When you are getting ready for a baby, the list of “must-haves” can feel endless. Crib. Car seat. Stroller. Bottles. And somewhere on that list, you keep seeing one more thing pop up: a baby monitor.
But do you really need a baby monitor? Is it worth having a baby monitor?
The honest answer is…it depends on your home, your baby, and your comfort level. A baby monitor isn’t always a must-have, but I highly recommend it for the peace of mind, convenience, and safety it provides you with as a parent. For some families, a baby monitor is a must-have ally in managing the demands that come with a new baby. For others, it ends up sitting on a shelf.
Let’s talk it through together so you can decide what feels right for you.
What Does A Baby Monitor Do?
To understand whether a baby monitor is necessary in your life, let’s first define what a baby monitor does.
At its simplest, a baby monitor helps you hear or see your baby when you are not in the same room. That might be during naps, at bedtime, or even when you step outside to take out the trash.
Some monitors only let you hear your baby. Others show you a video. Some even track movement or breathing.
But the main purpose of baby monitors is the same: they help you stay connected while giving you a little physical space.
When Do You Need A Baby Monitor?
For many parents, a baby monitor brings peace of mind during those moments when they just cannot be in the nursery.
Here are 4 instances where you really need a baby monitor:
1. Your Baby Sleeps in a Separate Room
If your baby naps or sleeps overnight in their own room, having a monitor becomes your priority. The device will help you easily hear when your little one has woken up, is crying, or needs comfort without keeping the door open or checking in every few minutes.
2. You Have a Larger Home
Do you live in a bigger home or a home with multiple floors? If yes, it can be hard to hear your baby cry from a faraway room. Plus, making those trips to and from their room can be exhausting. In this situation, a monitor ensures you do not miss those early sounds before crying gets louder.
3. You Want to See Without Waking Them
The moment you become a parent, you unlock a new superpower: ninja-level sneaking. I know many moms can easily relate. Suddenly, you are tiptoeing past your baby’s room like you are in a spy movie, holding your breath because one tiny creak from the door hinge could undo an entire bedtime routine.
This is where a video monitor saves the day for you. It lets you check on your little dreamer without opening the door, no risky hinges, no sudden blast of hallway light, no accidental wake-up call. Just a quick peek for peace of mind, while your baby keeps snoozing and you keep your hard-earned quiet.
4. You Are an Anxious Sleeper
If you are the kind of mom whose brain suddenly starts asking, “Wait… was that sound normal?” the second your head hits the pillow, you are not alone. A lot of us sleep way better knowing we can roll over, glance at a screen, and see our baby snoozing peacefully.
This quick little check can magically calm your racing mind fast, especially in those early months when everything feels new and a tiny bit nerve-wracking. Sometimes, a few seconds of reassurance is all it takes to help you relax and finally get some real rest, too.
When You Might Not Need A Baby Monitor:
Not every parent needs a monitor, and that is okay, too. Here are instances when you may not really need to use a monitor:
1. Your Baby Sleeps In Your Room
If your baby sleeps in the same room as you, especially in the early months, you will likely hear every little sound without extra help.
Every little snort, sigh, or dramatic stretch somehow sounds like it is happening right next to your ear… because it is.
2. You Live In An Apartment or Small Home
Some parents ask: “Do I need a baby monitor in an apartment?”
If you live in an apartment or small home, sound often travels easily, and you can still be able to keep an ear (or eye) on your baby without needing any fancy equipment.
You might be folding laundry, watching TV, or sneaking a snack and still hear the tiniest peep from the nursery.
3. You Prefer Having Fewer Gadgets Around
Some parents find that too much technology increases their worry instead of calming it. If constantly staring at a monitor makes you more anxious instead of more relaxed, it is okay to skip a baby monitor.
Do You Need A Video Baby Monitor?
Some parents are happy with an audio monitor that lets them hear every sound. Others feel calmer being able to see their baby with the help of a video baby monitor.
Audio monitors are usually simpler and more affordable. Video monitors give you visual reassurance, but can sometimes lead to watching the screen more than you need to. There is no right choice here, only what helps you feel more at ease.
Do Pediatricians Recommend Baby Monitors?
No, pediatricians do not recommend baby monitors as a must-have or a medical necessity for your baby. Some pediatricians would say a baby monitor is fine to use if it helps you feel at peace, but it is not required for your baby to be safe and healthy.
Doctors usually focus more on safe sleep habits, like placing your baby on their back, using a firm mattress, and keeping the crib free of loose blankets and toys. Those practices matter far more for safety than any device.
That said, many pediatricians understand that monitors can give parents peace of mind, especially when a baby moves into their own room. Some may suggest using a simple audio or video monitor so you can respond quickly if your baby cries or seems uncomfortable.
Breathing or movement tracking monitors are sometimes talked about, but doctors often remind parents that these devices can give you false alarms and increase anxiety. They are not a replacement for safe sleep guidelines or regular pediatric care.
What Can You Use Instead of A Baby Monitor?
If you decide not to use a baby monitor, there are still simple ways to stay aware of your baby while giving yourself a little space.
If your baby sleeps in the same room as you, you will naturally hear most sounds without any extra equipment. Even soft movements often wake parents easily in those early months.
In smaller homes or apartments, leaving the nursery door slightly open can help sound travel.
You can also use a basic sound machine with a monitor function or keep your own door open so they can listen closely.
You might also find yourself checking in the old-fashioned way, by quietly peeking into the room now and then. Many parents do this, no matter what monitor they have, just for that extra reassurance.
At What Age Do You No Longer Need A Baby Monitor?
Most babies start needing less monitoring around 2 to 3 years old, when they can move safely around the house, follow basic instructions, and sleep through the night.
Some toddlers may still need supervision at night if they’re prone to wandering or have medical issues.
It’s really about your child’s safety and your comfort level, not a strict age. Many parents keep monitors until their child can reliably stay in their room and wake up only when needed.
Is It Safe To Not Have A Baby Monitor?
Yes, it can be safe to go without a baby monitor, especially if your baby sleeps in the same room as you, or you can check on them frequently.
Monitors are convenient for peace of mind, but what matters more for your baby is a safe sleep environment: with a firm mattress, no loose bedding, and a safe crib.
For older toddlers who can communicate or call for help, monitors are less necessary. Safety depends more on supervision and room setup than on technology.
The Real Reason Many Parents Choose A Baby Monitor
More than anything, most parents get a baby monitor for one reason: peace of mind. It is that feeling of being able to wash dishes, take a shower, or sit on the couch for a few minutes without constantly wondering, “Did I hear something?”
It does not take away all the worry that comes with loving a tiny human so much. But it can soften the edges of that worry and help you breathe a little easier.
So… Do You Need a Baby Monitor?
A baby monitor can be a very helpful parenting “assistant” if your baby sleeps in another room, your home is larger, or you know you will feel calmer being able to hear or see your baby.
If you are unsure about the whole idea of baby monitors, I always advise starting simple and upgrading later if you feel like you need more features.
At the end of the day, I’d say what matters is creating a setup that helps you feel confident, rested, and able to care for your little one with a little less stress. And if a baby monitor fits this equation, then go for it.
Whether you decide to get a monitoring unit or not, remember this: you already know your baby better than any device ever could.