What Is a Car Baby Monitor, and 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.

A car baby monitor helps you keep an eye on your infant without taking your eyes off the road. Watching out for your baby while you’re driving is challenging. A car baby monitor helps make this task easier and safer for the driver and the child.

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.

Car baby monitor features

Car baby monitors work just like a baby monitor that you use inside your house. The system focuses a camera on the baby and sends the image to a screen located within easy viewing of the driver. This allows you to see how your baby is doing without needing to take your hands off the wheel or turn around to check.

SafeWise recommends

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Some car baby monitors, like the—Yada Portable Car Baby Monitor—use a traditional camera that can be strapped to the back of the seat that is in front of the baby’s car seat. The corresponding monitor screen is used much in the same way as car navigation devices, and it should be installed near the center of the windshield.

The most convenient types of car baby monitors are wireless, which means you don’t need to worry about any cords between the camera and the monitor. While you’re driving, all you need to do is turn on the camera and the monitor to receive a live feed of your child during the trip.

There are also cameras available that work in both daytime and nighttime conditions. If you do a lot of driving at night, it’s worthwhile to look for a camera that includes night vision in its features.

Tech that puts safety first

SafeWise recommends

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

A car baby monitor is not a necessity like a car seat. However, if you spend a lot of time in the car or are planning a long road trip, it can make things easier—and safer—for everyone. If you can afford a couple hundred dollars, it can be a wise investment that helps keep you and baby safe while in the car.

Another option that provides similar safe monitoring results for the driver is a baby car mirror. Baby car mirrors make it easy to check on the baby with a simple glance in the rearview mirror. They are also significantly less expensive than baby car monitors, but that cost savings comes with very limited functionality compared to a camera monitor.

Disclaimer

*Product prices and availability are accurate as of post date 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.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.


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.

Cathy Habas
Written by
Cathy Habas
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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...