Are Wearable Baby Monitors Safe for Sleep? A Pediatrician Explains
Are Wearable Baby Monitors Safe for Sleep? A Pediatrician Explains
New parents want to do everything they can to keep their baby safe. So it’s no surprise that wearable baby monitors—tracking heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns—have become more popular.
But can these devices actually prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or other potential risks? And what do pediatricians want families to understand before buying them?
Gwendolyn Cook, MD, an assistant professor of general pediatrics at University of Utah Health’s Well Baby Nursery and the University Pediatric Clinic, helps break things down.
How Do Infant Wearable Monitors Work?
These wearable baby monitors come in many forms: socks, wraps, belts, and even sensor‑enabled clothing. Some products also use video monitoring to track respirations and movement during sleep.
These devices are designed to measure:
- Heart rate
- Breathing patterns
- Oxygen levels
- Sleep activity
“In theory, by measuring heart rate and oxygen levels, it’s possible that wearable monitors could help identify low oxygen levels or abnormal heart rates,” Cook says. “However, these devices are not FDA-approved as medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat diseases.”
Another important downside? False alarms.
“Common causes of false readings include incorrect placement of the sensors and motion of the child,” Cook says. “Many of these home devices have been found to have frequent false alarms, which can add to parental anxiety as well as unnecessary clinic or hospital visits.”
Can Wearable Monitors Prevent SIDS?
About 3,000 infants die in the U.S. each year from sleep‑related causes. More than one‑third of those deaths are due to SIDS. These statistics can send any new parent searching for the latest wearable monitor. But keep in mind that wearable monitors are not proven to prevent SIDS or other life‑threatening conditions.
“Pediatricians do not recommend the routine use of home monitors for healthy infants,” Cook says. “Instead, we recommend following standard safe sleep practices, which have shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.”
There are a few exceptions. Home monitoring can be helpful and necessary for infants with certain health conditions.
“Infants with certain health needs, like chronic lung disease, may require supplemental oxygen monitoring,” Cook says. “In these cases, a physician will prescribe a medical‑grade home monitor and provide guidance on its use.”
How Can I Keep My Baby Safe at Bedtime?
The safest way to protect your baby during sleep is to follow guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Have you baby sleep in their own space, with no other people
- Place your baby flat on their back
- Use a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress
- Keep the sleep space free of blankets, pillows, toys, and soft items
- Avoid letting your baby sleep on couches, armchairs, swings, or car seats (except during travel)
- Keep your baby away from smoke
- Breastfeed, if possible
These steps have been proven to lower the risks of SIDS.
Should You Use a Wearable Monitor?
If you’re unsure about using a wearable monitor, Cook recommends starting with a conversation.
“If any parent is wondering if this is right for their infant, I encourage them to speak with their child’s pediatrician,” Cook says. “We are always happy to meet with parents to consider their particular child and situation and provide individualized guidance.”
At University of Utah Health, Cook and her team are dedicated to helping families throughout their newborn journey.
“We are equipped to provide maternal and newborn care for all patients, including those with significant medical complexity,” Cook says. “Our Well Baby Nursery is staffed by pediatricians experienced in the care of healthy newborns as well as newborns with a wide variety of diagnoses and conditions.”
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