Wearable tech: the next generation of smart baby monitor

Owlet busts four myths on health sensing technology using real questions from parents
Baby monitors have long been a must-have for parents to keep a watchful eye over their little one. However,  with many monitors on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

Owlet is the first wearable health tracker for babies and launches in the UK this month. The Owlet Smart Sock is the first device of its kind to use pulse oximetry technology to track the wellbeing of babies. Pulse oximetry is the same technology used in hospitals to monitor a patient’s heart rate and oxygen saturation levels, but has been modified and miniaturised to fit comfortably into a sock. This information is sent via Bluetooth to a base station, allowing parents to track their heart rate and oxygen levels in real time through an app on their phone.

Here are five common questions answering how health sensing technology can help relieve common anxieties over caring for your newborn:

How does a wearable smart monitor differ from other monitors?

Video monitors allow you to see your baby, audio allows you to hear them and movement devices lets you track just that. Pulse oximetry is the only alternative that gives a real-time look into your baby’s heart rate and oxygen saturation levels, which is a more thorough way to track your baby’s wellbeing than what other baby monitors are able to offer.

Does a smart baby monitor mean I don’t need to check on my baby?

A smart baby monitor does not replace good parenting practices. Health sensing technology should always be used alongside good parenting practices. The information provided should help inform your parenting practices, not replace them.

The Owlet app allows parents to view their baby’s heart rate in real-time and provides real-time oxygen saturation levels. Empowering parents to know that their baby is okay and notifying them if their baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels go outside of pre-set levels.

Is pulse oximetry accurate?

One of the negatives of traditional pulse oximeters is false alarms. Owlet went to great lengths to reduce false readings through custom algorithms and a system to detect when the infant is moving. It only provides readings while the baby is in a rested state. Owlet also uses a number of notifications to differentiate between a displaced sensor and a significant decrease/increase in a baby’s heart rate. As a result, the majority of Owlet Smart Sock users use the device without ever receiving a false notification.

Will it reduce anxiety?

Using health sensing technology with your baby will help you to be more informed; in turn helping to reduce anxiety for some.

Owlet has tracked billions of infant heartbeats and has received hundreds of stories from parents who were able to help their infants in a time of need while simultaneously improving their own sleep quality. This fact is confirmed by research that found 94% of parents using the Smart Sock report better sleep, and 96% feel less anxious.

If you are feeling anxious about taking your newborn baby home, investing in an Owlet Smart Sock can help to alleviate your worries.

More questions? Chat to us on Facebook (Owlet Baby Monitors) or Instagram (@owletcare).