Whether you’re a struggling first-time parent or a baby raising pro, every mom and dad can benefit from the increasing number of Internet of Things – or IoT – baby gadgets that are becoming more widely available all the time. High-tech baby gear allows parents to keep a close watch over their babies without sacrificing convenience or huge amounts of money.
In this article, we’ll explore a few of the most useful devices that not only make a parent’s life easier but can also help keep your baby safer and healthier. Many of these devices are aimed at preventing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and alert parents to serious health problems.
1. Owlet Smart Sock
The Owlet is a wearable baby monitor that uses pulse oximetry technology to measure a baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels. This helps parents monitor baby’s breathing without having to constantly stand watch over a sleeping infant.
The sock attaches firmly to the baby’s foot and transmits constant information via Bluetooth to a smartphone app or the remote monitoring base. It will sound an alarm if the baby’s breathing or heart rate is not detected after a set number of seconds, ensuring baby’s safety at all times.
2. TempTraq
Since babies cannot talk, they’re unable to let parents know when they’re hot, cold or sick. The TempTraq device aims to make keeping track of a baby’s temperature simpler and more accurately.
The TempTraq is a flexible patch that will send constant temperature updates to any smartphone with a connected app. It even has a feature to alert the parent, grandparent or babysitter if baby’s temperature goes above a preset fever level.
3. Willow Smart Breast Pump
The Willow Smart Pump can make a world of difference for busy, breastfeeding moms. The device consists of two separate, wireless, teardrop-shaped pumps that slip discreetly into the mother’s bra and connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone app. The app creates a schedule based on mom’s milk production, so the pumps can automatically switch to “expression” mode with no extra fuss.
4. Withings Home Monitor
The Withings home camera connects to your smartphone or tablet and provides two-way communication, nightlight functionality, lullabies, high-definition video streaming and air quality monitoring. The camera also has an infrared, wide-lens feature, so parents can still see their little one in the dark.
5. Garmin Babycam
Most parents are familiar with the mirrors that attach to the rear headrest so they can keep an eye on their baby. However, Garmin has decided to take this a step further by offering parents a more high-tech solution. The compact Babycam easily attaches anywhere a mirror would and provides a constant live feed of a reverse-facing baby. It connects to existing Garmin GPS devices, so there is no need to set up additional dashboard equipment.
It also has a feature that will automatically give parents a reminder to check for passengers before exiting the vehicle.
6. Milk Nanny
Any parent can tell you that sometimes the seemingly simple task of making a warm bottle is nearly impossible with a fussy child. There are many times where it simply isn’t convenient to make a bottle of formula, and that’s where Milk Nanny comes in.
Originally a Kickstarter campaign, this Keurig-like device can produce a perfectly made bottle in just a few seconds by either pushing a button or tapping a phone screen. Parents need only to scan the formula can’s barcode, and Milk Nanny automatically knows the right formula-to-water ratio to dispense bottles accurately. In addition to this, the machine has a companion app that keeps detailed information about baby’s feeding habits and trends.
7. Smart Diapers
A research team recently developed a safe, thin sensor that can be inserted into baby’s diaper to inform parents or babysitters when the child needs to be changed. While smart diapers might not seem necessary to some parents, the sensors are also able to pick up on important health information like urinary tract infections, possible dehydration and potential kidney problems.
The sensors have unique QR codes that can be scanned with a parent or caregiver’s smartphone app to connect the sensor to the phone and transmit data.
Parenting Made Easier with IoT Tech
While having a connected baby isn’t for everyone, for many, it is a relief to have reliable technology to give new parents peace of mind when it comes to their little one. From business intelligence to baby intelligence, IoT is revolutionizing our world in so many ways.
As the Internet of Things continues to expand, parents can expect to see even more exciting and useful devices to help make their jobs just a little bit easier.