For most families, a good regular video monitor does everything you truly need: it lets you see and hear your baby clearly from another room. A smart monitor like the Nanit Pro is worth it if you want sleep tracking, an overhead view and phone-based monitoring, and you are comfortable with Wi-Fi and an optional subscription. Neither type replaces safe sleep habits, and no monitor has been shown to prevent SIDS.
Baby monitors are one of the most-asked-about purchases we see, especially around Black Friday. Prices range from simple audio units to smart cameras with apps, sleep reports and monthly plans, and it is hard to know what is worth paying for. In this guide we compare the two monitor families we carry at Active Baby, the Nanit Pro smart monitor and the Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360, and explain how smart monitors, regular video monitors and wearable monitors really differ.
The quick answer
Nanit Pro ($329.99 to $499.99): a smart Wi-Fi camera you watch on your phone, with an overhead view, sleep tracking and optional breathing-motion monitoring. Best for parents who love data and want to check in from anywhere.
Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360 ($299.99): a 2K pan-and-tilt camera that comes with its own 5-inch parent screen, which works even without Wi-Fi, plus an app when you want it. Best for parents who want a dedicated screen on the nightstand.
The bottom line: pay for smart features only if you will use them. A reliable picture, good sound alerts and a safe camera placement matter most.
Black Friday 2026 at Active Baby: starting November 19, the Nanit Pro bundles (Floor Stand, Wall Mount and Flex Stand) are 30% off and the Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360 is 25% off. Both are special-order items that can take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive, so order early if you are buying for a due date or a holiday gift. See all our Black Friday baby deals.
Nanit Pro + Floor Stand$499.99Best for overhead view without drilling
Nanit Pro + Flex Stand$329.99Best for travel and flexible placement
Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360$299.99Best for a dedicated parent screen
Smart Monitor vs Regular Video Monitor vs Wearable: What Is the Difference?
Before comparing models, it helps to know the three main types of monitors parents are choosing between in 2026.
Regular video monitors
A camera in the nursery sends video and sound to a handheld parent screen. Many newer models, including the Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360, also connect to an app, but the key feature is the dedicated parent unit, which works on its own private connection. You do not need Wi-Fi or your phone to see your baby, and there is usually no subscription needed for the basics.
Smart monitors
A smart monitor like the Nanit Pro streams to an app on your phone or tablet over Wi-Fi. Because the camera usually looks down from above the crib, software can track sleep patterns, wake-ups and time spent in the crib, and share the view with a partner or grandparents. Some of these extras are part of a paid plan.
Wearable monitors
Wearables, such as smart socks or bands, sit on your baby and track things like movement or heart rate. Nanit's version is its sensor-free Breathing Band, which the camera watches to show breathing motion, with nothing electronic touching baby. We do not currently carry sock-style wearables at Active Baby.
An important note on safety: no baby monitor, whether video, smart or wearable, has been shown to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and a monitor is not a medical device or a replacement for safe sleep practices. Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend placing baby on their back to sleep, in a crib, cradle or bassinet with nothing in it but a firm mattress and a fitted sheet, and room sharing for at least the first six months. Our guide to Baby Safe Sleep Awareness Month covers the basics. If you have health concerns about your baby, talk to your health care provider.
Quick Comparison: Nanit Pro vs Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360
| Feature | Nanit Pro (Floor Stand / Wall Mount) | Nanit Pro (Flex Stand) | Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Smart monitor | Smart monitor | Video monitor with parent unit + app |
| Price at Active Baby | $499.99 / $429.99 | $329.99 | $299.99 |
| How you watch | Phone or tablet app (Wi-Fi) | Phone or tablet app (Wi-Fi) | 5-inch parent unit, app, or both |
| Works without Wi-Fi? | No | No | Yes, parent unit (up to 600 ft, line of sight) |
| Video | 1080p HD, overhead view | 1080p HD, angled view | 2K, remote pan, tilt and zoom |
| Sleep tracking | Yes, with overhead mount | No (sleep analytics need the Floor Stand or Wall Mount) | Manual baby diary in the app |
| Breathing motion | Yes, with included Breathing Band (0 to 3 months) | Yes, with included Breathing Band (Nanit recommends an overhead mount for nightly use) | No |
| Cry features | Sound and motion alerts | Sound and motion alerts | CryAssist AI cry translation (needs Wi-Fi) |
| Room temperature and humidity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way talk | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video history | With Nanit Insights plan (intro trial included) | With Nanit Insights plan (intro trial included) | Connected Cloud (30-day free trial) or microSD card |
| Ordering | Online exclusive, custom ordered (up to 4 weeks), final sale | Online exclusive, custom ordered (up to 4 weeks), final sale | Special order (2 to 4 weeks), final sale |
Prices and features are based on product information available at the time of writing and may change. Subscription plans and pricing are set by each brand; check the current details with Nanit and Maxi-Cosi before you buy.
1. Nanit Pro: The Smart Monitor for Data-Loving Parents
Best for parents who want an overhead view, sleep insights and easy sharing with a partner or grandparents.
The Nanit Pro is a Wi-Fi camera designed to look straight down into the crib. From that bird's-eye view, the Nanit app can show you live 1080p HD video, send sound and motion alerts, and, when mounted overhead, track your baby's sleep: when they fell asleep, how often they woke, and how long they spent out of the crib. Many parents find this helpful when they are trying to spot patterns in naps and night waking.
Why choose the Nanit Pro?
A clear overhead view
Looking down from above means you can see your baby's whole body and the full crib, rather than a side angle that is easily blocked by the crib rails.
Breathing motion without sensors on baby
Each Nanit Pro bundle we carry includes a small Breathing Band (sized for 0 to 3 months). The band has a pattern the camera reads to show breathing motion in the app, so there is no electronic device on your baby. As with any monitor, treat this as peace of mind, not a medical alert system.
Easy to share
Because everything runs through the app, a partner at work or a grandparent babysitting can check in on the same camera. Nanit also offers split-screen viewing if you add a second camera for a sibling.
Three ways to mount it
At Active Baby you can choose the Nanit Pro with the Floor Stand ($499.99), which sits beside the crib with no drilling and adjusts in height from bassinet to toddler bed; the Wall Mount ($429.99), a tidy permanent option; or the Flex Stand ($329.99), a compact stand for shelves, dressers and travel. Nanit's sleep tracking and analytics need the overhead Floor Stand or Wall Mount, so choose one of those if sleep data is the main reason you are buying.
Who is the Nanit Pro best for?
The Nanit Pro may be a great fit if you:
- Like data and want to understand your baby's sleep patterns.
- Already keep your phone on the nightstand and do not want another screen.
- Want to share the camera with a partner, nanny or grandparents.
- Have reliable home Wi-Fi.
- Plan to use the monitor well into the toddler years.
What should you consider?
The Nanit Pro has no separate parent screen, so if your Wi-Fi or phone battery goes down, so does your monitor. Some features, including saved video history and full sleep reports, are part of Nanit's paid Insights plan once the included introductory trial ends; live video and alerts work without it. Nanit products are online exclusives at Active Baby, custom ordered (allow up to 4 weeks) and final sale, so order early if you are buying for a due date or a holiday gift.
Explore the Nanit Pro + Floor Stand
Prefer the compact option? See the Nanit Pro + Flex Stand or the Nanit Pro + Wall Mount.
2. Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360: The Video Monitor With Its Own Screen
Best for parents who want a dedicated parent screen that works without Wi-Fi, with app features as a bonus.
The Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360 combines the reliability of a traditional video monitor with modern app features. It comes with a 5-inch parent display that connects directly to the camera on its own secure connection, so you can watch your baby even if your internet is down. When you want more, the Connected Family app adds phone viewing, a baby diary and sharing.
Why choose the See Pro 360?
A screen that does not depend on Wi-Fi
The parent display works up to about 600 feet from the camera (in open space) without Wi-Fi, and its rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours. Many parents like having a monitor that is just a monitor, so their phone can stay in another room at night.
2K video you can steer
The camera streams in 2K with colour by day and night vision after dark. You can pan, tilt and zoom remotely, which is handy when your baby moves to a toddler bed or rolls into a corner of the crib.
CryAssist cry translation
Maxi-Cosi's CryAssist uses AI to suggest why your baby may be crying, for example tired, hungry or gassy. It needs Wi-Fi to report on the parent display. Think of it as a helpful hint rather than a rule; you will always know your baby best.
Thoughtful extras
Two-way talk, a built-in soother with lullabies and white noise, room temperature and humidity readings, and microSD card support (card not included) if you would rather save video locally than pay for cloud storage. Not sure what a comfortable nursery temperature means for what baby wears to bed? Our guide on how to pick the right TOG sleep sack can help.
Who is the See Pro 360 best for?
The See Pro 360 may be the right choice if you:
- Want a dedicated monitor screen on the nightstand.
- Have patchy Wi-Fi or prefer not to rely on it.
- Want a camera you can aim and zoom as your baby grows.
- Like the idea of app features but do not want to depend on them.
- Want to keep costs predictable, with local microSD storage as an option.
What should you consider?
The See Pro 360 does not offer sleep tracking from an overhead view or breathing-motion monitoring like the Nanit Pro. Cloud video storage is a 30-day free trial and then a paid plan if you want to keep it. It is a special-order item at Active Baby (allow 2 to 4 weeks) and final sale.
Explore the Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360
Nanit vs Maxi-Cosi: Which One Should You Choose?
There is no single best monitor for every family. The right one is the one that fits how you sleep, how you use your phone and how much information you actually want.
Choose the Nanit Pro + Floor Stand or Wall Mount if you want sleep insights.
The overhead view unlocks Nanit sleep tracking and breathing-motion monitoring, and the app makes it easy for everyone in the family to check in.
Choose the Nanit Pro + Flex Stand if you want smart features on a budget or for travel.
You get the Nanit camera, app, alerts and Breathing Band at a lower price, without the overhead sleep analytics.
Choose the Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360 if you want a dedicated screen.
A parent unit that works without Wi-Fi, a 2K camera you can steer, and app extras when you want them.
Is a smart monitor worth the extra money?
It can be, if you will use the features. Parents who find sleep data reassuring, or who are working on naps and night waking, often love it. Other parents find that more alerts and graphs add worry rather than reduce it. If you mostly want to see and hear your baby, a good video monitor with a parent unit is all you need. Whatever you choose, keep notifications to the ones that help you and trust your own instincts too.
A smart add-on worth knowing about
If you go with Nanit, the Nanit Sound + Light Machine ($149.99) pairs a sound machine and night light with cry detection, all controlled from the same app.
Safe Setup Tips for Any Baby Monitor
- Keep cords out of reach. Health Canada lists corded baby monitors among the hazards to keep out of your child's reach. Mount the camera well away from the crib and follow the manufacturer's placement and cord-management instructions exactly.
- Never put the monitor in or on the crib. Use the wall mount, floor stand or a stable surface the manufacturer recommends.
- Keep the crib bare. A monitor does not change safe sleep rules: firm mattress, fitted sheet, no bumpers, pillows or loose blankets. Our guide to sleep safety and blankets for babies explains why.
- Protect your account. Use a strong, unique password, turn on two-step verification where offered, and keep the camera's software up to date.
- Check the fit as baby grows. Re-aim or raise the camera when you move from bassinet to crib to toddler bed.
Still deciding?
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I want my phone involved at night? If not, look for a dedicated parent unit.
- How reliable is my home Wi-Fi? Smart monitors depend on it; parent units do not.
- Will I really look at sleep data? If yes, an overhead smart monitor is worth it. If not, save the money.
Your answers will usually point clearly to one type.
Try before you buy
Talk monitors with our team in store
Not sure which monitor suits your home? Visit us at our North Vancouver (1985 Lonsdale Avenue) or Langley (302-6339 200th Street) store. We will walk you through the options, help you plan where the camera will go, and place your order. Online orders can also be picked up at our Surrey warehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Nanit go on sale for Black Friday?
Yes. For Black Friday 2026, the Nanit Pro bundles at Active Baby are 30% off starting November 19, and the Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360 is 25% off from the same date. Because both are custom or special orders and final sale, it is worth ordering early in the sale so your monitor arrives in time.
Do I really need a baby monitor?
Not every family does. If you room share in a small home, you may hear your baby easily. Most parents find a monitor helpful once baby naps in another room or moves to their own room. Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend room sharing for at least the first six months, and a monitor does not replace that.
Can I use Nanit without a subscription?
Yes. Live video, two-way audio and sound and motion alerts work without a paid plan. Nanit Insights adds sleep analytics, saved video history and more sharing options. The Nanit Pro bundles we carry include an introductory trial, so you can decide whether it is worth keeping. Check Nanit's current plans and pricing before you buy.
Does Nanit work without Wi-Fi?
No. The Nanit Pro streams to the app over Wi-Fi, so you need a reliable home network. If you want a monitor that keeps working when the internet is down, choose one with a dedicated parent unit, like the Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360.
Can a baby monitor prevent SIDS?
No. No monitor, whether video, smart or wearable, has been shown to prevent SIDS. The best ways to reduce risk are the safe sleep basics: back to sleep, a bare crib with a firm mattress, room sharing for the first six months and a smoke-free home. Follow your health care provider's advice if you have concerns.
What about sock monitors like Owlet?
Wearable sock monitors track readings from a sensor on baby's foot. We do not currently carry them at Active Baby. If you are considering one, read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and remember that, like any consumer monitor, it is not a substitute for safe sleep practices. Nanit's camera-read Breathing Band is an option with nothing electronic on your baby.
How far from the crib should the baby monitor be?
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your monitor. The key rule from Health Canada is to keep corded monitors and their cords out of your child's reach. Nanit's Floor Stand and Wall Mount include cord covers designed for safe placement near the crib.
Which baby monitor is best for twins or siblings?
Nanit's app can show two cameras on one split screen, which is handy for two rooms. With the Maxi-Cosi, check Maxi-Cosi's instructions for pairing more than one camera to the parent unit.
Why are monitors special order at Active Baby?
Our Nanit monitors are online exclusives that are custom ordered (allow up to 4 weeks), and the Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360 is a special order (allow 2 to 4 weeks). They are final sale, so order early for a due date or holiday gift and ask us if you have questions first.
Find Your Baby Monitor at Active Baby
The right monitor is the one that helps you rest a little easier and fits the way your family lives. Whether you want the sleep insights of the Nanit Pro or the dependable parent screen of the Maxi-Cosi See Pro 360, we are happy to help you compare and choose.
Shop Baby Monitors at Active Baby
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