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<ul class="summary-list"><li>A mom influencer went viral with a video claiming her son's night Owlet camera had been hacked.</li><li>She claimed her child told her that a stranger had been speaking to him through it and scaring him.</li></ul><p>A TikToker sparked widespread concern among parents after claiming their son's baby monitor had been hacked. In a video that amassed over 6 million views since it was shared on Sunday, the mom influencer, Kurin Adele, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kurinadele/video/7229757329577626926?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">claimed a stranger had been speaking to her son</a> at night for several months.</p><p>The monitor's manufacturer, Owlet, however, has disputed these claims. In a statement to Insider on Tuesday, the company said it conducted a thorough investigation into the matter, including reviewing "all available data" on its "firmware, mobile, and server logs," and has concluded that there is "no suspicious activity."</p> <p>While Adele has not responded to Insider's requests for comment, she did post <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kurinadele/video/7231331540876201262?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a follow-up video</a> on Tuesday saying that she'd been in touch with Owlet's CEO, who had apparently relayed a similar message and rebuttal.</p><h2><strong style="color: #000000;">Adele's TikTok sparked widespread fear and panic</strong></h2><p>In the creator's original video, Adele said she noticed something was awry when her son woke up in the middle of the night and asked that his monitor not be plugged back in. Her son had been unplugging the camera for the last couple of weeks, she said.</p><p>She claimed her son told her and her husband that someone had been talking to him at night, which woke him up and scared him. </p><p>Adele said she and her husband were immediately alarmed by this revelation, so they decided to change the password in the Owlet app. When they did, they received an iOS warning saying their password had "appeared in a data leak." Adele showed a screenshot of this message to followers.</p><p>"Who the heck knows how long someone has had our password and has been messing with my son," Adele said in the video. "Owlet never notified us."</p><p>In response, Owlet said that the iOS warning she and her husband received was from Apple, and that the company does not store passwords on their app.</p><p>"As shown in the video the customer shared, she received a general iOS warning from Apple on her iPhone that a password used for multiple accounts appeared in a larger data leak," a spokesperson for the company said. "This was not a warning or notification from Owlet. Owlet does not store customer passwords."</p><p>The company advised customers to "be vigilant" and "use password best practices on all devices," assuming their password, which may have been for multiple accounts, was breached by a third party. </p><p>Adele ended her video by urging people to trash their Wi-Fi cameras and shilled a competitive brand, Infant Optics, a baby monitor that relies on a local video feed and does not require an internet connection.</p><p>A mass of commenters who claimed to be parents themselves said this scary predicament is precisely why they've always shied away from Wi-Fi cameras. Several commenters said they had similar experiences with the Owlet monitor before.</p><p>"This exact situation happened to us and our owlet went straight in the trash," one person wrote. "Immediately switched to infant optics."</p><h2>'We have no reason to believe there was improper access by external IP addresses based upon our review,' the company maintains</h2><p>In a lengthy email statement, the company disavows responsibility for this issue.</p><p>"All access to the customer's cameras came from the devices owned by the family, and we have no reason to believe there was improper access by external IP addresses based upon our review," the statement said. "Further, Owlet has zero confirmed cases of our cameras being compromised, nor have we identified any failure in our security protocols."</p><p>The company added that it will inform customers whenever it becomes aware of a data breach.</p> <p>In <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@kurinadele/video/7231331540876201262?refer=embed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Adele's update</a>, she said Owlet CEO Kurt Workman informed her that the company has plans to create more educational content about using Wi-Fi devices safely, like encouraging customers to change their passwords frequently.</p>

Baby monitor company Owlet denies any 'suspicious activity' after a mom TikToker went viral with a claim that a stranger hacked into her son's camera

<p>Hello,</p><p>Today in <keyword id="6354525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="healthcare">healthcare</keyword> news: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cdc-guidance-what-can-covid-19-vaccinated-people-do-2021-3">New CDC guidelines for those who are vaccinated</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3">industry experts and doctors aren't sold on Owlet's baby smart sock</a>, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/vaccine-hunters-covid-us-rollout-moderna-pfizer-facebook-2021-3">"vaccine hunters" have stepped in to help get people shots</a>.</p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cdc-guidance-what-can-covid-19-vaccinated-people-do-2021-3"></a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cdc-guidance-what-can-covid-19-vaccinated-people-do-2021-3">CDC says vaccinated people can hug and gather indoors without masks</a></h3><ul><li>The <keyword id="6379474" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="cdc">CDC</keyword> released its first guidance for fully vaccinated people on Monday.</li><li>Fully vaccinated people can visit unvaccinated family members from a single household indoors, provided no one who's unvaccinated is "at risk of severe COVID-19."</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cdc-guidance-what-can-covid-19-vaccinated-people-do-2021-3">The guidance only pertains to people who've given their shots several weeks to take effect.</a></li></ul><p><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cdc-guidance-what-can-covid-19-vaccinated-people-do-2021-3">Read the full story from Hilary Brueck here&gt;&gt;</a></strong></p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3"><div type="image" title="Owlet Baby Care" height="3016" width="4021" msid="81414538" hostid="261"></div></a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3">A company selling a smart sock for babies is going public in a $1.1 billion SPAC deal. Industry veterans and pediatricians aren't sold on the device.</a></h3><ul><li><keyword id="2205577" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Owlet">Owlet</keyword> sells a "smart sock" for babies that lets parents track their infant's health metrics.</li><li>The company reached a deal with a SPAC in February to go public at a $1.1 billion valuation.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3">The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend infant wearables, and a healthcare industry expert criticized Owlet's financial projections.</a></li></ul><p><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3">Read the full analysis from Patricia Kelly Yeo here&gt;&gt;</a></strong></p><h3><a href="https://www.insider.com/vaccine-hunters-covid-us-rollout-moderna-pfizer-facebook-2021-3"><strong><div type="image" title="vaccine hunters in america 4x3" height="2000" width="2667" msid="81414539" hostid="261"></div></strong></a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.insider.com/vaccine-hunters-covid-us-rollout-moderna-pfizer-facebook-2021-3"><strong>Rogue 'vaccine hunters' are angling for appointments and uncovering loopholes in America's Wild West shot rollout</strong></a></h3><ul><li>Amid a rocky <keyword id="24209" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="vaccine">vaccine</keyword> rollout in the US, groups helping "vaccine hunters" have stepped in.</li><li>The groups vary across states, but their aim is the same: "Every vaccine should be put in an arm."</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/vaccine-hunters-covid-us-rollout-moderna-pfizer-facebook-2021-3">Still, ethical quandaries about access and who gets prioritized remain.</a></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/vaccine-hunters-covid-us-rollout-moderna-pfizer-facebook-2021-3"><strong>Read the full story from Andrea Michelson here&gt;&gt;</strong></a></p><p><strong>More stories we're reading:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-health-wearables-change-the-way-we-eat-sleep-exercise-drink-alcohol">High-performance apps become a lifestyle and status symbol in quarantine</a> (Insider)</li><li><a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/the-lost-year-what-the-pandemic-cost-teenagers">What the past pandemic year has cost teenagers</a> (ProPublica)</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/should-i-get-the-vaccine-bmi-body-yes-2021-3">I got the COVID-19 vaccine because I'm fat. You should too.</a> (Insider)</li><li><a href="https://www.statnews.com/2021/03/08/ibm-watson-health-sale/">Inside the fall of Watson Health, which is currently for sale</a> (Stat News)</li></ul><p>- Lydia</p>

Vaccinated people can hug

<p><strong> <div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Kristin John</span></p><p class="caption">The author's daughter.</p></div><p></p></div></div></strong></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>There are times in life to save money and consider budget <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">product options</a>, but there are also times when you should settle for nothing but the best, price notwithstanding.</strong></li><li><strong>When it comes to providing safety for my kids, I'm more than willing to spend whatever necessary to do it right.</strong></li><li><strong>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZXYD6S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=bi_013119_owlet-smart-sock-product-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B06ZZXYD6S&amp;linkId=167bdc7a4524adb478dae3b923a009c1">Owlet Smart Sock</a> was a gift my wife and I gave to ourselves, as well, as the peace of mind it provides lets us sleep better at night.</strong></li></ul><p> </p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A few years back, if you had asked me what was the best money I ever spent, I probably would have told you it was on a pair of hiking boots. Back in 2012, I treated myself to a pair of </span><a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&amp;merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-734e25f82503&amp;website_id=9597bdee-ce2a-4552-aa13-419b5f275c06&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F896262%2Fasolo-tps-520-gv-evo-hiking-boots-mens&amp;ctc=bi_013119_owlet-smart-sock-product-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Asolo TPS boots</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that cost more than $300, a lot of money for me then (and plenty now, of course), but I was getting more serious about mountaineering, and I wanted gear that could help ensure my safety and comfort.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Those boots have held up beautifully even after miles of trekking through all sorts of conditions, and I have sung their praises to any who would listen. They cost three times more than many decent options, but I have never for a second regretted the purchase; they were money well spent.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But ask me today, and I'll tell you the best money my wife and I ever spent was on the </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZXYD6S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=bi_013119_owlet-smart-sock-product-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B06ZZXYD6S&amp;linkId=167bdc7a4524adb478dae3b923a009c1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Owlet Smart Sock</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, a pulse oximetry monitor that we wrap around our daughter's little foot every night before she goes to sleep. By tracking her blood oxygen level and heart rate, the Owlet gives us constant, real-time reassurance that she is OK; that she's breathing, that her heartbeat is strong, and she's not in danger or distress.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Kristin John</span></p></div><p></p></div></div>Sure, it's an expensive little device. In fact, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZXYD6S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=bi_013119_owlet-smart-sock-product-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B06ZZXYD6S&amp;linkId=167bdc7a4524adb478dae3b923a009c1">Smart Sock costs $300</a>, just about the same price as my trusty boots. But that's a small price to pay for peace of mind. And should our baby ever experience a serious medical issue, from a blocked airway to an </span><a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/252204-what-causes-a-very-rapid-heart-rate-in-infants/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">infection causing a rapid heart rate</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZXYD6S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=bi_013119_owlet-smart-sock-product-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B06ZZXYD6S&amp;linkId=167bdc7a4524adb478dae3b923a009c1">Owlet Smart Sock</a> could be the difference between life and death. I'd say that meets the criteria for a classification of priceless.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are all sorts of baby safety products out there, from futuristic monitors that track infant sleep patterns to good old baby gates and outlet covers (and we have plenty of such hardware ourselves, with corners capped, drawers locked, and so on), but no product has ever matched the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZXYD6S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=bi_013119_owlet-smart-sock-product-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B06ZZXYD6S&amp;linkId=167bdc7a4524adb478dae3b923a009c1">Smart Sock</a> in terms of value. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We use it every night and we know full well that in less than a year, our baby will outgrow it and it will be obsolete for our family. Yet if I accidentally stepped on the thing or ran it through the washing machine today, I'd have ordered another one by tonight. And I wouldn't sleep that well while waiting for it to be delivered.</span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-sales-slowed-stock-plunge-2019-1">How Apple went from a $1 trillion company to losing over 20% of its share price</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

The best money I've ever spent was on a small piece of technology that let's me know my baby is safe

<p>Hello,</p><p>Welcome to Insider <keyword id="6354525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="healthcare">Healthcare</keyword>. I'm Lydia Ramsey Pflanzer, and this week in healthcare news:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3">We explore what industry veterans and execs think about a company selling a smart sock for babies;</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/100plus-pitch-deck-seed-funding-remote-patient-monitoring-2021-3">See the presentation that convinced 2 billionaires and Dr. Oz to invest in a new way of helping doctors care for patients at home;</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leaked-documents-reveal-walmarts-digital-strategy-project-glass-2021-3">Walmart has a secret plan to stop losing out to Amazon</a>.</li></ul><p>If you're new to this newsletter, <a href="http://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/4np/newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/4np/insider-healthcare">sign up here.</a></p><p>Comments, tips, <a href="https://denverite.com/2021/03/11/denver-weather-lets-watch-weather-pros-and-your-fellow-denverites-figure-this-out-in-real-time/">advice for bracing for a major Denver snowstorm</a>? Email me at <a href="mailto:lramsey@insider.com">lramsey@insider.com</a> or tweet <a href="https://twitter.com/lydiaramsey125">@lydiaramsey125</a>. Now, let's get to it...</p><p>This week, I've been reflecting on where we've come in the past year. In my then-weekly newsletter a year ago, I was <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dispensed-weekly-healthcare-newsletter-2020-march-13-3">filling you in on how eerily quiet the streets of Brooklyn were getting.</a> </p><p>Hope is on the horizon. The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cdc-guidance-what-can-covid-19-vaccinated-people-do-2021-3">CDC says people who've been vaccinated can hug and gather indoors without masks</a>. </p><p>And <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-prime-time-address-stimulus-check-vaccine-may-2021-3">President Joe Biden pledged to make all adults eligible to receive vaccines starting by May 1</a>. </p><p>I'm very much looking forward to hearing <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/independence-day-covid-president-biden-vaccine-pandemic-virus-us-2021-3">what everyone's July 4 plans are</a>. </p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3"></a></p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3">Recently SPAC-ing companies are facing scrutiny</a></h3><p>Going public via a <keyword id="1817616" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="SPAC">SPAC</keyword> deal has catapulted a number of startups on to the public market.</p><p>There, they can face heightened scrutiny.</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/clover-health-stock-growth-projections-analyst-questions-chamath-palihapitiya-2021-3">Wall Street analysts are raising fresh questions about the ambitious growth plans Clover laid out before going public in a Chamath-backed SPAC</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/shelby-livingston">Shelby Livingston</a> reports.</li><li>and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hims-class-action-lawsuit-over-alleged-spam-text-messages-2021-3">Hims has been hit with a a class-action lawsuit in California over alleged spam text messages</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/megan-hernbroth">Megan Hernbroth</a> reports. </li></ul><p>Meanwhile Owlet, a company that makes smart baby socks, is going public via SPAC in a $1.1 billion deal.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/patricia-kelly-yeo">Patricia Kelly Yeo</a> took a closer look at the company's investor presentation. She also spoke with experts to gut-check the promise of the device. </p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3">Find the full analysis here&gt;&gt;</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/analysis-owlet-baby-care-spac-deal-presentation-2021-3">A company selling a smart sock for babies is going public in a $1.1 billion SPAC deal. Industry veterans and pediatricians aren't sold on the device.</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/100plus-pitch-deck-seed-funding-remote-patient-monitoring-2021-3"><div type="image" title="100Plus remote patient monitoring" height="3840" width="5119" msid="81471145" hostid="261"></div></a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/100plus-pitch-deck-seed-funding-remote-patient-monitoring-2021-3">How 100plus raised $25 million</a></h3><p>This week, Allison DeAngelis and Megan took a closer look at 100plus, a startup that offers services that help doctors monitor their patients at home. </p><p>They <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/100plus-pitch-deck-seed-funding-remote-patient-monitoring-2021-3">got their hands on the unredacted presentation</a> the startup used to raise $25 million in a round valuing 100plus at $150 million. </p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/100plus-pitch-deck-seed-funding-remote-patient-monitoring-2021-3">See the full presentation here&gt;&gt;</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/100plus-pitch-deck-seed-funding-remote-patient-monitoring-2021-3">Here's the presentation that convinced 2 billionaires and Dr. Oz to invest in a new way of helping doctors care for patients at home</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leaked-documents-reveal-walmarts-digital-strategy-project-glass-2021-3"><div type="image" title="walmart new test stores" height="1392" width="1857" msid="81471149" hostid="261"></div></a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leaked-documents-reveal-walmarts-digital-strategy-project-glass-2021-3">A non-healthcare scoop</a></h3><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/blake-dodge">Blake Dodge</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/shelby-livingston">Shelby Livingston</a> teamed up with <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/aine-cain">Áine Cain</a> to nail down a scoop about <keyword id="80487" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="walmart">Walmart</keyword>. </p><p>It might not be healthcare-related, but for those taking notes on what the retailer is doing in healthcare, it's helpful context for what else is on Walmart's mind. </p><p>The three <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leaked-documents-reveal-walmarts-digital-strategy-project-glass-2021-3">got their hands on a presentation</a> for a secret initiative about Walmart's e-commerce strategy. It lays out how Walmart plans to stop losing out to Amazon.</p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leaked-documents-reveal-walmarts-digital-strategy-project-glass-2021-3">Get the full scoop here&gt;&gt;</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/leaked-documents-reveal-walmarts-digital-strategy-project-glass-2021-3">Walmart is betting on a secret initiative called 'Project Glass' in the war against Amazon. See the full presentation outlining its plan.</a></h3><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/universities-set-up-psychedelics-research-centers-depression-anxiety-imperial-hopkins-2021-3"><div type="image" title="prestigious US universities psychedelic studies 4x3" height="1563" width="2084" msid="81471151" hostid="261"></div></a></p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/universities-set-up-psychedelics-research-centers-depression-anxiety-imperial-hopkins-2021-3">Inside the rise of university psychedelic centers</a></h3><p>Funding from wealthy donors and promising early results from scientific studies are making psychedelic research more mainstream.</p><p>It's leading universities to establish centers to study compounds like psilocybin and MDMA, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/author/yeji-jesse-lee">Yeji Lee</a> reports. </p><p>That could lead to potential new treatments for depression and new tools to help people quit smoking. </p><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/universities-set-up-psychedelics-research-centers-depression-anxiety-imperial-hopkins-2021-3">Check out the full feature here&gt;&gt;</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/universities-set-up-psychedelics-research-centers-depression-anxiety-imperial-hopkins-2021-3">Wealthy donors are fueling a psychedelics renaissance as universities vie for funding to study 'magic mushrooms' and MDMA</a></h3><p>- Lydia</p>

Biden wants all adults to be eligible for the vaccine by May 1

<ul><li>The UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve hosts over 50 mammal species, 254 bird species, 30 reptile species and 50 butterfly species, among a plethora of others.</li><li>The <keyword id="10677348" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="satpura-biosphere-reserve">Satpura Biosphere Reserve</keyword> composes three wildlife regions - the Bori range, Satpura and the <keyword id="488513" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pachmarhi">Pachmarhi</keyword> range.</li><li>The Son and Denwa rivers weave through this 1427 sq kilometre expanse frequented by a large variety of exotic birds.</li></ul><br />When Shyamla Nayyar, an executive search professional, was told she would be travelling to Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh for a family vacation, she was less than thrilled. However, after visiting the place she says, “it turned out to be one of the best trips we had in our lives.” <br /><br />Often referred to as the queen of the <keyword id="5934375" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="satpura-range">Satpura Range</keyword> in central India, the hill station of Pachmarhi lodged at the height of 1100 m is a part of Satpura Biosphere Reserve. The Satpura Biosphere Reserve composes three wildlife regions - the Bori range, Satpura and the Pachmarhi range. <br /><br />            <div type="image" title="Satpura Biosphere Reserve" msid="80598818" hostid="261"></div><br />The <a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/asia-and-the-pacific/india/pachmarhi">UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve</a> hosts over 150 species of flora that is used for medicinal purposes and over 50 mammal species, 254 bird species, 30 reptile species and 50 butterfly species, among a plethora of other species found here. <br /><br />The verdant teak and sal forest is also home to rare and endangered animals like the gaur, bears, tigers, leopards, giant squirrels and crested serpent eagle. Linking two biodiversity hotspots — Eastern Himalaya and the Western Ghats — the Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve is frequently recognised as a ‘Genetic Express Highway’.<br /><br />The Reserve is also home to two major tribes - the Gond tribes and Korkus tribe whereas the most primitive tribe, <a href="http://www.epco.in/epco_biosphere_pachmarhi.php">Bhariya</a>, reside in the Patalkot region, which is a completely isolated valley in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. <br /><br />According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the five Pandava brothers from Mahabharata built five caves that are located here - thus the place was named Panch (five) Marhi (caves). These caves were first discovered by Captain J. Forsyth in 1862 and feature rock paintings up to 2,500 years old.<br /><br />            <div type="image" title="Satpura Biosphere Reserve" msid="80598840" hostid="261"></div><br /><br /><strong>In and around Satpura National Park:<br /></strong><br />Without a doubt, one of the biggest highlights of visiting Pachmarhi is exploring the treasures in this UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve. The Son and Denwa rivers weave through this 1427 sq kilometre expanse frequented by a large variety of exotic birds including the Crested Serpent Eagle, Spotted Owlet and the Common Kingfisher. <br /><br />"I fondly remember our drives around the hill station which boasts of great wildlife and a vast forest cover. The mixed terrain of Panchmarhi is what makes this region truly unique." - Shubh Mukherji, a final year student at the School of Communication, Manipal University, tells us.<br /><br />              <div type="image" title="Satpura Biosphere Reserve" msid="80599027" hostid="261"></div><br /><br />You can explore the jungle either by jeep safari, elephant safari, boat, walking (Satpura is one of the few Indian jungles that visitors can experience on foot) and canoe ride. Locals suggest a visit to the Denwa backwaters, a 2-hour road journey from Pachmarhi, for wildlife and bird sightings. There is also an excellent boat safari into the jungle.<br /><br />            <div type="image" title="Satpura Biosphere Reserve" msid="80598914" hostid="261"></div> <br />Local guides often recommend 'special' places they have come across while living there and one such find was the vulture point. A short trek from the WelcomHeritage Golf View hotel is a spot from where vultures, that are sadly at the verge of extinction, can be viewed with a binocular. "It turned out to be one of the best experiences of the trip, at least for me," Shyamla tells us.<br /><br />The region is also home to some spectacular waterfalls and the famous Irene Pool that was discovered by Irene Bose, wife of Justice Vivian Bose.<br /><br />The best part is that the place is relatively quiet and not teeming with tourists. Shubh gleefully tells us that "While December is usually peak season for most destinations, we were surprised to see a relatively small number of tourists at the time." <br /><br /><strong>Getting there: <br /></strong><br />“We took a train from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi to Itarsi, which was an overnight journey. We reached Itarsi early morning and a pickup was arranged by our hotel. It was a one-and-a-half-hour journey and the roads were pretty decent," says Shyamla. If, however, you don't fancy a train journey, you can always fly down to Bhopal, which is where the closest airport is, and drive down from there.<br />

The many marvels of Satpura Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh

<ul><li>The park has over 150 <keyword id="43977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tigers">tigers</keyword>, but the star attraction here is the hard ground swamp deer or <keyword id="1324309" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="barasingha">Barasingha</keyword> — successfully brought back from near extinction by forest officials. </li><li>In 1967, the Barasingha numbers had dwindled to an abysmal 67 mainly because of loss of habitat, diseases and hunting.</li><li> The forest is also home to leopards, Indian fox, sloth bear, wolves, wild boars, hyenas, jackals, macaques, langurs and Indian wild dogs (dhole). </li></ul><keyword id="483322" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kanha-National-Park">Kanha National Park</keyword>, one of the nine national parks in <keyword id="6355554" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Madhya-Pradesh">Madhya Pradesh</keyword> (MP), is arguably one of the best known, and not without any reason. Spread across a total area of 1945 square kilometres, including the buffer and core zone, <keyword id="270154" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kanha">Kanha</keyword> is the largest in MP. The National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1933 and was later upgraded to a National Park in 1955.<br /><br />The park has over 150 tigers, but the star attraction here is the hard ground swamp deer or Barasingha — successfully brought back from near extinction by forest officials. The Barasingha is also the state animal of Madhya Pradesh. After 50 years of hardcore conservation work, the count is now close to <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/wildlife-biodiversity/near-extinct-hard-ground-swamp-deer-see-revival-in-kanha-69603">800</a>. In 1967, the numbers had dwindled to an abysmal 67 mainly because of loss of habitat, diseases and hunting.<br /><br />                            <div type="image" title="Swamp deer, Kanha" msid="81721685" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Swamp deer, Kanha &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The population of Barasinghas was successfully rekindled by the authorities by constructing a large enclosure at the heart of the jungle. In 2015, the population of Barasinghas had grown to around 600, after which the enclosure was no longer used. They are now being reintroduced to the nearby jungles of Satpura.<br /><br />Aniruddha Mookerjee, who spent over two decades in conservation with organisations like the <keyword id="94109" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Wildlife-Trust-of-India">Wildlife Trust of India</keyword>, World Animal Protection and the University of Oxford, among others firmly believes, “Kanha is perhaps the best-managed tiger reserve in India and can be counted among those across the world that provide a superlative wildlife experience to the visitor. It can boast of a conservation success in the early 1960s of bringing back the hard ground Barasingha in its last refuge from the brink of extinction.”<br /><br />                            <div type="image" title="Female Cub of Dhawajandhi, Kanha" msid="81721757" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Female Cub of Dhawajandhi, Kanha &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Mookerjee adds, “While forest departments across India sent rescued tiger cubs to the zoo, Kanha was the first to successfully experiment with their rehabilitation in the wild.”<br /><br />                            <div type="image" title="Cheetal alarmed by jackal, Kanha" msid="81721770" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Cheetal alarmed by jackal, Kanha &amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Set amidst thick sal and bamboo forest, Kanha today supports over 300 bird species and at least a thousand flowering shrubs and trees making it truly a gem among the world’s wildscapes, according to Mookerjee. The forest is also home to leopards, Indian fox, sloth bear, wolves, wild boars, hyenas, jackals, macaques, langurs and Indian wild dogs (dhole). The Indian roller, owlets, scarlet minivet, Indian pitta and black hooded oriole are some of the birds that call the forest home. The River Banjaar runs through Kanha and is the key source of water for flora and fauna here. The Park was originally inhabited by two indigenous tribes — the Gonds and the Baigas — thus, it was called the Gondwanas (“land of the Gonds''). These tribes still live in the forest.<br /><br />                            <div type="image" title="Link 7, Kanha" msid="81721718" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Link 7, Kanha&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Unfortunately, four of the most legendary tigers that trawled the jungles have passed on. Munna (aka Langda), the tiger with a distinctive CAT spelt on its forehead died of old age and Link 7 (Munna’s son), Kingfisher (aka Rajaram), and Bheema too have died of natural causes. <br /><br /><strong>Safaris: </strong>Kanha can be accessed via three gates — the Khatia Gate, Mukki, and Sarhi. Of these, Khatia is the most popular and therefore the busiest. There are two primary safari timings — sunrise to 11:00 AM and 02:00 PM to sunset. However, the morning safaris usually reap the most amount of sightings. “The safari experience itself is one of the best since you get an exclusive Gypsy (a vehicle) along with a local guide and driver who have a keen sense of ownership and provide visitors with an intimate glimpse into the lives of the Park’s wild denizens. It is perhaps the only national park in India with a large number of trained women guides recruited from the nearby villages,” Sheema Mookerjee, former publisher at Lonely Planet India, who now runs ‘Salban’ homestay in Kanha, tells Business Insider. <br /><br />                            <div type="image" title="L7, Kanha" msid="81721818" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;L7, Kanha&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><strong>Best time to visit and timings: </strong>The Park remains closed from 30th June to 30th September, and winter is the best time to visit. Please note that the afternoon shift of jeep safaris remains closed for visitors every Wednesday. It is always a good idea to check the nitty-gritty with your accommodation before arrival.<br /><br /><strong>Getting there: </strong>Jabalpur, Umaria, Gondia and Bilaspur are major rail junctions close to Kanha. Alternatively, you can fly down to Jabalpur (133 kilometres from Kanha) and Nagpur (261 kilometres from Kanha).<br /><br />                            <div type="image" title="Salban — the Kanha Homestay" msid="81721856" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Salban &amp;#8212; the Kanha Homestay&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><strong>Places to Stay: </strong>Popular as it is, Kanha has plenty of accommodation options available, from MPSTDC guest houses like <a href="http://www.mpstdc.com/properties/?type=Resorts">MPT Baghira Jungle Resort, Mocha</a> to charming resorts like <a href="https://www.infinityresorts.com/infinity-resorts-kanha/">Infinity Resorts</a>, where you can book large villas or tents. <a href="https://www.chitvan.com/">Chitvan Jungle Lodge</a> offers a variety of suites, a pool and a spa, and a range of tours with trained naturalists. But if you want an exceptional intimate experience, the <a href="https://www.salbankanha.com/">Salban — the Kanha Homestay</a> in the village Baherakhar (7 kilometres from the Mukki gate) is an excellent option that offers four rooms — two within the main house and two independent cottages. Please note that there are hardly any options to eat outside, so most resorts and hotels include all meals in their tariff.<br />

Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha National Park hosts a special guest. And, no, it’s not the tiger

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/wpy/gallery/2018/adult.html">© Arshdeep Singh - Winner, 10 Years and Under</a></span></p><p class="caption">Spotted owlets take shelter in a waste pipe in Kapurthala, Punjab, India.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Wildlife photography can shine a light on pressing environmental issues or simply remind us of the splendor of the natural world.</strong></li><li><strong>Every year, the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natural History Museum in London holds a wildlife photography contest</a> to award some of the best images.</strong></li><li><strong>Here are 14 of their top picks from 2018.  </strong></li></ul><p>Breathtaking photos of the natural world can bring attention to crises, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-won-by-photo-of-de-horned-black-rhino-2017-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">highlight important environmental issues</a>, or simply fascinate us as they reveal the world's bizarre and beautiful creatures.</p><p>Eye-catching images of animals can also garner photographers fame and some fortune. Each year, the Natural History Museum in London crowns one lucky camera-holder Wildlife Photographer of the Year. The prize brings international recognition and monetary prizes up to <span>£</span>10,000. (Judges also award a Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year who's under the age of 18.) </p><p>The images that made the list of winners and finalists this year depict a mother gorilla mourning her dead babe, owls that found refuge in a rusty urban spot, and a Caribbean flamingo behind the steering wheel of a car.</p><p>The grand prize went to Marsel van Oosten from the Netherlands, who captured a stunning shot of a pair of monkeys   in the mountains of China.</p><p>Take a look at those images and other stunning photos of the world's most fantastic beasts from the 2018 contest.</p>

The most gorgeous wildlife photos of 2018 shine a light on nature's bizarre and wonderful beauty

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&amp;linkId=cf63713fd869f3c5e81b5a06002e347e" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Alicia Betz / Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>After researching a ton of different baby monitors, I decided to get the </strong><strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&amp;linkId=cf63713fd869f3c5e81b5a06002e347e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$165.99 Infant Optics DXR-8</a> because it doesn't use Wi-Fi, so it can't get hacked and will keep working even if your connection goes out.</strong></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>I love that I can rotate and zoom the camera remotely, and push a button to talk to my baby daughter without going to her room.</strong></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>The picture quality on this monitor is excellent and you can add on extra cameras such as wide-angle lenses, though I didn't need to.</strong></li><li style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>It also has more than 30,500 reviews and a 4.3-star rating on Amazon, with 73% of reviewers giving it a full 5 stars. </strong></li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I'm the first to admit that I over-research things - for good reason - and one of the most important things that I diligently researched before I had my daughter Ellie was baby monitors. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Based on recommendations from friends, I knew I wanted to get a video monitor that didn't use Wi-Fi because they can get hacked and the thought of that terrified of me. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">With everything is hooked up to the Internet these days, finding a good non-Wi-Fi video monitor was actually pretty challenging, but I'm happy with the choice I made in the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&amp;linkId=cf63713fd869f3c5e81b5a06002e347e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor</a>. In fact, more than 30,500 people agree with me as it holds a 4.3-star rating on Amazon, with 73% of reviewers giving it a full 5 stars. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Still, the first few times I left my daughter Ellie alone to sleep when she was a newborn were nerve-racking. As a new mom, I felt like I was hardwired to be with her 24/7. But knowing I had a reliable monitor that would alert me </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">very quickly if something were wrong eased my anxiety. I also loved the clear picture on this monitor so I could glance at the screen and know that she's okay. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here's a full review of my experience with the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&amp;linkId=cf63713fd869f3c5e81b5a06002e347e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$165.99 Infant Optics DXR-8</a>.</span></p><h2><strong>Set-up</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Because it doesn't use Wi-Fi, the device was very easy to set up. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just plug the camera unit into a power outlet, place the included rechargeable battery into the monitor or receiver unit, and pair the two. Clear instructions are included, but it's basically pressing a series of buttons. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once you've paired the two once, you never have to do it again. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was also easy to find the perfect place for the camera since it can be placed on a flat surface or mounted on the wall. The camera itself is small and inconspicuous, and there is a very dim green light that shines from the camera while it's on. </span>We keep Ellie's room very dark with blackout curtains, and you can barely see the light.</p><p><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-video-baby-monitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best video baby monitors you can buy</a></em></p><h2>Specs</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&amp;linkId=cf63713fd869f3c5e81b5a06002e347e" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Alicia Betz/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><strong>Here are the full specs of the camera unit:</strong></p><ul><li>Input Voltage: 100-240VAC @ 50/60H</li><li>Operating Voltage: 5.9V, 1000mA</li><li>Effective Pixel: 640 x 480 (VGA)</li><li>IR/Night Vision: 8 IR LEDs, 1 Low light sensor</li><li>Picture sensor: GC0308 1/6.5' Color CMOS</li><li>Built-Lens: f 2.5mm, F 2.8</li><li>Operating Temperature: -10° C (+14° F) to +50° C (122° F)</li><li>Power Adapter<ul><li>Input: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz 150mA</li><li>Output: 5.9V, 1000mA</li></ul></li><li>Exposure Control: Auto</li><li>White Balance Control: Auto</li><li>Vertical Turning Angle: 95° up, 25° down</li><li>Horizontal Turning Angle: 135° both left and right</li></ul><p><strong>Here are the specs for the monitor, or receiver, unit:</strong></p><ul><li>Input Voltage: 100-240VAC @50/60 Hz</li><li>Operating Voltage: 5.0V, 550mA</li><li>Resolution (Pixel): 320 x 240</li><li>Battery: 1200mAH Li-ion 3.7V rechargeable battery</li><li>LCD Display: 3.5" TFT color display at 320 x 240 RGB colors</li><li>Power Adapter:<ul><li>Input: 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz 150mA</li><li>Output: 5.0V, 550mA</li></ul></li><li>Duration (Standby Mode): 10 hours</li><li>Duration (Screen ON): 6 hours</li><li>Time to charge full: 7 hours</li></ul><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's easy to electronically move the camera via the receiver, which is the main reason I didn't go with the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JB7SV6W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07JB7SV6W&amp;linkId=9a7d5ec5d308361af2c1153aee4bb02b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Willcare Video Baby Monitor</a> and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0742CJ6TY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B0742CJ6TY&amp;linkId=1315889d110238439790ffa31f770515" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Babysense Video Baby Monitor</a> when I was researching options. With both of those, you'd have to go in the baby's room to manually adjust the camera. There's nothing worse than accidentally waking up your baby by going into his or her room. </span><strong> </strong></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can check the temperature in the room with the receiver too, which I love because I always worry about whether Ellie is too cold or hot at night. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to the clear picture resolution both in daylight and night vision modes, there's also an indicator light on the side of the receiver that changes from green to orange to red as the volume in the baby's room increases. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">I always play white noise in Ellie's room while she's sleeping, so the volume indicator is continually green or orange, but it always turns red when she cries. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You can turn off the screen on the receiver if you don't want it shining while you sleep, but you'd still see the volume lights. This also helps save on battery.</span><strong> </strong></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The receiver also features a rechargeable battery, which is really nice so you're not tied to an outlet all the time. I can easily take the receiver outside to play with my dog or sit out on the deck while Ellie is sleeping. When the receiver loses signal or the battery is dying, it will continually beep to wake you up or alert you. This gives me peace of mind knowing that I don't have to keep looking at the monitor to make sure it's working. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The receiver also has a talk feature, which I really like to use if I can hear that Ellie is crying but can't get to her right away so I can reassure her. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One feature that I haven't used but could be useful is an alarm on the receiver unit. You could use this to wake you up or remind you to feed the baby, or just to remind you to check on the baby for peace of mind. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We don't have any of the add-on features like extra cameras or battery packs, or wide-angle or optical-zoom lenses</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> because we don't currently have a need for them, but having extra cameras for multiple children or different rooms in your home could be useful. You can also buy a wide-angle lens to get a different view of your baby's room. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p><h2><strong>Stand-out features</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&amp;linkId=cf63713fd869f3c5e81b5a06002e347e" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><p class="source"><span>Alicia Betz/Business Insider</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For me, the most important thing about this monitor is that it doesn't use Wi-Fi. In addition to not getting hacked, being off Wi-Fi also helps ensure that it will work all the time. We sometimes randomly lose our Internet connection, so if that were to happen in the middle of the night, we woul<span>d lose our monitor's connect too. </span><strong> </strong></span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not being on Wi-Fi also makes it very easy to travel with this unit. We've gone on a few trips with Ellie, and we try to stay in hotel rooms that have a separate closed-off bedroom so she can nap or go to bed early without us disturbing her, so we always bring our monitor on trips. Since we don't have to hook it up to Wi-Fi, we just plug it in and it's ready to go.  </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, we did have one issue with our monitor, but that resulted in a surprisingly great customer service experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When Ellie was about six months old (she's now around a year old), I walked into her room and something smelled a little off. I quickly realized that it was coming from the camera, so I turned it off immediately. When I turned it back on, it would no longer connect to the receiver. I contacted customer service, and was sent a new monitor free of charge. We've had no problems with that one since then.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I think the issue we had was a fluke and I don't have any safety concerns about the device, but I was impressed with how quickly customer service handled the problem. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><em><strong>Read more</strong>: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-baby-monitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The best baby monitors you can buy</a></em></span></p><h2><strong>Cons to consider</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I already mentioned the issue we had with the camera malfunction and while it doesn't seem to be a widespread problem, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">that is still something to consider.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The other major potential con is that it doesn't use Wi-Fi. Even though I didn't want a monitor that had an Internet connection in the first place, there are some really cool features that Wi-Fi-enabled monitors offer - like being able to check in on the baby via an app when you're away at work. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The reception of the monitor can also be a little spotty at times. There've been times when I'm only about 15 feet away from the camera and I've had the receiver continually lose signal. Large metal objects and objects that use Wi-Fi can interfere with the signal, and I've found that if I have my phone too close to the receiver, it can cause interference too.</span></p><h2><strong>What are some other options?</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you don't mind manually adjusting the camera, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JB7SV6W/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07JB7SV6W&amp;linkId=9a7d5ec5d308361af2c1153aee4bb02b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$85 Willcare Video Baby Monitor</a> and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0742CJ6TY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B0742CJ6TY&amp;linkId=1315889d110238439790ffa31f770515" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$90 Babysense Video Baby Monitor</a> are both great options with very similar features and lower price points. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/196318/81938/2092?subId1=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fpanasonic-kx-hn3001w-video-baby-monitor-3-5-white%2F-%2FA-75456316" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$130 Panasonic Video Baby Monitor</a> was another non-Wi-Fi option that I considered, but ultimately decided against it because the night vision wasn't very good; I wanted to always have a clear view of Ellie. The <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=38606&amp;u1=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fnanit-nanit-plus-baby-monitor-and-sleep-tracker%2F6304010.p%3FskuId%3D6304010" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$300 Nanit Smart Video Baby Monitor</a> is a popular and highly recommended option that does use Wi-Fi, but it's definitely on the pricier side.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another monitor to consider is <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/owlet-smart-sock-cam-complete-baby-monitor-system/5261622" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Owlet's $399 Smart Sock and a video monitoring system combo</a>. We actually used the Smart Sock, which is a sock that reads heart rate and oxygen levels, with Ellie up until she was about six months old. <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/owlet-smart-sock-cam-complete-baby-monitor-system/5261622" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Owlet</a> recently introduced a video monitor, and even though it does use Wi-Fi, I might have considered getting it if it had been out when we bought Ellie's monitor. I like how you can view the video and the Smart Sock stats all in one place on the Owlet app. The <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/sid/biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review/https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/owlet-smart-sock-cam-complete-baby-monitor-system/5261622" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Owlet</a> is pricey, but the peace of mind is worth it for parents.</span></p><h2><strong>The bottom line</strong></h2><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are so many monitors out there, so knowing exactly what you want from your monitor before you start looking will help you narrow it down. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&amp;linkId=cf63713fd869f3c5e81b5a06002e347e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Infant Optics DXR-8</a> was the best non-Wi-Fi option that I found; even though the signal can go in and out sometimes, that seems to be unavoidable in non-Wi-Fi monitors. </span><strong> </strong></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some of my favorite features are the convenience of moving the camera with the receiver, superior night vision, temperature monitor, and push-to-talk feature. Being alerted when the camera is dying or the monitor is losing signal helps you actually relax when the baby is sleeping so you're not just staring at the monitor the whole time. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having a baby monitor has made my life so much easier, and since the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&amp;linkId=cf63713fd869f3c5e81b5a06002e347e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Infant Optics DXR-8</a> has every feature I need, I can actually relax and get some me-time once Ellie is asleep. </span><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Pros:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Doesn't use Wi-Fi, temperature reading, push-to-talk feature, indicator lights for volume, monitor screen can be dimmed</span></p><p><strong>Cons:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Signal can be spotty, our initial camera unit needed replaced </span><strong> </strong></p><h3><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ECHYTBI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00ECHYTBI&amp;linkId=cf63713fd869f3c5e81b5a06002e347e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy the Infant Optics DXR-8 Baby Monitor on Amazon for $165.99</a></h3><h3><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=38606&amp;u1=biip_062619_infant-optics-baby-monitor-review&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Finfant-optics-video-baby-monitor-with-3-5-screen-gold-white%2F6158902.p%3FskuId%3D6158902" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy the Infant Optics DXR-8 Baby Monitor on Best Buy for $165.99</a></h3><p class="tagline"><p><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a><br><br>Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>.<br><br>Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.</br></br></br></br></p></p>

This $166 baby monitor is reliable, safe, and easy to use - it also has over 22,000 5-star Amazon reviews

<p class="financial-disclaimer"><i>When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. <a href="https://www.insider-inc.com/commerce-on-insider-inc/">Learn more.</a></i></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"></a></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>Using artificial intelligence, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">the Cubo AI Smart Baby Monitor</a> ($189) sent me an alert when my <keyword id="6358733" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Baby">baby</keyword>'s face was covered.</li><li>Covered face and rollover alerts, along with cry detection and "danger zones" set this <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-video-baby-monitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">smart video monitor</a> from the rest.</li><li>Setup is simple, even for the smartphone-challenged, and three different stand options are included.</li></ul>Table of Contents<p>A little birdie told me that my baby wasn't okay. I'm not trying to use a tired cliché — I'm talking about Cubo, an artificially intelligent <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-video-baby-monitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video baby monitor</a> that also happens to look more like a little plastic bird than a camera.</p><p>Using facial recognition, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">the Cubo AI Smart Baby Monitor</a> alerts parents if the baby's face is covered, or if the toddler just climbed out of the crib entirely. Designed by a parent who knows that panicked feeling when you check on your baby only to find their face covered and a pediatrician, Cubo is made to offer more peace of mind without resorting to expensive wearable monitors.</p><p>While not perfect, Cubo's faults fall into two categories. The first is that the Cubo has the same downsides of every app-powered monitor, which I'll get into later in this review. And the second? Getting a taste of what an AI <keyword id="876919" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="baby-monitor">baby monitor</keyword> can do only leaves an appetite for even more smart features.</p><h2>Design and specs</h2><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Cubo</a> looks more like a nursery decoration than a security camera. The glossy white body is shaped like a bird, while a fake wood-grain piece in the middle houses the camera. That center piece moves to switch from the lens looking below the bird for mounting above a crib to in front of the bird to sit on a shelf. Mounting the camera above the crib is required for the covered face and rollover alerts.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Cubo</a> comes with three mounts. I used the crib mount, which is designed to fit most crib railings and arch over the top. It's plenty sturdy for monitoring a baby but may need to be switched for toddlers who like to climb and pull on everything. A free-standing mount uses a water-weighted bottom to get that same overhead view on beds like a bassinet or playpen. The last mount is a mobile stand that sits on a shelf.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><div type="image" title="cubo 1" height="600" width="800" msid="75727932" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>The camera records and livestreams in 1080p HD (with black-and-white night vision), offering sufficient detail for monitoring but not quite enough to use the 4x digital zoom to see breaths. Other specs include:</p><ul><li>Sony-made sensor with night vision</li><li>135-degree wide-angle lens</li><li>18-hour playback</li><li>Two-way audio</li><li>Temperature and humidity sensors</li><li>Built-in night light</li><li>Device-specific encryption</li></ul><h2>Setup</h2><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Cubo</a> needs to be mounted above the crib for the facial recognition features to work, but the included stands mean that's possible without mounting anything to the wall. The crib stand was fairly easy to assemble. The mobile stand is as simple as plugging it in and rotating the camera. The option to use multiple stands made it easy to grab the monitor from the nursery and plug it in the mobile stand so I could watch the baby while hauling out the trash or checking the mail.</p><p>Setting up the Wi-Fi was even easier. The app walks you through the steps, which include placing a QR code in front of the camera — after which, the monitor will confirm the connection. From there, setup is simply a matter of adjusting alert preferences in the app and even customizing them with your baby's name.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><div type="image" title="cubo 3" height="600" width="800" msid="75727934" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>Inside the app, the home screen includes a live view with a time stamp and the room's temperature and humidity. Tap on this to enter a full-screen mode with controls for taking a photo or video. If you tap again, additional controls pop up for the two-way audio. A timeline allows you to rewind the live footage (up to 18 hours), including a helpful gray bar that notes when the baby was in the crib.</p><p>Under that live view are moments that <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">the Cubo AI</a> camera snapped by looking for movement and smiles. Mine were mostly images of the baby crying and sucking on his hands, and the app often went several days without snapping any pictures.</p><p>A second tab inside the app houses the alerts, which are paired with an accompanying video clip to replay the moment that triggered the alarm. The third tab houses the settings, where you can customize alerts, add your baby's profile, and even turn the built-in nightlight on and off. The settings offer a good set of options: You can turn on both covered face and rollover alerts, or only covered face alerts, or turn sleep safety alerts off, set a "danger zone," and adjust the sensitivity of the cry detection.</p><h2>What it's like to use</h2><p>While any video baby monitor will allow you to hear the baby, the camera inside <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">the Cubo</a> actually knows what it's seeing. Using face detection, it can detect if the baby's face is covered or if the baby rolled over, sending an alert to the smartphone that, in keeping with the design of the camera itself, also sounds like a bird.</p><p>My son triggered an alert by rubbing both of his eyes, obscuring his face with the arms of his thick winter sleep sack. It was the only "false" alarm for the covered face alerts in a month of use — but his face was really covered, just temporarily. The alert also provides a replay of the incident.</p><p>The face detection sends notifications when the baby is in the crib and another when the baby is out of the crib or completely covered. Besides being helpful for when toddlers learn how to crawl out of the crib, the alerts allowed me to see my son when he was home with a babysitter.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><div type="image" title="cubo 2" height="600" width="800" msid="75727935" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>With the camera facing forward, a "danger zone" alert allows you to draw a box on the screen where you don't want a toddler venturing. The setting works well — too well actually. I was surprised that the camera didn't need to see a face to send the alert, allowing it to work when the tot is walking away from the camera and when any person, pet, or moving object headed toward that zone. Because of the constant alerts, this is a feature I would use only occasionally.</p><p>Importantly (and in the aftermath of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/infant-sleepers-recall-suffocation-risk-full-list-2020-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recalled incline infant sleepers</a>), <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cubo</a> isn't trying to replace safe sleep recommendations. In fact, it includes them right in the app and the instructions. Getting an A.I. baby monitor doesn't mean you should start putting stuffed animals and loose blankets in the crib, but it will help if the baby comes unswaddled, rolls over, or perhaps (a fear in my house), the cat gets locked in the nursery and decides to sit on the baby.</p><h2><strong>The cons</strong></h2><p>The biggest downsides to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">the Cubo baby monitor</a> are the cons that come with any app-based, Wi-Fi connected monitor. The livestream could fail if the connection fails, the internet is too slow, or the app crashes. Watching the counter on the app, there were a few times where the camera stopped live-streaming for a few seconds before catching up. It felt consistently a few seconds behind, sounding like an echo to the baby's real cries. Once, I heard myself fetching the baby from the upstairs nursery after we'd come downstairs. </p><p>In most cases, a few-second delay won't cause any issues, and I did receive alerts when my internet connection dropped completely. But I did restart the app once or twice when the timer on the live feed stopped and didn't catch back up. Another time, the audio failed until I restarted the app. While crashes were rare, I was concerned that an app freeze at the wrong time could mean sleeping through baby's cries.</p><p>That concern, however, extends to any baby monitor that relies on an app or internet connection. A quick perusal of app <keyword id="52147" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="reviews">reviews</keyword> for the Owlet Smart Cam reveals some of the same issues. And of course, performance is also dependent on internet speed and the device — I tested <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">the Cubo</a> using 7 Mbps download speed and an iPhone 7. Like any app-based smart monitor, live-streaming an entire nap will wear out the smartphone battery quickly.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><div type="image" title="cubo 4" height="600" width="800" msid="75727937" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>During roughly a month of testing, the cry alert notifications were more reliable. I preferred using the livestream simply because cry alerts won't allow you to hear coughing or cooing.</p><p>While not perfect, getting a taste of what AI could do inside a baby monitor only made me hungry for more. If the monitor detects when the baby is in and out of the crib, why couldn't it also track baby's sleep patterns? Why not automatically start the livestream when the baby is detected, or at least stop sending temperature alerts when the baby isn't even in the room?</p><p>Some of those requests may, admittedly, be limited by the operating system and not the app itself. But the wish list is more complementary than complaints — because when given a monitor that does what other monitors can't, I can't help but wonder what else it could do.</p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cubo's AI</a> alerts parents to unsafe sleep conditions without any wearable devices, a feature that few monitors even come close to. With nearly any technology, the more features you add, the more places things could go wrong, and Cubo is no exception. While the bird has earned a perch over my son's crib for the AI features alone, I'm going to keep my old school <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-baby-monitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">audio monitor</a> on overnight to ensure those rare app crashes don't mean sleeping through his cries. Another option is to use the more reliable cry alerts, rather than leaving the app livestreaming all night.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cubo-AI-Baby-Monitor-Temperature/dp/B07XCLF624/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=biipf_020520_cubo-ai-baby-monitor-20&amp;linkId=698fa84b4d0cfd25c4759016131557b2&amp;language=en_USp;language=en_US" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">The Cubo AI's</a> $299 list price is more than basic <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-video-baby-monitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video baby monitors</a> but competitive among smart monitors. The price is similar to the Nanit Plus, which offers sleep tracking but no covered face or cry alerts, and $100 less than the Owlet, which uses a wearable to track breathing and heart rate. While at the whim of an internet connection and app, the Cubo, for the most part, allowed me to rest a little easier while my baby slept.</p><p><strong>Pros:</strong> Covered face and cry alerts, good picture quality, versatile stand options, attractive design</p><p><strong>Cons:</strong> Can lag with internet connection, app not as reliable as monitors with a dedicated parent unit</p>

The Cubo AI baby monitor is a godsend for parents — I get phone notifications when my baby's face is covered and alerts to other crib dangers

<p class="financial-disclaimer"><i>When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. <a href="https://www.insider-inc.com/commerce-on-insider-inc/">Learn more.</a></i></p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored"></a></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Using radio waves instead of wearables, the <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku</a> monitors breathing to track a <keyword id="6358733" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Baby">baby</keyword>'s sleep.</strong></li><li><strong>The Miku Smart <keyword id="876919" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="baby-monitor">Baby Monitor</keyword> (currently $399) is a reliable sleep tracker that parents can use to recognize and fix sleep problems.</strong></li><li><strong>From its simple setup to extras like built-in white noise, the Miku is easy to use but not without weaknesses like slow notifications when baby wakes.</strong></li></ul>Table of Contents<p>My <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-fitbit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fitbit</a> provided evidence of how much — or rather, how little — I slept with a newborn. But as my son grew and went from 20-minute naps one day to two-hour naps the next, I longed for the same technology to help my sleep-deprived brain recognize what helped him sleep and what didn't.</p><p>That's why I was happy to try out the <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku Smart Baby Monitor</a>, which the brand supplied for this review. The Miku is a video monitor with a touchless breathing sensor that uses radio waves to detect movement in the room at levels sensitive enough to sense each breath while baby sleeps. Without wearables, it is as simple to use as any basic video monitor. It not only offers extra reassurance for parents but analyzes sleep patterns so you actually have an answer when the pediatrician asks how well your baby is sleeping. </p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored"><div type="image" title="miku smart baby monitor review 7779" height="1067" width="1422" msid="75636452" hostid="261"></div></a></p><h2>Design and specs</h2><ul><li>5 megapixel camera with 130-degree view</li><li>1080p HD video with night vision infrared LEDs</li><li>iOS and Android compatible</li><li>Awake and sleep alerts</li><li>Motion sensor with breath monitoring</li><li>Sleep analytics</li><li>Two-way audio</li><li>Integrated white noise</li><li>Remote operation</li></ul><p>The <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku</a> is best mounted above the crop to give the breathing sensor a good view of the baby's chest rising and falling. Alternatively, you can use the included mounting stand or place the Miku on a tabletop.</p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored"><div type="image" title="mikuscreenst2" height="900" width="1200" msid="75636456" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>The Miku app streams live footage from the camera, with important information overlaid on top: respiration level, breath patterns, and room temperature and humidity. </p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored"><div type="image" title="mikuscrenst1" height="900" width="1200" msid="75636458" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>The home screen also houses tools to take a picture or to use the two-way audio. A white noise machine is built in, through which you can play lullabies, white noise, or those strange noises that seem to help some babies sleep, like a dishwasher.</p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored"><div type="image" title="scrnsht3" height="900" width="1200" msid="75636459" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>The analytics tab offers separate summaries for night and day sleep patterns, using color-coded charts.</p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored"><div type="image" title="mikuscrnshot4" height="900" width="1200" msid="75636461" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>A third tab lists activity, including movement and sound alerts, which you can view videos of and save, if you wish. The final tab houses the device settings.</p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku</a> had the fewest Wi-Fi connection issues compared to other monitors that I've tried so far. Any delays were only a second or two, and I never experienced an app crash. When my internet stopped working, Miku immediately sent an alert to my smartphone.</p><h2><strong>Setup, security, and safety</strong></h2><p>The <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku</a> was simple to use right out of the box, and the app walks you through the setup process. I used the stand, and it took about 20 to 30 minutes to set everything up. </p><p>To connect the app to the monitor, you need to physically press the button on the monitor — an extra measure to help prevent hacking. Miku can also generate a random access code to access the video feed from a second device.</p><p>The effect of radiation from Wi-Fi equipped devices hasn't been well studied in babies. However, the radio waves that allow the Miku to monitor breathing emit 10,000 times less radiation than a smartphone, according to the company. The FCC recommends placing any wireless devices a few inches away from the body, so the Miku's touch-free design isn't just about convenience.  That's not to say that the <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku</a> emits lower radiation than other Wi-Fi enabled video monitors but simply means that the breathing sensor isn't adding additional exposure.</p><h2>Simple sleep tracking</h2><p>The <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku</a> is different from other smart baby monitors because of the motion sensor that's sensitive enough to track breathing; other monitors use wearables or a sensor pad. The sleep tracking is a big plus. My son has several food sensitivities, and I could easily use the Miku in conjunction with a food journal to recognize patterns. </p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku's</a> alerts are designed to prevent false notifications — only sending an alert after the baby has been moving for a few minutes. The company says the breathing sensor sends an alert for any sleep apnea pauses longer than 20 seconds. Thankfully, I didn't have the opportunity to test this, but <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxtZzMMYO_I" target="_blank" rel="noopener">other reviewers have tested the feature using a robotic baby</a> and the monitor responded when robot baby's breathing was turned off.</p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored"><div type="image" title="miku smart baby monitor review 7815" height="1200" width="1600" msid="75636467" hostid="261"></div></a></p><h2>Late alerts and a mic that's too good</h2><p>The <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku</a> is the smartest baby monitor I've used, but it's missing my favorite feature on my old school audio monitor: voice detection. The Miku only senses when there's an unusual noise in the room, and existing white noise mixed with quieter noises coming from my son meant he didn't reach the threshold to trigger an alert. This was probably due in part to running a fan in the room, and my son also tends to wake up happy and babbling. In three weeks of use, I only received one sound alert, but in that case, the monitor erred too far on the side of caution.</p><p>Because the microphone is so sensitive, I can hear the fan and the Miku's built-in white noise when I livestream. Even with the fan off, the app audio still had a constant white noise. The alerts also sound like any other alert on my smartphone, with no option to customize them — a feature that Miku hopefully adds later with updated firmware.</p><p><a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored"><div type="image" title="miku smart baby monitor review 7869" height="1029" width="1371" msid="75636469" hostid="261"></div></a></p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p>I avoided video monitors with my oldest because so many moms told me the video wasn't detailed enough to show each breath. The <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku</a> changes that, using a motion sensor that's so sensitive, the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/miku-baby-monitor/id1384634916" target="_blank" rel="noopener">app</a> will graph each breath for you. Besides the peace of mind, that constant monitoring powers analytics that could be used to recognize and fix sleep problems.</p><p>Unlike similar monitors, the Miku doesn't require any type of wearable. A few others use just the video feed to monitor movement, like the Cocoon Cam, but <keyword id="52147" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="reviews">reviews</keyword> suggest the tracking isn't as reliable.</p><p>The convenience of the Miku comes at a price though. At $400 normally, it is one of the more expensive video monitors on the market, in line with options like the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/owlet-cam-wifi-video-baby-monitor/5261621" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Owlet</a>. The <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/6415797/type/dlg/https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/nanit-plus-trade-video-wall-mount-baby-monitor-with-sleep-tracking/5266790?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Nanit</a> is $100 less, but the option with the swaddle to track breathing is only $20 less. The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cubo-ai-smart-baby-monitor-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cubo</a> ($249) doesn't monitor breathing but will send out instant alerts if the baby's face is covered.</p><p>The <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=45348&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fmikucare.com%2Fproducts%2Fmiku-baby-monitor-monitor" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Miku</a> is excellent as a sleep tracker and good but not excellent as a video monitor with a few annoyances like constant white noise. Like other smart monitors that I've tested, it isn't without a wish list of potential updates. And at $400, I would expect the wish list to be a little shorter. But, ultimately, the touch-free sleep tracking, reliable app, and simple setup are enough to overlook the other minor quirks.</p><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Sleep tracking, touch-free breathing sensor, easy to use, built-in white noise, reliable app, little Wi-Fi lag</p><p><strong>Cons: </strong>Unreliable noise alerts, white noise during live-streaming</p>

This smart baby monitor tracks my son's breathing to alert me when he's awake — it's easy to use and helps me monitor his sleep patterns

<p class="financial-disclaimer"><i>When you buy through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. <a href="https://www.insider-inc.com/commerce-on-insider-inc/">Learn more.</a></i></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow nofollow noopener sponsored sponsored"></a></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nanit Plus smart baby monitor</a> offers timely alerts and sleep tracking plus tips for improving <keyword id="6358733" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Baby">baby</keyword>'s sleep.</li><li>Instead of placing electronics on the baby, the Nanit uses patterned clothing and a smart camera to track breathing.</li><li>I tested the Nanit, and even as a third-time mom, I found its sleep tracking helpful for establishing a routine.</li></ul>Table of Contents<p><keyword id="6381498" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="parenting">Parenting</keyword> a baby often feels like putting a complicated Ikea bookshelf together — but blindfolded, without instructions, and on zero sleep. And while no technology could create a true instruction manual for each baby's quirks, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nanit Plus smart baby monitor</a> will track your baby's sleep patterns and send you personalized advice on how to get more of it.</p><p>Baby products are always quick to advertise more sleep to sleep-deprived parents, however. So when I received an editorial review sample of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nanit Plus</a>, I tested it for more than two weeks with my now 10-month-old son to see if it really does offer better sleep.</p><h2>Design and specs</h2><p>Unlike many popular smart monitors, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored nofollow sponsored">Nanit Plus</a> works without any electronic wearables. Instead, the app's breathing monitoring system uses <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PCH2H6N/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07PCH2H6N&amp;linkId=d94bf82a03e11cf04837fa3c7161bc9003e11cf04837fa3c7161bc90" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">patterned clothing</a>, and the camera looks for that pattern to measure small, pixel-level movements as the baby's chest rises and falls.</p><p>Besides avoiding the inconvenience of having to recharge a wearable monitor, there's limited research as to the safety of placing a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth emitting device directly on a baby, and some are even labeled as choking hazards. The Nanit offers an alternative that still includes some of the same features.</p><p>The Nanit Plus's HD camera needs to be mounted over the crib for the sleep tracking to work, with either a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">wall attachment</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZGB4G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZGB4G&amp;linkId=1ab905ad5b41a6a9a94345820bddb8e75b41a6a9a94345820bddb8e7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">floor stand</a>. The floor stand is sturdy and includes a tube to keep the cord away from the crib, but older babies may be able to shake the camera a bit. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">wall mount</a> is a more secure and affordable option if you don't mind attaching something to the wall.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><div type="image" title="nanit plus clothing" height="900" width="1200" msid="76720117" hostid="261"></div></a></p><p>The camera has good picture quality, including clear night vision, with a 130-degree lens that captures the entire crib plus a bit more. Audio is also solid, offering enough range that you can turn it down far enough to not hear white noise but still hear cries. Both audio and picture quality may vary slightly based on the device you're using and your internet speed — I tested it using an iPhone 7 and 7 Mbps download speed.</p><p>As a smart monitor, the Nanit requires high-speed internet. If Netflix often pauses to load, your internet likely isn't fast enough to support a good experience with this monitor. The system also requires a smartphone or tablet (Android or iOS) with Bluetooth 4.0 and a free app.<strong> </strong></p><h2>Using the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nanit Plus</a></h2><p>The Nanit Plus is a bit more complex than a simple plug-and-play monitor but is fairly easy to use. Setup was simple using the app. I essentially needed to create an account, enter a Wi-Fi password, and push a button on the camera itself. Once set up, you can enable two-factor authentication for additional security. Nanit says its system is "constantly audited" for security compliance</p><p>To monitor breathing, the baby needs to wear either a special <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P62BC6J/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07P62BC6J&amp;linkId=e813e89bd96e11d1a0af8698c879f137d96e11d1a0af8698c879f137" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">swaddle</a> (worn only until baby starts rolling) or a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084K19S51/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B084K19S51&amp;linkId=5d409db2c7265aee0c6eb8d27f402e5bc7265aee0c6eb8d27f402e5b" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">band</a> that can be placed over clothing. Although the monitor works as long as it's powered on, breathing tracking sessions need to be started in the app by dragging a circle over the baby's breathing wear so that the app can find the pattern and start tracking. S</p><p>However, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nanit Plus</a> doesn't need the breathing band to monitor sleep. Larger movements can be tracked, so even with an older baby or for parents who choose not to use the band, it will track when the baby falls asleep, how long the baby sleeps, and even how restless the baby is. The app even knows if you put the baby down already asleep. It also has an excellent user interface that's easy to use. In the morning, I could watch a video summary of the baby's night.</p><p>But smart monitors don't do much good if they can't actually do what any baby monitor is designed to do: actually monitor the baby. The Nanit offered the best monitoring experience out of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-video-baby-monitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">five smart monitors that I tried</a>. The audio could be adjusted enough that I wasn't listening to white noise, the fan, or music that played in the nursery, but I could still hear cries. When I tried to zoom in, the video quality was pixelated, but it was more than enough to see what the baby was doing. The app also sent me timely push notifications when a sound or motion was detected.</p><h2><strong>Weekly sleep tips from Nanit Insights</strong></h2><p>Nanit Insights uses the data collected by the app to send weekly sleep tips to your smartphone. The tips are similar to what you'd find in a baby sleep book but are customized according to the sleep patterns detected by the camera and the baby's age.</p><p>So can the Nanit actually help parents get more sleep? That depends. A baby who already has good sleep patterns likely won't benefit much, and underlying issues, such as gas or colic, cannot be detected by a smart camera. For first-time parents who don't realize how essential a routine is, the Nanit can help some. Of course, new babies still need to eat often and parents will have to do the legwork creating that routine. There is no overnight fix to sleep problems.</p><p>But for some babies, Nanit Insights could be a big help. As a third-time mom, I know that routine is a must, but I didn't even realize how much my son's bedtime had started to vary (getting three kids ready for bed is a zoo) until Nanit pointed it out.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><div type="image" title="video_baby_monitor" height="900" width="1200" msid="76720119" hostid="261"></div></a></p><h2><strong>Monitor safety</strong></h2><p>Unlike popular options like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZXYD6S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B06ZZXYD6S&amp;linkId=242031ee94afca775419985f834e687494afca775419985f834e6874" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Owlet</a>, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nanit</a> doesn't require placing any electronics on the baby, just patterned clothing. Research on the safety of placing a wireless device — which emits non-ionizing radiation — on the baby is limited, but there are other concerns.</p><p>"Anything with a wearable sensor could be a choking hazard if it becomes loose or comes off," said <a href="https://www.checkupnewsroom.com/justin-smith-md/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Justin Smith</a>, a pediatrician and the medical advisor for digital health at Cook Children's in Trophy Club, Texas. "In addition, any sensor with a cord could cause strangulation. Battery-powered devices could cause skin sensitivity or a burn injury if it malfunctions." Monitors placed over the crib could be safer, he said, if the device isn't able to be pulled into the crib or can't fall off.</p><p>While I didn't experience false alarms from the breathing system, some breathing monitors could have the potential for more worry, instead of less. "There is no evidence that wearing a monitor will prevent or allow a parent to act in order to prevent SIDS," Smith said, which aligns with the position set forth by the <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/111/4/914" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>. "Parents should assess whether using a monitor would give them peace of mind or cause them stress and anxiety. False alarms are common and can lead parents to seek medical care for normal babies. Finally, parents should take care to follow safe sleep practices for babies whether they choose to use a monitor or not." </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored"><div type="image" title="nanit plus wall mounted" height="1067" width="1422" msid="76720121" hostid="261"></div></a></p><h2><strong>The cons</strong></h2><p>The biggest downsides to the Nanit system are true of most smart monitors. There are logistics to giving the babysitter guest access. The livestream will drain your phone battery and will run a few seconds or even minutes behind if the internet connection is slow. And if the internet is out, so is the baby monitor.</p><p>While there are no gadgets on the baby when you use the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Nanit Plus</a>, the band is still one more thing to keep washed. And you need to open the app to start a breathing session every time. The <a href="https://www.insider.com/miku-smart-baby-monitor-review" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miku smart monitor</a> tracks breathing without any wearables and automatically, though I did prefer the Nanit's overall monitoring experience. I also didn't like that the Nanit notifications sounded the same as the notifications from any other app. (Red alerts, which I did not experience, sound more like an alarm and sound on both the camera and the smart device).</p><p>One year of Nanit Insights is included with the purchase of the monitor, but that sleep tracking requires a monthly subscription after that (<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=68043&amp;urllink=www.nanit.com%2Finsightsm%2Finsights" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">$5 per month, or $50 per year</a>).</p><h2>The bottom line</h2><p>After testing <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-video-baby-monitor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">nine video baby monitors</a>, the Nanit Plus's features and performance made it my top pick. It offers insight into baby's sleep — and how to get more of it — and also does a great job monitoring by sending timely alerts and offering a livestream with clear audio. The price, $287 with a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZ1CPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZ1CPD&amp;linkId=7dc654bafdee14bf802829ce7cc9119efdee14bf802829ce7cc9119e" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">wall mount</a> or $380 with a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HCZGB4G/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=biipf_062920_nanit-plus-baby-monitor-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07HCZGB4G&amp;linkId=1ab905ad5b41a6a9a94345820bddb8e75b41a6a9a94345820bddb8e7" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">floor stand</a>, is higher than a stand-alone monitor but competitive for a smart monitor. </p><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Sleep tracking, breathing monitoring without electronics on the baby, sleep tips, good video and audio quality when streaming</p><p><strong>Cons: </strong>Requires fast internet, drains smartphone battery faster, subscription required after first year</p>

I tested 9 video baby monitors before settling on the Nanit Plus as my favorite — its sleep tracking and tips actually help encourage better sleep habits

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