How to Use an Apple Watch as a Baby Monitor: 2 Ways That Work
An Apple Watch can’t watch your baby by itself, because it’s on your wrist, not in the nursery. Paired with something that is in the nursery, though, it can buzz you when your baby cries or let you peek at the crib without picking up your phone. Here are the two ways that work, and what to expect from each.
Can you use an Apple Watch as a baby monitor? The quick answer
Yes, as the “parent unit”. Either use a baby monitor or monitor app that has an Apple Watch app, so its alerts and feed reach your wrist, or leave your iPhone in the nursery with Sound Recognition set to “Baby Crying”, so the alert shows on your watch. Apple says not to rely on Sound Recognition where someone could be harmed, so treat it as a helper, not your only monitor. (Apple Support)
| Way 1: monitor app with a watch app | Way 2: iPhone Sound Recognition | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get on your wrist | Alerts, and sometimes audio or video (depends on the app) | A “baby crying” notification |
| Extra cost | The app or monitor | Free |
| Needs | A monitor or second device in the nursery | Your own iPhone left in the nursery |
| Best for | Everyday use | Short naps, occasional use |
Way 1: Use a baby monitor app with an Apple Watch app
Many smart baby monitors, and some baby monitor apps that turn a spare phone or tablet into a camera, have an Apple Watch app. With one of these:
- Set up the monitor or app in the nursery and on your iPhone, following the maker’s instructions.
- Install its Apple Watch app. On your iPhone, open the Watch app, scroll to Available Apps, and tap Install next to it.
- Turn on notifications for it, so sound or motion alerts reach your wrist.
- Test it from the rooms you’ll be in, before you rely on it.
Before you buy, check the App Store listing says it works with Apple Watch, and read what the watch app actually shows. Some show a live picture, while others only send alerts.
Way 2: Use iPhone Sound Recognition (free)
Your iPhone can listen for certain sounds, including a crying baby, and send you a notification. (Apple Support) If your Apple Watch is paired with that iPhone, the alert can appear on your wrist.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Sound & Name Recognition.
- Turn on Sound Recognition, wait for the sounds to download, then choose Baby Crying under Sounds.
- Leave the iPhone in the nursery, at least 3 feet from the crib (see below), and keep your watch on.
- Test it: play a crying sound near the phone and check your watch buzzes.
On the newest models (Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4), the watch can recognize sounds itself, but it hears the room you’re in, so for a nursery it’s the iPhone that needs to be near your baby. (Apple Support)
For a quick look: Camera Remote
The built-in Camera Remote app turns your watch into a viewfinder for your iPhone’s camera. Prop the iPhone up so it shows the crib, then open Camera Remote on your watch for a peek. It only works within normal Bluetooth range of your iPhone, about 33 feet, and it isn’t designed for monitoring, so use it for quick checks only. (Apple Support)
Kelleigh’s Quick Tip: If the iPhone in the nursery is charging, the charging cord counts too. Keep the phone and the cord at least 3 feet from the crib.
Safety and privacy
- 3 feet from the crib. Keep any phone, camera, monitor and its cord at least 3 feet from the crib, bassinet or play yard. Monitor cords have strangled babies. (CPSC)
- Silence the ringer on the nursery iPhone so a call doesn’t wake your baby, then test again that alerts still reach your watch.
- Lock down monitor apps: a strong password, two-factor sign-in if offered, and updates installed.
- No monitor prevents SIDS. The AAP advises against relying on home monitors to reduce the risk. A safe sleep space does that job. (AAP 2022 safe sleep recommendations)
Troubleshooting
- No alerts on your watch: check notifications are on for that app (Watch app on iPhone, then Notifications), and that the watch is connected to your iPhone.
- Alerts arrive late or not at all: move closer, or check both devices are on the same WiFi network.
- Battery runs down: charge the watch before bedtime, and plug the nursery iPhone in at a safe distance from the crib.
FAQs
Can an Apple Watch be used as a baby monitor?
Yes, as the parent unit. Use a monitor or app with an Apple Watch app, or leave your iPhone in the nursery with Sound Recognition set to Baby Crying.
Can my Apple Watch hear my baby cry?
Through iPhone Sound Recognition, yes: the iPhone in the nursery listens, and the alert shows on your watch. Apple says not to rely on it where someone could be harmed.
Can I see my baby on my Apple Watch?
With some monitor apps that include a watch app, or briefly with Camera Remote within about 33 feet of your iPhone.
Does using an Apple Watch as a baby monitor cost anything?
Sound Recognition and Camera Remote are free. Monitor apps and smart monitors usually cost money.
Is an Apple Watch better than a baby monitor?
Not on its own. It works best as an extra way to get alerts from a real monitor.
My take
An Apple Watch makes a handy parent unit, especially when you’re busy with the older kids and your phone is across the room. On its own it’s a helper, not a monitor, so pair it with something reliable in the nursery and keep every cord 3 feet from the crib.
Questions? Email me at kelleigh@imperfecthomemaking.com.
Happy parenting!
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