After my twins were born, I quickly realized I needed an upgrade from the single-camera monitor I used with my first baby. I wanted something that’s reliable, of course, and with the capability to monitor both babies. Many monitors do this via a split screen. I chose the Babysense Max View Split-Screen as the best baby monitor for twins because it comes with two cameras, has a long range without Wi-Fi and a large HD display so you can clearly see both babies.
After deeply researching what’s out there and trying out several ourselves, we found the best baby … [+] monitors for twins.
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But just having two cameras and two views doesn’t make an option the baby monitor for twins. “One more thing to consider is the ease of setup and use. With twins, life can be hectic enough, so you want a baby monitor that’s straightforward to set up and intuitive to use even when you’re sleep-deprived,” says Dr. Shelby Harris, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis.
A favorite among twin parents, the Babysense Max View Split Screen monitor comes ready to go with two cameras. As a twin parent, I prefer split-screen options like this one, so I can see both babies at once. It has a 5.5-inch HD display so you have a clear view, and the night vision allows you to see what’s happening in the dark. You can choose to only have the audio focused on one camera, or the unit can scan to automatically switch audio every 15 seconds.
The monitor also has some soothing options for your babies including various nightlight options, white noise and lullabies. It has a long range of up to 1,000 feet, which is ideal if your bedroom isn’t right next to the nursery. The monitor is also a non-Wi-Fi option, which many parents prefer because it reduces the risk of the monitor getting hacked.
Best Non-Wi-Fi Baby Monitor For Twins
Scan Function Automatically Switches Between Cameras
Amazon
Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro
A secure non-Wi-Fi option with good range and sound quality, the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro is a very popular monitor, and it’s the one I currently use for my twins. It has a 5-inch screen with a clear picture (720p HD resolution video) and good night vision. Compared to the older version of this monitor (which I used with my firstborn), this monitor has a better range (1,000 feet, according to the manufacturer), a clearer picture and great sound quality. It features noise-reduction technology, so you don’t hear the white noise blasting through the monitor, but can still hear your babies loud and clear.
Make sure you purchase an additional camera to use this with twins, but note that it’s not a split-screen monitor. It does have the ability to scan and to add up to four total cameras, but you can’t see both babies at once. The camera has great zoom and pan functions, and it even has an optional optical zoom lens, so you can really customize your viewing.
“In my opinion, the best high-end option for a non-Wi-Fi baby monitor is the Infant Optics DXR-8 Pro Video Baby Monitor,” says Debbie Gerken, a registered nurse certified in neonatal intensive care, certified pediatric sleep coach and founder of Sleep Like A Baby Consulting. “This monitor has a reliable feed without the need for an internet connection and has an impressive range of up to 1000 feet. Night vision, two-way communication and temperature monitoring are also attractive features of this product.”
Best Budget Baby Monitor For Twins
Ready To Go Right Out Of The Box
Amazon
Vtech VM350-2 Baby Monitor
Gerken recommends this camera due to its split-screen capability, long range and two-way communication. For a budget monitor, the Vtech VM350-2 Baby Monitor has a myriad of features, including white noise and soothing sounds. You also get both cameras and the parent monitor for just over $100. It’s a non-Wifi monitor with a 1,000 foot range.
When buying this monitor, you have a couple of different camera and monitor options. The larger 5-inch screen is ideal for split-screen viewing, so you can get a good view of each baby. You can also choose between fixed or pan-tilt-zoom cameras. While you can move the fixed cameras, you’ll have to go into the nursery to do so. When I recently tested this monitor with my twins, I appreciated how fast the cameras connected as well as the audio quality.
Best Split-Screen Baby Monitor For Twins
User-Friendly Design Ideal For Sleep-Deprived Parents
Vava
Vava Split View Baby Monitor
If you’re looking for good range (900 feet), a quality HD picture and a user-friendly design, check out this Vava split-screen monitor. I’ve recently been testing it with my twins, and I’m really impressed with the picture quality; it’s vibrant during the day and still very clear at night. I also appreciate how quickly and easily the cameras connect to the monitor. Some split-screen monitors can be confusing to navigate, but I find this one very intuitive, which I appreciate when I’m feeling sleep-deprived.
It comes with two cameras, so you don’t have to buy another one separately like you do with some other split-screen options. One of my biggest pet peeves with some monitors is how quickly the battery dies. With the Vava Split View, this isn’t a problem as the battery can last 10 hours with the screen on and 18 hours in audio-only mode. And if you have other kids or want to keep an eye on other areas of the house, like the playroom, for example, you can add up to four cameras.
Best Smart Baby Monitor For Twins
This Smart Device Has Breathing-Monitoring And Sleep Analytics
Nanit
Nanit Pro Camera Multi-Pack
Because twins are often born early and tend to be on the smaller side, smart baby monitors with extra features can provide peace of mind. The Nanit monitor has sensor-free breathing motion monitoring, sleep tracking, analytics, sound alerts, motion alerts and cry detection. It features 1080p HD video for an ultra-clear picture, and you can see your babies from anywhere with the Nanit app.
With two cameras, you can watch both babies at once on a split screen, and you can choose floor stand camera mounts that provide a nice clear view from above your baby. Nanit uses 256-bit AES encryption to help keep your data safe and prevent the monitor from getting hacked. The cameras also have extra features like night lights, white noise and soothing sounds. However, a drawback is that that this option is significantly more expensive than our other top picks.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted parenting team strives to find the best products to make your life easier as a parent. We have a team dedicated to testing and reviewing the best baby and kids gear for all budgets and all types of families.
Author Alicia Betz is a mom to three (including twin boys), parenting writer and professional product tester. She reports on a wide range of baby gear topics, including the best night lights and the best strollers.
We interviewed Debbie Gerken, a registered nurse certified in neonatal intensive care, certified pediatric sleep coach and founder of Sleep Like a Baby Consulting; and Dr. Shelby Harris, director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, to help gain insight on baby monitor features and the best monitors on the market for twins.
We review this story regularly to ensure information is current and accurate. This article was last updated in August 2024 by Betz, who added a new pick for the best split-screen monitor.
How We Chose The Best Baby Monitors For Twins
To pick the best baby monitors for twins, we relied on firsthand experience, expert advice and customer reviews and ratings.
The Forbes Vetted team has extensively tested the best baby monitors. To build on that expertise and find monitors with features that best serve twin parents, Betz tested a number of baby monitors with her twins, including a few of the picks included here.
We incorporated expert insight from Gerken and Harris, including what features to look for in a baby monitor for twins and which popular models work for different types of families.
We researched and compared models and features, including only dual-camera monitors and those that feature either split-screen or scan technology.
Because no two families are the same, we included monitors at various prices. We also included monitors that have different features and functions, including both Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi options.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Baby Monitor For Twins
There are a lot of factors to consider when looking for the baby monitor for twins. Ultimately, you just want something reliable that allows you to monitor both babies. Here are some features and factors to consider when deciding which monitor is best for your family:
Wi-Fi Vs. Non-Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi monitors are nice because you can monitor your baby from anywhere. Many parents like this feature so they can check in on their babies when they’re at work or out on a date night. However, Gerken cautions that these monitors can be vulnerable to hacking. Look for one with safeguards and anti-hacking encryption. “Another thing to consider is the quality of the internet, as poor connections can limit access,” says Gerken.
Non-Wi-Fi monitors are typically considered safer in terms of hacking, and many parents choose them for this reason. However, you can’t monitor your babies while you’re away from home, and non-Wi-Fi monitors can sometimes have limited range even within your home.
Ease Of Setup And Use
Life with twins can be chaotic, so finding a monitor that’s easy to set up and use is a must. Look for user-friendly models that make your most desired features accessible. For example, some monitors have zoom buttons directly on the display, while others require you to navigate through a menu to get to the zoom buttons.
Split Screen Vs. Scan
In most cases, two cameras for twins works best, which means you should look for a monitor that can either scan between cameras or that displays a split screen. This makes it easy for you to tell which baby is crying, especially if they’re sharing a room.
With a split-screen model, you can tell immediately which baby is awake. With a scan model, you may have to wait up to 15 seconds until the cameras switch. If it’s important to you to respond immediately, a split-screen option might be best. Because my twins share a room, I prefer split-screen so I can attend to the awake child before he wakes his brother up.
Video And Sound Quality
Pay attention to the video and sound quality of the monitor. Many cameras have HD resolution that allows you to get a very clear picture of your babies. You might also be interested in noise-reduction technology, especially if you use white noise or other ambient sounds in the nursery. This feature dulls those sounds through the monitor, while still allowing you to hear your babies when they cry.
Range
If you’re choosing a Wi-Fi monitor, don’t worry about the range, as long as you have internet access. Non-Wi-Fi monitors, however, can sometimes have limited range. If you have a larger house, live on multiple stories, or want to be able to relax in the backyard while keeping an eye on the monitor, look for one with a longer range. Many newer options have a 1,000-foot range.
Additional Features
Some additional features you might want to consider include night vision, two-way talk, various mounting options, night lights, white noise and soothing sounds. Many popular monitors include all of these extra features; if there are any that are important to you, make sure they’re included before purchasing a monitor.
There are quite a few ways to set up a baby monitor for twins. Many people choose to set up two cameras, each directed at one twin. Then, you can use a split-screen function to see both babies at once or a scan function to automatically switch between both babies. If your twins are sharing a room, it may not be necessary to set up two cameras, especially if you’re able to pan the camera remotely.
Can You Use The Nanit With Twins?
With split-screen viewing and an option to purchase multiple cameras, the Nanit is an excellent monitor for twins. The app allows you to see them from anywhere, and you can monitor things like breathing and motion.
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