Nanit Smart Baby Monitor vs. Breathing Wear Sleeping Bag: Do You Need Both?

Quick Answer

You don't strictly need both, but combining them gives you the most complete picture of your baby's sleep and breathing. The monitor alone provides video and sound, while breathing wear adds direct breathing-rate tracking. If you want the full Nanit experience, both are worth it; if you're on a budget, start with the monitor and add breathing wear later.

When you're shopping for a baby monitor, you'll quickly see that Nanit offers more than just video. The Smart Baby Monitor tracks sleep patterns, and the Breathing Wear sleeping bag adds another layer of data. But do you really need both?

In this comparison, we'll break down what each product does, how they work together, and where the trade-offs lie. We'll also give you clear guidance on who benefits most from each option, so you can make a confident choice for your family.

What Each Product Does

The Nanit Smart Baby Monitor is the core of the system. It provides crystal-clear, wide-angle views of your baby's sleep space, whether at home or on the go. With the free Nanit app, you can live-stream nap times, capture memories, and track feedings—all in one place. The monitor also supports split-screen views and multi-user access, so both parents and caregivers can stay connected.

Breathing Wear, on the other hand, is a wearable sleeping bag designed to work with the monitor. It uses a printed pattern that the monitor's camera detects to track your baby's breathing rate and movement. This adds a layer of data that video alone can't provide. While the monitor shows you what's happening, breathing wear tells you how your baby's body is responding during sleep.

• The monitor is the foundation; breathing wear enhances it with breathing-rate insights.

How They Work Together

When used together, the monitor and breathing wear create a comprehensive sleep-tracking system. The camera identifies the breathing wear's pattern to measure breathing rate, which is displayed in the app alongside sleep duration and night wakings. This combined view can help you spot trends and understand your baby's sleep quality better than either product alone.

Setup is straightforward: place the monitor on a Flex Stand or wall mount, dress your baby in the breathing wear, and let the app guide you through calibration. The monitor's wide-angle view ensures the breathing wear stays in frame, even if your baby moves around. This makes the system reliable for overnight monitoring.

However, it's important to note that breathing wear is not a medical device. It provides general sleep insights, not clinical-grade data. If you have concerns about your baby's breathing, always consult a pediatrician.

Cost and Value Trade-offs

The Smart Baby Monitor + Flex Stand is priced at $124.50, down from $249.00, making it a solid entry point. Breathing wear is sold separately, and prices vary by size and style. If you're on a tight budget, you might start with just the monitor and add breathing wear later. This lets you spread out the cost while still getting video and audio monitoring from day one.

On the other hand, if you want the most detailed sleep insights from the start, buying both together can save you from a second purchase later. Some parents find that breathing-rate data gives them peace of mind that video alone doesn't. Consider your priorities: if you're primarily concerned with seeing and hearing your baby, the monitor is enough. If you want deeper sleep analytics, breathing wear is a worthwhile addition.

Compatibility and Portability

Both products are designed to work with the Nanit ecosystem. The monitor works with the Flex Stand for travel or in-home play spaces, and you can add the Travel Case for easy packing. Breathing wear comes in various sizes to fit your growing baby, and it's machine-washable for convenience.

If you plan to travel, the Sound + Light Travel Pack can help maintain a consistent sleep environment, but it doesn't replace breathing wear. For portability, the Flex Stand and Travel Case are essential accessories. Breathing wear is less portable-friendly because it needs to be worn by your baby, but it's easy to pack in a diaper bag.

Trade-offs at a Glance

• Monitoring Depth: The monitor alone gives you video and sound. Adding breathing wear provides breathing-rate data, which can be more reassuring for some parents. If you value detailed sleep insights, both are worth it.
• Cost: The monitor is a significant investment, and breathing wear adds extra cost. Starting with just the monitor is more budget-friendly. You can add breathing wear later if needed.
• Setup and Use: Using both requires dressing your baby in breathing wear and ensuring the monitor has a clear view. This is simple but adds a step to your routine. Most parents find it easy to incorporate into bedtime.

Product Facts

• Smart Baby Monitor + Flex Stand: Crystal-clear, wide-angle views at home or on the go—perfect for travel or as a secondary monitor for in-home play spaces. One app = streamlined parenting. From live-streaming nap times to capturing precious memories to tracking feedings, the Nanit app keeps your baby's activity seamlessly centralized. Split Screen views, Memories + Milestones, Multi-user access, Care Logs. This is the foundation of the Nanit system. The wide-angle view and app features let you see and track your baby's sleep from anywhere, making it a versatile choice for both home and travel.
• Travel: Keep your Nanit Smart Baby Monitor and Flex Stand safe and portable with the compact Travel Case, designed for easy packing on any outing. Available in a variety of styles and colors to suit your preference. Compact design fits your Smart Baby Monitor and Flex Stand. If you plan to use breathing wear, you'll likely travel with the monitor too. This case keeps your gear organized and protected, so you can maintain consistent sleep tracking on the go.

Which Option Fits You Best?

Best for

• Parents who want comprehensive sleep tracking with breathing-rate insights and are willing to invest in both products.
• Families who travel frequently and want a portable monitoring solution that includes breathing data.

Not for

• Budget-conscious parents who primarily need video and audio monitoring and can skip breathing-rate data.
• Those who prefer a simpler setup without the extra step of dressing their baby in breathing wear.

Deciding between the Nanit Smart Baby Monitor and breathing wear comes down to your priorities. The monitor is a must-have for video and sound, while breathing wear adds valuable breathing-rate insights. If you can afford both, they work seamlessly together to give you peace of mind. If not, start with the monitor and add breathing wear when you're ready. Either way, you'll have a reliable tool to help your baby sleep better.