IP Cameras provide wired or wireless monitoring of an environment. IP Cameras are surveillance devices which mostly used for security applications. Some models are with one way or two audio transmission and night vision capability are available. As used technologies get commodity, affordable priced models are in the market. IP Camera prices are now comparable with baby monitor prices. Although baby monitors are dedicated devices for a specific application, IP Cameras are used as WiFi Baby Monitors by some parents. 

Advantages of IP Cameras:

• Monitoring from anywhere through internet - not only within the house 
• Can be used for different purposes (Pet monitoring, Babysitter monitoring, garden monitoring, security monitoring etc.)
• Open technology - opportunity of using different monitoring software
• Same price level with baby monitors

Disadvantages of IP Cameras:

• Simple but a set up is necessary
• Audio input is available even with low end priced models. Audio monitoring is not available with entry level monitoring software.
• No battery is available
• Requires ADSL wireless modem (Introduction of  Wifi Direct technology may change this)

Smart Baby Monitor brings following new functions to an IP Camera:

• Kick off detection
• Audio monitoring: triggering an alarm and warning parents if an audio activity detected (if audio input is available)