The device keeping watch over your baby in the night could be the thing that puts them in danger. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued multiple recalls against baby monitors for two distinct and serious hazards: fire from overheating lithium-ion batteries, and strangulation from sensor cords that babies can pull into their cribs.
The Fire Hazard
Baby monitors with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in the parent unit can overheat during charging, posing a risk of fire, burns, and property damage. Multiple brands have been recalled for this hazard:
- Babysense Max View baby monitors (model VBM55, manufactured by Hisense of Israel) — the display unit can overheat and spark when charging, posing a fire hazard. About 81,800 units were recalled in February 2026. Consumers should stop using the display unit immediately and contact Hisense for a free replacement.
- Infanttech Zooby video baby monitors — the battery can malfunction, overheat, and burst, posing a fire hazard. About 17,100 units were recalled. Three reports of the baby monitors catching fire were received.
- Philips Avent Digital Video Baby Monitors (models SCD630 and SCD843, manufactured between March 2016 and December 2019) — the lithium-ion batteries in the parent unit can overheat during charging. About 12,850 units were recalled.
- Lorex Care ‘N’ Share video baby monitors (models WL3520, WL4320, WL3401) — batteries can overheat and swell, causing the battery cover to open or come off and exposing hot batteries. About 26,000 units were recalled; 488 reports of batteries overheating were received.
The Strangulation Hazard
Baby monitor cords are one of CPSC’s identified hidden hazards for infants. If a cord reaches into a crib, a baby can pull it in and wrap it around their neck. CPSC is aware of at least eight infant deaths from strangulation in baby monitor cords since 2002.
- Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitors with Sensor Pads — a sensor cord placed under the crib mattress can be pulled into the crib and wrapped around a baby’s neck. About 600,000 units were recalled to provide cord covers. Two strangulation deaths were associated with these monitors.
What You Should Do
- Check SaferProducts.gov to verify whether your baby monitor has been recalled.
- Never place the baby monitor or its cord within reach of the crib.
- Keep all cords out of arm’s reach of babies and toddlers at all times.
- Do not charge a baby monitor’s parent unit overnight or leave it charging unattended for long periods.
- If your baby monitor’s battery feels hot, swells, or makes unusual sounds during charging, stop using it immediately.
- Replace recalled monitors immediately — do not wait.
To report a dangerous baby monitor or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
