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MNHQ

MNHQ here: Owlet Baby Care and wearable tech for babies

34 replies

JustineBMumsnet · 04/02/2019 17:24

Here at MNHQ we’re considering doing some work with Owlet (a brand that has developed a monitor that tracks a baby’s oxygen and heart rate using pulse oximetry. You can find out more by watching the below video).

Before going ahead we wanted to get your thoughts - is this the kind of thing you’d like to see on Mumsnet? And do you have any thoughts about this sort of 'wearable tech' for babies in general, and whether you think it's the sort of thing you'd like to see on Mumsnet? We’d love to hear what you have to say.

MNHQ

OP posts:
pinguwings · 04/02/2019 18:59

It's profiting out of parent's fears.
Any non biased evidence this reduces SIDS? Any endorsement by medical professionals?

Even using a medical grade saturation monitor you are likely to get false alarms and need to be trained in using them and interpreting the results.

BertieBotts · 04/02/2019 18:57

I really don't like owlet's marketing in the US. It really plays up the fear of sudden infant death which I think is irresponsible and some of their ads are really crass. Have you seen them? I think it's awful trying to profit from fear. Angelcare have been around for yonks and they don't do that (and I'm not keen on those monitors either).

ItsLikeRainOnYourWeddingDay · 04/02/2019 18:52

There is no way this is recommended by midwives or paediatricians unless there is underlying known conditions.

It's shameful that Mumsnet would consider partnering up with a company that makes these and sells them to anxious parents.

CookieSwirlC · 04/02/2019 18:36

I think it’s a silly idea and will play on people’s anxieties who are prone to worrying and probably make some less aware/neglectful eg they don’t need to check on baby as the monitor says they’re fine.

bluerody · 04/02/2019 18:09

Personally I'd be interested in it. I used the breathing monitor mat with my daughter and it was crap. Constantly set the alarm off by mistake.

ItsMEhooray · 04/02/2019 17:52

also, the less pointless shit peddled at wasting new parents money the better.

ItsMEhooray · 04/02/2019 17:51

I was tempted by this but as PP have suggested, I knew it would massively exacerbate my anxiety. It's along the same lines as those dopplers you get for home. Part of early years parenting is learning to trust your instincts and you have to learn to have faith in yourself before your kid can put their faith in you when they are a little older.

AssassinatedBeauty · 04/02/2019 17:33

Hmm. I'm not a fan, and I think that this kind of medicalising of babies without any additional medical needs is unnecessary. I think it can exacerbate anxiety and undermine confidence in your parenting.

Having had both my children start off life in SCBU, I was desperate to get rid of all the monitors and devices and just have my baby well.

ArfArfBarf · 04/02/2019 17:33

Is this level of monitoring recommended by midwives/paediatricians?