Beaba Baby Monitor Guide: Types, Benefits and FAQs
A good baby monitor lets you step out of the nursery with confidence, whether you're cooking dinner, hanging out the washing or finally sitting down for five minutes. But with audio, video and app-based options to choose from, finding the right baby monitor can feel overwhelming.
This guide walks you through the Beaba baby monitor range, the different types of monitors available, the features that matter most and answers to the questions parents ask us most often.
Types of baby monitors
Baby monitors generally fall into three types. The right one depends on how you want to check in on bub and how much information you need.
Video baby monitors with a parent unit
A video monitor with a dedicated parent unit gives you a live picture of your baby on a handheld screen. It works on its own secure connection, so you don't need your phone, Wi-Fi or mobile data to use it at home.
The Zen Premium Video Baby Monitor is Beaba's most feature-rich option and gives you both: a 720p HD parent screen for use around the house, plus a dedicated iOS and Android app for checking in from anywhere over Wi-Fi.
- Full HD 1080p camera with 360° horizontal rotation and infrared night vision
- Range up to 50m indoors and 300m outdoors with the parent unit
- Split screen for up to two cameras on the parent unit, and unlimited cameras on the app
- Walkie-talkie, thermometer, humidity sensor, meal timer, 2x and 4x zoom, three lullabies and white noise
- Wireless, rechargeable parent unit
App-based video baby monitors
An app-based monitor streams straight to your smartphone or tablet, with no separate screen to charge or carry. It's ideal if your phone is always with you, or if you want to check on baby while you're out.
The Zen Connect Video Baby Monitor is Beaba's phone-first monitor. It works over any Wi-Fi or 4G connection and lets you share camera access with a partner, grandparents or a carer, so everyone can check in from their own device without sharing a login.
- Full HD 1080p camera with infrared night vision
- Sound and motion detection with push notifications
- Walkie-talkie, thermometer, 2x zoom, lullabies and video recording
- Compatible with the same app as the Zen Premium, so you can add cameras as your family grows
The Zen Connect needs a micro-USB power supply
Audio baby monitors
An audio monitor lets you hear your baby without a camera. It's a simple, affordable choice for parents who don't need to see the cot, or for a second room.
The Simply Zen Audio Baby Monitor uses Beaba's patented 0-Wave technology, which means it emits no waves at all in night mode. It also has a VOX function that activates only when your baby makes a sound, a walkie-talkie and an interference-free FHSS digital connection.
Accessories
The Flexible Baby Monitor Mount helps you position the camera for a clear view of the cot while keeping it securely in place.
Benefits of a Beaba baby monitor
Peace of mind, day and night
Infrared night vision on the Zen Premium and Zen Connect gives you a clear picture in a dark room, so you can check that bub is settled without opening the door and risking a wake-up.
Alerts only when it matters
Beaba's VOX function keeps the monitor quiet while your baby sleeps and activates when it picks up crying or movement. You're alerted to real wake-ups rather than background noise.
A comfortable sleep environment
The Zen Premium's built-in thermometer and humidity sensor are especially useful in Australia, where room temperature and humidity can swing a lot between seasons. The Zen Connect includes a thermometer too.
Soothe from another room
With the walkie-talkie function, you can talk softly to your baby from the parent unit or app. Lullabies and white noise can help bub resettle without you going into the room.
Secure connections
All Beaba monitors use encrypted connections for privacy and protection against interference. App-based cameras connect only to devices paired through the Beaba app by scanning a QR code.
Grows with your family
The Zen Premium and Zen Connect use the same app, and you can connect an unlimited number of cameras to it. That makes it easy to add a second camera when a sibling arrives or bub moves into their own room.
How to choose the right baby monitor
- Choose the Zen Premium if you want a dedicated screen that works without Wi-Fi, plus the option to check in from your phone. It's the most complete option for most families.
- Choose the Zen Connect if your phone is always with you, you want to check in while you're out, or you'd like to share access with family and carers.
- Choose the Simply Zen if you just need to hear your baby, want to minimise wireless emissions in the nursery, or need a simple second monitor.
Whichever you choose, keep the camera and all cords well out of reach: the ACCC recommends keeping baby monitor cords at least 1 metre from the cot. A monitor is a helpful tool, but it doesn't replace safe sleep practices or supervision.
An award-winning brand
Béaba has been designing products for babies and parents in France since 1989, and its range has been recognised by independent judges and parents around the world:
- Mum Central Awards 2026: Best Baby Food Product, Accessory or Range for the Babycook Neo, and Best Baby Weaning Product for Béaba Glass Jars
- My Child Excellence Awards 2022: Favourite Baby Food Product for the Babycook Neo, and Favourite Baby Food Storage Product for Béaba Multiportions
- Weaning World Awards 2021: seven wins for the Béaba Group, including three Gold
- Mother & Baby Awards: seven accolades for the Béaba Group, including three Gold wins
The same focus on thoughtful design and quality goes into every Béaba baby monitor. See the full list on our Awards & Recognition page.
Baby monitor FAQs
Do I need a baby monitor?
A baby monitor isn't essential, but many parents find it gives them the freedom to move around the house while bub sleeps. It's especially useful in larger or multi-level homes, or if your baby's room is out of earshot.
Should I choose an audio or video baby monitor?
An audio monitor tells you when your baby is crying or stirring. A video monitor also lets you see whether they're settled, awake or just making noises in their sleep, which can save unnecessary trips into the room. Many parents prefer video for the extra reassurance.
Can I use my phone as a baby monitor?
Yes. The Zen Connect streams to the Beaba app on iOS and Android, and the Zen Premium works with the same app alongside its dedicated parent unit.
Does a Wi-Fi baby monitor work without the internet?
The Zen Premium's parent unit works on its own secure local connection, so you can use it at home without Wi-Fi or mobile data. The Zen Connect is app-based, so it needs a Wi-Fi or 4G connection.
Are Wi-Fi baby monitors secure?
All Beaba monitors use encrypted connections. App-based cameras are paired through the Beaba app by scanning a QR code, and they only connect to devices that have been paired this way. As with any smart device, use a strong home Wi-Fi password and keep the app up to date.
What range does a Beaba baby monitor have?
The Zen Premium's parent unit has a range of up to 50m indoors and 300m outdoors. When you use the app over Wi-Fi or 4G, you can check in from anywhere with an internet connection.
Can I monitor two children at once?
Yes. The Zen Premium's parent unit can show two cameras on a split screen, and the Beaba app supports an unlimited number of cameras.
Do Beaba baby monitors need a subscription?
No. Live monitoring works without a subscription. An optional cloud service is available if you'd like to record and replay video.
Where should I put the baby monitor camera?
Position the camera where it has a clear view of the whole cot, such as on a shelf or wall mount. Keep the camera and all cords well out of baby's reach, at least 1 metre from the cot.
When should I stop using a baby monitor?
There's no set age. Many families keep using a monitor into the toddler years, especially once little ones move into a big bed, and stop when they feel confident they'll hear their child without it.