Finding the best baby monitor for twins presents a unique challenge because you need to find something that can help you watch both babies. After my twins were born, I quickly realized I needed an upgrade from the single-camera monitor I used with my first baby. You’ll want to look for something that’s reliable, of course, and that allows you to monitor both babies. Many monitors do this via a split screen.
After deeply researching the market and trying out several ourselves, we found the best baby ... [+]
Our top pick, the Babysense Max View Split-Screen comes with two cameras, has a long range without Wi-Fi and a large HD display so you can clearly see both babies. “One more thing to consider is the ease of setup and use. With twins, life can be hectic enough, so you want a baby monitor that's straightforward to set up and intuitive to use, even when you're sleep-deprived,” says Dr. Shelby Harris, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted parenting team strives to find the best products to make your life easier as a parent. We have a team dedicated to testing and reviewing the best baby and kids gear for all budgets and all types of families.
- Author Alicia Betz is a mom to three (including twin boys), parenting writer and professional product tester. She reports on a wide range of baby gear topics, including the best night lights and the best strollers.
- We interviewed Debbie Gerken, a registered nurse certified in neonatal intensive care, certified pediatric sleep coach and founder of Sleep Like a Baby Consulting; and Dr. Shelby Harris, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, to help gain insight on baby monitor features and the best monitors on the market for twins.
- We refresh and update this story regularly to ensure information is current and accurate. This article was last updated in June 2024 by Betz.
How We Chose The Best Baby Monitors For Twins
To pick the best baby monitors for twins, we relied on firsthand experience, expert advice, and customer reviews and ratings.
- The Forbes Vetted team has also extensively tested the best baby monitors. To build on that expertise and find monitors with features that best serve twin parents, Betz tested a number of baby monitors with her twins, including a few of the picks included here.
- We incorporated expert insight from Gerken and Harris, including what features to look for in a baby monitor for twins and which popular models work for different types of families.
- We researched and compared models and features, including only dual-camera monitors and those that feature either split screen or scan technology.
- Because no two families are the same, we included monitors at various prices. We also included monitors that have different features and functions, including both Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi options.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Baby Monitor For Twins
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a baby monitor for twins, and ultimately you want something reliable that allows you to monitor both babies. Here are some features and factors to consider when deciding which monitor is best for your family:
Wi-Fi Vs. Non-Wi-Fi
Wifi monitors are nice because you can monitor your baby from anywhere. Many parents like this feature so they can check in on their babies when they’re at work or out on a date night. However, Gerken cautions that these monitors can be vulnerable to hacking. You’ll want to look for one with safeguards and encryption to prevent hacking. “Another thing to consider is the quality of the internet as poor connections can limit access,” says Gerken.
Non-Wi-Fi monitors are typically considered safer in terms of hacking, and many parents choose them for this reason. However, you won’t be able to monitor your babies while you’re away from home, and non-Wi-Fi monitors can sometimes have limited range within your home.
Ease Of Setup And Use
Life with twins can be chaotic, so finding a monitor that’s easy to set up and use is a must. Look for user-friendly models that make your most desired features accessible. For example, some monitors have zoom buttons directly on the display while others require you to navigate through a menu to get to the zoom buttons.
Split Screen Vs. Scan
In most cases, you’ll want to use two cameras for twins, which means you’ll want a monitor that can either scan between cameras or that can display a split screen. This makes it easy for you to tell which baby is crying, especially if they’re sharing a room.
With a split-screen model, you can tell immediately which baby is awake. With a scan model, you may have to wait up to 15 seconds until the cameras switch. If it’s important to you to respond immediately, a split-screen option might be best. Because my twins share a room, I prefer split-screen so I can attend to the awake child before he wakes his brother up.
Video And Sound Quality
Pay attention to the video and sound quality of the monitor. Many cameras have HD resolution that allows you to get a very clear picture of your babies. You might also be interested in noise reduction technology, especially if you use white noise or other ambient sounds in the nursery. This feature dulls those sounds through the monitor but still allows you to hear your babies when they cry.
Range
If you’re choosing a Wi-Fi monitor, you won’t need to worry about the range, as long as you have internet access. Non-Wi-Fi monitors, however, can sometimes have limited range. If you have a larger house, live on multiple stories, or want to be able to relax in the backyard while keeping an eye on the monitor, look for one with a longer range. Many newer options have a 1,000-foot range.
Additional Features
Some additional features you might want to consider include night vision, two-way talk, various mounting options, night lights, white noise and soothing sounds. Many popular monitors include all of these extra features; if there are any that are important to you, make sure they’re included before purchasing a monitor.
While you’re shopping for gear for your twins, check out the best twin strollers, the best diaper bags for twins and the best nursing chair for twins.
