How to Choose the Best Baby Monitor (Australia)
The best baby monitor will be different for every family. Your home layout, Wi-Fi quality, anxiety levels in the newborn phase, whether you need to see (not just hear) baby all influence the right choice. Spending a few minutes clarifying needs can save you money – and stop you buying something that’s overkill or impractical.
Remember: a baby monitor supports both baby’s safety and parents’ peace of mind, especially in the first few months. It’s an aid, not a substitute for supervision.
Quick flow: which type suits you?
First question – Video or Audio only?
- Audio-only monitors: Great if you primarily want to hear baby. In larger homes or where there’s electrical interference, an audio unit can deliver longer, more reliable range.
- Video monitors: Choose this if you need to see baby settle (position, breathing movement, covers) and reduce the urge to constantly walk in and check.
Second question – At home only, remote access too?
- Home-only: A closed system (dedicated parent unit) can be simple and robust.
- Remote access (phone/tablet): Helpful if caregivers share monitoring or you want notifications while away. Direct WiFi at home usually improves range; cloud access lets you check from anywhere with internet.
Breathing and movement monitoring
If there’s a family history of respiratory issues, consider a breathing monitor made to alert before a full apnoea event. For example, Babysense monitors breathing rate and alarms when it drops below a threshold (a “pre-warning” approach). Be cautious with generic movement only pads that can create false alarms; consistency and correct setup are key. Always follow the manual, remember these devices do not prevent SUDI/SIDS.
The importance of choosing the right brand
Stick to brands that design and support their own baby monitors, update apps/firmware, provide local Australian support. We see many “pop-up” labels that badge a generic camera – the common issues are app crashes, patchy security, weak warranty support.
We recommend (and sell) Oricom, VTech and Kodak because they invest in app quality, security, warranty service. The brand matters as much as the features list.
Features checklist
Useful on any monitor (audio or video)
- Room temperature display/alerts
- Two-way talk
- Night light and/or lullabies/white noise
- Parent unit ergonomics (self-standing, easy volume control)
- Power options (battery vs mains for baby unit)
Extra considerations for video monitors
Baby unit (camera)
- Adjustable angle; good infrared night vision
- Optical/digital zoom; pan/tilt (manual or motorised)
- Mounting options; cable management
- Optional sensors (humidity/motion)
Parent unit / app
- Screen size and clarity (bigger isn’t always better if you want portable)
- Battery life and low-battery/out-of-range alerts
- Vibration alerts, VOX/sound activation, split-screen, multi-camera support
- Background audio and reliable notifications on phones/tablets
Remote access extras
- Direct home Wi-Fi streaming (for range) and secure remote viewing
- Encrypted video transmission; strong account security
- Optional SD card/cloud recording; motion alerts you can tune
When a phone-connected monitor may not be ideal
- Your Wi-Fi coverage is poor or congested
- You prefer a closed, non-internet system
- You don’t want to manage app logins/updates/permissions
Top baby monitors we recommend
- Oricom OBH930 5 Inch Smart HD Nursery Pal Glow+ Baby Monitor
- VTech RM7754HD 7 Inch Smart WiFi HD Video Monitor with Remote Access
- Oricom HD Smart Camera OBH930 PTZ Remote Access & Motorised Pan-Tilt
- Babysense 7 Oricom Secure 330 Value Pack
- Oricom Secure 530 DECT Digital Baby Monitor
Practical buying tips (Australia)
- Test notifications and night vision on day one; return under ACL if it’s not fit for purpose.
- Secure your system: change default passwords, enable 2-step sign-in where available, keep the app/router firmware updated.
- Cable safety: route camera cords well away from the cot to remove strangulation risk.
- Prefer local warranty & support: it saves time if you ever need help.
Summary
The right baby monitor balances safety, reliability and ease-of-use for your home. Start with audio vs video, decide if you need remote access, then choose a reputable brand with a proven app and warranty. If you’re unsure, our in-store team will match a monitor to your home, devices and budget.
At Bubs n Grubs, we hand-pick every monitor based on years of testing and thousands of customer conversations. We can guide you in-store or over the phone.
See you online or in store soon!
Frank
Standards & Guidance (Australia)
- Australian Cyber Security Centre: Secure smart devices in your home (good practice for WiFi/IoT baby monitors)
- Red Nose: Safe sleeping (monitors are an aid only; follow safe sleep)
- ACCC: Consumer guarantees (what to expect for repairs, replacements, refunds)
FAQs
Are phone-connected monitors safe?
Yes, when well designed and used correctly. Choose reputable brands with encrypted streams and regular app updates. Keep your router/app firmware updated and use strong passwords.
Do baby monitors prevent SIDS?
No. Monitors can notify you to check baby but they do not prevent SUDI/SIDS. Always follow Red Nose safe sleep advice and your product manual.
Is video worth it over audio?
If seeing baby settle reduces your anxiety or saves trips to the room, yes. If you only need to hear crying, a quality audio monitor may be enough - often with better range.
Should I buy a cheap monitor online?
Be cautious. Many budget labels rebadge generic cameras with weak apps/support. Prefer established brands with local warranty and proven reliability.
Safety Disclaimer
This content is general information for Australia. Baby monitors are an aid, not a substitute for supervision. Always follow your product manual and Red Nose safe sleeping guidance. For privacy and device security, use strong passwords and keep apps/router firmware updated.
Transparency Note
We stock and sell some products mentioned. Recommendations are based on in?store testing, customer feedback and suitability for Australian homes – not on manufacturer incentives.
About the Author
Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. He has been personally evaluating baby products & testing them before offering them to our customers since 2009. In addition, he is consistently giving manufacturer’s feedback & product development advice, reviewing & getting customer feedback. He has been doing this since the business started in 2009. He is proud to be one of the rare baby store owners in Australia who regularly engages with customers in his store. Frank values the constant feedback and regularly seeks it out. He has been featured on the Morning Show & the Today Show on Channel 7 and Channel 9 and is a recognised expert in baby products as a result.
The Car Seat Mistake That Almost Cost One Brisbane Mum a New Car
A Brisbane mum with three young children came to us seeking a second opinion after being told she would likely need to buy a larger vehicle to fit three child restraints safely. The problem was she couldn’t afford one. Like many Australian families, she was already feeling the pressure of rising living costs. The thought
Read more...
Air-Filled vs Never-Flat Pram Tyres: What’s Better for Australian Families?
Air-Filled vs Never-Flat Pram Tyres – What’s Better for Your Family? Most parents spend time comparing suspension, fold size and basket space when choosing a pram, but very few think about the tyres until after they start using it every day. The type of tyres your pram uses can make a huge difference to: Ride
Read more...
Jogging Pram vs All Terrain Pram: What’s the Difference?
Jogging Pram vs All Terrain Pram: What’s the Difference? Many parents searching for an all terrain pram eventually come across jogging prams and assume they are exactly the same thing. While both are designed to handle rougher terrain better than standard strollers, there are some important differences that can completely change which option is best
Read more...
What To Look For In An All Terrain Pram
What To Look For In An All Terrain Pram Choosing the right all terrain pram can make everyday life much easier, especially if you regularly walk on gravel paths, grass, parks, uneven footpaths or outdoor trails. Some prams are designed mainly for smooth shopping centre floors, while others are built to handle rougher terrain, jogging
Read more...
Leave a comment