How to Set Up a Smart Nursery: The Ultimate Guide for New Parents
As I write this post, I’ve got one eye on my computer monitor and the other watching my baby girl sleep. I'm caring for my child and getting work done — I’m a superhero.
Cue eye roll.
Nope, I'm just a regular parent trying to keep life on track while learning to be a dad.
And if you’re anything like me, you're facing a mountain of new responsibilities. One thing you shouldn’t have to stress about? Keeping your child’s room safe, comfortable, and calming — day or night.
That’s where smart home tech comes in.
What Is a Smart Nursery?
A smart nursery uses connected devices to help you monitor, automate, and manage your baby’s environment — all without lifting a finger (or putting down your baby).
Think of it as a high-tech parenting helper:
- Monitors room temperature and humidity
- Streams live video of your baby
- Plays lullabies or white noise
- Adjusts lights and blinds
- Sends you real-time alerts
Some devices even work from your phone — or via voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home — so you can check in from anywhere in the house (or world).
Why Every New Parent Should Consider Smart Nursery Tech
Smart nursery gadgets are becoming more affordable every year. You can start with just one or two basic devices (like a smart plug or light) for under $20, and expand from there.
If you want to:
- Sleep a little easier
- React faster when your baby needs you
- Create a calmer, more consistent sleep space
Then smart nursery tech is well worth exploring.
The Smart Baby Monitor: Every Parent’s Starting Point
What Is a Smart Baby Monitor?
A smart baby monitor is a camera-based device that streams live video and audio to your phone or smart screen. Some also offer:
- Night vision
- Cry or movement alerts
- Two-way talk
- Room temperature tracking
This lets you keep an eye on your baby — whether you’re downstairs on the couch, at work, or away for the night.
Our Pick: Best Smart Baby Monitor (Australia)
We tested two big names:
We went with Cubo AI, and here’s why:
- No distracting red light during night vision (unlike some reports of Nanit)
- Multiple mounting options for flexible room setups
- Extra safety features like face-covering and rollover detection
Budget-Friendly Smart Baby Monitor Option
Kmart Full HD Wi-Fi Indoor Camera. Source
For our second baby monitor, we didn’t want to spend big again — so we grabbed a budget smart camera from Kmart.
It:
- Streams video to our phones
- Works with Alexa for hands-free monitoring
- Lets us check in from smart displays around the house
It’s not baby-specific — but it’s perfect for basic monitoring.
Must-Have: A Smart Speaker for Hands-Free Parenting
Smart assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home are game changers for parents.
Why?
Because your hands are always full.
Top Voice Commands for the Nursery
- “Alexa, lights on” – turns on lights
- “Hey Google, nap time” – dims lights, closes blinds, plays lullabies
- “Alexa, show me the baby monitor” – video stream appears on screen
Smart speakers can also replace:
- White noise machines
- Sleep timers
- Nursery radios
Read more about how smart speakers can power your home.
Smart Plugs: The Easiest Way to Start
Smart plugs let you control anything that plugs in — from your phone or via voice.
You can automate:
- Lamps
- White noise machines
- Bottle warmers
- Humidifiers
They’re cheap, widely available (including at Kmart), and ideal for building your smart nursery setup.
What Other Smart Devices Belong in a Nursery?
Here’s what else we’ve added to our nursery — and why they’re worth a look:
- Smart Lighting: Gentle dimming for sleepy evenings
- Smart Air Conditioning: Auto climate control for ideal baby sleep
- Automate with Smart Routines: Nap and bedtime automation
- Clean up with a Robot Vacuum: Quiet cleaning without waking bub
- Smart Blinds & Curtains: Total light control during naps
Want More Smart Home Tips for Parents?
This post is just the beginning. If you’re keen to create a safer, smarter home for your family, check out: