When it comes to ensuring your little one’s safety while they sleep, nothing offers more peace of mind than a baby breathing monitor. Designed to detect even the slightest pause in your baby’s breathing, these monitors alert you immediately, providing extra reassurance — especially for babies born prematurely or those with breathing issues.
What is a baby breathing monitor and how do they work?
Baby breathing monitors come in two main types: movement-based and oxygen level-based. Movement monitors are the most common and work by detecting your baby’s breath. They attach to your baby in various ways, from clipping onto their nappy (like the Snuza Hero) to wrapping around their foot (like the Owlet Dream Sock) or attaching to their chest (like the Nanit Pro). Some, like the Angelcare AC25-1, use a sensor pad placed under the mattress, while others, like the Lollipop monitor, rely on AI technology.

While these monitors offer peace of mind, the Lullaby Trust advises to be aware of false alarms, which can cause unnecessary stress. It's important to stay alert to your baby's other signs of health as well, and remember that false alarms are common, especially since babies don’t always breathe in a regular rhythm. In these cases, don't panic, and check on your baby to ensure everything is fine. If the alarm persists and you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to call 999. You should also make sure you feel confident with your baby CPR skills.
Rest assured, all the baby breathing monitors featured here have been carefully reviewed and tested by real parents, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and ease of use. In the following sections, we’ll walk you through our top picks for the best baby breathing monitors of 2025 and how we tested them. Further down we'll explain how we chose the products and why you can trust us, as well as answer some common questions that parents have about baby breathing monitors.
Best baby breathing monitor UK (at a glance):
• Best baby breathing monitor overall: Nanit Pro, buy on Amazon
• Best sock baby breathing monitor: Owlet Dream Sock Baby Monitor, buy on Amazon
• Best baby breathing monitor with movement pad: Angelcare AC25-1 Baby Movement Monitor with Video and Sound, buy on Amazon
• Best baby breathing monitor using AI technology: Lollipop Baby Monitor with True Crying Detection, buy on Amazon
How we tested the best baby breathing monitors
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.

For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
As well as considering how well these products performed as baby monitors in terms of their video and sound clarity, if applicable, we also considered the sensitivity of the alarm, whether false alarms were common and how easy it was to set up for parents' peace of mind.
If you're looking for something multi-functional that allows you to both see and check baby's breathing as well as other factors, a monitor like the Nanit Pro, Owlet Dream Sock or Angelcare AC25-1 may be best, if you already have a video baby monitor and are wanting additional peace of mind then a clip-on monitor such as the Snuza Hero or Sense-U may be better suited. It's worth thinking about what environmental and physical factors you'd like your monitor to track and notify you about, and balancing out what will give you more peace of mind and what may cause you to worry.
Here's our pick of the best baby breathing monitors to buy in 2025
Best certified medical baby breathing monitor

The Snuza Hero clips onto your baby's nappy and vibrates if no breathing or movement has been detected within 15 seconds, with the aim of waking the baby. It then sounds an alarm if no breathing has been detected after 20 seconds. It's also our pick for the best certified medical baby breathing monitor.
We like that it's cordless and portable. It doesn’t have a base unit and doesn’t need a phone or app to work, so there’s no need to think about additional tech or complications with wires and cameras. It’s easy to set up, and gives instant peace of mind, with one reviewer saying; "Our child stopped breathing, and as first-time parents, we then couldn’t sleep moving forward. So we bought this so we could try and sleep and it was a life saver for both us and him, the alarm works great. It's enough to wake ourselves and our dogs to any issues. Once your child starts rolling around, then take it off as it will go off a lot.”
Do bear in mind that constant contact with the skin is required for this to work properly; if your baby rolls, or if the nappy is a little loose, it might set off the alarm. Also note that using it in the car isn’t recommended, as the constant vibrations from the car’s movement will convince the monitor that the baby is breathing.
One downside of this working independently and not connecting to an app is that you are relying on hearing the alarm; it is loud, with three volume settings, but bear in mind that perhaps if you’re in a room furthest away from baby, there is the potential of not hearing it.
**Read our full Snuza Hero MD Portable Baby Breathing Monitor review here
**
Pros
- Easily clips to baby's nappy
- Cordless and portable
- Certified medical device
Cons
- It might not be suitable when the baby starts to roll
Video: | No |
Two-way talk: | No |
Night vision: | N/A |
Sound alerts: | Yes |
Motion alerts: | Yes |
App control: | No |
Screen size: | N/A |
- Portable
- Small clip
- Adjustable settings
- Volume-controlled audible function
Best non-contact baby breathing monitor

If you’re looking for the best baby monitor with a breathing sensor, the Babysense HD Video Camera & Baby Monitor is a great choice for peace of mind. Its highly sensitive sensor pads detect even the slightest breathing movements and alert you if your baby’s breathing slows or stops. This is a huge plus for parents looking for reliable monitoring. We've chosen this one as the best for a non-contact, under-the-mattress system, meaning there's nothing to attach to your baby, making it hassle-free and comfortable for both you and your little one.
Parents really appreciate how simple it is to use. One parent said, “So easy to use—you literally press a button. Perfect for grandparents, too.” This makes it a great option for families who want something straightforward and user-friendly. We like that it's portable. You can take it on trips without worrying about complicated setups or extra gear, which is perfect for families on the go or when the grandparents are babysitting.
One reviewer mentioned, “Using this sensor has given me massive peace of mind, knowing an alarm would sound if my baby's breathing stopped or slowed.” The advanced sensor system also helps reduce false alarms, so you can rest easy without being disturbed by unnecessary alerts.
Keep in mind that the monitor does emit a noticeable light, which some parents found disruptive when trying to create a dark sleep environment. While this hasn’t been a deal-breaker for most, it’s something to consider if you’re aiming for total darkness in the nursery.
Overall, the Babysense monitor is an easy-to-use, reliable option that gives parents confidence and reassurance, without the need for any complicated setup or daily adjustments.
Pros
- Non-contact under-mattress monitoring for maximum comfort and safety
- Highly sensitive sensor pads provide full bed coverage and reliable alerts
- Easy, one-time setup with no daily adjustments
- Portable and convenient for travel
- Loud alarm ensures you’ll hear it, even through closed doors
- Reduces false alarms with dual sensor pads
Cons
- Emits a noticeable light, which may disrupt darkened sleep environments
- Some users report occasional false alarms, though often linked to specific conditions like colds
Best baby breathing monitor overall
Best baby breathing monitor with breathing band

With the Nanit Pro, your baby wears a band around their tummy as they sleep; this band then transmits data to your smartphone to alert you to breathing changes and unusual breathing patterns. This monitoring band is in addition to the baby monitor camera, which you set up above the cot; this monitors your baby’s movements and will alert you to changes, such as if your baby stands up. You can also receive notifications about your baby crying and other sounds, or other motions too.
Essentially, if your baby moves, breaths, or makes any sound, you can be notified about it on your smartphone; our mum tester Hannah James said: "This is the best baby monitor I have ever seen or used. I do like it. It has so many smart features that others do not. The amount of reassurance and peace of mind this product brings is irrefutable.”
The camera is wide-angled, with 1080p HD video quality. The app gives you a wide range of analytics on sleep patterns, plus there’s even the ability to check the temperature of the baby’s room and the humidity. This is a serious piece of kit to make sure you know everything you need to about your baby’s surroundings and wellbeing during sleep.
The tech is also compatible not just with the app, but also with Google Home, my.nanit.com, and Amazon Alexa. Plus, if you needed even more features, there’s two-way audio, the ability to play white noise, and a nightlight, not to mention the peace of mind about the tech’s safety, thanks to 256-bit AES encryption, keeping all that data safe.
A comprehensive piece of tech like this obviously comes with a larger price tag than most standard baby monitors; our tester Hannah said: “However, if it isn't within your budget, it is not a necessity. There are plenty of other baby monitors that work efficiently and will also allow you to check on your baby.”
We tested this baby breathing monitor as part of the Mother&Baby Awards 2024, where it won Bronze for Best Baby Monitor.
Read our full Nanit Pro review
Pros
- Includes breathing data and analysis
- Features sleep tracking and pattern information
- Compatible with various apps and smart systems
- High level of encryption and security for data
Cons
- It can be complicated to set up
- Very pricey compared to others
Video: | Yes |
Two-way talk: | Yes |
Night vision: | Yes |
Sound alerts: | Yes |
Motion alerts: | Yes |
App Control: | Yes |
Screen size: | HD 1080p image on mobile device |
- Breathing tracker
- Memory saver
- Video capture
- In-app sleep coach
- In-app baby expert
- 2-way audio
- Adjustable nightlight
- Humidity and temperature alerts
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Best baby breathing monitor clip

Similar to the Snuza Hero (above), this monitor clips onto your baby’s nappy, monitoring their breathing, sleep position and temperature. Unlike the Snuza, this connects to both a base unit and an app on your smartphone, meaning you can monitor the information from your phone. The app, Sense-U Baby, is free to download.
The monitor will alert you to temperature changes - you can preset a range and be alerted if the temperature goes outside of that range; abdominal movements to alert you to weak breathing or a stop in breathing; plus information such as when baby is wriggling, or rolls on to their front; one reviewer said: "This little smart baby monitoring device has become an indispensable part of my parenting journey. Its reliability, ease of use, and cutting-edge features have provided me with the peace of mind I need as a parent. While the initial investment might seem a bit steep, the value it brings to my daily life is immeasurable. If you’re a parent looking to enhance the safety and care of your baby, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this device a try."
Pros
- Alerts you if baby rolls to their front
- Tracks breathing, temperature and movement
- Works with a smartphone app so you can see data anywhere
Cons
- Some parents mentioned the app could do with some work
Video: | No |
Two-way talk: | No |
Night vision: | N/A |
Sound alerts: | Yes |
Motion alerts: | No |
App control: | Yes |
Screen size: | N/A |
Best sock baby breathing monitor
Best sock baby breathing monitor

The Owlet Dream Sock isn’t actually a sock, but a band which wraps around your baby’s foot. The band monitors your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels, using pulse oximetry - which is a non-invasive method of measuring how much oxygen there is in your blood, telling you how well the lungs are working.
The tech in the band connects to a base station, which then transmits the data to an app on your smartphone; the base station has a green light indicating if everything is at normal levels, meaning it’s easy to check all is ok with just a glance; our tester Hannah said: “I loved the feature that sees the base station glowing green to indicate all is well. It means that when I woke up in the night, I could just glance at it and was instantly reassured that my daughter was fine.” If any of the data points leave the pre-set safe zones, you receive a notification.
In addition to those vital health data points, the monitor also provides information on sleep patterns, how often and how many times your baby wakes, and the quality of your baby’s sleep.
The data being sent to the app means you can check your baby’s stats even if someone is babysitting and you’ve gone out for the evening; our mum tester Kimberley said: "One of the features I loved about the Dream Sock was the fact I could check the app no matter where I was when leaving our little girl with relatives. It made the first night out, leaving her so much more enjoyable.”
This is an investment piece of tech with a price tag to match, but it does grow with baby thanks to different-sized socks; our tester said: “As the product is in the premium price range, I love the fact that three different sock sizes are included. This means it will definitely last my little girl until she is 18 months old."
Read our full Owlet Dream Sock review
Pros
- Monitors health data points as well as sleep patterns
- Impressive battery life
- Easy to check thanks to coloured lights
Cons
- Some customers mentioned the app could be better
Video: | No |
Two-way talk: | No |
Night vision: | No |
Sound alerts: | No |
Motion alerts: | No |
App control: | Yes |
Screen size: | N/A |
- Out-of-range indication
- Suitable from birth
- Rechargeable battery
- Low battery indication
- Tracks heart rate and oxygen levels
Best baby breathing monitor with movement pa
Best baby breathing monitor with movement pad

The Angelcare AC25-1 video monitor has an adjustable camera with pan and zoom functionality so you can see your baby close up on the parent unit screen, which is a respectable five inches wide.
It features a wireless movement sensor pad, which sounds an alarm if no movement is detected from your baby after 20 seconds. This is placed under your baby’s mattress, and is designed to sensor movement across the whole mattress area; our mum tester said: "Despite the sophisticated design, it's surprisingly easy to set up. The sound quality is excellent, and the image is great, even at night. The wireless motion sensor mat is what makes this monitor stand out. It gave me real peace of mind."
You can also add a second sensor pad and see two children on one screen – great for siblings sharing a room and twins in particular - note that the second pad is sold separately.
Our hub editor Stephanie Spencer also tried out this baby monitor, "Set up was really simple, although I recommend reading through the instructions first as it will start beeping at you! The audio is really clear, and it had no problem picking up a signal from downstairs. The video quality is great as well, and the reassurance of having the movement monitor is ideal for first-time parents."
Other features include two-way audio so you can talk to your baby through the monitor and temperature monitoring, and it all works without wifi, so there’s no need to worry about internet security.
**Read our full Angelcare AC25-1 review
**
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Clear image quality
- Built-in thermometer for nursery temperature
- Can add a second pad to monitor two babies on one device
Cons
- Our mums would have liked to have seen a better and wider angle lens
Video: | Yes |
Two-way talk: | Yes |
Night vision: | Yes |
Sound alerts: | Yes |
Motion alerts: | Yes |
App control: | No |
Screen size: | 5-inch LED touchscreen |
- Non-contact monitoring
- The alarm will sound if there is no movement after 20 seconds
- Wall-mount or table-top unity
- Room temperature display
Best baby breathing monitor using AI technology
Best baby breathing monitor using AI technology

The Lollipop baby monitor’s big selling point is the bendable arm, meaning it’s super flexible and easy to set up in your baby’s nursery. Without needing a base, you can wrap the silicone arm around your baby’s crib, meaning views and angles are totally individual and not hindered by where your furniture sits; our mum tester, Amy, said: "You can place the camera anywhere at any angle. It's flexible and easy to place, and we have a big awkward cot! The quality of the camera and the sound on the phone are amazing. I'm able to play lullabies through the camera and talk to her when she wakes from a nap during the day. It notifies you when the baby is crying and records the crying overnight also so you can re-watch it."
The camera itself is fixed, however, unlike other baby monitors that allow you to move the camera angle remotely. The design is modern and cute, with a variety of colours available.
This baby monitor reviews your baby’s breathing using AI technology, removing the need for a wearable monitor in addition to the camera.
You automatically get seven days’ access to your data, and upgrading to a subscription plan for a further cost means you get 24/7 access. You can also buy an additional sensor for further features including humidity, temperature and air quality monitoring. Other features include advanced night vision, two-way talk, a built-in noise machine, and lullabies; you can play music from the monitor remotely, and speak to your babies via the Push 2 Talk function.
The Lollipop also features what’s called the ‘true crying detection’, which means it blocks out background noise - great if your baby has noisy siblings crashing around during nap time. There’s also a preset zone function, meaning you’ll be alerted if your baby gets a leg stuck between the crib bars, or even tries to climb out, as some are prone to do.
Read our full Lollipop Baby Camera review
Pros
- Good quality camera
- Quick to set up
- Sturdy but also very portable
- A fun design that’s different to most monitors
Cons
- Additional monthly or yearly payments for features on the app
Video: | Yes |
Two-way talk: | Yes |
Night vision: | Yes |
Sound alerts: | Yes |
Motion alerts: | Yes |
App control: | Yes |
Screen size: | N/A |
- Data history
- Live viewing
- Crying detection
- Crossing detection
BEST BABY BREATHING MONITOR WITH VIDEO AND AUDIO COMBO

We've chosen the Babysense 7 & HDS2 bundle as the best baby breathing monitor with video and audio combo. the non-contact breathing monitor combines with crystal-clear HD video monitor offers everything you need to feel confident that your baby is safe and comfortable.
The breathing monitor uses under-the-mattress sensor pads to track your baby’s movements, sounding an alarm if no breathing is detected within 20 seconds or if movements slow significantly. One parent described their experience: "This has been a big relief for me and my partner with our newborn son. The sensor works great." It’s a reliable option that lets you monitor your baby’s breathing without disrupting their sleep or adding extra wearables.
The 5” HD video monitor makes it easy to keep an eye on your baby’s sleep environment in real time, even at night. Parents love the crisp visuals and audio, with one reviewer sharing: "The camera quality is so clear you can see your baby’s breathing motion clear as day!" Plus, features like the adjustable nightlight and soothing lullabies or white noise help create a calm, cozy environment to help your little one relax and drift off.
Setting up the system is quick and straightforward, making it a great option for busy parents. As one parent said; "It’s so easy to set up and so simple. The camera has great video and audio quality." You can install it in minutes and start using it right away, without the need for complicated adjustments.
While the bundle offers incredible peace of mind, a couple of small drawbacks to consider are the video monitor’s short battery life when unplugged and the brightness of the nightlight, which might not suit babies who prefer complete darkness. However, most parents agree the system is well worth the investment, with one sharing: "So worth the money and to put parents' minds at ease!"
Pros
- Non-contact sensor pads
- Clear HD video monitor
- Soothing features (nightlight, lullabies)
- Hassle-free setup
Cons
- Short battery life on video monitor
- Nightlight may be too bright for some
How to choose a baby breathing monitor for your family
Choosing the right baby breathing monitor can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. We've done our best to create a list of the products we think are the best, but to make the best decision for your family, it’s important to think about your specific needs and what features will give you the most peace of mind. Here are some key things to look for:
Breathing Monitoring Method
Consider whether you prefer a non-contact monitor, a wearable device, or a system with movement pads. Non-contact monitors are great for keeping your baby comfortable, while wearables provide mobility and can track more than just breathing.
Ease of Use
Look for a monitor that’s simple to set up and use daily. Complicated systems can add unnecessary stress, so it’s worth choosing one that fits seamlessly into your routine.
Video and Audio Features
A monitor with a video camera can let you visually check on your baby’s sleep environment, while clear two-way audio allows you to soothe them from another room.
Alerts and Notifications
The best baby breathing monitors will offer reliable alerts, notifying you if your baby’s breathing slows or stops. It’s also worth checking if the system has minimal false alarms to avoid unnecessary worry.
Battery Life and Portability
If you’re always on the move, choose a monitor with long battery life and portability, so you can use it wherever your baby sleeps.
Additional Features
Some monitors come with extras like lullabies, white noise, or room temperature tracking. Think about which features you’ll use and whether they justify the cost.Security and Privacy
If the monitor uses WiFi, ensure it has strong security measures to keep your baby’s data and video feed private. Alternatively, a non-WiFi system can offer peace of mind without connection concerns.
FAQ: Baby breathing monitors
Do I need a baby breathing monitor?
While they're not compulsory, they can offer reassurance to parents that their baby is safe while they are asleep. If you already have a baby monitor, it's worth checking the features to see if it does have additional accessories that help to monitor the baby's breathing.
If you are looking for some temporary reassurance, it could be worth buying a clip monitor alongside a more affordable baby monitor.
Are breathing monitors safe to use?
Breathing monitors are safe to use when following the product's instructions. According to the Lullaby Trust, however, there is no research evidence to prove that movement monitors prevent SIDS, so they won't make their sleep environment any safer.
Do breathing monitors prevent SIDS?
According to the Lullaby Trust, there is no research evidence that breathing monitors can prevent SIDS. It does, however, offer reassurance that you will be alerted if your baby is to stop moving or breathing. One benefit of using a monitor to track your baby's breathing is that it also offers additional tracking features. Some will monitor your baby's temperature and sleep positions, too.
Does a baby monitor reduce SIDS?
A standard baby monitor, whether audio or video, does not directly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). These monitors are designed to help you keep an eye (or ear) on your baby from another room, providing convenience and reassurance. However, they are not a substitute for following safe sleep practices, which are the most effective way to reduce SIDS risk. Experts, including The Lullaby Trust, recommend always placing your baby on their back to sleep, using a firm, flat mattress with no loose bedding, and keeping the sleep environment smoke-free. While baby monitors are useful tools for monitoring your baby, they do not prevent or reduce SIDS on their own.
What is the NHS approved baby breathing monitor?
While all these baby breathing monitors can help put your mind at ease, it's worth noting that the Snuza is not only endorsed by The Lullaby Trust, but it's also medically certified. This partnership focuses on supporting bereaved parents who have gone on to have another baby to provide them with some comfort in those first few months.
How we chose
When choosing the best baby breathing monitors of 2025, we combined hands-on testing from our team of mum testers with advice from experts and feedback from real parents. If we couldn’t personally try a monitor, we stuck to trusted brands and carefully looked at customer reviews and recommendations. Things we looked for included:
Monitoring method – We focused on monitors that accurately track your baby’s breathing, whether through movement or oxygen levels.
Ease of use – We wanted monitors that are simple to set up, comfortable for the baby, and easy for parents to use—because no one needs more stress!
Reliable alerts – Only monitors with clear, dependable alerts for irregular breathing made the list.
Comfort and fit – We made sure each monitor is comfy for your baby, so they can sleep soundly through the night.
Battery life and durability – We chose monitors that last through long nights and daily use.
Price point – We included options for all budgets, making sure each one provides great value for peace of mind.
Why you can trust us
At Mother&Baby, our mission is to provide accurate and reliable reviews, ensuring our readers receive honest and transparent information about the best products available.
Our testers are either pregnant, or real parents with a baby or toddler. This could be members of our editorial team, freelance parenting journalists or external reviewers from the Mother&Baby awards. Our Mother&Baby Awards are renowned in the industry and are among the most highly respected product awards for baby and parenting products. Every year, we arrange for thousands of independent parent reviewers to test the latest products on the market.
We don't accept payment from manufacturers for product reviews, and maintain our editorial independence. While we do work with commercial partners on advertorials, these will always be clearly labelled.
Our writers have full control over their content, ensuring that products are selected based solely on the needs of our readers. While we may earn commissions or other compensation from links on our website, this does not affect our product choices. These links allow us to continue offering valuable consumer advice, without compromising the integrity of our reviews. We are always honest in our reviews, and we won't recommend products that we wouldn't spend our own money on.
Read more about how we test and why you should trust us.
About the author
Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.