Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you say goodbye to safety. Plenty of parents are worried while their babies are sleeping in their crib, and this is true whether they’re sleeping an hour or finally hitting that 8-hour night.
If you’re planning an upcoming trip with your baby and you plan to have them sleep in their crib, you’ll need a baby monitor to accompany you.
Some baby monitors are better for travel than others, making finding the suitable one challenging. But with this handy guide, finding your perfect baby monitor for travel is a cinch. Below you will find our top picks plus some other handy information such as what to look for when finding the right product.
Types of Travel Baby Monitors
When you hunt for the best baby monitor for travel, you’ll run across a few options. Knowing the key few types of baby travel monitors will help you decide which one is ultimately right for you.
Audio Only
Some baby monitors don’t rely on frills or extras to get the job done. An audio-only baby monitor is just that. With this baby monitor style, you can hear when your baby moves, cries, talks, etc.
Some models allow you to talk to your baby through the monitor, calming them until you arrive.
Visual
A visual monitor is the more common type of baby monitor – and one of the best baby monitors for travel options. A visual monitor is precisely how it sounds. There is a camera that monitors your babe while they slumber. The camera is connected to a device or your smartphone so you can see (and hear) your child.
Movement
A new baby monitor sweeping the nation by force is the movement baby monitor. This monitor attaches to your child (or underneath the crib mattress) to alert you when the baby is in distress. These monitors tend to focus more on breathing patterns than anything. Parents don’t have to worry about every little movement or sound. Instead, they can be alerted and react should there be a worry about the little one’s breathing.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: SereneLife USA Video Baby Monitor
Parents that want a video and audio camera that’s easy to set up and has plenty of top-notch features.
Best Audio-Only: VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor
Parents that want a convenient, reliable, and budget-friendly audio-only monitor.
Best Movement-Based: Sense-U Baby Breathing Monitor
The Sense-U Baby Breathing Monitor is great for all parents that prefer a movement-based monitor that will send alerts right to their phone.
Best Night Vision: Nooie Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio
The Nooie Baby Monitor is recommended for parents that want impressive night vision and two-way audio.
Best Baby Monitor With Stand: Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Floor Stand
Fully feature packed baby monitor
Features to Look for When Choosing the Best Baby Monitor for Travel
Don’t rush when buying a baby monitor for your traveling needs. There are plenty of styles to choose from, so finding the one that matches your wants and desires is critical. That said, consider these key features when shopping.
Price
Of course, price is going to be a significant factor. After all, you’re planning a big trip ahead – depending on the size, you might not have a lot of extra cash for a baby monitor. That doesn’t mean you’re in for a bad monitor, though. Even the budget-friendly options can work wonders.
Type
The type of baby monitor will also be a key factor. Do you want to rely on audio or movement-based monitors, or would you prefer to be able to see your baby at all hours of the night? If that’s the case, you’ll want to seek out a product with night vision abilities.
Convenience
Many aspects are deemed convenient when it comes to a baby monitor. One of the biggest is WiFi accessibility. WiFi means you won’t have to worry about connecting to the baby monitor. The longer the range, the better, too.
Another convenient aspect is how the baby monitor is set up. Some are simpler than others. When traveling, it would be ideal to find one that can attach to the crib easily and be ready in a flash.
Battery Life
If your baby monitor runs on batteries rather than plugged in, you will definitely want to pay attention to the battery life. There is nothing more frightening to a parent than waking up only to notice that the battery life has run out and you may have missed something. Obviously, the longer the battery life, the better.
Best Baby Monitor for Travel
Best Overall: SereneLife USA Video Baby Monitor
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When it comes to the best baby travel monitor, you want something that is incredibly easy to use yet is riddled with expansive features. That’s what the SereneLife USA Video Baby Monitor is all about.
The SereneLife USA Video Baby Monitor is a cinch to set up and there is a handy clip on the monitor so you can walk around and enjoy your vacation without worrying about a bulky monitor. With 24-hour battery life, you don’t have to worry about the monitor shutting down on you anytime soon, either.
This video baby monitor comes with 850 feet of range which is excellent for traveling. The WiFi frequency is reliable and secure, and you’ll love that the screen “sleeps” when there are no movements or sounds. Should something occur, the screen lights up and alerts you ASAP.
Aside from being a top-notch monitor complete with night vision, the monitor also comes with temperature monitoring so you can know whether or not your child is comfortable. Use the handy intercom to soothe your child until you’re ready to reach them, or turn on the lullaby music to calm them immediately.
Who Is It Best For?
Parents that want a video and audio camera that’s easy to set up and has plenty of top-notch features. For those who are interested in non-wifi baby monitors check out Infant Optics vs Motorola vs Eufy – Which Non-Wifi Video Baby Monitor to Buy?
Best Audio-Only: VTech DM221 Audio Baby Monitor
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Many people will consider the audio-only monitor as the best baby monitor for travel. There’s not a lot of setups to incur, making it a viable travel solution. If you’re in the market for an audio-only pick, consider the VTech DM221.
This impressive baby monitor comes with a whopping 1,000 feet of range. That is definitely a big plus for traveling families. Not only that, but the audio is entirely customizable. Choose to hear all noises or select only to hear sounds that exceed certain levels. Regardless of your option, you will enjoy ultra-clear audio transmission that eliminates background noise.
For baby’s convenience, the audio monitor comes with a soothing night light that provides just the right amount of light to keep baby secure and happy. (It can be turned off if desired). If baby wakes up, use the two-way intercom to soothe right away.
This audio-only baby monitor can work with a rechargeable battery, but it only lasts for a short amount of time. It’s recommended to use the battery and AC power for the best results.
Who Is It Best For?
Parents that want a convenient, reliable, and budget-friendly audio-only monitor. For those that are looking for additional audio only baby monitors check out VTech DM221 vs DM111 vs DM111 – Best Audio Baby Monitor Comparison and Review.
Best Movement-Based: Sense-U Baby Breathing Monitor
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Parents that are looking to dip their toes into new-age technology should consider the Sense-U Baby Breathing Monitor. This monitor is designed differently than traditional options, focusing on your child’s abdominal movements and overall movement.
The Sense-U – which is placed conveniently on your baby’s diaper – is a low-energy monitor that can communicate with a distance of up to 50 feet. It sends alerts straight to your smartphone, whether it’s a sudden change in breathing pattern, your baby rolling onto their belly, or your baby becoming too hot or too cold.
Aside from being updated when necessary, parents have the option to monitor their child at all times. On the handy app (which connects to all types of smartphones), you can learn your child’s sleeping position, breathing patterns, and temperature.
Needless to say, this state-of-the-art and futuristic baby monitor for travel gives parents peace of mind, unlike anything they’ve experienced before. It’s super simple to use, and you can feel confident in this award-winning baby monitor.
Who Is It Best For?
The Sense-U Baby Breathing Monitor is great for all parents that prefer a movement-based monitor that will send alerts right to their phone. For those interested in additional baby breathing monitoring devices check out our Best Baby Breathing Monitor: Snuza vs Levana vs Owlet Comparison Guide.
Best Night Vision: Nooie Baby Monitor with Camera and Audio
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Some parents need to have the option to see their baby – even at night – for the most confidence. Sound like you? Then you will appreciate that the Nooie Baby Monitor is designed with 1080P full HD night vision. With uniquely designed 850nm IR LEDs, even the darkest rooms can be seen right from your mobile phone.
Aside from having one of the most impressive night vision cameras on the market, the Nooie Baby Monitor also comes with crystal clear two-way audio. The high-sensitivity speaker lets you chat and soothe your baby from anywhere. After all, this monitor comes with 32 feet of range.
One of the most significant benefits of opting for this baby monitor for travel is that it comes with intelligent detection that automatically records anytime your baby moves or makes a sound. This way, you can know precisely when and why your baby woke up during the night. This could certainly lead to better sleeping patterns in the future!
Able to work with Alexa and plenty of storage, the Nooie Baby Monitor is a user-friendly and convenient monitor with incredible night vision.
Who Is It Best For?
The Nooie Baby Monitor is recommended for parents that want impressive night vision and two-way audio. For those looking for additional wifi video baby monitors check out Nanit Plus vs Miku vs Owlet vs Lollipop – Which Wifi Video Baby Monitor is Best?
Best Baby Monitor With Stand: Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Floor Stand
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It might seem counterintuitive to bring along a baby monitor with a big stand. I get it. But hear me out. You don’t always know if your baby monitor will work with the crib or sleeping arrangement the hotel, motel, or Airbnb has to offer. Instead of worrying about whether it’s compatible, why not have your stand to get things done?
One of the best things about this monitor (aside from the convenient stand that can go anywhere) is the 1080p bird’s eye view of your baby. You can clearly see your child during the night or wait until this monitor alerts you of any movement or sounds. If baby sleeps through the night, check out the sleep stats each morning and enjoy a time-lapse highlight reel of your child’s slumber.
Last but not least, you will enjoy the fact that this best baby monitor for travel comes with clear two-way audio and a temperature and humidity monitor. You can comfort your baby when they need it or fix the temperature for their best sleep yet – even on vacation.
Who Is It Best For?
Those that don’t want to hassle setting up a camera would prefer a convenient stand. For those who want a comparison of the best smart baby monitors check out Cubo Ai vs Nanit Plus vs Lollipop: Comparison Guide for Smart Baby Monitors.
Conclusion
Keeping an eye on your baby is crucial, whether traveling or at home. These baby monitors will work like a charm, whether you want the most incredible SereneLife USA model or want a simple audio-only monitor.
Michelle Keldgord is a well-respected fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writer based in southern California, USA. With over 8 years of experience in the writing field, Michelle is a true expert in her craft.
