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

SafeWise experts have years of firsthand experience testing the products we recommend. Learn how we test and review. We may earn money when you buy through our links.

bullet
Crib Bumpers and Inclined Sleepers Banned

In a recent update, the CPSC has taken decisive action to protect infant sleep, enforcing a ban on crib bumpers and inclined sleepers. Find out how these new regulations under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act prioritize infant safety in our latest article.

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.

baby sleeping in crib
Keep your little owlets safe with our weekly newsletter
Sign up to get the latest family safety tips and reviews on products like kids smartwatches and car seats.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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.


Compare the best baby safety products

Product
Best for
Price
Specs
Standout feature
Learn more
Read review
Best car seat Converts to 4 seats for ages 0–10Performs well in crash tests
Best baby crib GREENGUARD Gold Certified Four adjustable mattress positions
Best baby monitorUnlimited rangeHigh-quality night vision + two-way talk
Best baby-proofing locks3M strong adhesiveUse on cabinets, refrigerators, and toilets
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.

Recent Articles

woman adjusting thermostat in bright home
Best Home Security Systems
After thousands of hours of tests and research, we picked Vivint and SimpliSafe as the...
Man and woman couple wife husband set up surveillance security camera
Best Apartment Security Systems
These renter-friendly apartment security systems help keep you safe and require less commitment than your...
diy-security-system-on-ipad
Best DIY Home Security Systems of 2024
SimpliSafe is the best DIY home security system because it's cost-efficient, effective, and easy to...
medical alert products on an illustrated background
Best Medical Alert Systems
See which medical alert system is the best to keep you and your loved one...