Anyone using the Owlet cam? Worth the money or am I being paranoid?

Nov 291 min read

My MIL keeps pushing us to get one of those Owlet smart socks that monitors your baby's oxygen levels and heart rate. Seems like it could be useful but also seems like the kind of thing that would just make me check the app every 2 seconds and spiral into anxiety. We're in Dallas btw if anyone has local recommendations for other monitors. What do you guys think - necessity or expensive peace of mind?

10 comments390 views

Comments(10)

OOscar D.New Dadjust now

Owlet is anxiety in app form. Don't do it. You'll be checking it constantly and every fluctuation will send you spiraling. Your MIL means well but it's a rabbit hole.

KKent R.Regular2h ago

Have you asked your pediatrician what they actually think? Like not 'is it useful' but 'will this help me or make me more anxious.' They know the difference between legitimate monitoring and anxiety gadgets.

AArchie K.Regular2h ago

Replying to the pedi question - this is the move. My doctor literally said 'it will not help you sleep better' and that convinced me more than any review. She was right.

JJared C.Regular1d ago

The oxygen monitoring might actually be useful if there's a specific medical reason? But for general anxiety in a healthy baby it's just going to feed the spiral. Trust your gut on this one.

RRob K.Regularjust now

If you're already anxious, DO NOT GET THIS. If you're generally chill, maybe it helps. But for anxiety-prone parents it's basically buying a machine that validates your fears hourly.

JJosh E.Regularjust now

Not worth it. My MIL pushed this too and we caved. I checked that app like an obsessive maniac and actually had MORE anxiety because of random alerts. Saved the box and returned it at like week 6. Your instinct about spiraling is probably accurate.

DDustin P.New Dad8h ago

Dallas heat is real so if it makes you feel better about leaving baby alone for 5 mins to shower without constant worry, maybe it's worth the peace of mind cost? But honestly normal monitors are fine.

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DDave K.Regularjust now

The Owlet sued about false advertising on the whole oxygen monitoring thing anyway so like... maybe the universe is telling you to skip it. Regular safe sleep practices are actually what matters.

DDale J.Regularjust now

The Owlet is one of those things where the reassurance probably costs more than the actual utility. Like yes you'll check it constantly and spiral over minor variations. That said, some people swear by it for genuine peace of mind. Where are you in the newborn phase?

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TTim B.Regularjust now

Honest question: is your MIL anxious by nature? Because sometimes the Owlet recommendation is more about her anxiety than your baby's actual risk. How old is your baby right now?