Is your baby’s first camping trip drawing closer? You’ll need a baby monitor. But which one would be ideal to pack? The answer is pretty simple really: you’ll need a battery-operated unit.
Based on my research, the Hello Baby is the best battery-operated baby monitor for camping. If you’re a parent like me with a similar dilemma regarding picking the right baby monitor for your upcoming camping expedition, keep reading. I love all kinds of trips, especially camping and where I live (Switzerland), there are plenty of opportunities for such trips.
- My Top Picks
- Buying a Battery Powered Baby Monitor for Camping – What You Need to Know
- Best Overall – Hello Baby Wireless Video Baby Monitor
- Runner-up – Arlo Pro – Wireless Home Security Camera System
- Levana Jena Digital Baby Video Monitor
- DBPower Digital Audio Baby Monitor
- Vtech DM221-2
- Best power bank – NOVOO AC Outlet Power Bank
- FAQ
- Conclusion
My Top Picks
- Best Overall – Hello Baby Wireless Video Baby Monitor
- Runner-up – Arlo Pro – Wireless Home Security Camera System
- Levana Jena Digital Baby Video Monitor
- DBPower Digital Audio Baby Monitor
- Vtech DM221-2
- Best power bank – NOVOO AC Outlet Power Bank
Buying a Battery Powered Baby Monitor for Camping – What You Need to Know
You certainly don’t need to reach for the first battery-operated baby monitor you see. There are other considerations you need to make which I’ll discuss here in this guide.
Why Do I Need a Baby Monitor for Camping Trips?
But is a baby monitor even necessary when going camping? I’d say yes. Let me explain why.
You’ll Enjoy the Campfire More
While you want this trip to be memorable for your child, the reality is that they’ll probably sleep through most of it. Babies love their sleep so they do tend to call-it-a day earlier than adults. That’s how they grow. A baby monitor helps you keep an eye on your little one without constantly checking the tent every five minutes. This way you’ll have more time to enjoy the campfire and make memories with older family members, friends, or your partner.
Keep Predators at Bay
Not to scare you but bears can identify baby cries as crying fawns or coyotes. You might want to pack that baby monitor if you don’t want your little one’s wails to attract uninvited “guests” to your camping party. The unit will detect the slightest sound coming from your baby before they wake up the entire jungle. You can swiftly swoop in, calm your baby down, and save the day before things get out of hand.
Stop You From Constantly Checking On Your Child
Let’s flip the script a little. While younger babies love sleeping, toddlers and older children don’t. Given their way toddlers would stay awake right into the AM’s. But kids need their rest (even during fun camping trips). So being the responsible parent that you are, you’ll send your toddler to sleep early. Now, whether they sleep right away is a discussion for another day. But you can use a baby monitor to check if any sounds coming from your toddler are caused by real distress or a form of protest.
Tips to Keep in Mind When Picking a Baby Monitor for Camping
So, are there specific baby monitors designed for camping? Not necessarily. The key lies in picking units with features that’ll prove valuable when outdoors. Pick a versatile unit that has the following features:
- Battery life – Buying a baby monitor that is battery-operated is one thing. But does the battery last? Remember that you’re far from power sources so the longer the battery on the unit lasts, the better for everyone.
- Video function – When the adventurous spirit kicks in, older kids might wake up and try to come to join you. By wandering in the dark they risk getting lost. A unit with a video function allows you to keep tabs on your child at all times.
- Night vision – A monitor that allows you to view your child clearly in low light conditions is perfect for camping.
- Night light – When night falls, tents can become very dark causing your kid great discomfort and anxiety. A monitor with night light is soothing for your little one. Just make sure to have some kind of bug repellant because it’s attractive to uninvited creepy crawlies.
- Monitor room temperature – The temperature in a tent is always different from outside. A device that monitors the temperature will help you ascertain if it’s comfortable for your child— or not.
- Power source: I’ve been talking about battery-operated baby monitors for camping purposes. But, sometimes you may end up being in a place with no electricity. A powerful power bank comes in handy here so you can charge up the batteries and plug in the video unit if necessary.
What Are My Other Options?
If for some reason you don’t want to bring along a battery-operated baby monitor on your camping trip, you’re not out of options. You can use two smartphones as a makeshift baby monitor by simply phoning one smartphone and placing it in the tent with your little one. Although, this alternative will drain the battery of both phones AND cost you a fortune in airtime.
Still, on the subject of smartphones, you could turn your Apple or Android device into a baby monitor. You could also bring your existing baby monitor from home and use your car battery to charge it. Or you could brave the unknown and go without a monitor altogether. But all these options are not without their drawbacks. A battery-operated baby monitor is by far your best bet for camping.
Best Overall – Hello Baby Wireless Video Baby Monitor
This is hands down the best product on my list. The device has a bunch of impressive features including exceptional video and clear sound quality, two-way communication function, temperature monitoring, and also the ability to play lullabies. Plus, no set up is required for this unit, just plug and play.
Who is it for
This is the product for tech-savvy parents who want a monitor that has all the features needed to keep their child safe and comfortable.
Why You Should Consider It
Imagine a monitor that allows you to make out your child’s facial features clearly even in the darkest conditions (provided you don’t zoom in). You can tell if your baby is awake, sleeping, or even breathing properly with absolute clarity. Make sure you have a strong power bank to give you extra backup when using this baby monitor especially if you want to plug in the video and there’s no electricity at your campsite. The one from NOVOO should do the job.
Product Information
- Weight: 0.5lb
- Range: 960ft
- Color: White/Black
- Battery life: 12 hours
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Long battery life
- Long-range
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Zoom view grainy
- Durability questionable
- No night light
Runner-up – Arlo Pro – Wireless Home Security Camera System
The fact that this monitor is weatherproof makes it very unique and definitely a close second. Thanks to the night vision function and high video resolution, you can see your child clearly at night. Plus, it allows you 7 days of free cloud recording to store your precious baby footage.
Who is it for
This baby monitor works with Alexa making it ideal for parents who like giving voice commands to devices. (But note that the Alexa device is sold separately). This means that it can be used perfectly in smart homes and not just in tents.
Why You Should Consider It
I like that the adjustable camera allows you to view your baby from any angle with ease. Because it’s weatherproof, you can place the monitor indoors or outdoors. Having a power bank, such as by NOVOO will become handy should you find yourself without any electricity while camping.
Product Information
- Weight: 1.07lb
- Range: 100ft
- Color: White/Black
- Battery life: Not specified
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Long battery life
- Weatherproof
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Low range
- Sensor motion delayed
- No night light
Levana Jena Digital Baby Video Monitor
If a unit designed with your baby’s safety and privacy in mind is what you’re after, pick this baby monitor. Plus it has long battery life. The automatic vision is a nice touch that allows you to see your child clearly provided that you’re within 15ft.
Who is it for
This is a great option for parents that are concerned about the privacy and security of their baby footage.
Why You Should Consider It
The power-saving feature will come in handy especially when you’re out in the woods. You don’t have to use up more power than necessary. But, if you’re camping with no electrical power source then a strong AC outlet power bank will also be useful for plugging in your monitor’s video.
Product Information
- Weight: 1.84lb
- Range: 15ft
- Color: White
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Power-saving mode
- Long battery life
- Durable
Cons
- Short-range
- Night light is a little too bright
DBPower Digital Audio Baby Monitor
This baby monitor comes with all the features you need to monitor your child including a temperature sensor and two-way communication. Not only can you communicate with your child, but you can also monitor the temperature inside where your child is sleeping.
Who it is for
Parents who always want to feel connected with their babies. This is thanks to its impressive range.
Why You Should Consider It
I like that the unit is designed to notify you when the battery is running low. If you’re worried about not having a power source to recharge the batteries when camping, make sure you buy a strong power bank to solve this problem. The adjustable dim- night light is another bonus feature of this monitor, keeping your baby soothed while falling asleep.
Product Info
- Weight: 1.84lb
- Range: 1000ft
- Color: White/Purple
- Battery life: 9 hours
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Belt-clip for hands-free operation
- Long-range
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Sound volume too low
- Occasional reports of the receiver shutting off unexpectedly
- No night light
Vtech DM221-2
I’ll keep this last one short and sweet because I’ve discussed this battery-operated baby monitor on my site before. Pick this unit if you want a monitor that offers clear signal transmission, two-way communication, and hands-free operation. Best of all, it’s one of the most affordable monitors on my list.
Who it is for
This device is ideal for parents that want a unit that is classed as a low EMF baby monitor.
Why You Should Consider It
This monitor offers 18 hours of battery life making it the unit with the longest battery life on this list. This gives you peace of mind your baby monitor will keep on operating for a few nights. But packing a strong power bank is always a good idea when you go camping.
Product Info
- Weight: 1lb
- Range: 1000ft
- Color: White
- Battery life: 18 hours
- Warranty: 1 year
Pros
- Clear sound quality
- Affordable
- Long battery life
Cons
- No video function
- Not wireless
- No night light
Best power bank – NOVOO AC Outlet Power Bank
Having a high capacity, powerful power bank on hand when camping will give you peace of mind you won’t run out of battery power.
Who It’s For
Campers without an electrical power source on hand.
Why You Should Consider It
This power bank is strong enough to power many of your electronic appliances including your baby monitor. This portable power bank has 110V/85 W AC outlet and is no bigger than the size of a soda can. It has a USB-C 30W PD fast charging feature for charging up laptops, cameras and even your mini-fridge. It takes 3.2 hours for it to be fully recharged from a wall socket.
If you purchase a converter for a plug and an 18V-30V with 30W max solar panel, you’ll be able to charge this power bank up while camping. It’s safe to use with its Smart IC and protection hardware preventing any accidents happening from over-/under-voltage, short circuit or overheating. It comes with a 12 months warranty giving you peace of mind you’re covered in the first year if anything goes wrong with the device.
Product Information
- Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 5.79 inches
- Weight: 1.67 lbs.
- Voltage: 110V (AC)
Pros:
- Powers and charges up appliances
- Lightweight and portable
- Can be charged with solar panels and converter
Cons:
- Expensive
FAQ
How long do baby monitor batteries last?
This will depend on the individual brand. But, generally speaking, the units can hold a charge for between 6 and 20 hours depending on overall usage and settings.
Should you leave your baby monitor on all night?
This is up to you. But some babies adjust to their sleep cycle and learn to cycle between deep and light sleep when they are around 3 to 4 months. It may be safe to turn off the monitor then.
Conclusion
Pick the right battery-operated baby monitor for camping if you want to fully enjoy every moment of your trip. Your baby will be under your watch constantly and your anxiety will be taken care of.
In my opinion, Hello Baby will help you achieve just that. If you do prefer a versatile unit that is weatherproof then Arlo Pro is your product. Which baby monitor are you picking?
When you’re out into camping and hiking, you might need a childcarrier, too. Have you perhaps suffered recently from the dilemma of which Deuter bag to pick: Deuter Kid Comfort vs Pro vs Active?
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Is the baby unit of the VTech monitor really battery powered? I haven’t been able to find confirmation of that anywhere.
Well, on Amazon you can see that it has 16 hours of battery life. So I suggest you go for it. 🙂