6 Best Wearable Baby Monitors – Are Wearable Baby Monitors Worth It?

Wearable baby monitors do not seem to be as popular as Wi-Fi monitors and other digital counterparts.

Like the name implies, wearable baby monitors are worn on the baby’s body almost like a medical device.

When it comes to monitoring your baby and giving feedback about vital details, wearable baby monitors are your go-to choice.

From information like your baby’s oxygen levels to your baby’s heart rate, this type of baby monitor is equipped with a ton of features. Most of these baby monitors can detect breathing patterns, which may help curb the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Some baby monitors show the sleep patterns of your baby, so you know how long your little one slept.

Are wearable baby monitors a better investment than a video monitor? It depends on the parent’s needs and if the parents value detailed feedback on their child’s health rather than just a video feed.

Many parents tend to prefer smart baby monitors because of the extra peace of knowing your baby is breathing well.

Keep reading till the end of this article as we take a look at the best wearable baby monitors on the market today, plus some extra topics answering any questions you may have.

Contents

Best Wearable Baby Monitors

You can monitor on what matters the most of your little one. Track their vitals like oxygen levels, breathing and sleeping patterns. Following are the best wearable baby monitors available right now.

1. Owlet Smart Sock 3 Baby Monitor With HD Camera And Two Way Audio

The Owlet Duo Smart Baby Monitor comes with HD Video that monitors oxygen, and heart rate. This baby monitor is more like the “holy grail” when it comes to wearable baby monitors.

Most parents who have used this product have claimed that it has made their parenting journey more manageable, as you can start tracking your baby’s vitals once you are discharged from the hospital.

The Owlet Smart Sock is worn on the baby’s feet and ships mostly in a pale green color. The Owlet Smart Sock gives insights into your baby’s oxygen levels and heart rate. You can also expect to receive sleep trends such as quality of sleep, total hours slept, and the number of times your baby woke up.

There is also an audio and video monitor with a 1080p HD display for crisp pictures and videos of your baby. Owlet has a free app that allows you to see whatever readings are provided from the sock in real-time and triggers an alarm when specific parameters leave their “safe” zones.

With a sock that is hypoallergenic and friendly to baby’s skin, interchangeable between both feet, and fits babies from zero to eighteen months, what is not to love about the Owlet Smart Sock 3?

Specifications

(i) Product dimensions: ‎7.8 x 5.6 x 34 inches
(ii) Batteries Needed: 1 Lithium-ion battery
(iii) Target Gender: Unisex
(iv) Battery Life: 16 hours
(v) Product weight: 15.2 ounces

Pros
  • Suitable for babies from zero to eighteen months, with socks made to fit both the left and right feet.
  • Comes with wireless charging via the base station. Charges up to eight hours in twenty minutes, and charges fully in ninety minutes.
  • Excellent battery life of sixteen hours.
  • Offers real-time monitoring and reporting of insights via the Owlet app.
  • Sends notifications to parents when the readings leave the safe zone.
  • Awesome design to create a sock that fits nicely without causing discomfort to your little one.
  • Pair with the video and audio monitor by the baby’s crib for more convenience in addition to the smart sock.
  • Sock ships in three different sizes with velcro to help adjust as your child ages.
Cons
  • The Owlet Smart Sock 3 may be on the high side when it comes to its price.
  • Improper fitting of the sock may lead to a false alarm. Fit the sock well enough to avoid false alarms.

Click Here To Check The Owlet Smart Sock Monitor With HD Camera


2. Levana Oma Sense Baby Breathing Movement Monitor

The Levana Oma Sense wearable baby monitor tracks breathing movement and abdominal movement at the same time which may help prevent SIDS

Loved for its portability and simplicity, the Levana Oma Sense baby monitor is a steal. Though not as popular as other brands on this list, this product packs similar features to find its way here.

This wearable monitor does not need any Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity to function, meaning poor internet service should not be a headache for you. This product helps track abdominal movement and breathing, with loud alarms to inform parents when there is an issue with breathing.

The one-hand clip design makes it easy to wear on your baby’s clothing for zero skin contact, along with being water and dust-resistant is one unique feature. Like many other companies, this wearable monitor should not be seen as a medical device.

Specifications

(i) Product Dimensions: ‎3.6 x 7.8 x 5.8 inches
(ii) Product weight: 0.64 lbs
(iii) Material: Medical-grade ABS and TPE polymers
(iv) Sensor Type: Movement
(v) Batteries: 2 Lithium Metal batteries required. (included)
(vi) Sound Output: 70 decibels at 10cm, and 60 decibels at 30cm

Pros
  • Features patented WakeUp technology to keep track of abdominal breathing, and alert parents if no breathing is detected
  • Comes with audible alarms to alert the parents if no breathing movement is re-established after five seconds.
  • Designed and manufactured with medical grade materials
  • Features a flashing blue light to indicate wellness of the child, relieving parents of the need to check up on the child periodically.
  • Completely cordless with an easy to clean surface
  • IP53 water and dust resistant rating
  • FCC certified, CE certified, RoHS, ISO 13485;2003
Cons
  • Users have often complained of getting false alarms
  • The absence of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth means there is no parent unit, or app. Just audible alarms.

Click Here To Check The Levana Oma Sense Baby Breathing Movement Monitor


3. Sense-U Baby Monitor (Best For Monitoring Abdominal Movement)

The Sense U baby monitor is clipped to the baby’s diaper and takes the shape of a small button. The chances of causing any discomfort to your baby are slim which is great news for parents. Let’s see what exactly the Sense U baby monitor has when it comes to features.

Whenever your baby rolls over to their side, you get an alert, as babies not sleeping on their back could lead to SIDS. You also get alerts about your baby’s body temperature if your child’s temperature leaves its safe zone.

The Sense-U baby monitor works in sync with the free Sense-U app available on Android and iOS with Bluetooth 4.0 and above. Pair with the video monitor for a pair of extra eyes providing crips visuals to see what your baby is up to in their crib or nursery.

Specifications

(i) Material: Plastic
(ii) Product dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.4 inches
(iii) Sensor type: Movement, breathing, temperature, abdominal movement
(iv) Color: Green and Pink
(v) Gender: Unisex

Pros
  • Free Sense U app for Apple and Android through the App Store or Google Playstore.
  • Notifications for abdominal movement whenever your baby rolls over while sleeping.
  • Tracks baby’s breathing, ambient body temperature.
  • Easy to install and set up
  • Light and sound alerts with support for twins monitor.
  • 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
  • May easily get misplaced due to its small size

Click Here To Check The Sense-U Baby Monitor


4. Monbaby Smart Button Baby Monitor (Best Budget-Friendly Smart Monitor)

The Monbaby Smart Button is worn on the baby’s onesie and has a patented snap-on feature for secure fastening. The chances of your baby having the strength to take off this button is almost impossible without the help of an adult.

The Monbaby Smart Button will send an alarm to your smartphone if it senses breathing pauses, or periodic breathing. If your baby rolls and is on their tummy while sleeping, you get notified. You would also get a breakdown of how your baby slept (light or deep sleep), and many other details in form of a graph.

The Monbaby Smart Button monitor provides real-time data tracking up to the last minute, one feature parents would love. The only drawback is that the app for the Monbaby Smart Button monitor differs from iOS to Android.

Specifications

(i) Product dimensions: ‎8.58 x 5.98 x 2.6 inches
(ii) Batteries: 2 Lithium-ion batteries
(iii) Product weight: 6.7 ounces
(iv) Sensor types: Sleeping position, proximity alarm, fall detection, sleep cycles, periodic breathing

Pros
  • Universal form factor means the smart button fits excellently on a range of clothes from onesies to pajamas.
  • Tracks data in real-time.
  • Excellent price tag when compared to competitors.
  • Sends alerts if your baby flips over while sleeping. This could help reduce the likelihood of
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
  • Grows with your child making this smart baby monitor durable.
Cons
  • Reliance on Bluetooth means its range is limited.
  • The iOS app version has lesser functionalities than the Android app version.

Click Here To Check The Monbaby Smart Button Baby Monitor


5. Mimo Smart Wearable Baby Monitor (Best For Creating Activity Logs)

Mimo Smart Wearable Baby Monitor allows you log events and set reminders for diaper changes, and feeding times.

A wearable monitor that can be washed may be a lot to imagine, as such devices tend to have electrical parts. However, if tracking with customizable alerts for each scenario excites you, this might be the right product for you.

With remote viewing, parents have the opportunity to keep tabs on everything going on in the nursery. You can also customize the alerts for breathing, sleeping and waking up, temperature, and changes in your child’s position.

Mimo’s product offering has a base station known as the Lilypad that establishes a connection via Wi-Fi to your network at home. The monitor is charged by the Lilypad which connects to the base unit through Bluetooth.

Specifications

(i) Product dimensions: 11.3 x 2.6 x 7 inches
(ii) Battery Duration: 120 hours
(iii) Product weight: 1.3lbs
(iv) Batteries required: 1 Lithium-ion battery
(v) Sensor Type: Breathing, sleeping, temperature, change in position

Pros
  • Offers customizable alerts for every possible scenario to help identify what is wrong.
  • Excellent battery life up to 120 hours.
  • Washable so you don’t have to worry about damage from water.
  • The sleep tracker can be integrated with Google Nest’s video camera and smart thermostat.
  • The suit is compact and lightweight and has a great feel to it.
  • Remote viewing allows you to access your baby’s sleep patterns, sleep history, and other insights from wherever you are.
  • The free app allows you to add event logs like diaper changes, nap times, and feeding times.
Cons
  • This product may cause some form of discomfort during tummy time.
  • A strong network is required for a connection to be established with the Wi-Fi network.
  • There may be a lag time between what you see on the app and your baby’s actual vitals.
  • Having motion detection means you may get false alarms when using a rocker or certain types of sleepers for babies.

Click Here To Check The Mimo Smart Wearable Baby Monitor


6. Nanit Complete Monitoring System With Wall Mount and Multi Stand

The Nanit monitoring system features a wall mount camera, a Nanit Swaddle and Breathing Band.

Nanit has designed a complete monitoring system that works in the crib, and also on your child. The Nanit complete monitoring system includes breathing wear, a Nanit Swaddle and Breathing Band, and the Nanit multi stand with a 960p display camera.

See your little one clearly at night, thanks to the adjustable nightlight with increased brightness and warmer colors. The breathing band included helps track your baby’s breathing, while the wall-mounted camera provides a clear view of your baby’s nursery.

Feel free to access your baby’s video feed remotely through your iOS, Android, and Echo show device. For extra security, parents can determine what each person who has app permission can access and do.

The 256-bit encryption means your data is safe, while two-factor authentication only serves to make your account more secure.

Specifications

(i) Product dimensions: 11 x 3.3. x 2 inches
(ii) Material Type: Plastic
(iii) Style: Nanit Plus Camera, Wall Mount, and Breathing Motion
(iv) Product weight: 2lbs
(v) Sensor Technology: Room temperature and Night Vision
(vi) Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Amazon Alexa

Pros
  • Excellent smartphone app, with a user-friendly interface.
  • High-grade security with AES 256-bit key encryption and two-factor authentication.
  • HSA (Health Savings Account)/FSA (Flex Spending Account) approved.
  • Features a built-in night light.
  • Real-time notifications for sound and baby’s movement.
  • Background audio and two-way audio monitor.
  • The Nanit Plus camera comes with temperature and humidity sensors.
Cons
  • Nanit sleep insights require a subscription after one year to access tips, video streams and sleep tracking.
  • The accessories are somewhat expensive.

Click Here To Check The Nanit Complete Monitoring System 


Can Wearable Baby Monitors Help Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Many parents would think that baby breathing monitors would prevent SIDS completely, but these monitors don’t.

Most companies like Owlet have never made an outright claim that their monitors can prevent this silent killer of babies, but rather, it is the fear of SIDS that has made smart baby monitors grow in popularity.

A baby breathing monitor may be worn on the baby’s ankle or the baby’s foot. These baby breathing monitors usually have a pulse oximeter that gauges the baby’s oxygen level and the child’s heart rate.

The readings are then transmitted to the parent’s phone, and an alarm sounds if the readings are not deemed safe.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has warned that there is no evidence to show that such baby monitors can prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in babies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has also conducted a study showing that most of the new wearable baby monitors being released usually give false alarms, as the readings are often inaccurate.

However, there have been parents who claimed they would never have known that their child was experiencing an oxygen “shortage” if not for the loud alarm warning.

To some extent, these specialized baby monitors could be of substantial help in the case of preventing SIDS and giving parents some level of peace of mind.


What Is The Best Wearable Baby Monitor?

The best wearable baby monitor is the Owlet Smart Sock 3. This product readily gives you information on your baby’s breathing and your baby’s movement.

This smart baby monitor also tracks your baby’s vitals with a pulse oximeter in real-time.

This baby monitor from Owlet also gives you all forms of analytical data about your baby’s sleep patterns, breathing patterns.

This monitor sends notifications through Wi-Fi when using the Owlet mobile application and via Bluetooth acting as the base station.

This fantastic product from Owlet ships with an audio and video monitor providing crystal clear images of your baby during the day, thanks to its HD camera. Infrared vision provides you with a photo of your baby in black and white at night.

Is the Owlet Smart Sock Worth It?

The Owlet Smart Sock is an excellent choice when it comes to wearable baby monitors. Asides from the audio and video monitor with a 1080p HD camera, you also get two-way audio communication and many excellent features.

Parents have praised this product for its ease of use and the fact that it could be used for newborns especially. The Owlet Smart Sock 3 uses Wi-Fi which is safe from intending hackers and needs your permission before other smartphones can establish a safe and secure connection.

Add all the vitals such as sleep, movement, breathing, and oxygen levels which this smart baby monitor tracks, and you have one heck of a product at your fingertips.

How Much Is The Owlet Smart Sock At Walmart?

At Walmart, the Owlet Smart Sock 3 with the baby monitor with the HD video camera costs anywhere around $400 to $465.


What Can Smart Baby Breathing Monitors Like The Owlet Smart Sock Sense?

Unlike other monitors that only give you a video feed at best, a smart baby breathing monitor acts almost like a medical device made to monitor your baby.

Besides from your baby’s breathing, what else can a smart baby monitor give information on.

Parents can expect to get insights on their baby’s heart rate, sleeping position, abdominal movement, respiration, temperature, and blood oxygen levels.

You can also expect to get information on your baby’s sleep cycle.

Has A Baby Died While Using Owlet?

As of February of 2018, the company Owlet stated that they had not gotten any report(s) of a baby who died while using the Owlet Smart Sock.

For How Long Should I Use A Wearable Baby Monitor?

Ideally, it is recommended that you use these specialized monitors anywhere from zero to eighteen months. If you are a new parent, you should be looking to purchase one of these monitors off a doctor’s recommendation or based on reviews on sites like Amazon.

Some wearable baby monitors like the Monbaby Smart Button could last longer, as your baby would always have clothes on.


Do Wearable Baby Monitors Pick Up Breathing?

Wearable baby monitors pick up breathing and show information such as oxygen levels and oxygen saturation levels using a pulse oximeter.

Once your baby’s oxygen drops below certain acceptable levels, parents would automatically be alerted via the base station and the app.

How Accurate Are The Alarms From Your Baby Breathing Monitor?

There is always a small margin of error when it comes to the accuracy of alarms from these devices. A false alarm may often be triggered as detecting a baby’s movement if your child is using a particular rocker or sleeper.

You may also get false alarms if the device is not fitted correctly, e.g., the Smart Sock being somewhat loose.

Which Part Of The Baby’s Body Do You Attach The Wearable Monitor For Tracking?

This differs based on the monitor in question. Some wearable baby monitors like the Owlet Smart Sock are worn on the baby’s feet.

Sense-U has their baby monitor worn on the baby’s diaper, while Miku’s product offering is mounted above the baby’s crib.

These smart baby monitors are all worn on the body or on clothing worn on the body. Either way, being in direct contact with the baby enables these smart devices to track baby movement, sleeping position and give parents access to other valuable insights.