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What Is a Car Baby Monitor, and Do I Need One?

Staff Writer, Safety & Security

March 20, 2023

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A car baby monitor helps you keep an eye on your infant without taking your eyes off the road. Watching out for your baby while you’re driving is challenging. A car baby monitor helps make this task easier and safer for the driver and the child.

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Car baby monitor features

Car baby monitors work just like a baby monitor that you use inside your house. The system focuses a camera on the baby and sends the image to a screen located within easy viewing of the driver. This allows you to see how your baby is doing without needing to take your hands off the wheel or turn around to check.

SafeWise recommends

Yada Portable Car Baby Monitor

$149.99

View on Amazon

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Some car baby monitors, like the—Yada Portable Car Baby Monitor—use a traditional camera that can be strapped to the back of the seat that is in front of the baby’s car seat. The corresponding monitor screen is used much in the same way as car navigation devices, and it should be installed near the center of the windshield.

The most convenient types of car baby monitors are wireless, which means you don’t need to worry about any cords between the camera and the monitor. While you’re driving, all you need to do is turn on the camera and the monitor to receive a live feed of your child during the trip.

There are also cameras available that work in both daytime and nighttime conditions. If you do a lot of driving at night, it’s worthwhile to look for a camera that includes night vision in its features.

Tech that puts safety first

SafeWise recommends

Shynerk Baby Car Mirror

$21.99

View on Amazon

Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

A car baby monitor is not a necessity like a car seat. However, if you spend a lot of time in the car or are planning a long road trip, it can make things easier—and safer—for everyone. If you can afford a couple hundred dollars, it can be a wise investment that helps keep you and baby safe while in the car.

Another option that provides similar safe monitoring results for the driver is a baby car mirror. Baby car mirrors make it easy to check on the baby with a simple glance in the rearview mirror. They are also significantly less expensive than baby car monitors, but that cost savings comes with very limited functionality compared to a camera monitor.

Compare the best baby safety products

Product	Best for	Price	Specs	Standout feature	Learn more	Read review
Graco 4Ever DLX	Best car seat	$329.97	Converts to 4 seats for ages 0–10	Performs well in crash tests	View on Amazon	Read review
Davinci 4-in-1 Convertible Crib	Best baby crib	$229.00	GREENGUARD Gold Certified	Four adjustable mattress positions	View on Amazon	Read review
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor	Best baby monitor	$299.99	Unlimited range	High-quality night vision + two-way talk	View on Amazon	Read review
Wappa Child Safety Locks	Best baby-proofing locks	$20.99	3M strong adhesive	Use on cabinets, refrigerators, and toilets	View on Amazon	Read review
Reolink E1 Zoom	Best nanny cam	$84.98	Automatic person/pet tracking	Two-way talk + excellent night vision	View on Amazon	Read review
Regalo Easy Step	Best baby gate	$44.99	30 in. tall; fits doorways 29-34 and 35-38.5 in. wide	Open with one hand	View on Amazon	Read review
LILLEbaby All Seasons	Best baby carrier	$99.99	For babies 7–45 lbs	6 ways to carry your baby	View on Amazon	Read review

*Amazon.com price as of post date. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Written by

Cathy Habas

With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.