The ULTIMATE peace of mind - high-tech monitors that track baby's movement, breathing, sleep and more.
Worrying about your baby when they sleep is pretty common a scenario for new parents. Rest assured you are not overreacting, nor are you being the only ones.
Yes, you may have gotten a baby monitor to keep and eye (and ear) on baby. That may not be enough, to some, though.
This is when you may want to consider getting a baby movement monitor - one that takes traditional monitors up a notch with its ability to track baby's breathing, heart rate and even sleep patterns.
Mind you, they are NOT medical devices that prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Well, maybe with the exception of just this one here which is medically certified by the European authorities.
They do limit the fear to a very large degree though, we have to say. You also get extra peace of mind for a better night's sleep and that, is what makes all the difference.
Baby Movement Monitor Reviews
"Breathing" is what most baby movement monitors detect in their operation. Because of this, it is also often called a "breathing detector baby monitor" as well.
Here are some of the best baby monitor with movement sensor that we have shortlisted for your consideration:
Best Baby Breathing Monitor (Medical Grade)
Nanny Baby Movement Monitor
(4.9/5.0)
$199.99
List Price
Wearable: No Parent Unit: No
If we are to choose one best breathing baby monitor, it has to be the Nanny Baby Movement Monitor. This is an EU certified SIDS medical device, which previously is only available in the Europe but is now onshore the US market (thankfully).
It comes with a sensing pad that is to be placed beneath baby's mattress. The baby breathing mat is then connected to a breath monitor unit that operates on AA batteries. This ensures no risk whatsoever of electrical hazards or radiation to your baby.
Why We Love It
The fact that it is the only device selected for use in hospitals says it all. Having underwent (and passed) a number of very strict clinical tests in accordance with European standards, it is used across maternity wards and infant care centres. You can be sure it is 100% safe for children.
The Nanny baby monitor is designed to continuously monitor baby's slightest movements. Each time baby breathes out, a green light will show on the display. If baby doesn’t breathe in for a duration longer than 20 seconds, a red light will appear and an alarm goes off. Likewise if the breathing frequency decreases to under 8 breaths a minute.
The sound alarm itself is incredible. It will wake baby up from a deep sleep which literally can be lifesaving if say, they happen to be sleeping in a compromised position. You too will hear it even through a number of closed doors and be awoken in the case of a possible danger.
Things to Take Note Of
This is purely a breathing detector baby monitor so it can only alert you when your baby is breathing irregularly (or not at all). It doesn't monitor other aspects of vitality, nor does it come with a display unit. It is therefore not a video baby monitor, but a breathing monitor per se.
Best Baby Motion Monitor (Original Non Contact)
Babysense Baby Movement Monitor 7
(4.4/5.0)
$129.99
List Price
Wearable: No Parent Unit: No (bundle packs available)
This is the very Original non contact infant movement monitor that requires no clip-ons or wearables. The Babysense 7 has two sensor pads that go underneath baby's crib mattress and a control unit that goes on the crib's front (to receive data from the two pads).
Why We Love It
With two pads, there is enough coverage for the entire crib / bed area. And, they can be used with all standard baby beds/cribs and mattresses. What impresses us most is its high sensitivity level - the slightest movement can be detected through the mattress without coming into contact with baby at all.
To those that do not like the idea of a wearable against baby's skin, this is no doubt a great appeal of the Babysense 7. Both auditory and visual (red light) alarm will be activated if movements stop or become irregularly slow. The improved sensitivity concept also means there is now a lower risk of false alarms as compared to the old version.
In fact, it gives the least false alarms out of all the competition. Hack-proof, it will not be interfered by other electronic household devices and there is no radiation. It operates on regular household batteries so no exposed cords, no risk of strangulation.
Things to Take Note Of
This may not be the best baby monitor with parent unit because the alarm sounds in the nursery and not on a parent unit.
If you prefer to have a parent device, you may want to consider getting the bundle pack (comes in single or dual cameras pack). There is even a split-screen version that comes with 2 cameras which is regarded as one of the best baby monitor for two rooms.
Read full review: Babysense video baby monitor reviews
Best Baby Movement Monitor (With Parent Unit)
Angelcare 3-in-1 AC527 Baby Monitor
(4.3/5.0)
$199.99
List Price
Wearable: No Parent Unit: Yes
If there is one thing that the above two contenders lack, it is that they do not come with a video display parent unit. If this is what you desire, the Angelcare AC527 will be the best infant breathing monitor for you.
One of the very few that comes with a 5" touch screen display monitor, you get to see clear night vision and have easy access to all the settings. It also shows your nursery room temperature and there is two-way talk function to let you soothe baby from a distance.
[Available also in 4.3" screen with / without temperature tracking.]
Why We Love It
Obviously, the video display give an extra sense of comfort as you get to see baby and not just rely on the alarms . If you have not had a video baby monitor already, we highly recommend this Angelcare baby movement monitor.
We like how it will first sound a preliminary beep to rouse baby if it is unable to detect movement for 15 seconds before alerting you 5 seconds later with an alarm. We prefer this instead of the in-nursery alarm emission which can be upsetting, especially if it is a false alarm.
This newer Angelcare option has now a wireless sensor pad so there is no risk of accidental strangulation anymore. Similarly, it is to be placed underneath the mattress. What stood out though is that you get to adjust the sensitivity levels of the pad. This allows you to filter out ambient vibrations from say, a fan or any white noise machine.
It can be paired up to 2 cameras (this version allows 4) which is perfect if you want a baby monitor for two rooms. For those with twins, you can easily get an additional sensor pad and voila, you have a baby monitor for twins that track movements!
Things to Take Note Of
The sensor pads need to be placed on a hard surface for them to work optimally. You can get something like this. Take note also that it may not be compatible with some mattress types so a little research would need to be done.
If you're looking for a one-for-all option (audio + video + movement + a parent device), this Angelcare breathing monitor will be perfect. A baby video monitor without wifi, it depends only on the parent unit to transmit data. No app, no internet connection required.
Best Baby Monitor with Breathing Sensor (Best Value)
Nanit Complete Monitor System
(4.5/5.0)
$329.99
(13% off)
at Amazon
Wearable: No Parent Unit: No
And COMPLETE a system it is indeed. The Nanit Complete Monitor System is a baby monitor camera with breathing sensor that comes with the ever-popular Nanit Plus Camera, Breathing Wear Starter Pack and Multi-Stand. Great value huh?
In case you are not familiar with Nanit, this is one of the best wifi baby monitors out there. It is compatible with any smart iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, or Echo Show device. For our purpose here today, we will be focusing mainly on the Nanit breathing wear review.
[Refer here if you want to learn more about its video and audio features.]
Why We Love It
Firstly, this is a sensor-free breathing motion monitoring that tracks baby's breaths per minute without any electronics, wires or batteries touching them. No sensor pads are required, too.
Instead, it utilises the Nanit camera to 'read' the unique pattern on the Breathing Wear (a breathing band + Nanit swaddle) to track baby's breathing and movement. Either pop the band around baby's clothes or wrap him in the swaddle - both app and camera will alert you timely.
While it doesn't come with a parent unit, its accessibility via any smart device makes it very easy, if not easier, to view and listen to baby. There is two-way audio and the background audio continues to work even when you're in other apps or your screen is turned off.
If you're the data-loving type of parents, you will love the Nanit. You get sleep stats such as sleep patterns, timelapse highlight reels and science-backed sleep guidance from experts. There is also a digital memory book that automatically captures precious moments, as well as nature sounds and white noises to help calm baby.
Things to Take Note Of
The Nanit Complete System leans on the pricier side. Considering it comes with the Nanit Plus Camera (that offers a bird’s-eye perspective) AND the Multi-Stand, many parents think it is actually one of the best valued on the market. It is a smart baby monitor, after all.
Keep in mind that you cannot use the breathing or motion-tracking functions when the camera is on the Multi-Stand. Also, you will have to pay a fee if you want to extend your subscription beyond the one-year sleep data analytics program.
Read full review: Nanit Plus Smart Baby Monitor
Best Breathing Monitor (No Wires, Wearables or Sensors)
Miku Smart Baby Monitor
(4.4/5.0)
$399.99
List Price
Wearable: No Parent Unit: No
Judging from the many Miku smart baby monitor with breathing and movement reviews circulating around, you know this has got to be one of the best movement and sound baby monitor.
Multi-award winning, it resembles the Nanit in quite a few aspects. We think it has probably the best wifi baby camera around to date.
Why We Love It
The Miku does NOT require any wires, pads or wearables. Not even a band or swaddle like the Nanit. Be it baby is in a normal swaddle or is wearing nothing at all, it works in real-time on your smartphone to alert you if anything changes in baby's vitals and nursery conditions.
How it works is that radio waves are utilised to detect movement in the room. The high level of sensitivity is to that it can sense each breath while baby sleeps. If we are to say the most accurate contactless breathing monitor ever, this has got to be it.
Its wifi baby monitor app is another highlight. Free, there is no hidden subscription fee to use the app's sleep analytics information. Things like day and night sleep summary and graphs of baby's sleeping habit are readily accessible for as long as you use the device.
One notable feature is that it comes with 2 Ole Wolff speakers. You can share and download unlimited HD videos and photos right from your phone. Its security features are also one of the best - embedded crypto chip paired with advanced encryption and two-step authentication.
Things to Take Note Of
The Miku Smart Baby Monitor is definitely one of the most expensive baby movement monitor on our list. It may not be for those that dislike too much data as it can be rather overwhelming to sort through all the information that comes through.
Read full review: Miku video baby monitor reviews
Best Baby Sleep Monitor (with Gentle Rousing)
Snuza Hero (SE) Baby Movement Monitor
(4.6/5.0)
$99.99
(9% off)
at Amazon
Wearable: Yes Parent Unit: No
Are the above prices too steep? You don't need a video component / camera that monitors breathing? Or you have already had a video baby monitor but it doesn't have movement tracking? Check out the Snuza Hero SE.
This baby movement monitor comes with a vibration-rousing feature that is the first in the industry. Simple and straightforward, it is easily one of the most portable and affordable options on the market.
Why We Love It
Shaped like an old school beeper, the Snuza is a clip wearable that you attach onto baby's diaper. We like how simple it is to use without requiring any specialized setup or mattress like the sensor pads. The flexibility to use it away from home certainly does add points too.
How the Hero works is that it monitors baby through his/her abdominal movements. It has this unique vibration stimulus feature which will activate to rouse baby if it detects no abdominal movement for 15 seconds.
Often, this will do the trick. The Hero will then revert to monitoring mode but if nothing happens after an additional 5 seconds, a sharp audible alarm will sound. Likewise for instances where after 3 vibration/rousing attempts, you will be alerted if there is no response.
Things to Take Note Of
The Snuza can pick up external movements so you should not use it if you are co-sleeping with baby. It will also dislodge when baby gets more mobile i.e. when baby starts to roll over/crawl or in a car seat/stroller.
It also has no app or parent unit so if you are quite far away from baby, you may not hear the alarm. Not a problem if you have an audio or video baby monitor paired up, though.
[Don't like the vibration stimulus? Here's the without version.]
Best Baby Motion Monitor (App-Enabled Wearable)
Sense-U Baby Breathing Monitor
(4.6/5.0)
$99.99
(23% off)
at Amazon
Wearable: Yes Parent Unit: Smartphone
The number of sense u baby monitor reviews circulating the internet probably would have given you a sense (pun intended) of how popular this infant breathing monitor is.
Yes, the Sense-U Baby is a solid choice if you're looking for a non-video wearable that won't cost you a fortune. This one comes in the form of a button style that clips on easily. It is app-enabled, meaning you actually get a parent unit in the form of your smartphone.
Why We Love It
The app is free and we like how you get a lot more than just tracking baby's breathing. It observes baby's position and alerts you if s/he has rolled onto their stomach. Temperature is monitored too and this can be super helpful especially when baby is sick.
Thanks to its button-style design, it is extremely portable. Compared to Snuza's bulky beeper-like design, this is so much more compact and lightweight.
While this particular model does not come with a video monitor, you get the option to add one on. You'll then have features like two-way talk, night vision, background audio etc. There is a Base Station bundle pack available too which provides long range signals with lights and sounds alerts.
Things to Take Note Of
The Sense-U Baby app only works on one phone - it doesn't support multiple users. That's not very convenient, especially if the parent with the unit is not home.
Compared to other wearables, this one does require more setting up as you'd have to pair it to a smartphone. For tech-loving parents though, you will love it as the amount of information it provides is ample. Same goes to those who travel often too.
Best Baby Breathing Monitor (Patented Snap-On)
MonBaby Baby Breathing Monitor
(4.0/5.0)
$79.99
List Price
Wearable: Yes Parent Unit: Smartphone
If you like the small, button-like design, the MonBaby Baby Breathing Monitor is another option you can consider. This is probably the most affordable app-based monitor on the market.
Slightly different from the Sense-U, this breathing monitor for baby attaches to any onesie or pyjama in a patented snap-on design. This is the only baby monitor that has this kind of snap-on attachment. Absolutely no skin contact is required.
Why We Love It
Easy to put on, it is attachable to any typical article of baby clothing. The unique snap-on feature gives a strong and secure fastening so this is one wearable that you do not have to worry about dislodgment. A baby wouldn't have the strength or dexterity to remove it alone.
Unlike wearable sensors such as a sock, we like how baby will never outgrow the MonBaby. It works with all smartphones/tablets as long as there is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) capabilities. Incidentally, this also means it has a near zero radiation level.
Live tracking baby's breathing movement, audible alarms will be sent straight to your phone only when problems are detected. Baby's sleeping positions are monitored as well, with alerts sent to you likewise if tummy sleeping is detected.
Things to Take Note Of
The MonBaby only has a communication distance up to 50 feet (15m). Fret not, there is a separate wifi base available if you want a wider coverage range but you'll have to purchase it separately via its app.
You'll also have to make it a habit to remove the button as an accidental run through the washer/dryer will render it useless. Overall, we think the MonBaby is a high-tech choice that keeps you informed without disrupting baby's sleep. Travel-wise, it certainly is one the best baby breathing monitor to go for.
Best Baby Movement Monitor (Most Affordable Wearable)
Levana Oma Sense Baby Breathing Movement Monitor
(4.2/5.0)
$79.00
(34% off)
at Amazon
Wearable: Yes Parent Unit: Smartphone
Here's another wearable baby monitor with patented features. The "Wakeup Technology(TM)" this clip-on device has will vibrate to stimulate baby and alarm to notify you if something is wrong.
Sounds familiar, eh? Yep, there is quite the few resemblance with the Snuza Hero. The Levana Oma Sense though, is the most affordable wearable movement monitor out of all.
Why We Love It
One thing that really stood out to us is that the Oma Sense is entirely designed and manufactured in Canada with medical grade materials. It requires no wifi or Bluetooth connectivity so there is no radiation/ radio frequency waves to worry about.
Compared to the Snuza Hero, it is less bulky in size. It therefore slips comfortably over baby’s diaper, pants or buttoned-up onesie requiring zero skin contact.
Like the Hero, it will try to first rouse baby via a randomized series of vibrations if no movement is detected for 15 seconds. This is to stimulate normal breathing movement to resume. If it is not re-established 5 seconds after the initial alert, an audible emergency alarm will sound to alert parents and caregivers.
Things to Take Note Of
Similarly, the alarm will only emit directly from the device on your baby. If you are quite far away, you may not be able to hear it. It is also likely to upset baby if it's just a false alarm.
We do, overall, like the simplicity of the Oma Sense. If you decide to go for it, we suggest pairing it with at least a sound monitor (or a video baby monitor).
Best Baby Movement Monitor (Tracks All Vitals)
Owlet Smart Sock 3 Baby Monitor
(4.7/5.0)
$249.00
List Price
Wearable: Yes Parent Unit: Smartphone
The Owlet Smart Sock 3 Baby Monitor is no stranger in any breathing baby monitor reviews. An innovative wearable movement monitor that literally wears in the form of a sock, this is the first baby monitor that tracks baby's oxygen and heart rate while they sleep.
Why We Love It
Instead of tracking breathing and movement, it functions more like a pulse oximeter. This is an established technology proven to be both safe and accurate, in case there's any concern in this aspect.
Via that tiny sock that you slip onto baby's foot, it measures baby's oxygen levels and heart rate. If any of the readings leave the preset 'safe' zone, both the Base Unit and your phone will notify you immediately.
So not only would you be able to confirm baby is all good and safe, you get his vitals stats as well. At the same time, it tracks and provides baby's sleep history and trends as well.
We love how quick it takes the Owlet to charge. A quick 20 minutes is all it takes for you to get 8 hours, while a full charge is in 90 minutes. It is wireless charging by the way - the Base Station enables a convenient drop-and-go method without any cords required.
Things to Take Note Of
The Owlet is not cheap. In fact, it can be more than 3 times of some of its competition. You'll also have to stay within 100 feet of your baby if you want to use the Smart Sock, so probably not the best long range baby monitor out there.
Bear in mind though that there's none other quite like it in terms of the information it offers. If you need the best baby monitor breathing sensor with additional features, this is the one for you.
[Available in a camera bundle as well - read full review here.]
Best Baby Monitor and Breathing Sensor (Flexibility)
Wellue BabyO2 Baby Oxygen Monitor
(4.0/5.0)
$149.99
List Price
Wearable: Yes Parent Unit: Smartphone
We have one more option for you if you're into the oxygen level / heart rate monitoring kind - the Wellue BabyO2 Monitor. Unlike the Owlet Sock 3, it utilizes a soft band to wrap around baby's leg to do the monitoring.
Why We Love It
Similarly, the BabyO2 will notify you when baby's oxygen level is low. What we like about it is that it will sound an alarm to alert you if the device falls off - both on the device and the mobile app itself. You can turn the alarm function on/off separately on both platforms, and the volume is adjustable to fit you best.
We also like how it works stand-alone even without a smartphone. The built-in memory will automatically sync your data when it is connected to the app. This is where you can access and review all history without any additional cost. You can export, print and share PDF/CSV reports with the free PC software anytime you want, too.
Things to Take Note Of
The alarm on the app works only when your phone stays in Dashboard of the app and is not locked. This is probably its biggest shortfall of all - we can imagine this being quite the inconvenience.
The way the BabyO2 attaches certainly is more cumbersome than the rest. It's good to know that the fabric used is gentle and breathable, and there are 2 sizes of soft wraps provided for different age stages.
What Exactly Is A Baby Movement Monitor?
A baby movement monitor is exactly what you would expect from its name - a baby monitor that tracks your little one's movements when they're asleep. If there is anything out of the ordinary, it will alert you.
While it is NOT a medical device (with the exception of this), they could provide peace of mind to some parents. Many have a fear of SIDS (understandably) so having one does give a certain level of comfort.
You see, video and audio monitors can only do so much. You are able to see and hear your little one, but you can't really tell if baby is still breathing (unless maybe you squint really hard on the screen).
Movement monitors fill up just that gap. You would have known by now that they are actually a type of baby monitor with breathing sensor. They track baby's breathing movements, ensuring they're well and alive.
Some even tracks the heart rate, oxygen saturation levels and temperature. Most would also provide sleep analytics. This way, you can gain insights around your baby’s sleep patterns and see if there is anything to be improved on.
Types of Baby Movement Monitors
There are different types of baby movement monitors as evident from our baby breathing monitor reviews above.
Basically though, we can divide them into two types based on the way they monitor the movement of sleeping babies:
A. Sensor Pads
Placed underneath baby's crib mattress, these units are able to sense even the slightest movement. Because of this, they are often utilized in the type of baby monitor that monitors breathing (hence the reason why some also call it the "baby breathing monitor mat").
They are best for at-home uses as the mat requires a hard surface under the mattress to function optimally. You see, they are not compatible with just any kind of mattress i.e. memory foam ones and most hotel or travel cribs will not be suitable.
They have one advantage over the wearable ones - you do not have to worry about the unit rolling off baby and thus losing track. The Nanny and Babysense 7 are both sensor pad movement monitors.
B. Wearables
From something as small as a button to something in the size of an old-school beeper, wearables are those that you clip onto baby's diaper. It can also be attached to their clothing, or slip over baby's arm / foot in the form of a band / sock for tracking.
They make for the best infant breathing monitor for travelling because they are small, lightweight and do not require special crib configurations.
However, they can be quite challenging to keep on especially when baby is awake and rolls around. This is one reason why they tend to present more false alarms than the former.
Examples of the wearables include the Snuza Hero, Owlet Sock 3 and MonBaby.
Don't forget also that some baby movement monitors work alongside a video monitor and are sold as a bundle. Others offer the option to add a video monitor on for an extra cost, while some function completely independently of video monitors.
So, Which is the Best Type?
Lately, app-based movement monitors are giving traditional clipped ons and sensor pads a serious run for their money.
Most of them are in the form of wearables, although you have options like the Miku that does not require any at all.
The reason they are so popular nowadays is because firstly, they are not as bulky as the standard clip-ons (i.e Snuza, Levana). The Nanit requires just a band (or a swaddle) while options like the MonBaby / Sense U come in a discreet, button-like design that is both light and portable.
Incidentally, this means they are much more convenient mobility wise.
You can bring them when you go travel, and baby can sleep anywhere instead of limiting to just the crib as it is the case for sensor pads.
However, the price of app-based movement monitors is certainly a factor to be considered. They are generally on the more expensive side but you do get more affordable options i.e. the MonBaby (under $100).
Having said that, there are people who prefer monitors like the the Snuza Hero and Levana Oma Sense. Both have a rousing feature and are regarded as some of the best baby monitor for sids on the market.
If your baby requires more surveillance than others (e.g., preemies/ complications that require you to keep a very close eye on), standard clipped on breathing monitors like these may be a more suitable choice.
Of course, not everyone is comfortable with the idea of having an external object coming into contact with their baby. If you belong to this category, non-contact sensor pads like the Nanny, Babysense 7 and Angelcare will be the perfect choice for you.
Verdict
As you can see, there are pros and cons to the different types of movement monitors so choosing the right option will very much depend on your overall goals.
What may be important to someone may completely be the opposite of what you want. For instance, you may think that the rousing function is disruptive but many would actually consider it essential.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference and your individual requirement. Whichever you choose from our review above though, you can be sure that you have the best baby movement monitor in your hands.
Do You Need A Baby Movement Monitor?
Some parents think that it is completely unnecessary. Too much information can be overwhelming sometimes, which lead to them feeling even more anxious. You know, those false alarms - they can make anyone jumpy all the time.
And then there are those who swear by it. They wouldn't even think of going without one, no matter what.
That goes to show that it very much depends on what makes you feel most comfortable as a new parent. It's all about figuring out what works best for you, your baby and your family.
For us, we think it is a device worthwhile to have. If you are to go through the user reviews of any of the devices we recommended above, you would see that on more than one occasion, a baby movement monitor has literally saved a baby's life.
Here is just one example:
ReBECCA N. | User Review
It no doubt saved her life and is the only reason she is still with us.
We were sitting at the kitchen table and my daughter was sleeping in her bassinet about 10 feet away. All of a sudden the monitor alarm started going off. We ran to the baby and found her not breathing. We picked her up and started jossling her around and calling her name, with still no response from her.
Thinking there could be mucus or something stuck in her mouth and blocking her airway, I attempted to suction her, and ultimately ended up sticking my finger into her mouth to feel for something that could be blocking her airway. I found nothing, but she also did not react in any way to my finger being put way back in her mouth (and if she were ok her pediatrician agreed she would have gagged or cried or reacted in some way).
At this point my husband called 911, and the dispatcher walked us through CPR. After performing CPR she finally gasped and then started to cry.
I can't bare to think about what would have happened if we had not had the monitor to alert us that there was a problem. It no doubt saved her life and is the only reason she is still with us.
Even if you are keeping an eye out on your sleeping baby, be it through the lens of your video baby monitor or you literally sitting next to him/her, you wouldn't be able to really tell if baby suddenly stops breathing.
And to that, the baby breathing monitor does show its worth.
Conclusion
Whether you have a baby movement monitor or not though, safe sleep guidelines should always be followed. With EVERY sleep. This is to reduce the risk of SIDS because movement monitors don't claim to prevent that.
A reliable movement monitor does, however, provide that extra peace of mind. It provides the reassurance of knowing that there is an extra eye (sensor) on baby at all times, giving you better sleep at night.
And if you really think about it, they do not cost that big an extra investment anyway. There is literally one available in every price range nowadays. A little money for that additional bit of comfort / peace of mind?
Totally worth it.
