By Frank Jones · Published
An audio monitor lets you hear your baby and a video monitor lets you see them too. A wifi monitor adds phone viewing but needs securing. Whichever you choose, keep the unit and every cable at least one metre from the cot, and remember no monitor prevents SIDS: The Lullaby Trust says there is no research showing they do.
| Audio | Video (no wifi) | Wifi / app | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What you get | Sound, often a light or display of sound level | Picture and sound on a handheld screen | Picture and sound on a screen and/or your phone |
| How it connects | Usually DECT digital radio | Direct link between camera and parent unit | Your home wifi, often via the maker’s cloud |
| Works without the internet? | Yes | Yes | Check: some need wifi for every feature |
| Security to set up | Little | Little | Password, updates, remote access settings |
| Good for | Small homes, light sleepers, simplicity | Checking a toddler is settled without going in | Viewing from another room or away from home |
Not a ranking. These are examples of each type, chosen from published specifications and live Amazon UK listings (31 October 2026). Not personally tested.
Audio · DECT
Check: that the seller supplies the UK version with a UK plug. Some Amazon reviewers say they received a non-UK plug.
Audio · DECT · basic
Check: mains-powered units need a socket near the baby unit, so plan where the cable will run, at least 1m from the cot.
Video · no wifi
Check: mount or place the camera at least 1m from the cot with the cable out of reach.
Video · wifi and app
Check: set a strong, unique password, keep the app and firmware updated and switch off remote access if you don’t use it.
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It depends on your home and how you like to check in. An audio monitor lets you hear your baby and is simpler and cheaper to run. A video monitor lets you see whether your baby is settled before you go in. Neither replaces being in the same room for the first six months, which The Lullaby Trust recommends for sleep.
No. The Lullaby Trust says there is no research showing that monitors help prevent SIDS. Follow safer sleep advice whether or not you use one: baby on their back, in a clear, flat, firm sleep space.
Which? advises placing the monitor at least one metre from where your baby sleeps, and keeping all cables and cords out of reach, because hanging leads are a strangulation risk. Never mount it on the cot.
No connected device is risk-free, but you can cut the risk. The National Cyber Security Centre advises changing any default password to a strong, unique one, turning on automatic updates and turning off remote viewing over the internet if you don’t need it.
DECT is a digital radio link between the baby unit and the parent unit, the same kind of technology used by many cordless home phones. It doesn’t use your wifi or the internet.
General information, not medical advice. Speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.