Can You Use Arlo Camera as Baby Monitor A Complete Guide

Yes, you can use an Arlo camera as a baby monitor—it offers high-definition video, night vision, two-way audio, and real-time alerts, making it a reliable choice for monitoring your baby. With customizable motion detection and seamless smartphone integration, Arlo cameras provide flexibility and peace of mind, whether you’re in the next room or away from home.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, Arlo cameras work as baby monitors with live streaming and night vision features.
• Use two-way audio to soothe your baby remotely via the Arlo app.
• Set up motion alerts to get notified of baby’s movements instantly.
• Check Wi-Fi strength to ensure stable, uninterrupted video feeds at all times.
• Mount securely to avoid hazards and maintain optimal camera angles.
• Use lullabies or recordings through the app for added comfort and convenience.

Can You Use Arlo Camera as a Baby Monitor? Let’s Talk About It

When my first child was born, I remember standing in the baby aisle at the store, overwhelmed by the sheer number of baby monitors on display. From audio-only models to high-definition video units with night vision and lullabies, the choices were endless. I ended up buying a top-rated dedicated baby monitor—only to realize six months later that it wasn’t giving me the peace of mind I needed. The screen was small, the connection dropped often, and I couldn’t check in remotely when I was at work. That’s when a friend casually mentioned, “Why don’t you just use your Arlo camera as a baby monitor?”

At first, I was skeptical. Arlo cameras are marketed as security devices—meant for watching the front door, backyard, or garage. But as I dug deeper, I realized that many parents were already using their Arlo cameras to monitor their babies, toddlers, and even older kids. The idea made sense: high-quality video, motion and audio detection, night vision, two-way talk, and remote access via an app. But is it really safe? Practical? And most importantly—can it replace a traditional baby monitor entirely? In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using an Arlo camera as a baby monitor, based on real-world experience, technical insights, and what other parents are saying. Whether you already own an Arlo system or are considering one, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Why Arlo Cameras Are a Great Fit for Baby Monitoring

High-Quality Video and Night Vision

One of the biggest advantages of using an Arlo camera as a baby monitor is the video quality. Most Arlo models—like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra, and even the more affordable Arlo Essential—offer 1080p to 4K resolution. That means you can see your baby’s face, breathing patterns, and even subtle movements clearly, even in low light. The infrared night vision kicks in automatically when the room gets dark, giving you a crisp black-and-white feed without disturbing your baby with a bright light.

I remember one night when my baby was just a few weeks old. I was up late working, and I pulled up the Arlo app to check on her. The camera was mounted in the corner of her crib, and I could see her chest rising and falling gently. I even noticed she had rolled slightly to the side—something I would’ve missed with a lower-resolution camera. That moment alone made me realize how powerful this setup could be.

Two-Way Audio and Remote Access

Unlike basic audio monitors, Arlo cameras come with built-in microphones and speakers. This means you can talk to your baby through the app. Whether you’re soothing her from another room or calming her down from work, the two-way talk feature is a game-changer. I’ve used it to say “shhh” or sing a quick lullaby when my baby started fussing, and it often works better than going into the room.

Plus, since Arlo uses Wi-Fi and connects to your smartphone or tablet, you can check in from anywhere. Whether you’re at the grocery store, at a friend’s house, or even traveling, you can open the Arlo app and see your baby in real time. No need to carry around a clunky monitor with a limited range. This remote access is especially helpful for working parents or those who want to keep an eye on the baby while they’re doing chores around the house.

Smart Alerts and Motion Detection

Arlo cameras are designed to detect motion and sound. When your baby starts crying or moves significantly, the camera can send a push notification to your phone. You can customize these alerts—for example, setting it to notify you only if crying lasts more than 10 seconds, or if movement occurs near the crib.

This smart detection helps reduce false alarms. For instance, if your baby is just wiggling in their sleep, you might not get a notification. But if they sit up, cry, or fall out of bed (heaven forbid), you’ll know right away. You can even set up activity zones—so the camera only alerts you when motion happens in the crib, not in the doorway or closet.

Flexible Mounting and Wireless Options

Arlo cameras are typically wireless and battery-powered (especially the Pro and Ultra lines), which makes them easy to place anywhere in the nursery. You can mount them on the wall, ceiling, or use a tabletop stand. No need to worry about cords near the crib—a big safety plus.

I mounted mine on the wall above the crib using the included magnetic mount. It gives a full overhead view, so I can see if the baby has kicked off the blanket or if a toy has fallen into the crib. The camera swivels easily, and the battery lasts about 3–6 months, depending on usage and temperature.

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

Step 1: Choose the Right Arlo Model

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal. For baby monitoring, you’ll want a model with strong indoor performance, clear night vision, and reliable Wi-Fi. Here are my top recommendations:

• Arlo Pro 4: 2K HDR video, color night vision (with spotlight), two-way audio, and no hub required. Great balance of quality and price.
• Arlo Ultra: 4K video, auto-zoom and tracking, color night vision, and excellent audio. Best for high-end users who want top-tier clarity.
• Arlo Essential: 1080p, basic night vision, affordable, and compact. Good for budget-conscious parents.
• Arlo Pro 3 with Floodlight: If you want extra visibility, this model includes a bright light that can be triggered manually or by motion.

I went with the Pro 4 because it offered the best mix of features without being overly expensive. But if you already own another Arlo model, you can likely use it—just check its indoor compatibility and night vision quality.

Step 2: Install the Camera in the Nursery

When placing the camera, keep these safety and practical tips in mind:

• Mount it high and out of reach—at least 5–6 feet above the crib. This prevents tampering and gives a full view of the room.
• Use the overhead view if possible. It helps you see the baby’s entire body and any potential hazards (like loose blankets or stuffed animals).
• Avoid pointing the camera at the crib directly from the side—it can create blind spots.
• Ensure the camera is secure. Use screws or strong adhesive mounts, especially if you have a curious toddler.

I used the magnetic mount with a screw for extra security. It’s been up for over a year with no issues. I also made sure the camera wasn’t facing a window, to avoid glare or false motion alerts from outside light.

Step 3: Connect to Wi-Fi and Set Up the App

Download the Arlo app (available on iOS and Android), create an account, and follow the setup wizard. The camera will connect to your home Wi-Fi. Make sure your network is stable—baby monitoring relies on a strong signal.

Once connected, name the camera (e.g., “Baby Room”) and enable motion and audio detection. You can adjust sensitivity levels here. I set mine to medium for motion and high for sound, so I don’t miss a cry but don’t get pinged every time the dog barks outside.

Step 4: Customize Alerts and Activity Zones

This is where Arlo shines. In the app, go to the camera settings and create an activity zone around the crib. This way, you’ll only get alerts when movement happens in that specific area. I also enabled “crying detection” (available on newer models), which uses AI to recognize baby cries and send a specific alert.

You can also set up quiet hours—so you don’t get notifications during nap time unless the crying is loud or prolonged. This helps avoid waking you up for every little whimper.

Step 5: Test the System

Before relying on it, test the camera thoroughly:

• Check the live feed during the day and at night.
• Make sure two-way audio works (tap the mic icon in the app and speak).
• Trigger a motion alert by walking into the room and see how quickly you get notified.
• Verify that night vision switches on automatically.

I tested mine during a nap and was impressed by how fast the notification came—within 2 seconds of my baby sitting up. The audio was clear, and the video had no lag.

Safety, Privacy, and Security: What You Need to Know

Cybersecurity and Data Protection

Using a Wi-Fi camera in your baby’s room raises privacy concerns. Arlo encrypts video feeds and stores footage in the cloud (if you use Arlo Secure), but it’s important to take extra steps:

• Use a strong, unique password for your Arlo account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in the app settings.
• Keep your Wi-Fi network secure with WPA3 encryption and a strong password.
• Regularly update the Arlo app and camera firmware to patch any security flaws.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing your camera remotely.

I also recommend disabling cloud storage if you’re not using it. You can record directly to a microSD card (available on some models) or use local storage via an Arlo SmartHub. This keeps your baby’s footage off the internet entirely.

Physical Safety in the Nursery

Even though Arlo cameras are wireless, safety is still key:

• Never place the camera inside the crib. It should always be mounted securely outside.
• Check the battery compartment—ensure it’s sealed and out of reach. If you have a curious toddler, consider a model with a tamper-proof design.
• Use the included mounting hardware—don’t improvise with tape or weak adhesives.
• Ensure the camera doesn’t block airflow or create a tripping hazard.

I once saw a post on a parenting forum where a parent used a suction cup to mount the camera on the wall. It fell during the night and startled the baby. Always follow Arlo’s installation guidelines.

Emotional and Psychological Considerations

Some parents worry that constant monitoring can lead to anxiety. It’s easy to check the camera every five minutes, especially in the early weeks. But remember: the goal is peace of mind, not obsessive checking.

I found it helpful to set a rule: “I’ll check the camera only if I hear a noise or if the baby hasn’t moved in 30 minutes.” This helped me avoid unnecessary stress. Also, talk to your partner about how you’ll use the camera—agree on boundaries so it doesn’t become a source of conflict.

Arlo vs. Traditional Baby Monitors: A Comparison

You might be wondering: “Why use Arlo instead of a dedicated baby monitor?” Let’s break it down with a real-world comparison.

Feature	Arlo Camera (e.g., Pro 4)	Traditional Baby Monitor (e.g., Nanit Pro)
Video Quality	2K HDR, color night vision (with spotlight)	1080p, black-and-white night vision
Remote Access	Yes (via app, anywhere with Wi-Fi)	Yes (but limited to home network or proprietary app)
Two-Way Talk	Yes	Yes (on most models)
Smart Alerts	Motion, sound, crying detection, activity zones	Sound alerts, breathing monitoring (on premium models)
Mounting Options	Wall, ceiling, tabletop, magnetic	Usually crib-mounted or tabletop
Power Source	Rechargeable battery or wired	Wired or battery (shorter life)
Storage	Cloud (paid) or microSD (local)	Cloud (paid) or local (some models)
Cost	$150–$300 (one-time)	$200–$400 (one-time, plus subscription)

As you can see, Arlo cameras offer more flexibility and better video quality than most traditional monitors. They’re also more versatile—you can use them for baby monitoring now and switch to home security later. However, some dedicated monitors (like Nanit or Owlet) offer advanced features like breathing monitoring, sleep tracking, and developmental insights that Arlo doesn’t provide.

So if you want pure baby monitoring with extra health insights, a dedicated monitor might be better. But if you want high-quality video, smart alerts, and multi-use flexibility, Arlo is a fantastic choice.

Real Parent Experiences: What Others Are Saying

Pros: Why Parents Love It

• “I can check on my twins from work.” – Sarah, mom of twins. She uses two Arlo Pro 4 cameras, one for each crib. The app lets her view both feeds side by side.
• “The night vision is so clear, I can see if my baby is breathing.” – James, first-time dad. He mounted the camera above the crib and says it’s more reliable than his old monitor.
• “I use the same camera for baby and home security.” – Priya, working mom. She moved the camera to the living room when her baby started sleeping through the night.

Cons: Where It Falls Short

• “The app can be glitchy.” – Tom, dad of a 1-year-old. He says the app sometimes freezes or delays notifications. A recent update improved this, but it’s still not perfect.
• “No breathing or heart rate monitoring.” – Lena, NICU nurse. She prefers monitors with health tracking, especially for premature babies.
• “Battery life drops in cold rooms.” – Mike, who keeps his nursery at 68°F. He charges the camera every 2 months instead of the advertised 3–6.

Most parents agree: Arlo is not a medical device, so don’t rely on it for health monitoring. But for general safety, peace of mind, and flexibility, it’s a top contender.

Final Thoughts: Is Arlo Right for Your Baby?

So, can you use an Arlo camera as a baby monitor? Absolutely—yes. It’s a smart, flexible, and high-quality option that many parents (including me) swear by. The video clarity, smart alerts, two-way talk, and remote access make it a powerful tool for keeping an eye on your little one.

But it’s not perfect. It lacks some advanced health-tracking features found in premium baby monitors, and the app occasionally has hiccups. You’ll also need to invest time in setup and take privacy seriously.

If you already own an Arlo camera, I’d say: try it out. You might find it’s exactly what you’ve been missing. If you’re buying new, consider your priorities. Do you want medical-grade monitoring? Go with a dedicated device. But if you want versatility, great video, and smart home integration, Arlo is a fantastic choice.

At the end of the day, the best baby monitor is the one that helps you sleep better at night. For me, that’s the Arlo camera—mounted high, connected to my phone, and giving me the confidence that my baby is safe, even when I’m not in the room. And honestly? That’s priceless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use an Arlo camera as a baby monitor?

Yes, you can use an Arlo camera as a baby monitor since most models offer night vision, two-way audio, and motion/sound detection. With the Arlo app, you can stream live video to your smartphone or tablet for real-time monitoring.

What features make Arlo cameras suitable for baby monitoring?

Arlo cameras provide essential baby monitor features like HD video, infrared night vision, and real-time alerts for motion or noise. Some models also include lullabies, room temperature sensors, and cry detection for added convenience.

Is the Arlo app secure for using as a baby monitor?

Yes, the Arlo app uses encryption and secure cloud storage to protect your video feed and data. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, making it a reliable choice for monitoring your baby.

Can I use an Arlo camera as a baby monitor without a subscription?

Yes, basic features like live streaming and motion alerts work without a subscription. However, cloud storage and advanced features like activity zones require an Arlo Secure subscription plan.

Do Arlo cameras support two-way talk for baby monitoring?

Yes, most Arlo cameras include two-way audio, allowing you to soothe your baby from another room. This feature works through the app, letting you speak clearly via the camera’s built-in speaker.

Which Arlo camera is best for use as a baby monitor?

The Arlo Pro 5S and Arlo Essential Indoor offer excellent night vision, 2K/HD video, and noise detection for baby monitoring. The Essential Indoor is ideal for privacy (with a manual shutter), while the Pro 5S excels in low-light conditions.