Owlet, a monitor that tracks a baby’s vital signs and sends them to a smartphone or any Internet-connected device, is expected to be available in November.
Owlet was founded by a group of BYU students. Kurt Workman, Owlet founder and CEO, had the idea for the monitor while caring for his twin cousins, who were born prematurely.
“If we can help one parent or one child, all our effort would be worth it,” Jacob Colvin, another Owlet founder, said in a press release.
The monitor fits inside a sock specially designed by Owlet. The monitor can be taken out of the sock when the sock needs washing. The baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels, skin temperature, sleep quality and sleep position can be tracked remotely on a smartphone or Internet-connected device. If the baby rolls over on its back while sleeping, Owlet will send an alert to the parent’s device.
The technology used to monitor heart rate and oxygen levels is called pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is also used in hospitals to monitor vital signs by attaching a clip device with a red light to patients’ fingertips.
The monitors will retail for $199.
Owlet was funded by donors to a campaign on its website and is currently seeking interns. More information is available at owletcare.com/intern.
