A camera baby monitor uses a video camera to transmit a live image of your baby to a television in another room. This way you can reassure yourself that everything is fine with your baby without having to walk into the nursery and risk waking the baby up before naptime is over. A well rested baby leads to a happier baby, which leads to a happier and well rested family. That alone may be worth the extra money it costs to upgrade from a basic baby monitor to a camera baby monitor.

Because newborns are so delicate and susceptible to problems that may not be picked up on by on a regular audio baby monitor, parents are justified in wanting the extra surveillance capabilities that can be offered by a camera baby monitor. The camera part of the monitor can be mounted close to your baby so that you can see the soft rise and fall of your baby’s back as she or he breathes, the turns of the head, or the gentle movements that signal that your baby is having a restful sleep.

Camera baby monitors also allow you to show off your baby to relatives and friends who come to visit during baby’s naptime without interrupting a much needed nap. When your baby gets a full nap, he or she will be better prepared for visitors.

Camera baby monitors are available in color as well as black and white models. Many also offer the added feature of a camera that you can remotely control to scan the nursery without disrupting your baby. Some camera baby monitors can also record, allowing you to keep an eye on babysitters or household help even when you can’t personally be at home.