I used to wake up just to look at the baby monitor.
No sound. No movement.
Only a soft blue light in the dark.
If you’re like me, you’ve asked:
When should I stop using the baby monitor at night?
That question gets louder as your child sleeps more—and you sleep less.
I’ve been there.
In this post, I’ll share what helped me, what the experts say, and when to make the change.
Because let’s be honest—parents need sleep too.
Why Parents Use Baby Monitors
Short answer:
Parents use baby monitors to hear their baby from another room.
When I brought my baby home, I barely slept.
I kept checking the monitor.
Still no sound. Still no movement.
That glowing screen gave me comfort.
It felt like someone else was watching too.
Monitors help you:
- Hear little sounds
- Track sleep
- Feel safe
If your baby was in the NICU, that little screen feels like life support.
It also gives you a break.
You can eat, rest, or shower.
And still know your baby is okay.
Quick Takeaways
Baby monitors help you hear your baby from a different room
Great for newborns or NICU babies
Help parents feel less stress and sleep better
When Should You Stop Using a Baby Monitor?
Is There a Right Age?
Short answer:
Most parents stop between 12 and 36 months.
There is no exact age.
But many stop once:
- Their toddler sleeps through the night
- The room is close enough to hear
The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t give a firm rule.
But they focus on safe sleep in the first year.
By 12 to 18 months, most babies sleep fine without a monitor—unless they have health needs.
Quick Takeaway
Most stop between 1 and 3 years, depending on sleep and room setup.
Signs You Might Be Ready
Short answer:
Stop if the monitor wakes you more than your baby does.
For me, these were the signs:
- My baby slept all night
- The monitor picked up every noise
- I kept waking up, even when all was fine
If your baby’s room is nearby and you hear real cries, the monitor may not be needed.
Also, if it makes you anxious, take a break.
Quick Takeaway
If the monitor hurts your sleep or peace of mind, it might be time to stop.
My Story: Why I Turned It Off
Short answer:
I turned it off when it made my sleep worse.
I remember staring at that glowing screen.
Nothing happened. My baby slept soundly.
But I didn’t.
So, one night—I turned it off.
I felt nervous at first.
But also calm.
I told myself, “You’ll hear if it matters.”
And I did.
Soon, I slept deeper.
My child kept sleeping well.
Letting go was hard.
But it also helped me grow.
Quick Takeaway
Turning off the monitor helped me sleep better and feel less stress.
Are Baby Monitors Safe to Use Long-Term?
Short answer:
Yes. Most modern monitors are safe.
They use low signals and follow safety rules.
If you’re worried, keep the monitor a few feet from your child’s head.
Still, too much use can raise stress.
It’s easy to check the screen over and over.
That glow can feel like a trap.
A friend of mine stopped using hers for a week.
It helped her relax.
Experts say: Use it when you need it.
Let it go when you don’t.
Quick Takeaway
A monitor is helpful, but not a must.
Use it as a tool—not a habit.
Concerned about radiation? Read this guide on Are Baby Monitors Safe from Radiation?
When to Stop Using a Baby Monitor at Night?
Short answer:
Stop when your child sleeps well, and their room is close enough to hear.
Nighttime is hard.
Every sound feels louder.
Every silence feels longer.
For me, naps were fine.
But nights? I was glued to the screen.
Still, over time, I learned to trust.
Here’s what helped:
Infants (0–12 Months)
Use the monitor.
It helps you hear hunger cues and check for safety.
The AAP says:
Share your room (not your bed) for the first 6–12 months.
The monitor helps if you’re not in the same room.
Toddlers (1–2 Years)
It depends.
Some sleep well. Others don’t.
I kept using the monitor until my child slept all night.
After that, I noticed the monitor woke me, not my baby.
If your toddler’s room is close, it might be time to stop.
Preschoolers (2–4 Years)
Most kids this age don’t need it.
By now, your child can call for help.
They’re more aware.
Unless there’s a health need, the monitor may not add much.
For us, turning it off felt like a milestone.
Naps vs. Night
Many parents stop using the monitor at night first.
But keep it for naps.
Why?
During the day, you’re doing chores or working.
The monitor helps you hear them wake up.
What About SIDS Anxiety?
Short answer:
SIDS risk drops after 12 months.
I still checked my toddler’s chest—just to see it rise.
That fear is real.
But once I knew the risk was low, I began to let go.
Slowly. Gently.
If you feel this way, you are not alone.
Letting go does not mean you’re careless.
It means you’re learning to trust again.
Quick Takeaway
SIDS risk drops after 1 year. You can rest more and worry less.
Final Thought: Let the Monitor Serve You
Short answer:
Use the monitor if it helps you.
Stop when it doesn’t.
There’s no “right” day to stop.
It’s a quiet shift.
One night, you don’t check—and everything is fine.
That’s the sign.
Pros and Cons of Using a Baby Monitor After 1–2 Years
Pros:
- Peace of mind
- Useful during sickness
- Good for naps
Cons:
- Can disturb your sleep
- May increase anxiety
Might create a habit you don’t need
Final Note:
You’re doing great.
Use tools that support you.
Let go of what doesn’t.
Your sleep matters too.
FAQ Section (Optimized for Voice Search + Featured Snippets)
When to stop using a baby monitor?
Most parents stop using a baby monitor between 12–36 months when their child sleeps through the night and their room is close by.
What age to stop using baby monitor?
There’s no perfect age, but many parents stop between 1 and 3 years, depending on sleep habits and personal comfort.
Do toddlers need a baby monitor?
Not always. If your toddler sleeps well and their room is nearby, you may no longer need one.
Are baby monitors safe for long-term use?
Yes, but overuse may increase parental stress. Keep some distance from your child’s head to reduce exposure to EMF.
Should I stop using the baby monitor if I sleep in the next room?
If you can hear your child naturally, you may not need the monitor at night anymore.
Can stopping the baby monitor help me sleep better?
Yes. Many parents report sleeping deeper and feeling calmer after transitioning away from using a monitor.
Conclusion
There’s no set age when you must stop using a baby monitor. Like everything in parenting, it depends on your child—and on you.
Some stop at 12 months. Others wait until 3 years. What matters most is whether the monitor is helping or hindering your sleep and peace of mind.
For me, the day I turned mine off wasn’t about giving something up. It was about gaining trust—in my child and in myself.
Trust your instincts. You’ll know when the time feels right.
Have you already made the switch—or are you still debating it? I’d love to hear your story in the comments. Let’s support each other through the growing pains of parenthood.
