What Are the Benefits of a Baby Movement Monitor? Do I Need One?

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Rather than simply alerting you to your baby’s nighttime or naptime sounds, a number of baby monitors available today provide an incredible amount of information. Baby movement monitors, such as the Owlet or the Angelcare, use special sensors to track a baby’s movement while they’re sleeping and alert you to any stillness that may signal a problem.

These devices can also monitor temperature, breathing, and heart rate to give you a more complete picture of your child’s health. Some even transmit video so you can see exactly what’s going on in the crib without risking an untimely awakening by opening the door and walking into the room.

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The Benefits of Monitoring Movement

Many parents say that the extra perks of baby movement monitors—also called baby vitals monitors or baby breathing monitors—give them added peace of mind. Instead of staying awake wondering if their baby is okay or even checking multiple times through the night, they can get more precious sleep because they’re confident in the monitor’s ability to wake them up if there’s any problem.

Because these monitors can sound an alarm if the baby may be in danger, the potential lifesaving benefit of these devices makes them very appealing. Those early days of parenting are full of unknowns and fears; alleviating some of that stress is a major perk.

Determining Whether You Need a Monitor

Are baby movement monitors necessary for every family? No. Some will opt to use a traditional baby monitor instead or to forego monitors altogether. And depending on sleeping arrangements, such monitors aren’t feasible for every family.

If you think this kind of monitor may be a good fit for you, though, take a look through our Baby Monitors Buyers Guide. There you’ll find easy-to-read information to help you compare different products, along with links to more details and online merchants. While you’re researching, you can also check out our guides for baby-proofing locks and baby gates.


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Best baby crib GREENGUARD Gold Certified Four adjustable mattress positions
Best baby monitorUnlimited rangeHigh-quality night vision + two-way talk
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Best nanny cam Automatic person/pet trackingTwo-way talk + excellent night vision
Best baby gate30 in. tall; fits doorways 29-34 and 35-38.5 in. wideOpen with one hand
Best baby carrierFor babies 7–45 lbs 6 ways to carry your baby

Amazon.com price as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Read full disclaimer.

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Celeste Tholen
Written by
Celeste Tholen
Celeste has dedicated her decade-long career to reporting and reviews that help people make well-informed decisions. She oversees editorial strategy and production for SafeWise, with a goal to help everyone find the information they need to make their homes and lives safer. Prior to SafeWise, she worked as an editor and reporter for KSL and Deseret News. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. In her free time, she volunteers at the local botanical garden and writers for the community newspaper.

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