Can You Use Arlo Camera as a Baby Camera A Complete Guide

Yes, you can use an Arlo camera as a baby monitor, thanks to its high-definition video, night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection features. With real-time alerts and remote viewing via the Arlo app, parents can keep a close eye on their little one from anywhere—making it a versatile and reliable choice for modern baby monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras work well as baby monitors with HD video and night vision.
• Two-way audio lets you soothe your baby remotely with clear sound.
• Motion and sound alerts notify you instantly on your smartphone.
• Secure cloud storage ensures private, encrypted recordings for peace of mind.
• Customize activity zones to reduce false alerts from non-baby movements.
• Check compatibility with your Wi-Fi to ensure stable, real-time monitoring.

Why Parents Are Turning to Arlo Cameras for Baby Monitoring

As a parent, your child’s safety is your top priority. You want to keep an eye on your baby—whether they’re napping in the crib or playing in their room—without constantly hovering over them. That’s why many parents are asking: can you use Arlo camera as a baby camera? The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It’s a bit more nuanced, but incredibly promising.

I remember those early nights when my newborn would stir in the middle of the night. I’d tiptoe into the nursery, only to find her peacefully asleep. I felt silly, but also anxious. I wanted a reliable way to check on her without disturbing her sleep. That’s when I started exploring baby monitors. While traditional audio-only monitors worked okay, I craved more—video, night vision, two-way talk, and the ability to check in from my phone. That’s when I stumbled upon my Arlo Pro 3. It was already mounted in my hallway for home security, but I wondered: could it double as a baby monitor? After months of testing and tweaking, I’ve learned a lot about how Arlo cameras can—and sometimes can’t—serve as effective baby monitors. In this guide, I’ll share my honest experience, practical tips, and everything you need to know before making the switch.

Understanding Arlo Cameras: Features That Matter for Baby Monitoring

What Makes Arlo Cameras Stand Out?

Arlo is best known for its wire-free, smart home security cameras. They’re sleek, weather-resistant, and packed with features like motion detection, night vision, and cloud storage. But do these features translate well to baby monitoring?

Let’s break down the key features that matter most for parents:

• 1080p HD video: Clear, detailed footage so you can see your baby’s face, breathing, and movements.
• Night vision (up to 25 feet): Infrared LEDs allow you to see in complete darkness—no need to turn on the lights to check on a sleeping baby.
• Two-way audio: Talk to your baby (or sing a lullaby) from your phone or tablet.
• Motion and sound detection: Get real-time alerts when your baby cries or moves.
• Mobile app access: Stream live video from anywhere, on any device.
• Local and cloud storage options: Save clips for later viewing or share with family.

For example, my Arlo Pro 3 captures crisp footage even at 2 a.m., and I can hear my toddler’s soft snores through the app. The two-way talk feature has come in handy when I needed to calm her without going into the room. One night, she was fussing but not fully awake. I spoke softly through the app, and she settled back down—no midnight walk required.

Models to Consider for Baby Use

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. Here’s a quick rundown of models that work well for baby monitoring:

• Arlo Pro 4/5: Excellent battery life, 2K HDR video, color night vision (with spotlight). Great for detailed monitoring.
• Arlo Ultra 2: 4K video, 180° field of view, and advanced noise cancellation. Ideal if you want top-tier clarity.
• Arlo Essential: Budget-friendly, 1080p, indoor/outdoor use. A solid choice for basic monitoring.
• Arlo Baby: Wait—there’s a dedicated Arlo baby camera? Yes! More on this later.

Pro tip: If you already own an Arlo camera, repurposing it for baby use is cost-effective. But if you’re buying new, consider whether you want indoor-only or indoor/outdoor flexibility. My hallway Arlo Pro 3 now watches the nursery, and I still use it to monitor the front porch when needed. Dual-purpose = win.

Setting Up Your Arlo Camera as a Baby Monitor: Step-by-Step

Choosing the Right Mounting Spot

Placement is everything. You want a clear, unobstructed view of the crib or play area. Here’s how to get it right:

• Height: Mount the camera 6–8 feet above the floor. This gives a wide-angle view and reduces the risk of your baby reaching it.
• Angle: Position it to capture the entire crib, including the sides. Avoid placing it directly above the crib (to prevent glare from the nightlight or ceiling fan).
• Power source: Wire-free models like the Pro 4 run on rechargeable batteries. Place it where it’s easy to remove for charging. Wired models (like the Arlo Essential) need a nearby outlet.
• Privacy: Never point the camera at the changing table or areas where your baby is undressed. It’s not just about ethics—many parents worry about data security.

When I first set up my camera, I mounted it on the wall opposite the crib. But the angle was off—I couldn’t see my baby’s face when she was on her side. After adjusting it to the corner, I got a perfect 360° view of the crib and the doorway. It took a few tries, but the app’s live preview made it easy to fine-tune.

Configuring the Arlo App for Parenting Needs

The Arlo app is intuitive, but a few settings make a huge difference for baby monitoring:

• Motion detection zones: Draw a box around the crib to ignore movements outside it (like a pet walking by).
• Sound detection: Set sensitivity to “high” so you get alerts for soft cries. I keep mine at 80%—low enough to avoid false alarms from creaky floors, but high enough to catch whimpers.
• Night vision mode: Enable “auto” so the camera switches to infrared at night. Some models offer “color night vision” with a built-in spotlight (great for checking without turning on the room light).
• Notifications: Customize alerts. I get a push notification for motion, but a louder sound alert for crying. This way, I can quickly distinguish between a roll-over and a real cry.
• Activity zones: Use “people detection” (available on Pro/Ultra models) to filter out pet or blanket movements.

Real-life example: One morning, I got a motion alert but no sound alert. I checked the app and saw my toddler had woken up and was quietly playing with her stuffed animals. I didn’t need to go in—she was safe and happy. That’s the power of smart alerts.

Arlo vs. Dedicated Baby Monitors: Pros and Cons

Advantages of Using Arlo as a Baby Camera

Why choose Arlo over a traditional baby monitor? Here’s what I’ve found:

• Superior video quality: 1080p or higher (vs. 720p on many baby monitors).
• Remote access: Check on your baby from work, the grocery store, or vacation. No need to be in the same house.
• Integration with smart home: Pair Arlo with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. I say, “Alexa, show the nursery,” and my Fire tablet instantly streams the feed.
• Multi-use flexibility: Use it as a baby monitor now, then repurpose it for home security later.
• Longer battery life: Arlo Pro 4 lasts 3–6 months on a charge (with typical use).

For instance, during a recent work trip, I used my phone to watch my toddler’s bedtime routine. I could hear her giggling and see her waving at the camera. It gave me peace of mind—and made her feel connected to me.

Where Arlo Falls Short (And How to Fix It)

No solution is perfect. Here are the drawbacks—and workarounds:

• Lack of dedicated baby features: No lullabies, temperature/humidity sensors, or breathing monitoring (unlike monitors like Owlet or Nanit). Workaround: Use a smart thermostat or a separate sensor (like Govee) for room conditions.
• No local-only mode: All Arlo feeds go through the cloud (unless you use a local storage hub). Some parents worry about data privacy. Workaround: Enable two-factor authentication and use a strong Wi-Fi password. Arlo also offers end-to-end encryption for Pro/Ultra models.
• Battery charging: You’ll need to charge the camera every few months. Workaround: Set a monthly reminder. Or use a wired model like the Arlo Essential.
• Wi-Fi dependency: If your internet goes down, you lose remote access (but the camera still records locally if you have a hub).

One night, my Wi-Fi briefly dropped. I couldn’t access the feed remotely, but the camera kept recording. I later found a 10-minute clip of my baby rolling over—saved locally to the hub. It wasn’t ideal, but it worked.

Special Considerations: Privacy, Safety, and Health

Is It Safe to Use a Security Camera in a Nursery?

This is a big concern. You’re recording your baby 24/7—how do you protect their privacy?

• Encryption: Arlo uses 128-bit AES encryption for data in transit. Pro/Ultra models offer end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for cloud storage. Enable this in the app.
• Access control: Only share login details with trusted family members. Use unique passwords—no “123456”!
• Physical security: Mount the camera out of reach. A curious toddler could knock it down or cover the lens.
• Data deletion: Regularly delete old clips you don’t need. Arlo’s cloud storage (subscription-based) auto-deletes after 30 days unless you save them.

I once accidentally left a clip of my baby’s first steps in the cloud. I downloaded it, then deleted it from the server. It felt good to know it was gone.

Health and Radiation Concerns

Some parents worry about Wi-Fi radiation or camera heat. Here’s the truth:

• Wi-Fi radiation: Arlo cameras emit minimal radiofrequency (RF) energy—similar to a smartphone. The World Health Organization states that low-level RF exposure is not harmful to children.
• Heat: Arlo cameras stay cool to the touch. I’ve left mine running for weeks—no overheating.
• Light exposure: Infrared night vision uses invisible light. No risk to your baby’s eyes.

Tip: If you’re still concerned, place the camera at least 3 feet from the crib. Or use a wired model (like the Arlo Essential) to reduce battery heat.

Alternatives and Upgrades: When to Choose Arlo Baby or Other Brands

The Arlo Baby: A Dedicated Option

Arlo’s Arlo Baby is a camera designed specifically for nurseries. It has:

• 1080p video with night vision
• Two-way talk and lullabies
• Temperature and humidity sensors
• Night light and air quality monitor
• Wall-mount or tabletop design

It’s a great choice if you want all-in-one features. But it’s more expensive ($199) and less flexible than repurposing a standard Arlo. I tried it briefly—the lullabies were a hit, but I missed the wide-angle view of my Pro 3.

Other Brands to Consider

If Arlo doesn’t fit your needs, here are alternatives:

• Nanit: AI-powered breathing monitoring, 1080p, and sleep analytics. Expensive, but very advanced.
• Owlet Cam: Pairs with the Owlet sock (heart rate/breathing tracking). Great for health monitoring.
• Eufy: Local storage only (no cloud), 2K video, and no subscription. Privacy-focused.
• Infant Optics DXR-8: Analog signal (no internet), 720p. No hacking risk, but limited features.

Data Table: Comparison of Top Baby Cameras

Camera	Resolution	Night Vision	Two-Way Talk	Remote Access	Special Features	Price Range
Arlo Pro 4	2K	Color (with spotlight)	Yes	Yes (cloud)	Motion zones, smart alerts	$150–$200
Arlo Baby	1080p	Black & white	Yes	Yes (cloud)	Lullabies, temp/humidity	$199
Nanit Pro	1080p	Color (low light)	Yes	Yes (cloud)	Breathing monitoring, sleep analytics	$299
Owlet Cam	1080p	Black & white	Yes	Yes (cloud)	Pairs with Owlet sock	$149
Eufy Spaceview	2K	Color	Yes	No (local only)	No subscription, wide angle	$129

For most parents, Arlo offers the best balance of quality, flexibility, and price. But if you need health monitoring, go for Nanit or Owlet. If privacy is your top concern, Eufy is a solid pick.

Final Thoughts: Is Arlo Right for Your Baby?

So, can you use Arlo camera as a baby camera? Absolutely. It’s not just possible—it’s often better than traditional baby monitors. With crystal-clear video, smart alerts, and remote access, Arlo gives you peace of mind whether you’re in the next room or across the country. You get the flexibility of a security camera with the practicality of a baby monitor.

But it’s not perfect. You’ll need to tweak settings, manage battery life, and consider privacy. And if you want lullabies or health tracking, you might need additional devices. For me, the pros far outweigh the cons. My Arlo Pro 3 has saved me countless midnight walks, helped me spot when my baby was sick (I saw her breathing was labored), and even caught a few adorable “firsts” I would’ve missed otherwise.

My advice? Start with what you have. If you already own an Arlo camera, try it in the nursery. Adjust the settings, test the night vision, and see how it fits your routine. If you’re buying new, consider the Arlo Pro 4 for its 2K video and long battery life—or the Arlo Baby if you want built-in nursery features. Either way, you’re not just getting a camera. You’re getting a window into your baby’s world, one that helps you stay connected, informed, and—most importantly—calm.

Parenting is hard. But with the right tools, it gets a little easier. And sometimes, that tool is a camera that was meant to watch your front porch. Who knew?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Arlo camera as a baby camera effectively?

Yes, Arlo cameras can function as baby monitors with features like night vision, two-way audio, and motion detection. However, they may require additional setup for real-time alerts and room temperature monitoring, which dedicated baby monitors often include.

Do Arlo cameras have the necessary features for a baby monitor?

Arlo cameras offer HD video, infrared night vision, and two-way communication—key features for monitoring a baby. Some models even support motion zones and sound detection, making them a versatile Arlo camera as a baby camera option.

Can I use my Arlo camera for baby monitoring without a subscription?

Yes, basic live streaming and motion alerts work without a subscription. However, cloud storage, smart notifications, and advanced features require an Arlo Secure subscription for full functionality.

Are Arlo cameras safe to use as a baby monitor?

Arlo cameras use encryption and secure cloud storage, making them safe for baby monitoring. Always ensure your Wi-Fi network is secured and firmware is updated to minimize risks.

How does the Arlo camera compare to a traditional baby monitor?

Arlo cameras offer higher video quality and remote access via smartphones, unlike traditional monitors. However, they may lack dedicated features like lullabies or room temperature alerts found in some baby-specific models.

Can I use an Arlo Pro 5 or other models as a baby monitor?

Yes, models like the Arlo Pro 5 work well as baby monitors due to their 2K HDR video, color night vision, and AI-powered motion detection. Just ensure the camera is placed safely out of the baby’s reach.