New parents, here’s a tip: You might not even need a baby monitor. A healthy, hungry baby can shriek in tones piercing enough to bend metal, let alone your poor eardrums. Nevertheless, a monitor comes in handy if you like to sit out on the porch or if you’re sleep-training and want to make sure your infant hasn’t gotten their foot stuck in the crib bars. In the past year, I’ve tested several kinds of baby monitors here at WIRED—radio, Wi-Fi, smart, and some phone apps—to find one that might work for you.
For more of our favorite baby gear picks, check out our stroller guide or gift guide for new parents.
Updated December 2019: We added more information and a new baby monitor.
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