Let’s be honest: the thought of being able to keep an eye (and ear) on your baby while you get a few things done—or maybe just breathe—is more exciting for us parents than we care to admit.
A baby monitor is one of those parenting essentials that brings a little peace of mind during a phase of life that’s, well, anything but peaceful. Whether you’re trying to sneak in a shower, prep dinner, or finally sit down for that coffee that’s been reheated three times, knowing your baby is safe makes all the difference.
Of course, not all baby monitors are created equal. Some come with every bell and whistle imaginable, while others are more streamlined. Some are super reliable, and others… not so much. Finding the right one really depends on your home, lifestyle, and how much tech you want involved in your day-to-day baby care.
And if you’re already overwhelmed with options (audio, video, Wi-Fi, no Wi-Fi, wearables, apps, you name it), don’t worry—we’ve broken it down to help you choose the right baby monitor for your family.
What to Consider When Choosing a Baby Monitor
Audio-Only or Video Monitoring?
Let’s start with the big question: do you want to see your baby, or is hearing them enough? Audio-only monitors are usually simpler and more affordable, and for some parents, they’re perfectly sufficient—especially in smaller homes or apartments. But for many parents, video monitoring offers a whole other level of peace of mind. Being able to glance at your baby’s position, see if they’re really awake or just fussing in their sleep, and monitor their breathing patterns can reduce a lot of guesswork.
The good news? With phone-based baby monitor apps like Annie Baby Monitor, you can get both video and audio without investing in bulky hardware. More on that in a second.
Wi-Fi or No Wi-Fi?
Baby monitors that use your home’s Wi-Fi give you flexibility. You can check in on your baby from your phone, even if you’re down the street, at work, or just in another part of the house where the signal from a traditional baby monitor might cut out. Of course, with that convenience comes the need for strong internet security (more on safety in a bit). Non-Wi-Fi monitors are often preferred by parents who want a completely closed system, typically with less setup required.
Reliability and Signal Range
The last thing you want is for the baby monitor to cut out just as your baby starts crying. Traditional monitors can suffer from range issues, especially in larger homes or if there are thick walls between rooms. This is another reason phone-based apps like Annie Baby Monitor are becoming increasingly popular—they rely on your Wi-Fi or data, so as long as you’ve got a decent connection, you have an unlimited range. Some even allow you to switch to mobile data if Wi-Fi drops.
Security and Privacy
With all the stories out there about baby monitor hacks, security is a valid concern. Look for options with strong encryption and password-protected connections. Apps like Annie Baby Monitor use encrypted data transfer to keep things private and secure. For extra peace of mind, always keep your baby monitor updated and use strong, unique passwords for your connected devices.
Battery Life and Charging Options
If you’re using a traditional baby monitor, battery life is something you’ll want to pay close attention to—especially if you’re planning on using it overnight or during nap times throughout the day. For app-based solutions, just make sure the device you’re using on the baby’s side is plugged in or has enough battery life to last the whole nap (or, fingers crossed, a full night’s sleep).
Extra Features (That May or May Not Be Necessary)
From room temperature sensors to lullaby players, some baby monitors are packed with extras. While these features are sometimes helpful, they aren’t always essential. What’s more important is how well the monitor does its core job: keeping you connected to your baby. If you’re using the Annie Baby Monitor app, you’re already covered on the essentials—and if you want to pair it with other tools like a white noise machine or a track sleep patterns, you still have the flexibility to do so.
My Personal Top Pick for Best Baby Monitor of 2025: Annie Baby Monitor App
Okay, let’s talk about my personal favorite: the Annie Baby Monitor app. After testing out more baby monitors than I care to admit (and yes, it became a slight obsession), this baby monitor app won me over for a few key reasons:
- No extra equipment required – Just install the app on two devices (an old phone or tablet works great), and boom—you have a secure, high-quality video baby monitor. No cords, no bulky camera, no fuss.
- Crystal-clear video and sound – The video quality surprised me, even in low light, and the audio is consistently reliable. You can see and hear everything clearly, without glitches or delays.
- Two-way audio – You can soothe your baby with your voice, or even sing a lullaby without tiptoeing into the nursery. It’s surprisingly comforting—for both of you.
- Lullaby player and white noise – Built-in soothing sounds are just a tap away. Whether your baby prefers gentle lullabies or calming white noise, this feature helps create a cozy sleep environment.
- Baby sleep analytics – Wondering how long your baby napped or how many times they stirred last night? Annie Baby Monitor tracks sleep patterns so you can actually spot trends (and maybe even troubleshoot those 3 a.m. wakeups).
- Baby journal – Easily log feedings, diaper changes, sleep sessions, and milestones—all in one place. It’s like having a baby tracker app and baby monitor rolled into one.
- Unlimited range – As long as you have internet connection, you can check in from anywhere. I’ve peeked in while running errands, and it’s a game changer for peace of mind.
- Budget-friendly – Compared to traditional monitors, it’s a steal. You can try Annie Baby Monitor free for 3 days to see how it fits your routine, and after that, it’s just $49.99 per year—which is less than most hardware-based monitors cost just to get started. No surprise fees, and no fancy cameras that need replacing in a year.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to set up—even if tech isn’t your thing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a baby monitor is all about finding what makes you feel secure. Whether that’s a no-frills audio monitor or a high-tech app that lets you peek in from the grocery store, the most important thing is peace of mind.
And if you’re like me—tired of overpriced gear, overwhelmed by too many cables, and just looking for something that works—then the Annie Baby Monitor app is definitely worth a try. It’s convenient, reliable, and (bonus!) doesn’t clutter your already-full nursery.
Because at the end of the day, parenting is chaotic enough. Your baby monitor shouldn’t be.