Baby Monitor Cord Safety: A Simple Checklist

Short answer: keep every cord, from the monitor camera, sound machine, night light or anything else, at least 3 feet from any part of the crib, bassinet or play yard. Never put a monitor in or on the edge of the crib. [1]

It's easy to overlook. A camera needs to see the crib, so it often ends up close to it, and its cord ends up hanging nearby.

Why it matters

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns that babies can be strangled by baby monitor cords. In a safety alert, the CPSC reported that seven infants and toddlers had been strangled by baby monitor cords since 2002, and three more nearly strangled. The children were between 6 and 20 months old. [1]

Babies change fast. A cord that's out of reach for a newborn can be within reach once your baby rolls, sits, pulls up or stands.

The 5-minute checklist

Placement

• The monitor camera is at least 3 feet from every part of the crib. [1]
• Nothing is mounted in or on the edge of the crib. [1]
• The sound machine, night light and humidifier are also 3+ feet away, cords included.

Cords

• No cord hangs or droops where your baby could reach from the crib.
• Wall-mounted camera cords are secured flat to the wall with a cord cover. Check them as well. [1]
• Extra cord length is bundled and secured out of reach, not coiled near the crib.
• Power strips and plugs are out of reach from the crib, the floor and the changing table.

Sleep space

• The crib holds only your baby: a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet, and no pillows, bumpers, blankets or toys. [2]
• The crib isn't next to a window with blind or curtain cords.

Ongoing

• Re-check every time your baby reaches a new milestone, such as rolling, sitting or standing.
• Re-check after moving furniture or the crib.
• Re-check when visiting grandparents, traveling or using a play yard.

Mounting a camera safely

• Wall-mount above and away from the crib, then run the cord straight down the wall to the outlet inside a cord cover.
• On a shelf or dresser, choose one at least 3 feet from the crib and keep the cord behind the furniture.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and use only the mounting hardware they provide.
• Check the angle from your phone after mounting, instead of moving the camera closer.

Frequently asked questions

Is 3 feet measured from the crib or from my baby? From any part of the crib, bassinet or play yard. [1] Measure from the nearest rail or edge.

Are cordless or battery cameras safer? They remove the cord hazard, but they still shouldn't be placed in or on the crib, and small batteries or parts must stay out of reach.

What about the sound machine cord? Same rule: 3+ feet away. Placing the sound machine across the room is also better for your baby's ears. See Where to Put a Sound Machine in the Nursery.

How the ARC is designed to help

The Selah ARC System, now in development, is designed so the speaker sits away from the crib by default, and its planned accessories include a wall cord-management kit for the camera. Follow the build.

This article is general information, not a substitute for your products' instructions. Always follow CPSC and manufacturer guidance.

Sources

1. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Baby monitor cord safety alert.
2. Moon RY, Carlin RF, Hand I; Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Committee on Fetus and Newborn. Sleep-related infant deaths: updated 2022 recommendations for reducing infant deaths in the sleep environment. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057990.