It might not be your classic baby video monitor, but the owlet smart sock 2 still has plenty to offer. The most notable features are the heart rate and oxygen tracking function. The device also notifies you whenever it detects something unusual going on.
By now, you are probably imagining a hospital-grade monitor with wires dangling all over, attached to your baby’s little wrists and feet, but the monitor comes in the form of one wee baby sock. It’s sophisticated technology packed in a piece of washable fabric, but that little sock could prove to be a life-saver.
Aside from the alarm function, the Owlet also comes with a base station that lets you know if something is up by changing colors.
You can receive real-time alerts via Owlet’s smartphone app. The monitor is suitable for infants 0 to 18 months old.
Considering that it might be a bit unorthodox contraption, you might be wondering if it’s worth the purchase. The ultimate decision is still up to you.
The device certainly has considerable perks. In this owlet smart sock 2 review, we have summarized all of its advantages and disadvantages, in order to help you reach an informed decision.
There are a couple of facts that must be noted first. The monitor hasn’t been tested to prevent SIDS, but it can potentially be of great help when it comes to that matter due to its nature. The Owlet can be purchased using FSA or HSA funds.
Specifications:
- Camera: No
- Screen: Smartphone
- Power Source: Rechargeable Battery
- Charge: up to 18 hours
- Special Features: Vital Signs Monitor, Smart Sock
- Age: 0 to 19 months
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- Two-way Audio: No
Features
Heart Rate Monitor
The gadget uses pulse oximetry to track the infant’s oxygen levels and heart rate. The feature is quite similar to, and just as reliable as hospital monitors, but comes in a much more convenient form.
Typically, such hospital monitors are attached to an infant’s index finger with a little clip. Owlet has taken that technology and “repackaged” it to be more suitable for home use.
Alerts
If your child’s rate goes too high or too low, you’ll immediately receive an alert. The same goes for low oxygen levels. You can either set the particular threshold or use one of the presets.
The alarm system has two levels. If something goes wrong, the app on your phone will start beeping, and the docking and charging station will emit a loud noise and change colors. The alerts will be sent out before the infant’s heart stops or they completely stop breathing, so that the parents will be able to reach them in time, call 911 or begin CPR.
In such dreadful situations, everything is a matter of seconds. The system really comes in handy for families with babies that have health concerns.
App
Although there’s no two-way audio nor video, the device comes with an app that allows you to track your child’s vitals in real time. The app allows you to check up on your baby’s wellbeing all the times, even when everything is going well. You can leave the little one with the grandparents while you are running errands or getting groceries without having to worry, as the app allows you to always be aware of your baby’s vitals.
Distance Monitoring
The app doesn’t only allow you to check up on your baby from afar, but also to share it with your partner, nanny or family, and friends. You can share the login credentials with anyone. If your parents are anxious about the wellbeing of their grandchild, simply show them how to use the app and give them peace of mind.
Cute and Comfy Sock
Owlet is most likely the lightest and softest baby monitor currently on the market. Your little one can wear it under their regular sock or pajamas while they are sleeping.
The system is designed to work only when your little one is sleeping, and not being active. It’s still electronic, so one mustn’t forget to charge it daily. One of the most significant advantages of this monitor is the fact that it comes with three different socks, of different sizes. You can rest assured it will fit your baby unit their first birthday, at least.
The manufacturer claims the Owlet is suitable for babies who are up to eighteen months old. You won’t have to worry about your child outgrowing it too quickly.
Easy Cleaning
Well, not many monitors have earned the bragging right of being very easy to wash, probably because they don’t require any washing and doing so would destroy them. Baby’s love making a mess, so the fact that you can wash your monitor will make things much easier on you. The electronic part is easily removed and placed back.
What’s Wrong with the Product?
- Pricey
The monitor is more expensive than most of the other models on the market. One would expect to get a couple of more extra features at that price. However, the fact that it can be purchased with HSA and FSA will indeed be consoling to some parents.
- No Video a Two-way Audio
Although the Owlet is better than your standard baby monitor, as it monitors the child’s vitals, instead of just providing you with an audio and video feed, considering the price, at least one of these two features could have been included. A video monitor can be purchased separately and be paired with the Owlet Smart Sock 2.
Conclusion
There’s nothing more important to a parent than the safety of their little one. Perhaps the Smart Sock doesn’t have all the cool features of a modern electronic gadget, but it excels at what matters the most – helping you keep your baby safe. It comes at a higher price than your average device of the sorts, but it justifies it with its functions, alert system, usability, and re-usability.
