Best Movement Monitors

The Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor AC401 is our top-rated movement monitor

Experts say that movement monitors do not prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and can be disruptive to the sleep of both parent and child because the alarms sound in the baby's room. However, many parents like the perceived peace of mind a movement monitor offers. One way to justify a movement sensor purchase is to pair it with a great audio monitor that will last long after the movement monitor is no longer needed. The Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor AC401 (*Est. $130) does just that, using a sensor pad placed below the baby's crib mattress that sounds an audible alarm after 20 seconds if no motion is detected. It's paired with a best-in-class audio monitor that is praised for its range and clarity.

Like the Angelcare, the BabySense V Infant Movement Monitor (*Est. $130) uses sensor pads under the baby's crib mattress. The BabySense V comes with two sensor pads included, which parents say results in better coverage and fewer false alarms. Unlike the Angelcare, the BabySense cannot be used in place of an audio monitor.  The motion alarm only sounds within a baby's room, so most parents will use this monitor with an additional audio or video monitor.

If you want to monitor movement anywhere baby sleeps, the Snuza Hero Mobile Baby Movement Monitor (*Est. $120) gets raves on consumer review sites. This small unit clips on to a baby's diaper. If movement isn't detected after 15 seconds, the unit vibrates to arouse the baby. If movement continues to be undetected after 20 seconds, an audible alarm sounds. Like the BabySense, the Hero cannot replace a traditional audio or video monitor.