The Best Home Security Devices to Keep Mom Safe and Happy

A smart thermostat takes the time and annoyance away from adjusting a thermostat manually, letting it learn your household activity levels and helping you save money automatically. I picked this Ecobee Premium model ($244) for its included satellite sensor, which means mom can put it in a chilly room where she's spending some time, and the thermostat will heat the home with that room in mind. When I asked Natalie Bracamontez, VP of marketing and customer engagement at home security company Brinks Home , about giving a smart thermostat as a potential gift, she added, "I have two young boys, and one of them sleeps in a room above the garage, which tends to run warmer.

I use a temperature sensor in his room to make sure he stays comfortable-without freezing his brother down the hall. The sensor helps me adjust the thermostat based on their actual needs, and with set schedules and automation." An indoor camera is a great way to watch over kids, nannies and everything else .



I like this Ring model ($90) , not just because of its smart objection detection and two-way audio, but because it's a battery model that mom can move around to whatever room she wants -- or even take it outdoors for an afternoon of play. The app provides alerts, live views and motion zones for customization. Sometimes, mom needs some privacy.

While many smart locks are designed to work with deadbolts , I chose this "rawUrl":"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW4TV55R/ref=asc_df_B0BW4TV55R1745406000000?tag=cnet-buy-button-20&ascsubtag=8f6fbd86f08c499eae246d40aef1182b%7C1f8658d0-ae3e-41dc-a746-0d1b8334e687%7Cdtp%7Ccn&geniuslink=true&th=1#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.

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com/dp/B0BW4TV55R/ref=asc_df_B0BW4TV55R1745406000000?tag=cnet-buy-button-20&ascsubtag=8f6fbd86f08c499eae246d40aef1182b%7C1f8658d0-ae3e-41dc-a746-0d1b8334e687%7Cdtp%7Ccn&geniuslink=true&th=1#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW4TV55R/ref=asc_df_B0BW4TV55R1745406000000?tag=cnet-buy-button-20&ascsubtag=8f6fbd86f08c499eae246d40aef1182b%7C1f8658d0-ae3e-41dc-a746-0d1b8334e687%7Cdtp%7Ccn&geniuslink=true&th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22Schlage%20Lever%20($240)%22}"}"> because it can work with all kinds of locks and doesn't need a deadbolt.

From bedrooms to pantries, moms can get smart lock protection with remote management, keypad codes and autolocking, among other features. Read more : CNET's Smart Lock Buying Guide Air quality affects everything from workout quality to the health of kids and pets, but it's hard to judge. "rawUrl":"https://www.

amazon.com/SwitchBot-Quality-Monitor-Display-Bluetooth/dp/B0DLN46519?th=1#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.amazon.

com/SwitchBot-Quality-Monitor-Display-Bluetooth/dp/B0DLN46519?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22This%20SwitchBot%20monitor%20($70)%22}","shortcodeType":"commercelink","siteId":1,"useMonetization":true,"url":"https://www.amazon.com/SwitchBot-Quality-Monitor-Display-Bluetooth/dp/B0DLN46519?th=1&tag=cnet-buy-button-20#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.

amazon.com/SwitchBot-Quality-Monitor-Display-Bluetooth/dp/B0DLN46519?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22This%20SwitchBot%20monitor%20($70)%22}"}"> is my favorite way to keep an eye on CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels in any room in the house. It's portable, accurate and can connect to an app for remote monitoring.

For example, put it in the kitchen and see how cooking or stovetop work affects your air quality (my CO2 levels certainly spike), then take action with an air purifier or an open window. It measures humidity, too. An outdoor camera is perfect for watching kids or doggos play in the yard even when mom has to be elsewhere.

I love "rawUrl":"https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Outdoor-4th-Gen-1-Camera/dp/B0B1N5HW22?th=1#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.

amazon.com/Blink-Outdoor-4th-Gen-1-Camera/dp/B0B1N5HW22?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22this%20wireless%20Blink%20cam%20($100)%22}","shortcodeType":"commercelink","siteId":1,"useMonetization":true,"url":"https://www.amazon.

com/Blink-Outdoor-4th-Gen-1-Camera/dp/B0B1N5HW22?th=1&tag=cnet-buy-button-20#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.amazon.com/Blink-Outdoor-4th-Gen-1-Camera/dp/B0B1N5HW22?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22this%20wireless%20Blink%20cam%20($100)%22}"}"> for its easy-to-use app and lengthy battery life -- I've had mine for well over a year, and I still get reliable alerts on backyard animal and person activity without needing to change the batteries once.

A smart display like "rawUrl":"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B2SBHQK?th=1#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.

amazon.com/dp/B09B2SBHQK?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22this%20Echo%20Show%205%20($90)%22}","shortcodeType":"commercelink","siteId":1,"useMonetization":true,"url":"https://www.amazon.

com/dp/B09B2SBHQK?th=1&tag=cnet-buy-button-20#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B2SBHQK?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22this%20Echo%20Show%205%20($90)%22}"}"> does more than just show TV shows or recipe video walkthroughs.

It also gives a live view from compatible security cameras (like the Blink Cam I just mentioned) with a simple voice command, letting mom glance through cameras even when her hands are busy. A smoke detector brings mom plenty peace of mind: This "shortcodeType":"commercelink","siteId":1,"useMonetization":true,"url":"https://homedepot.sjv.

io/c/159047/456723/8154?&sharedid=cnet&partnerpropertyid=235399&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homedepot.com%2Fpep%2FKidde-Hardwired-Ring-App-Enabled-Smart-Smoke-Carbon-Monoxide-Detector-AA-Battery-Backup-Voice-Alerts-Interconnected-Alarm-21033275%2F334373575%3FselectedSellerId%3D0%26clickid%3DRI-VQ12w-xycWBXynTUurwx7UksR2iWJ1xgEwE0%26irgwc%3D1%26cm_mmc%3Dafl-ir-78091-456723-%23link%3D%7B%2522role%2522%3A%2522standard%2522%2C%2522href%2522%3A%2522https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

homedepot.com%2Fpep%2FKidde-Hardwired-Ring-App-Enabled-Smart-Smoke-Carbon-Monoxide-Detector-AA-Battery-Backup-Voice-Alerts-Interconnected-Alarm-21033275%2F334373575%3FselectedSellerId%3D0%26clickid%3DRI-VQ12w-xycWBXynTUurwx7UksR2iWJ1xgEwE0%26irgwc%3D1%26cm_mmc%3Dafl-ir-78091-456723-%2522%2C%2522target%2522%3A%2522%2522%2C%2522absolute%2522%3A%2522%2522%2C%2522linkText%2522%3A%2522new%2520smart%2520model%2520from%2520Kidde%2520%28%2475%29%2522%7D&subId1=subid_value"}"> watches for both smoke and carbon monoxide, while tapping in the Ring security app. That app gives you remote alerts and low battery warnings, and it can tap into an emergency response subscription if you want.

Plus, Kidde's sensors are designed to help cut down on accidental alarms from enthusiastic cooking and other common -- but not dangerous -- sources. Is mom worried about porch pirates making off with delivered goods? There's a new -- well, an old but updated -- fix for that: This "shortcodeType":"commercelink","siteId":1,"useMonetization":true,"url":"https://shopyalehome.com/collections/gifts-mom-will-love/products/yale-smart-delivery-box-with-wi-fi-kent?variant=34265903136900#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://shopyalehome.

com/collections/gifts-mom-will-love/products/yale-smart-delivery-box-with-wi-fi-kent?variant=34265903136900%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22smart%20delivery%20box%20from%20Yale%20($280)%22}"}"> keeps packages safe while allowing you to use an app to remotely lock or unlock it and get alerts when it's being used. You can also upgrade it with a keypad (give the number to delivery services) or a cooler bag, depending on what mom likes to order. This "rawUrl":"https://www.

amazon.com/Lockly-Smart-Safe-Biometric-Fingerprint/dp/B0CNK35DB2?th=1#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.amazon.

com/Lockly-Smart-Safe-Biometric-Fingerprint/dp/B0CNK35DB2?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22small%20but%20powerful%20safe%20from%20Lockly%20($350)%22}","shortcodeType":"commercelink","siteId":1,"useMonetization":true,"url":"https://www.amazon.com/Lockly-Smart-Safe-Biometric-Fingerprint/dp/B0CNK35DB2?th=1&tag=cnet-buy-button-20#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.

amazon.com/Lockly-Smart-Safe-Biometric-Fingerprint/dp/B0CNK35DB2?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22small%20but%20powerful%20safe%20from%20Lockly%20($350)%22}"}"> is perfect for storing jewelry, money, old photos, documents and anything else near and dear to mom's heart. It can easily fit in a closet or office shelf, and unlocks at a touch with its fingerprint sensor, plus many more smart features.

I tried breaking into it -- the safe is secure. If mom has a furry friend she cares about , "rawUrl":"https://www.amazon.

com/Petcube-Ultimate-Interactive-Security-Surveillance/dp/B0CH1D594H?th=1#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.amazon.com/Petcube-Ultimate-Interactive-Security-Surveillance/dp/B0CH1D594H?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22this%20compact%20pet%20cam%20from%20Petcube%20($45)%22}","shortcodeType":"commercelink","siteId":1,"useMonetization":true,"url":"https://www.

amazon.com/Petcube-Ultimate-Interactive-Security-Surveillance/dp/B0CH1D594H?th=1&tag=cnet-buy-button-20#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.amazon.

com/Petcube-Ultimate-Interactive-Security-Surveillance/dp/B0CH1D594H?th=1%22,%22target%22:%22%22,%22absolute%22:%22%22,%22linkText%22:%22this%20compact%20pet%20cam%20from%20Petcube%20($45)%22}"}"> is affordable and designed specifically to watch out for pets and give AI-powered alerts about where they are and what they are doing. It's also equipped with night vision, two-way audio to talk to a pet and sound alerts if a pet starts barking. If mom's a bit worried about security when loved ones are home, a security system can bring plenty peace of mind.

One option I recommend frequently is this "rawUrl":"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKTRTGZQ/ref=twister_B0CM9V4NF4?_encoding=UTF8&th=1#link={%22role%22:%22standard%22,%22href%22:%22https://www.

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It's DIY friendly, affordable and has eight-in-one sensors that can measure anything from motion and doors opening to air quality and temperature -- whatever mom wants to watch out for. If mom has a little one who is spending a lot of time in the crib, I've tested "shortcodeType":"commercelink","siteId":1,"useMonetization":true,"url":"https://go.shopyourlikes.

com/pi/5ebfd9e9a9fb6249154857507d6dcd0ceff0fc67?afId=614548&afCampaignId=subid_value&afCreativeId=2993&afPlacementId=1"}"> and came away impressed: It's designed to mount on a stand or the wall and quite literally watch over your baby's bed, giving notifications about crying, sleeping, breathing and warnings if it looks like a baby's face is covered and so on. When kids grow, it can start to double as an AI warning system if tots wander into customizable no-no zones. For more options, take a look at our list of the best smart home devices , best smart plugs and top fitness trackers .

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