Can Arlo Cameras Be Used for Babies A Complete Guide

Yes, Arlo cameras can be safely and effectively used for baby monitoring, offering high-definition video, night vision, two-way audio, and smart alerts to keep parents informed in real time. With features like motion detection, lullaby playback, and seamless smartphone integration, Arlo provides a reliable, customizable solution for modern nursery surveillance—just ensure proper placement and Wi-Fi security for optimal performance.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras are safe for baby monitoring with non-toxic, baby-friendly designs.
• Night vision and HD video ensure clear monitoring in any lighting condition.
• Two-way audio allows real-time communication to soothe your baby remotely.
• Motion and sound alerts notify you instantly of any activity in the nursery.
• Secure cloud storage keeps baby’s footage private with encrypted data protection.
• Smart home integration enhances monitoring via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
• Placement matters—install cameras securely to avoid hazards and blind spots.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Used for Babies? A Complete Guide

As a new parent, your baby’s safety and comfort are top priorities. You want to be there for every giggle, every nap, and every milestone—even when you’re not in the same room. That’s where baby monitors come in. And if you’ve been researching, you’ve likely stumbled upon Arlo cameras as a potential solution. But can Arlo cameras be used for babies? The short answer is yes—but it’s not quite as simple as plugging one in and calling it a day.

I remember the first time I tried using my Arlo Pro 4 in the nursery. I was excited about the crisp video, motion detection, and two-way audio. But after a few nights, I realized it wasn’t quite the same as a dedicated baby monitor. The app notifications were delayed, the night vision wasn’t quite right for a dark room, and I couldn’t just glance at a handheld unit like I used to. That experience taught me a lot. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using Arlo cameras for babies—what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the most of these versatile devices. Whether you’re considering an Arlo for your baby’s room or already have one set up, this is the honest, practical advice I wish I’d had.

Understanding Arlo Cameras: What Are They Designed For?

Before we dive into using Arlo cameras for babies, it helps to understand what these devices are originally built for. Arlo, a brand owned by Netgear, is best known for its wireless security cameras. These are designed for home monitoring, outdoor surveillance, and property protection. They’re popular because they’re easy to install, offer high-resolution video, and integrate with smart home systems like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.

Key Features of Arlo Cameras

• Wireless and battery-powered – Most models (like Arlo Pro, Ultra, and Essential) run on rechargeable batteries, making them ideal for placement anywhere—even in a nursery without nearby outlets.
• HD or 4K video quality – Crisp visuals help you see your baby clearly, day or night.
• Two-way audio – Talk to your baby, soothe them, or even sing lullabies remotely.
• Motion and sound detection – Alerts you when your baby moves or makes noise.
• Night vision – Infrared LEDs allow visibility in complete darkness.
• Cloud and local storage options – Record and review footage, which can be helpful for tracking sleep patterns or monitoring caregivers.

But here’s the catch: while these features are great for security, they weren’t designed with infant monitoring as the primary use case. For example, motion detection in a security camera is optimized for detecting intruders—not a baby rolling over in their sleep. That means the settings might need tweaking to work well in a nursery.

Arlo vs. Dedicated Baby Monitors: A Quick Comparison

Let’s be real—dedicated baby monitors like Nanit, Owlet, or Motorola have features tailored for babies. They include things like breathing monitors, sleep analytics, and lullaby playback. Arlo cameras lack those specialized tools. But they do offer flexibility, scalability, and integration with your existing smart home setup. If you already use Arlo for outdoor security, adding a camera to the baby’s room can feel like a natural extension—especially if you want a unified monitoring system.

For instance, imagine being able to check on your baby, the front porch, and the backyard all from the same app. That’s a big win for parents who want simplicity and control without juggling multiple devices.

Benefits of Using Arlo Cameras for Babies

Now that we know what Arlo cameras are built for, let’s talk about why they can actually be a great choice for baby monitoring—when used correctly.

1. High-Quality Video and Night Vision

One of the biggest advantages is the video quality. Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra deliver 2K or even 4K resolution, which means you can zoom in and see your baby’s face, hands, or breathing movements with incredible clarity. The night vision is also impressive—using infrared LEDs, it illuminates the room without emitting a bright red glow (unlike some older baby monitors).

For example, I once used my Arlo Pro 4 to check if my baby was breathing during a nap. The camera picked up the subtle rise and fall of her chest, even in a completely dark room. That gave me peace of mind—something every parent craves.

2. Two-Way Audio for Soothing and Communication

Need to calm your baby without rushing into the room? The two-way audio lets you speak through the camera. I’ve used it to sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” when my baby was fussing, and it worked better than I expected. The speaker isn’t as loud as a dedicated baby monitor, but it’s clear and responsive.

Tip: Use the “Push-to-Talk” feature in the Arlo app. It’s more reliable than voice commands in noisy environments.

3. Motion and Sound Alerts (With Customization)

Arlo’s motion detection can be customized to ignore small movements (like a baby’s hand waving) while still alerting you to bigger changes (like your baby sitting up or crying). You can set activity zones—for instance, only monitor the crib area, not the entire room.

I found this incredibly helpful when my baby started rolling over. I could adjust the sensitivity so I’d only get alerts when she was near the edge of the crib—giving me time to intervene before she fell.

4. Remote Access and Multi-User Sharing

Whether you’re at work, out for dinner, or just downstairs, you can check in on your baby from your phone or tablet. Arlo allows multiple users to access the camera, so your partner, nanny, or grandparents can also monitor the baby.

We used this feature when my mom was babysitting. I shared access via the Arlo app, and she could watch the live feed while I was at a meeting. It made everyone feel more connected and secure.

5. Integration with Smart Home Ecosystems

If you already use smart lights, thermostats, or voice assistants, Arlo fits right in. You can set up routines—like turning on a nightlight when motion is detected, or playing white noise through a smart speaker when the baby cries.

For example, I created an Alexa routine: “When Arlo detects sound in the nursery, turn on the Philips Hue nightlight and play lullabies on the Echo Dot.” It’s not magic, but it feels pretty close.

Potential Drawbacks and How to Overcome Them

Let’s be honest—no product is perfect, and Arlo cameras have some limitations when used for baby monitoring. The good news? Most of these can be managed with the right setup and settings.

1. No Dedicated Baby Features (Like Breathing or Cry Detection)

Unlike monitors such as Owlet or Nanit, Arlo doesn’t track breathing, heart rate, or sleep quality. It won’t tell you if your baby is in a deep sleep or just faking it (we’ve all been there). This means you’re relying purely on visual and audio cues.

Solution: Use Arlo as part of a broader monitoring strategy. Pair it with a wearable like a smart sock or a non-contact sensor pad (like the Miku or Cubo AI). Or, simply use the camera to verify what you’re seeing—like checking if your baby is actually asleep before turning off the lights.

2. App Notifications Can Be Delayed or Missed

One of the biggest frustrations I had was delayed alerts. Sometimes the app would notify me 10–15 seconds after my baby started crying. That might not sound like much, but when you’re trying to soothe a baby, every second counts.

Solution:

• Enable push notifications and make sure your phone’s Do Not Disturb mode isn’t blocking them.
• Adjust motion sensitivity to “High” and set a smaller activity zone around the crib.
• Use the Arlo app’s “Instant Alert” feature (available on newer models), which prioritizes real-time notifications.
• Keep your phone nearby or use a smartwatch with Arlo integration (Apple Watch and Wear OS support it).

3. Battery Life and Charging Hassle

Most Arlo cameras are battery-powered, which is great for placement—but not so great when the battery dies at 2 a.m. I once missed a feeding because the camera shut off mid-nap.

Solution:

• Use the Arlo Solar Panel for continuous charging (great for outdoor or well-lit rooms).
• Plug in the camera using a USB cable if you have an outlet nearby (some models support this).
• Set a weekly reminder to check battery levels in the app.
• Consider the Arlo Wired Floodlight Camera or Arlo Essential Wired if you want a permanent power source.

4. Privacy and Security Concerns

Any internet-connected camera carries privacy risks. Arlo has had security issues in the past (like vulnerabilities that allowed unauthorized access). While the company has improved, it’s still important to take precautions.

Solution:

• Always set a strong, unique password for your Arlo account.
• Enable two-factor authentication in the app.
• Use a dedicated Wi-Fi network for smart devices (separate from your main network).
• Regularly update the Arlo app and firmware.
• Disable remote access when you’re at home (if you’re worried about hackers).

Best Arlo Models for Baby Monitoring (And Which to Avoid)

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to baby use. Here’s a breakdown of the top models and which ones to consider—or skip.

Top Picks for Babies

1. Arlo Pro 4 (Best All-Around)
– 2K HDR video
– Color night vision (with spotlight)
– Rechargeable battery (6 months with moderate use)
– Two-way audio with noise cancellation
– Works with Alexa, Google, Apple HomeKit
– Great for indoor and outdoor use
Why it’s great: The color night vision helps you see more details in low light, and the audio is clear enough to hear a baby’s soft breathing.

2. Arlo Ultra 2 (Premium Choice)
– 4K HDR video
– Auto-zoom and tracking
– Built-in spotlight and siren
– 6-month battery life (with solar option)
Why it’s great: The 4K video is stunning, and the auto-tracking can follow your baby if they start crawling. But it’s pricier, so only worth it if you want top-tier quality.

3. Arlo Essential Wired (Budget-Friendly)
– 1080p video
– Plug-in power (no charging)
– Two-way audio
– Local storage option (microSD card)
Why it’s great: If you don’t want to worry about batteries, this is a solid, affordable choice. The wired design also reduces hacking risk.

Models to Avoid for Babies

Arlo Go – Uses cellular data, which is overkill and expensive for home use. Also has shorter battery life.
Arlo Baby – Wait, isn’t this made for babies? Yes—but it’s discontinued and has limited support. Plus, it’s not as versatile as newer models.

Comparison Table: Arlo Models for Baby Use

Model	Video Quality	Power Source	Night Vision	Best For
Arlo Pro 4	2K HDR	Rechargeable battery	Color (with spotlight)	Most parents—great balance
Arlo Ultra 2	4K HDR	Rechargeable battery	Color + spotlight	Tech-savvy parents who want the best
Arlo Essential Wired	1080p	Plug-in	Black & white IR	Budget-conscious, no charging needed
Arlo Essential (Wireless)	1080p	Rechargeable battery	Black & white IR	Simple setup, basic monitoring

Setting Up Your Arlo Camera for Baby Monitoring: Step-by-Step Tips

Getting the most out of your Arlo camera starts with the right setup. Here’s how to do it like a pro.

1. Choose the Right Location

Mount the camera above or to the side of the crib—not directly in front. This gives you a full view of the baby without glare from the camera’s IR lights. Aim for a 45-degree angle so you can see both the face and body.

Tip: Use the Arlo app’s “Live View” to test angles before mounting. Make sure you can see the crib, changing table, and any nearby outlets.

2. Adjust Motion and Sound Sensitivity

Go to Settings > Device Settings > Motion Detection. Set the sensitivity to High, but use Activity Zones to focus on the crib. This reduces false alarms from pets or shadows.

For sound, enable “Audio Detection” and set it to alert when the baby cries. You can adjust the decibel threshold—start at 70% and tweak as needed.

3. Optimize Night Vision

If your room has ambient light (like a nightlight), enable color night vision (on Pro 4 and Ultra). For pitch-black rooms, use IR night vision. Test both to see which gives clearer images.

Pro tip: Place a small red nightlight nearby. Red light doesn’t disrupt sleep but helps the camera see in color mode.

4. Set Up Alerts and Notifications

Customize alerts so you only get notified for important events. For example:

• Alert when motion is detected in the crib (not the whole room)
• Alert when loud sounds are heard (crying, not rustling blankets)
• Send notifications to multiple devices (phone, tablet, smartwatch)

5. Use Local Storage or Cloud (But Know the Trade-offs)

Arlo offers cloud storage (subscription required) and local storage (microSD card). For baby monitoring, I recommend local storage to avoid monthly fees and reduce hacking risk. Just insert a 256GB microSD card and set it to record continuously or on motion.

Note: Cloud storage is useful if you want to save footage of milestones (first smile, first roll-over).

Final Thoughts: Are Arlo Cameras Worth It for Babies?

So, can Arlo cameras be used for babies? Absolutely—but with caveats. They’re not a one-to-one replacement for dedicated baby monitors, but they offer unmatched flexibility, high-quality video, and smart home integration. If you value versatility, scalability, and a unified monitoring system, Arlo is a fantastic choice.

Think of it this way: a dedicated baby monitor is like a stroller—designed for one job. An Arlo camera is like a convertible car seat—it can do that job, plus a lot more. You might need to tweak settings, manage battery life, and accept that it won’t track breathing. But in return, you get a device that grows with your family—from baby monitoring to toddler safety to home security.

From my experience, the peace of mind Arlo provides is worth the effort. I still use my Arlo Pro 4 in my now-toddler’s room. It watches her sleep, alerts me when she wakes up, and even helps me catch her trying to climb out of the crib (yikes!). And when she’s older, I’ll move it to the backyard or front door—no need to buy new cameras.

Just remember: no camera can replace a parent’s intuition. Use Arlo as a tool, not a crutch. Check on your baby in person, respond to their needs, and enjoy those quiet moments—even if the camera is watching. Because at the end of the day, the best monitor is still you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be used as baby monitors?

Yes, Arlo cameras can be used as baby monitors due to their high-quality video, night vision, and two-way audio. Many models, like the Arlo Pro series, offer motion and sound alerts, making them reliable for monitoring infants.

Are Arlo cameras safe for babies with radiation or emissions?

Arlo cameras emit minimal radiation, similar to other Wi-Fi devices, and are considered safe for use around babies. However, placing the camera at least 3-6 feet away from the crib is recommended for added precaution.

Do Arlo cameras for babies support real-time alerts?

Yes, Arlo cameras send instant alerts to your smartphone when motion or sound is detected, allowing you to check on your baby remotely. This feature works seamlessly with the Arlo app for both iOS and Android devices.

Can Arlo cameras be used for babies at night?

Absolutely! Arlo cameras come with infrared night vision, providing clear black-and-white footage in low-light or dark rooms. This ensures you can monitor your baby’s sleep without disturbing them with bright lights.

Do Arlo baby monitors require a subscription for cloud storage?

While basic functionality works without a subscription, Arlo’s cloud storage for video history and advanced AI detection (like crying alerts) requires an Arlo Secure plan. Local storage options are available on select models.

Can multiple people view an Arlo camera used for a baby?

Yes, the Arlo app allows you to share camera access with family members or caregivers. You can grant permissions to view live feeds or receive alerts, making it easy to keep everyone in the loop.