The 6 Best Parent Tech Devices We Swear By for Raising Kids

Pros

• Can be accessed while away from home
• Superior sound and video quality
• Split-screen option allows parents to monitor two cameras in two different rooms simultaneously
• Built-in sound machine and two-way audio

Cons

• Can be costly compared to other baby monitors
• Won’t work without an internet connection
• I sometimes get a spotty connection and dropped feed
• The AI and sleep tracking features cost extra

Why I like it: I love my Nanit Pro baby monitors so much that I have two of them, one for each child. I value its high-tech capabilities, superior sound and screen quality, coupled with easy setup. When I'm away from home, I can check in on my kids right from my phone and even use two-way audio to talk with them (if they're awake). My kids know they can talk back to the camera as well. 

The best part about being part of the Nanit family is that you can place a Nanit camera in multiple rooms and view them all on one screen. This is a feature I found lacking in competitor baby cams. It’s also CNET’s best Wi-Fi baby monitor, so if this is what you’re looking for as a new parent, you'll appreciate how multifaceted it is. A side bonus is that we use the Nanit Pro to keep an eye on our Labrador retriever when we aren't home, so it’s also pet-friendly. 

Who it’s best for: This monitor is ideal for parents who want to monitor multiple children simultaneously. Additionally, the Nanit Pro’s advanced AI features can be beneficial for first-time and nervous parents seeking sleep and breathing tracking. Nanit’s AI features alert you when your baby moves, wakes up and even predicts sleep patterns. The additional sleep accessory can track breathing patterns and alert you when any changes occur. 

Who shouldn't buy it: The Nanit Pro isn’t suitable for parents who prefer not to rely on a Wi-Fi connection. If you have consistently spotty internet, you'll be consistently frustrated with the Nanit. The VTech V-Care Smart Baby Monitor, for example, can be used with or without Wi-Fi; however, the screen quality and sound quality aren't as good as those of the Nanit. I found the abundance of detailed data and tracking analytics superfluous and anxiety-inducing, and you may prefer a simpler device.

– Katie Collins, Director of Content

Pros

• Teaches kids how to track money
• Lets parents easily move funds
• – Kids can get debit cards
• – Excellent app design

Cons

• Not free. Starts at $6 per month
• Savings rate just 2% on base plan

Why I like it: As a dad with three kids old enough to earn allowances and start buying things with their own money, Greenlight is one of my favorite services, hands down. My kids basically use it as their own bank account and digital wallet, and it's convenient because they don't really keep cash, and they all have phones. Greenlight offers debit cards that draw directly from their account balances, which you can set up to use with a phone wallet like Apple Pay, but mine rarely use the card to buy things directly. Instead, my wife and I buy them things, tell them we're "taking it out of your Greenlight" and reimburse ourselves in the app. The kids can track it all on their phones.

Who it's best for: It's helpful for everyone in the family. My wife and I deposit our kids' allowance directly into their Greenlight accounts, along with any cash or checks they receive (as gifts, for example). The kids like it because it allows them to immediately see how much money they have to buy things they want. My son just bought thermometers for his fish tank, for example, and my oldest daughter regularly orders items on Amazon, subject to my approval, that I deduct from her Greenlight.

Who shouldn't buy it: It's not useful to adults with standard bank accounts unless they have children. I also don't think it's worth paying extra for Greenlight's cash back and higher savings rate features. We have separate high-yield savings accounts, CDs and other investment vehicles for our children, and just use Greenlight for day-to-day kid spending.

– David Katzmaier, Senior Director of Content 

Pros

• Screen-free entertainment
• Figurines from popular TV shows and movies play stories and music
• Designed for independent play
• Has other sleeve options to choose from
• Can be used with or without Wi-Fi

Cons

• At over $100, it may not be in everyone’s budget
• Figurines cost extra

Why I like it: When I first introduced screen time to my son, I knew there was no turning back. I also understand the importance of limiting screen time, so I made it my duty to look for screen-free alternatives that he would find entertaining. The Toniebox 2 has been one of the best toys he’s received, keeping him distracted for hours. 

This kid-friendly audiobox plays stories, songs and more. You can purchase character figures from your child’s favorite movies and TV shows that play songs and read stories once propped on the box. Ms. Rachel, The Muppets and Toy Story characters are a favorite in our household. If you already own the original Toniebox and have the figures, they’re still compatible with the newest version.

The Toniebox is both Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth-powered, and connects to the Tonies app, so it can be taken on the road. It also has sleep support and bedtime routines that you can set up to make bedtime and naps easier. It’s toddler-friendly and well-protected with a cushioned sleeve that can handle the bumps and drops produced by a clumsy toddler. A bonus to the Toniebox 2 is that it can grow with your child. The audiobox has new interactive games that the original version didn’t have, and is appropriate for playing solo or with a friend.

Who it’s best for: This toy is best for kids who love learning through music and stories. It’s also a helpful way to encourage independent play since it’s designed for little hands. You can support their love of Disney and other popular cartoon characters without worrying about too much screen time.

Who shouldn’t buy it: The Toniebox is intended for children ages 1 through 9, meaning it may not be appealing to older school-age kids who have outgrown this type of toy. 

– Giselle Castro-Sloboda, Wellness Writer

Pros

• A safe way for kids to connect with long-distance family members
• Affordable app subscription at $7 a month
• Can play games and other activities to bond with family while apart

Cons

• It can be confusing for those who aren’t tech-savvy

Why I like it: The Kinzoo Together app is key to connecting with family abroad. One of the few approved apps in our household is Kinzoo’s Together. My parents live in El Salvador, and while they visit when they can, video calls have become a lifeline for them to stay connected with our kids. Think of it as FaceTime with a library of books and games that both parties can interact with remotely. Our 2-year-old loves having stories read by abuelita, and our 8- and 6-year-olds can happily spend an hour playing chess or Battleship with their grandpa.

The $7 monthly subscription unlocks unlimited call time and the full content library, and it’s the one app our kids have free rein to use whenever their grandparents are available (and willing to lose yet another round of Battleship to a 6-year-old).

Who it’s best for: This app is best for families living far away from loved ones. It’s a great way for children to bond with relatives by playing games, reading stories and participating in other activities, all virtually. Parents can have peace of mind that this child-safe app is on a secure platform when they use it.

Who shouldn’t buy it: The only downside is that the Together app experience depends heavily on whether the grandparents are tech-savvy. One missed update, and the call can quickly shift from bonding to frustration and troubleshooting. It may be helpful for the other user to try out the app beforehand.

– Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET Principal Writer 

Pros

• Educational app that teaches kids how to play the piano
• Users can learn how to play piano on their own time

Cons

• App is expensive at $150 a year, so you’ll want to make sure to commit to it.

Why I like it: The Simply Piano app tricks my kids into practicing their piano skills. My husband and I met in music classes, so it's only fitting that we encourage our kids to play the piano. Since neither of us has the patience of a real teacher, the Simply Piano app fills in the gaps by gamifying the whole learning experience.

It works for any level and offers kids plenty to choose from, including classics, pop songs and even Disney favorites. Lessons build up to full songs, and the app gives real-time feedback on whether they’ve hit or missed a note. 

Who it’s best for: Simply Piano is ideal for kids who are interested in learning how to play the piano and want to master the basics. It’s also more motivating to play your favorite songs while learning a new instrument.

Who shouldn’t buy it: It’s not going to turn kids into concert pianists (yet), and it’s not cheap at about $150 a year, but it teaches the basic music principles, helps them start reading sheet music and, most importantly, actually motivates them to practice. It’s best to invest in this app if your kids are devoted to learning the piano.

– Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET Principal Writer

Pros

• A sound machine that tells stories, plays music and doubles as a clock and night light
• Let’s you control sound and light levels on your smartphone

Cons

• At $100, it can be pricey for a sound machine
• Wi-Fi sometimes loses connectivity with device

Why I like it: As someone with a toddler who wasn’t always the best sleeper, it was important for me to make sure his bedroom was a good sleep environment. The Hatch Baby is one of my go-to products because it doubles as a sound machine, clock and a night light. It also has other fun features, such as lullabies, bedtime stories, ambient sleep sounds, an alarm clock and different light color options. I can set it up and control it through the Hatch app, which syncs up to my bedroom Hatch device. The Hatch Baby also connects you to sleep consultants with a 6-month sleep support subscription. 

Who it’s best for: The Hatch Baby is best for families with infants and toddlers. It can make a great baby shower gift or present for a parent trying to change their child’s sleep habits. This device is also helpful for parents who prefer to use an app on their smartphone to control a sound machine in their child’s room without disturbing their sleep. 

Who shouldn’t buy it: The Hatch Baby isn’t the most affordable sound machine, which may deter some parents who prefer to splurge on other baby items. Something to keep in mind is that it connects to your Wi-Fi and is backed up by Bluetooth, but it may lose connectivity if there’s a poor Wi-Fi connection. Overall, it’s easy to sync back up, but it can be a nuisance if it’s ill-timed, like when you’re trying to put your child to bed.   

-Giselle Castro-Sloboda, Wellness writer