Baby monitors all want an app and cloud access. I work in security, and I can't bring myself to set one up

olive_drum_183023 Apr 2026

She's five months old and moving to her cot in the other room soon. Every camera monitor we've looked at wants an app account and a cloud connection, some want a phone number as well. I spend my working days on incidents that start with exactly this kind of device. My partner says I'm overthinking a baby monitor. What do you use? Is there anything sensible that works on the home network only, or did you just go with a plain audio monitor? ❤️

2 comments

umber_tiffin_120623 Apr 2026
We used a plain audio monitor for our son, years ago, and it did the job. If you want video, look for one that works on the local network without an account, and keep it on a separate guest network. Old habits from work 🙂
moss_pigeon_250523 Apr 2026
Before choosing: what do you need it to tell you that you wouldn't hear anyway? In most flats a crying five month old is audible from the next room. If the answer is peace of mind at 2 am, fine, but a simple audio monitor gives you that without any of the risks you're worried about.
- olive_drum_183024 Apr 2026
  Fair question. Our flat is small and I'd hear her anyway. It's really for daytime naps when I'm on calls with the door shut. Ordered a basic audio one yesterday, no app. My partner says it's the first time I've ever bought the simpler option.