Whether you are shopping for a baby monitor for your family or to give as a gift, you’ll likely be impressed with the number of models that are available these days.  There are two basic types of baby monitors:  audio-only or audio + video. Video baby monitors, which  allow parents to look in on baby in addition to listening in, are definitely the most popular.  Prices vary, depending upon features, with entry level video baby monitors starting at around $130.  Some of the more sophisticated models make video recordings of baby playing or napping and others allow remote viewing so parents can watch from their smart phone, computer or mobile device.  Here is an overview of some of the top video baby monitors currently on the market. 
Basic Audio + Video Baby Monitors
Levana Lila Baby Video Monitor with Night Vision – Invisible night vision LEDs provide a clear picture of baby in total darkness up to 12 feet away; two-way talk; color screen; add up to four cameras for monitoring other rooms.
Lorex Baby Sweet Peek Video Baby Monitor —  Monitor your baby day and night with a 2.4″ color LCD screen;  crystal clear night vision; digital zoom; two-way talking. Parent unit runs on rechargeable battery;  range of up to 450′.  Built-in lullabies and nightlight.  Five LEDs visually display the noise level in the baby’s room if volume is turned off.
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Levana Stella PTZ Baby Video Monitor — Features a smooth and silent pan/tilt/zoom camera that you can control from anywhere using the monitor to follow baby’s movements; invisible night vision LEDs; two-way talk; extra wide 4.3†color screen; add up to three cameras; optional charging cradle.
Audio, Video and Recording Baby Monitors
Lorex Care N’ Share Baby Monitor — Digitally photograph baby day or night. Â Also features a portable handheld LCD monitor; pan tilt & zoom camera with motion tracking; night vision; two-way talk; built-in nightlight and digital zoom. Â Up to 450′ wireless range.
Levana Keera PTZ Baby Video Monitor with & Video Recording – Same features as the Levana Stella plus the ability to record video or snap still photos on the included 2GB micro SD card; add up to four cameras.
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Levana Ovia 4.3″ PTZ VBM w/SD Recording — Large 4.3†LCD screen ensures you’ll see the finest details.  Touch panel controls; silent pan/tilt/zoom camera; two-way talk.  Save photos and video to included micro SD card and upload to your computer or view on Ovia’s LCD screen.  24-hour battery life; invisible night vision LEDs; 750′ digital signal.
Remote Viewing Video Baby Monitors
Amaryllo Skype Wireless IP Camera w/ Remote Pan & Tilt — One of the best video-streaming IP cameras for wireless access and viewing from smart phones, computers and mobile devices via an Internet or cellular connection. Fully-certified plugged-into-Skype; built-in 1.0 mega-pixel image sensor;Â remote pan & tilt control;Â 360-degree view angle; built-in motion and audio sensors. Â Use as a baby monitor to watch over baby remotely.
Diamond PlugnView Remote Baby Monitor – Remote monitoring of live video over the internet from your iPhone, iPad and your Android smart phone or tablet.  IR night vision up to 16 feet. Schedule recordings, email notification alerts and motion detection supported with optional Windows PC software.  Works as a baby monitor to view baby from the office or anywhere!
Baby Monitors for Newborns and Special Needs Infants
For families with a newborn or special needs infant, a “movement monitor†like the Levena OMA+ Portable Baby Monitor with Audible Alarm clips to baby’s diaper and senses even the slightest movements, so parents don’t have to keep getting up to check on baby if he seems too quiet. If no movement is detected for more than 20 seconds, the baby movement monitor alerts parents with a loud beep.  For real peace of mind, use a movement monitor in addition to a video baby monitor while your little one sleeping in his crib or in another room.
