Baby Monitor Market

Market Overview

The global baby monitor market size was valued at USD 1.395 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 2.27 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (2022 – 2030).

A baby monitor is a baby alarm that lets parents follow their child's movements and other activities from a distance. A transmitter and microphone are the only components of a primary audio monitor, allowing for two-way communication between the parent and the child. Baby video monitors are a more sophisticated type of baby monitor that lets parents watch and track their child's movements. To meet the various demands of the parents, baby monitors with movement trackers and preinstalled lullabies are now offered on the market.

The most recent market innovation is found in the form of intelligent baby monitors. Through a dedicated app, cellphones may manage these monitors. Smartphone apps enable parents to watch a gadget with a camera, such as a tablet or another smartphone. A camera can also be connected to a specific app on a smartphone or tablet via wi-fi or Bluetooth. This negates the need to leave a smart gadget in the nursery. As a result, using and managing the monitors through these tools has been simpler.

Baby monitor use has increased in homes and childcare facilities due to more working parents and nuclear households. Other reasons contributing to the market's expansion include the surge in internet commerce, increased disposable income, and growing awareness of baby safety. In the near future, the sector is predicted to present profitable economic prospects in both developed and developing nations. Retailing has improved due to widespread smartphone use and rising internet usage.

Market Dynamics

Global Market Drivers

The Rise in the Number of Employed Parents

The increase in the number of employed parents in both developed and developing countries drives the growth of the baby monitor market. As working parents spend most of their time away from home, baby monitors offer a convenient way of keeping a close watch over the infant, assuring safety and timely action in an emergency. Modern baby monitor versions are also smartphone-operable and compatible with the iOS and Android operating systems, making them simple to use and convenient. Thus, it is anticipated that the global market will grow in the following years due to the number of working parents and technological improvements.

The Surge in Online Retailing

The surge in online retailing is one of the major factors that fuels the baby monitor market growth. Online shopping has several advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. Parents can access baby monitors online and shop around for the best deals. Retailing has improved due to widespread smartphone use and rising internet usage. Many sellers now do their business online because of this feature. Because of their easy access to the internet, parents and daycare facilities can browse a variety of baby monitor products and make purchases there. Parents prefer to shop online since it offers the best prices compared to going to places.

Global Market Restraint

The Decline in Birth Rates

According to a recent study, around 80 countries worldwide, mainly Western European countries, Japan, Canada, Russia, and Poland, have declining birth rates. In developed nations, the replacement rate is 2.1, and nearly half of the world has a birth rate lower than this. A sedentary lifestyle and high-stress levels are the leading causes of the declining birth rate. Moreover, in many emerging countries, the working population can opt for work from home culture, which enables parents to take care of the infants at home; hence, this factor eliminates the need for advanced devices in emerging countries. This may hinder the growth of the baby monitor market in the future.

Global Market Opportunities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Driven Baby Monitor Controlling Platforms

Recently in 2019, Google revealed that it is considering technology that could use artificial intelligence to keep the child safe. In this type of monitor, eye-tracking technology detects when a baby is awake, asleep, or close to stirring. Using video streaming, audio recordings, and AI, the device would monitor the baby's behavior against a database of normal patterns. Based on the infant's movements and any noise it makes, it would detect anything out of character and subsequently issue an alert if the baby appears uncomfortable. Such technological advances are anticipated to provide potential growth opportunities for the baby monitor market during the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global baby monitor market is segmented by distribution channel, product type, connectivity, and region.

Based on Product Type, the global market is bifurcated into audio and video baby monitors. The video segment was the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. In recent years, advanced video monitors have been launched that offer additional features such as two-way audio, night vision, and rotation & zoom functions. Some models have other features such as baby movement detection, warning when parents are out of the baby monitor’s coverage area, and monitoring the baby’s breathing. The usage of video baby monitors is more prevalent in developed countries. Higher adoption of advanced technology propels the use of video monitors in countries such as the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Germany. Video baby monitors are gaining popularity in developing countries such as India and China, and their adoption is expected to increase. High expenditure of parents on baby care, growth of online retailing, and growth in awareness about baby safety are the factors that fuel the demand for video baby monitors.

Moreover, in emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific, the rise in per capita income and changes in lifestyle increase the need for video baby monitors, creating lucrative opportunities for baby monitor manufacturers. The leading market player in the baby monitor market, Google, is coming up with the latest technological advances, which use AI-based platforms to alert the parents about the baby’s room, and will give an advance alert for any unusual movement in the baby’s sleep. Such advances are expected to fuel the growth of the baby monitor market during the forecast period.

The audio segment is the second largest. Parents do not always need video monitors and technology such as HD video, temperature readings, or humidity sensors; they only want to ensure their baby is safe in the next room. In addition, customers choose audio-only monitors because they cost less and take up a smaller amount of space. They do not have to deal with large screens, multiple cameras, movement-sensing pads, and all the new accessories companies provide. The latest innovation in audio monitors can be seen in Two Parent Units, the VTech DM112-2 Audio Monitor. In this system, the monitor's digital technology provides clear transmission and eliminates background noise, making it easier for the parents to hear the baby's voice. Moreover, new features such as LED lights on the parent unit indicate the sound level in the baby's room, and parents can visually monitor the noise level with the muted unit. These technological advances provide lucrative growth opportunities for audio baby monitors to grow during the forecast period.

By Connectivity, the global market is categorized into wired and wireless baby monitors. The wireless segment was the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. Parents’ desire to perform household activities while monitoring their babies has augmented the demand for wireless baby monitors. Rising baby safety concerns due to the increasing number of employed parents fuel the growth of wireless baby monitors. Furthermore, population growth and per capita income increase provide lucrative opportunities for market growth in India, China, Kuwait, Oman, and Brazil. Numerous players in the market, such as Angelcare, Motorola, Samsung, Summer Infant, and Lorex, manufacture wireless baby monitors. Lorex facilitates parents with a complete wireless monitoring system. In recent years, Lorex has launched several wireless video baby monitors and expanded its product line. Availability of smart connectivity and wi-fi-based control of the monitors has driven the market over the past few years and is expected to do so in the future.

The wired segment is the second largest. Although wireless devices are replacing wired devices in recent years, wired devices are also upgraded with the latest technological additions. Established market players are coming with touch sensors and wi-fi connectivity products. Performance of the wireless devices may hamper over time as they are based on battery backup. Still, the wired devices do not have such problems, and parents can trust them for the continuous, nonstop monitoring of the babies. When going out for a longer time, parents need to monitor babies continuously, which wired devices can achieve; hence, these devices are preferred by parents who have to travel often. The latest technological adaption to wired devices is playing a significant role in the growth of the global baby monitor market.

By Distribution Channel, the global market is divided into retail stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, and eCommerce. The retail store segment was the highest contributor to the market and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period. The transition of the global population from rural to urban areas has increased the demand for goods, owing to high income and expanding needs. Retailers, especially in the organized segment, are targeting the middle-class population by ensuring the availability of different products at various price ranges to match the needs of the middle-income group. Moreover, manufacturers target middle-income group households through these retail stores, as they are the most accessible distribution channel to reach them. Therefore, the sale of baby monitors through retail stores fuels the growth of the baby monitor market worldwide.

Regional Analysis

Region-wise, the global baby monitor market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America was the highest revenue contributor and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.1%. The baby monitor market for the North American region is studied across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. These are the developed countries in this region and contribute to the overall economic growth of North America. The U.S. and Canada are dominant markets for baby monitors. Different models of audio and video wired and wireless baby monitors with additional features such as infrared night light, in-built lullabies, and temperature sensors are available in the U.S. Primarily, video wireless monitors are prevalent in this region. Canada is another prominent market for baby monitors. The U.S. and Canada are home to some of the most famous players operating in the market. Baby monitors are available in stores specialized for babies and are also sold online. Better technological infrastructure and an increase in adoption of innovative & niche baby products are some of the primary reasons for the growth of baby monitors in North America. The increase in online retailing in North America is another major factor that fuels the market's growth.

Asia-Pacific is the second largest. It is estimated to reach an expected value of USD 670 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Australia, Japan, and China account for the significant sales of baby monitors in the Asia-Pacific region. The Chinese market is nascent as these monitors are recently introduced in the country. All baby monitors, such as audio and video, are available in China. China’s increased number of working women has accelerated the demand for baby monitors. Although Japan has experienced a low birth rate over the past few years, the expansion of the childcare service industry drives the baby monitor market in Japan. Japanese researchers have developed a computer program that analyses the pattern of a baby’s cry. This program has categorized a baby’s cry into five categories: hungry, sleepy, annoyed, bored, and stressed. This technology led to the creation of hand-held monitors that convey to parents what their baby wants. An increase in safety awareness among young parents and lifestyle & modernization in China are the major factors driving the baby monitor market growth in China.

Europe is the third largest region. Different models of baby monitors, such as audio, video, sensory monitors, and sensory with video monitors, are available in Western European countries. These monitors are used to monitor newborn babies as well as toddlers. The UK, Germany, and the Netherlands are some Western European countries where the adoption rate of baby monitors is relatively higher. A significant population of children below five years and more heightened awareness of baby monitoring devices boost the market's growth. In Western European countries, the increase in demand for baby monitors is subjected to a rise in the number of dual-earning families and a shift in awareness toward baby safety. Moreover, the rise in demand for baby monitors with high-end safety features provides an opportunity for players operating in the market.

Recent Developments

• April 2022 - Lorex Technology, one of the most trusted names in home and business security, is announcing a new addition to their industry-leading line of smart security products: the Lorex 4K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor wi-fi Security Camera with Smart Security Lighting.
• June 2022 - Kids2, a global company that designs holistic solutions to help early-stage parents and families, announced the acquisition of Summer Infant, a leader in premium infant and juvenile products. Summer Infant®, which includes SwaddleMe®, joins the Kids2 Group umbrella of entities, including renowned brands Baby Einstein®, Ingenuity®, and Bright Starts®

Baby Monitor Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Audio
• Video

By Connectivity

• Wired
• Wireless

By Distribution Channel

• Retail Stores
• Supermarket/Hypermarket
• E-Commerce
• Specialty Stores

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• LAMEA