A Journey from 1937 to Today Smart AI Monitors
If you are ever searched “when were baby monitors invented?” you are not alone. Parents across the world are curious about the history of this essential gadget that brings peace of mind to millions of families. From its humble beginnings in the 1930s to today AI-powered, radar-based devices, the baby monitor has undergone a fascinating transformation.
The First Baby Monitor: 1937
The very first baby monitor, known as the Radio Nurse, was introduced in 1937 by Zenith Radio Corporation.
- It was designed after the tragic kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby in 1932, which left many parents desperate for safer ways to protect their children.
- The device worked by transmitting sounds from the baby room to a receiver elsewhere in the house.
- Though bulky and limited, it laid the foundation for what would become a billion-dollar global industry.
Baby Monitors in the 20th Century
From the 1950s through the 1980s, baby monitors became more affordable and more widely used.
- Audio only: Early devices were sound-based, letting parents hear cries or noises.
- Walkie-talkie style: Portable versions became popular for families who wanted flexibility.
- Analog limitations: These monitors were often plagued by interference, static, and limited range.
The Video Monitor Revolution: 1990s – 2000s
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, video baby monitors began to reshape parenting.
- Parents could see and hear their child in real-time.
- Infrared night vision became a standard feature.
- With the growth of the internet, WiFi-enabled monitors allowed remote access via smartphones, giving parents reassurance even when away from home.
Modern Innovations: AI & Radar Monitoring
Fast-forward to 2025, and baby monitors are smarter than ever:
- Radar non-contact monitoring: Tracks a baby breathing and heartbeat without wearables or wires.
- AI alerts: Cry detection, motion sensing, and anomaly notifications reduce false alarms.
- All-in-one features: Two-way talk, lullabies, white noise, and temperature monitoring.
- Multi-camera setups: Perfect for families with more than one child.
- Brands like Sinofly are pioneering this new era, offering radar-powered baby monitors that combine safety, comfort, and next-gen smart features—designed for today tech-savvy parents.
Why Parents Still Ask “When Were Baby Monitors Invented?”
Because it highlights how far technology has come:
- From simple radios in 1937 → to video in the 1990s → to AI radar in 2025.
- Each leap shows how parental concerns—safety, peace of mind, convenience—drive innovation.
- It’s a reminder that the core mission of baby monitors has never changed: to keep children safe while giving parents confidence and rest.
Conclusion
So, when were baby monitors invented? The answer is 1937—but the story doesn’t end there. Over nearly a century, baby monitors have evolved from static-filled radios into sophisticated AI guardians that protect babies health and wellbeing. With radar, AI, and smart connectivity leading the way, the next chapter in baby monitoring is already here.
