Do Baby Monitors Record? What You Need To Know

My baby monitor’s been helping me keep track of my two youngest children, Theo and Sawyer. They work by transmitting a live feed (audio or video) from the child unit in your baby’s room to a parent unit that stays with you.

But, do baby monitors record? It might seem like a natural functionality to have. You could even use it to collect all those precious moments and reminisce on them when your little one gets older.

However, only some baby monitors have recording capabilities. So, please keep this in mind while selecting your baby monitor.

Recording is not just useful for creating memories; it helps in other ways too. We’ll discuss it here. I’ll also share the types of baby monitors with recording functions, alternative options, and crucial safety and legal considerations.

Do Baby Monitors Record: Types of Recordings

So, yes, baby monitors can record. They transmit signals from the child unit to the parent unit, and they can do it through audio, video, or both.

Recommended Article: How Do Baby Monitors Work?

And both audio and video types of baby monitors can record, based on the model you get. It’s just a matter of how they do it. Let’s take a look:

1. Audio Recordings

An audio-based baby monitor lets you listen to your baby’s sounds. And if it has a two-way communication feature, you can talk to your child on the other end too.
There are specific audio-based baby monitors that have a recording button or mode to capture your baby speaking. Depending on the product, the recordings can be stored internally or on an external device like an SD card.

Oh, just letting you know: audio baby monitors with recording capabilities will cost you a bit more than your traditional ones. Do keep that in mind when you set aside a budget for baby monitors.

2. Video Recordings

A video-based baby monitor gives you a visual feed of your baby’s activities with audio. It generally has a two-way communication feature where you can talk to and listen to your child.
The ones that can record let you record audio, video, or both! It all depends on the brand and model you get. They can store the recordings internally or externally (SD card or cloud).

Two Major Types Of Storage in Baby Monitors

1. SD Card Storage

Most baby monitors have an external device storage.

These monitors have a Micro-SD slot, which means you can save your baby’s recording on the SD card inserted into the monitor. Make sure you go through the instructions in your manual to insert the SD card correctly.
SD cards have different storage capacities and the 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants are usually readily available for baby monitors. And I’m sure you know that the more GB you have, the more space you’ve got for data.

2. Cloud Storage

Today’s Wi-Fi-based baby monitors have a cloud storage feature, where you can back up your infant’s recordings on the cloud. Now, you may be thinking about subscriptions. Right?

Not all Wi-Fi monitors with cloud storage charge a monthly subscription. The eufy Baby S340 is one such wearable monitor that does not charge to store footage on the cloud.
Also, some brands offer storage flexibility, such as ARENTI. Based on your needs, this brand allows you to store your baby’s audio and video content on the SD card or the cloud.

How Does Recording Help Parents?

Clearly, treasuring your baby’s moments is the ultimate benefit of the recording function.

baby-monitor-camera-with-parents-in-the-background

However, there are other advantages as well:

1. Security – Parents or caregivers can use recorded footage for emergencies or to explain strange incidents. It can serve as evidence and let them identify what actually happened.

2. Review Sleep Cycles – The recording feature is handy for parents who want to analyze their children’s sleep patterns. Quite beneficial for parents whose babies are born with medical issues or preemies who need such monitoring.

3. Nanny-Monitoring – I’ve heard of incidents where nannies neglected their jobs or misbehaved with babies on the job. So, parents can set monitors to recording mode for extra peace of mind to ensure their little ones are well cared for when they are out.

Please keep in mind that it’s also easy to get too attached to baby monitors, needing to check it every second. To prevent that, it helps to have a discussion around when to stop using baby monitors for your children and limiting its use occasionally.

Privacy and Hacking Concerns

Every coin has two sides, and baby monitors that record can have privacy concerns. We don’t want hackers to gain access to this footage, so, let’s check out how we can prevent unauthorized access and hacking:

Recommended Article: How to Tell If Baby Monitor is Hacked?

Look for a Secure Data-Encrypted Baby Monitor: Today’s baby monitors use FHSS, DCET, OR DSSS-encrypted technology to make them hack-proof. Some also introduce two-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection. So, keep this in mind when choosing your baby monitor.

Set Strong Passwords for the Wi-Fi and Baby Monitor: Whether your baby monitor has two-factor authentication or not, set difficult passwords that are not easy to guess or hack. The same goes for your Wi-Fi passwords (if your baby monitor requires internet connectivity).

Further Reading: Wi-Fi or non-Wi-Fi Baby Monitor –What’s Better?

Legal Considerations to Take Care Of
Please be well aware of your state laws and regulations regarding recording audio and video. Ensure you abide by them to avoid legal ramifications.
You may also need to get consent from the babysitter or nanny to record them when they are caring for your baby, wherever the camera is set.

Alternative Options For Recording

Security Cameras – Some parents set up audiovisual security cameras that let them listen to their baby’s voice while recording simultaneously.
Personal Digital Cameras – You can also set your handheld digital video camera to record your baby. However, ensure it’s well-charged. Plus, a digital camcorder with night vision can help you record your baby’s movements at night.

Final Thoughts On Baby Monitors That Record

Both audio and video baby monitors have recording capabilities. However, not all baby monitors have these features, so, you need to look for them specifically if you want them.

You can choose an audio or video recording style, and decide how you’d like to store the data: internally, externally, or on the cloud. Additionally, shield your baby monitor by using strong passwords, investing in encrypted data transmission devices, and other safety measures.

Also, do not forget to verify legalities in your state or country when using recording baby monitors.