Why you shouldn't use a security camera as a baby monitor

A wireless security camera might seem like a cheap and flexible way to monitor your baby while they sleep. However, you should think twice before buying one.  

Not only have we exposed security issues with wireless cameras in the past, but our testing indicates that these cameras simply aren't suitable for effectively monitoring your baby in their nursery.

Keep scrolling to find out why a security camera doesn't work as a baby monitor. Plus, we give expert advice on what you should buy instead and share our pick of some recently tested monitors.  

See our round-up of the best baby monitors for the top recommendations from our tests

Five reasons why you shouldn't use a security camera as a baby monitor

Here's just a few reasons why you shouldn’t rely on a security camera to monitor your baby’s sleep. 

1. Incorrect angle of view - A security camera typically has a wide and zoomed out angle of view to cover as much ground as possible. By contrast, baby monitor cameras are more focused on a small area so you can clearly see your sleeping child.  
2. Lack of temperature sensors - Ensuring the nursery isn’t too hot or cold is key for maintaining a safe sleeping environment. However, security cameras lack built-in temperature sensors and alerts which are standard with baby monitors.  
3. No sound sensitive lights - Security cameras also lack sound sensitive lights - a feature which enables you to turn off the volume on a supplied parent unit but still see if your baby is crying via a series of progressive lights.  
4. You can't play lullabies - While security cameras usually have two-way talk so you can speak to your baby, you won't be able to play lullabies to soothe them to sleep.
5. Security alarms - Some security cameras have alarms you can sound remotely from a smartphone app. This is clearly for warning off intruders, as few parents would want to wake their child with a shrieking siren.

Why are parents choosing security cameras over baby monitors? 

Most baby monitors are now wi-fi enabled, allowing parents to keep an eye on their sleeping children via an app on their smartphone or tablet. 

However, with our cheapest Best Buy smart baby monitor costing more than £100, it can be tempting to look for more affordable options.

A security camera might appeal as we've found Best Buys for as little as £20, and they can be repurposed for home security after your child grows up. 

But, as explained above, security cameras typically lack important features and are far more suited to detecting intruders than monitoring your baby.

The baby monitors parents should buy instead

Baby monitors come in three main types - audio only, video monitors and smart monitors. 

• Audio monitors - While audio monitors don't let you see your baby while they sleep, they have lots of useful features and are usually relatively cheap, with Best Buys starting from around £30. 
• Video monitors - You get a camera with a video monitor, just like a security camera, but also a parent unit to watch your baby, combined with extra features such as temperature sensors, sound sensitive lights and more. 
• Smart monitors - Smart baby monitors tend to cost more than £100, but for that you get the flexibility of being able to use either the parent unit, mobile app, or even both at the same time. You could even re-purpose your smart monitor as an indoor security camera after you are done using it with your children. 

Smart wi-fi baby monitors in our latest tests

We've recently reviewed new smart baby monitors. Here are three models that are worth considering:

VTech RM7766

It has a room temperature sensor, sound sensitive lights, 13 channels and two-way talk-back.

Find out how it fared in our tests by reading our VTech RM7766 review.

Leapfrog LF2936FHD

Just like the VTech above, this Leapfrog baby monitor has an app and a mains or battery-powered parent unit with a 5.5-inch HD screen. 

It can also play lullabies, has a temperature display and sound-sensitive lights.

Go to our LeapFrog LF2936FHD review to find out more.

Babysense 5.5” 1,080p Full HD Split-Screen

The smart monitor has preloaded lullabies and a temperature display to check if the room is comfortable for your little one.

Check out our Babysense 5.5” 1,080p Full HD Split-Screen review to see if it's worth investing in.

How to protect your wi-fi baby monitor from hackers

Either for criminal gain or just for kicks, malicious hackers trawl the internet hunting for unsecured cameras and baby monitors. If they find a vulnerable device, they could access the video feed, and spy on you and your baby. 

You can protect yourself by choosing a highly rated baby monitor in our reviews, as they have been checked for how they protect your privacy. 

We'd recommend following the steps below to further increase your security:

• Use a strong password - Always change any default passwords that come with the device, and choose strong passwords that can’t be easily guessed. 
• Run updates - Giving the latest security protections, software updates are vitally important, so always ensure the camera and app are up to date.
• Is it supported? - Manufacturers don’t support products with updates forever, so if you’ve had your baby monitor for quite a few years, check if it is still supported either via the app, or by contacting the company that made it. 

Read our guide to smart home security for more tips on buying internet-connected devices