Where to Put Baby Monitors: Choosing the Best Spot

After buying a suitable baby monitor, the next struggle many new parents face is placing them correctly. I was one of these struggling parents.

When I had my first baby, I spent many hours deciding where to put baby monitors. Because as a mother, having a clear view of my newborn is imperative. I know all new and experienced parents feel the same.

So, let’s get to it. My blog outlines the factors to consider before mounting your baby monitor, suitable places to put your baby monitor, steps to mount your baby monitor on the wall, non-drilling options, and more.

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Things to Consider Before Placing Baby Monitors

1. Angle

The camera’s angle should let you see your baby’s room without interference. I suggest you clear all the furniture and other objects that prevent you from looking at the room properly.

2. Range

Recently, I have been using a Babysense monitor for my youngest tot that covers 900 feet. The best part is it warns you when you’re far from the range.

So, keep the child unit and parent unit within the specified distance. It’s better to read your manufacturer’s guidelines and place the monitor according to the recommended range.

3. Audio Clarity

Today’s smart baby monitors can even notify you about the soft voices of your tiny ones. However, that also means it can pick up unnecessary sounds.

So, avoid keeping the camera near windows or in noisy spaces; otherwise, you may not be able to hear your newborn’s sounds.

If you’re still unsure about the features you want in your baby monitor, check out how to choose a baby monitor.

Where to Put Baby Monitors: Ideal Locations

1. The Crib

I prefer to stick the monitors in place with clip-on accessories. They also don’t leave your crib with stains when you want to stop using baby monitors.
However, don’t make a hasty decision by clipping the camera on the crib’s edge! This is risky because it might fall or, your baby may entangle themselves by pulling the cords.

Recommended Reading: How to Get Your Baby to Sleep in Their Cribs

2. Tall Shelf Near the Crib

Tall shelves are usually great for placing baby monitors.

Please note that placing it on a shelf only makes sense when it’s tall enough to provide an uninterrupted video of your infant. Plus, the shelf should be adjacent to the crib for a clear view of your baby.
You also need to check that the shelf is stable. So, ensure it can hold the camera’s weight and does not fall easily. You don’t want to deal with a broken baby monitor later!

3. Dresser or Changing Table

If you have a dresser or changing table, you don’t have to worry about increasing the height by placing books below. You can place the monitor as is.
And if your monitor has an extension, you can position it at an angle above the baby crib for a clearer view of your surroundings.

Kelleigh’s Safety Tips to Place Baby Monitors
Baby Proof the Room – My husband and I cleared up the wires, and harmful objects, and basically baby-proofed the entire house, not just the room! This is going to help when you go back and forth deciding the perfect spot for your baby monitors.
Place the Monitor at Least Three Feet Away – Baby monitors can emit EMF radiations that can harm your little ones. So, keep them out of their reach and at least three feet away.
Keep the Cords and Wires Unreachable – Babies can tangle themselves by pulling on the monitor’s cords. The CPSC also urges parents to keep the monitor at least three feet away to avoid strangulation. So, use a cord management box to tuck the cords inside or attach cords to the wall with tape.

4 Steps to Mount a Baby Monitor on the Wall

Before you mount the baby monitor on the wall, ensure that the monitor has zoom, pan, and tilt options. You don’t want to be in a situation where you cannot adjust the monitor or see your baby’s room clearly.

Now, let’s explore the steps to mount your baby monitor.

Step 1: Identify the Spot

Before you permanently fix the monitor on the wall, get help from your partner or your friend to hold the camera in the exact spot.
Examine if the angle helps you see your baby and nearby areas properly. And if it does, mark it immediately!

Also, remember that the microphone in the baby monitor can catch your infant’s soft sounds and all noise from the room. So, keep that in mind when you decide on the angle.

Step 2: Drill Holes for the Screws

Once you’ve marked the spot, make sure the surface is clean and carefully drill the minute holes for the screws.
Please be cautious when handling a drill. Read the instructions carefully before you switch it on or use it. Put on safety gear and keep yourself alert!

Step 3: Fasten the Base

Your baby monitor usually comes with a detailed instruction manual on how to drill holes for the screws and tighten the base.
The instructions can also vary slightly with different brands of baby monitors. So, please go through the manual to clamp and secure the base of the baby monitor.

Step 4: Attach the Monitor Unit

Your base should either have a clip or a traditional locking mechanism to connect it to the monitor unit. Use the mechanism to link the monitor with the base.

Wall Mounting Bracket

I came across wall mounting brackets a few years ago and found that there are models specifically available for baby monitors. They only need a few screws and nails to fix it on the wall and there’s no drilling involved! However, I suggest you read the manufacturer’s instructions before installing them.

Wall mounting brackets are usually of two types:

Basic/Adhesive Wall Mounting Bracket
Clamp Style Wall Mounting Bracket

Both are sturdy enough to hold a baby monitor’s weight. The clamp style can be fixed to the edge of any furniture, shelf, or table. So it can allow you more flexibility in adjusting the monitor placement.

Recommended Reading: How Do Baby Monitors Work?

Can You Place a Baby Monitor on the Wall Without Drilling?

YES, you can!

I love the “no drilling” alternatives for three reasons:

I don’t have to struggle too much if I plan to change the monitor’s location.
It saves my wall from damage and deterioration.
It helps to maintain a better aesthetic appeal in my baby’s room.

Below are a few excellent choices to mount your baby monitor on the wall without drilling:

1. Furniture Top – The quick approach is placing the monitor on the top of your furniture. However, be sure the furniture is stable, and your tiny one can’t reach the monitor. Tall shelves are great for this.

2. Camera Tripod – This is one of my favorite approaches because it provides flexibility to position the tripod where I want it, so I can see my child without difficulty. Additionally, a tripod is helpful when I’m traveling with my family.

Steps to Hang a Baby Monitor on the Wall Without Drilling

Go for the command strip and a self-adhesive hook to mount your baby monitor on the wall without drilling. It’s an effortless method! You only need to give the adhesive strip or hook some time to adhere firmly before you hang the baby monitor on the wall.

Kelleigh’s Tip: Remember to choose an adhesive designed to hold your baby monitor’s weight.

Here’s a step-by-step process:

Identify and mark the location before you secure your monitor with a removable hook or command strip.
Clean the surface using a mild cleaning solution and let it dry before placing the monitor.
Now, fix the hook or strip against the wall following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Place the baby monitor onto the hook or strip once it’s attached to the surface.
Turn the monitor on and verify the angle and placement.

Avoid These Places for Baby Monitors

Inside the Crib – I would not recommend placing the camera inside the crib because your baby can reach it easily and hurt themselves.
Top of the Bed – There is a high chance of the monitor falling on your baby when you place it at the top of the bed.
Too High on the Wall – Baby monitors exist to give you a good view of your baby. So, if you place the monitor too high on the wall, you won’t be able to see much.
In Direct Sunlight – Putting the monitor in direct sunlight can impact its functioning, reducing its lifespan.
Near Flammable/Dangerous Objects – Avoid placing the monitors around objects that can burn and lead to explosions. Please remove all such objects from your baby’s room.

Essentials to Know: Signs that a Baby Monitor is Hacked!

FAQs about Placing Baby Monitors

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1. Is It Safe To Mount Baby Monitors With Removable Hooks And Command Strips?

Yes, of course! Adhesive strips and hooks are safe for mounting baby monitors.

All you need to make sure is
1. The adhesive is capable of holding the weight of the monitor.
2. The surface should be stable and clean to foster a strong attachment.

2. At What Height And Angle Should I Fix The Baby Monitor?

There is no exact height and angle to place a baby monitor. However, don’t fix the monitor too high or low because it won’t give you proper coverage.

Before placing it at a certain spot, check by holding the camera unit to see if the monitor gives you a wider and closer view of your baby and your baby’s room.

3. How Can I Hide A Baby Monitor Cord While Placing It?

Dangling cords may put your baby at risk, so you try the following options:

1. Use wall tapes or clips to keep cords out of sight.
2. Use cover cords to make the power cord less visible to babies.
3. Set the cords at the back if placing the monitor on a shelf, dressing table, or any furniture.
4. Get a cable management box to hide the cords in, and attach the box at a distance with tape.

Final Thoughts on Placing Baby Monitors

Baby monitors are an incredible tech assistance for parents who want to keep a vigilant eye on their newborns. So, don’t let the technology go in vain by placing your monitor in an unfavorable location.

Please check for the right height and angle before fixing the monitor. Additionally, whether you choose drilling or non-drilling options, be careful about potential hazards like EMF exposure and loose cords.