The first weeks with a newborn run on small worries. Is the room too bright, the bath too hot, or the house too quiet? Parents tend to be up at odd hours, checking things they never used to think about.
That is where a lot of newborn baby gadgets earn their place on the shelf, as something that helps you keep an eye on one small detail.
Newborn baby tech gadgets
Gadinsider has compiled five of them in one list. Baby tech is a crowded category, from video monitors to bath thermometers, and the products differ a lot in how they work and what they promise.
Brands such as Alpine, HelloBaby and BEMPU appear here alongside a few smaller names, so you can compare what each one actually does.
1. Alpine Muffy baby ear muffs
The Alpine Muffy Baby is a pair of passive ear defenders for babies and toddlers. It is aimed at noisy places such as fireworks, busy events and travel. Alpine says it is suitable for children up to 4 years old.
Key features and specs
- Noise reduction: 23 dB SNR, which Alpine says was tested to US and EU regulations
- Noise control: Passive
- Materials: ABS cover, PVC and PU padding, polyester headband
- Fit: Adjustable headband for head circumferences of 15.4 to 19.7 inches, per Alpine
- Closure: Hook and loop
- Included: Carrying pouch
Performance
Passive refers to the fact that the Alpine Muffy Baby doesn't have any electronic components or a battery. This ear protector relies on physical sound blocking properties. Alpine mentions that the performance is 23 dB, but how good it is in practice really depends on how well it fits on your child’s head. An anti-slip headband and the absence of rigid elements are claimed by Alpine. Head circumference is important for a baby.
Pros
- No battery or electronics
- Adjustable headband, with fit stated up to 4 years
- Carrying pouch included
Cons
- The smallest head size listed is 15.4 inches, and the listing gives no minimum age, so check the fit for a newborn.
- The "paediatrician recommended" and safety claims come from the brand.
Today's best deals
Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Muffs Noise Protection — View at Amazon
2. HelloBaby no WiFi baby monitor HB6550
The HelloBaby HB6550 is a video baby monitor with a 5-inch screen and a separate camera. It connects without Wi-Fi, using a 2.4GHz FHSS encrypted link, per HelloBaby.
Key features and specs
- Screen: 5-inch colour display
- Camera movement: 355° horizontal pan, 120° vertical tilt and 2X zoom
- Connectivity: No Wi-Fi; 2.4GHz FHSS with encryption
- Night vision: Infrared
- Audio: Two-way, with cry detection and voice-activated modes listed
- Extras: Room temperature alert, 8 lullabies, sound level LED, date and time display
- Mounting: Tabletop or wall
- Expandability: Up to 4 cameras
- Power: Plug-in camera, wireless screen
Performance
A monitor that does not use Wi-Fi works as a closed pair, so you do not need a home network or an app. HelloBaby says the encrypted link reduces hacking risk. That is the brand's claim. Remote pan and tilt means you can adjust the view from the screen without entering the room. The listing gives no figure for the screen unit's battery life.
Pros
- Works without Wi-Fi
- Remote pan, tilt and zoom
- Supports up to 4 cameras
Cons
- The camera is plug-in, so it needs a power socket.
- No battery life figure is given for the screen
- Claims such as "hack proof" and "#1 selling" are the seller's
Today's best deals
Hello, baby. No WiFi, baby monitor camera and audio — View at Amazon
3. BEMPU baby movement monitor
The BEMPU is a small clip-on sensor that tracks a baby's gentle abdominal movement during sleep or rest. If it detects no movement, it alerts carers through the Bempu app.
Key features and specs
- Size and weight: 1.4" x 1.5" x 0.5", 0.459 ounces
- Material: ABS plastic
- Sensor: Motion sensor
- Alerts: A soft vibration first, then an audible alarm if no movement is still detected
- Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy, with Android and iOS apps; no Wi-Fi needed
- Battery: Up to 7 days of typical use, about 1 hour to recharge
- Attachment: Clip-on to clothing or diaper
Performance
The two-stage warning system is the key element. First comes a vibration that aims to stimulate natural movements prior to going off. The clip is lightweight and compact, so there should be no bulky addition. There is no information about the distance at which the sensor works compared to your smartphone or any medical certification. This is why it makes sense to regard it as an accessory, not an alternative to healthy sleeping habits.
Pros
- Two-step alert, with vibration before the alarm
- Up to 7 days of battery, per the listing
- Light, clip-on design
Cons
- The listing does not give a medical certification.
- Needs a phone and app, and the Bluetooth range is not stated
Today's best deals
Baby sleep monitor with gentle vibration alerts — View at Amazon
4. IOG baby bath tub thermometer
The IOG bath thermometer is a floating duck-style thermometer that reads the water temperature during a bath. It starts when it touches the water and shuts off by itself afterwards.
Key features and specs
- Display: LCD
- Alarm: The signal light turns red above 102.2°F and blue below 96.8°F. F: The alert is silent.
- Operation: Starts in water, auto-shut-off 5 seconds after removal
- Water resistance: IPX7, per IOG
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Age range: 0 months and up
- Power: Battery included
- Care: Hand wash only
- Unit count: 2
Performance
The coloured lights make it easy to read the temperature using the IOG thermometer. It is not accidental that they opted for colours since the list indicates that a silent alarm does not shock the baby. There are set temperatures in the list, and there is no information about altering them. In addition, it floats, hence being a bath toy as well.
Pros
- Starts and stops automatically
- Silent colour alarm for hot and cold water
- IPX7 water resistance and a floating design
Cons
- The listing says the unit count is 2, which is unclear next to a single "Duck" product.
- Hand wash only
Today's best deals
Baby bath tub thermometer for newborn (Duck) — View at Amazon
5. BabySmile electric nasal aspirator S-503
The BabySmile S-503 is an electric nasal aspirator that clears mucus from a baby's nose. The listing describes it as gentle, quiet and suitable for infants and toddlers during everyday colds.
Key features and specs
- Model: S-503
- Material: Silicone, BPA-free
- Suction: 3 levels
- Operation: One-handed use
- Cleaning: Detachable parts, hand wash only, air dry fully before reassembly
- Compatibility: The listing mentions the S-303 (2 AA batteries, not included) and the S-504 (adapter-powered).
Performance
The suction level can be adjusted through three levels to suit your needs. The pieces are detachable, which is essential in any machine that is used frequently. The instruction provided on power consumption is quite confusing, so ensure you know how the machine is powered.
Pros
- Three suction levels
- Detachable, washable parts
- Described as low-noise and one-handed
Cons
- The power details conflict, with batteries, an adapter and "fully charged" all mentioned
- Hand wash only, with full air drying needed
Today's best deals
BabySmile electric nasal aspirator — View at Amazon
How to buy products for newborns?
Identify your primary concern first, and then choose the device based on it. Noise is related to ear muffs, night checks with the monitor or motion sensor, bath time with the thermometer, and common cold with the aspirator.
Next is checking the fit and power of the device. The earmuffs have a minimum head size requirement, while other devices require batteries, a charger or an app for the smartphone. Check the ratings on Amazon and confirm the cost before purchasing.