nanit, Babymoov, Babysense, Momcozy, LeapFrog and more but a few smart security camera brands.
Two brands we know that manufacture these types of smart cameras with baby monitoring features at very reasonable price points are TP-Link and EZVIZ. These units only need an Android or iOS App to get you going and have several advantages over dedicated baby monitors.
Advantages Of Using Smart Cameras as Baby Monitors
Smart cameras with baby monitoring features are now affordable and readily available to buy. These also double as smart security monitoring cameras when you need them.
Some advantages of using a smart camera with Baby monitoring features over dedicated baby monitors are:
- Carrying only one device (Your phone) around the house
- Dedicated mobile phone Apps
- Instant sound or motion detection notifications to your phone
- Clear Two-Way audio
- Clear video and image quality
- Remote monitoring of your baby from anywhere
- Easily give family access to monitor baby when they visit
- Local storage with SD cards
- No hubs are required as these connect directly to your wifi network
- No need to worry about the base unit range
Smart Camera Baby Monitor Features
These smart cameras come with various features and options to suit most needs.
- BabyCry Detection
- Instant baby cry and movement detection and notification
- Indoor or Outdoor use
- Manual camera rotation
- Pan/Tilt 360 degrees rotation through an app
- Android and Apple mobile Apps on your phone
Best Smart Camera Alternatives to Baby Monitors and Where to Buy
In this day and age, baby monitors are an essential part of parenting, but depending on what you need, there are smart cameras with baby monitoring features suitable for every parent or family.
Here is a list of what we think is the best value for your money, safe and reliable alternatives to dedicated baby monitors out there with all the best features.
We will keep this list updated as we test.
1. TP-Link Tapo C110 UHD Smart Wi-Fi Video Camera 3MP
Tapo C110 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, Ultra-High Definition Home Security Wi-Fi Video Camera, 3MP
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way Audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor only use
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- IP66 weatherproof construction
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with Tapo App
Where to Buy:
2. TP-Link Tapo C120 HD Smart Wi-Fi Video Camera 2K QHD
Tapo C120 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High Definition Wi-Fi Home Security Night Vision Camera, 2K QHD
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor or Outdoor use
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Built-In dual spotlights
- Optional invisible infrared lights
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with Tapo App
Where to Buy:
3. TP-Link Tapo C200 HD Smart Wi-Fi 360° Video Camera 1080P
Tapo C200 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High-Definition Video 360° Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera, 1080p
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor only use
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with the Tapo App
Where to Buy:
4. TP-Link Tapo C210 HD Smart Wi-Fi 360° Camera 2K 3MP
Tapo C210 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High Definition 360° Pan/Tilt Home Security Wi-Fi Camera, 2K 3MP
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor use only
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with the Tapo App
Where to Buy:
5. TP-Link Tapo TC60 HD Smart Wi-Fi Video Camera 1080P
Tapo TC60 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High Definition Video Home Security Mini Smart Wi-Fi Camera, 1080p
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor use only
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with the Tapo App
Where to Buy:
6. TP-Link Tapo TC70 HD Smart Wi-Fi 360° Video Camera 1080P
Tapo TC70 Features and Options:
- Baby Cam, High-Definition Video 360° Pan/Tilt Indoor Wi-Fi Camera, 1080p
- BabyCry Detection
- Baby motion and sound detection
- Baby motion and sound notification/ alerts
- Baby motion and sound recording
- Two-Way audio
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote monitoring – View From Anywhere
- Indoor use only
- SD card slot for local recording
- Cloud storage (Free trial Optional)
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- Tapo Mobile App
- Easy Setup and Management – Manage everything with the Tapo App
Where to Buy:
7. EZVIZ CS-BM1 Smart WiFi Battery-Powered Baby Monitor 1080P
EZVIZ CS-BM1 Baby Monitor Features and Options:
- Baby Monitor, WiFi Battery-Powered Smart Baby Monitor, 1080p
- Cry Detection
- Out-f-Crib Alerts
- Baby Activity Detection
- Auto-Play Soothing Music
- 2000 mAh all-night Battery
- Clear night Vision without Red light
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Remote Viewing – View From Anywhere
- SD card slot (Free)
- Cloud storage (Subscription required)
- Wireless – No cables
- Made with baby-safe materials
- Available Colours: Peachy Bunny (Pink) and Aqua Bear (Baby Blue)
- EZVIZ mobile App
Where to Buy:
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best alternative baby monitor depends on your specific needs, priorities, and budget. It is always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of each option and select the one you feel will give you the most comfort and peace of mind.
We believe the list of security alternatives and baby monitors we have provided will give you options and ideas for what you really need.
Questions People Ask
Do I need a dedicated Baby Monitor?
The answer is No. The vast amount of technology available these days means dedicated Baby monitors will be a thing of the past soon if not already. Security cameras with baby monitoring options do a better job, are cheaper, practical and full of options making them easy to use with your phone too.
Can I monitor sound and video with a smart security Baby camera?
Yes, almost all Security Baby monitors have sound and motion detection alerts. You can have your mobile phone screen off and still receive these alerts. If you feel better monitoring live, you can keep the screen on the entire time to monitor the video feed.
Can I use more than one smart security Baby camera at the same time?
Yes, you will need to buy 2 or more of the same brand, to give you the ability to connect them through the phone App and monitor.
