Owlet Baby Breathing Monitor - Worth It? Does It Ever Go on Sale?

Hello fellow OZBs
I've been looking at the Owlet Breathing and Saturation Monitor for our first money sucker.
(Does it ever go on sale? I can't find it on PriceHipster)

So far, the Owlet 2 has the least amount of negative reviews/false alarms compared with some others on the market.
I have been told of the Oricom baby sense pads which someone said is registered & classified as a breathing device and can be claimed back on health insurance - but can't find any info on it.

So..
Owlet Sock Monitor 2 - RRP $399 going up to $429 from 1 March 2019
The Smart Sock comfortably wraps around your baby’s foot to track heart rate and oxygen levels using clinically-proven pulse oximetry.
The base station glows green to let you know everything is okay but will notify with lights and sounds if something appears to be wrong.
Using Owlet's app, you can receive notifications and stream real-time heart rate and oxygen levels on your phone.
- Requires iOS 8 or higher and Android 4.4 or higher
- Version 2
- Wifi required for Owlet App, HotSpot wifi NOT recommended
- Measures 3.5" L x 3.5" W x .7” H
- Weight: 1.3 pounds - BPA Free, Latex Free, Lead Free
- ETL listed
- Designed in USA
- Imported Product

Oricom Baby Sense Pads 2 - RRP $299
Redesigned compact styling with the same proven technology and performance as the original Babysense2
Babysense2 is included as a medical device on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG No. 97479)
Continually monitors the breathing movement rate of your baby
An audible alarm is activated if your baby’s breathing movement slows to a rate of less than 10 breaths per minute or cannot be detected for more than 20 seconds
The control unit connects to sensor pads placed under your baby’s mattress
Includes digital audio monitor
Battery operated
Babysense2 is intended for use as an Infant Apnoea Alarm.

I know a lot of people will say that it's excessive, but we're travelling overseas with the newborn & I would like something to give me peace of mind

Comments

  • You don't need this, we have an oricom baby monitor pads that was gifted to us, the Dr and community health nurse said you don't need them unless your dr advises you that you need one. They all give heaps of false alarms.

    • -6

      Any you don’t need the new car your driving around in…

      • Are you my doctor? It was my Doctor (and community health nurse) that said it is pointless.

        OP should of course consult with his/her own Doctor or medical professional as to wether or not they need this.

        • -3

          Are you a doctor?
          You just told OP another to buy this, but now your saying check with a doctor…..

          • -1

            @Numpty21: You should always consult with your own Doctor before taking any medical advice from anyone, it's a standard disclaimer but my advice does line up with repuatable sources https://rednose.com.au/article/home-monitoring.

            OP did specifically ask if it is worth buying one.

            Also you should proof read before you hit the post button, your comments don't make a lot of sense.

            • -3

              @[Deactivated]: OP never asked for medical advice, he/she asked if the price of a particular product is likely to drop.
              Maybe read the post before offering up a pointless opinion.

              • @Numpty21: In the title it says "worth it", if medical advice says it is of no benefit them my comment is answering that question and not pointless.

  • We've never had a false alarm from our Oricom. Sometimes when the A/C is blowing directly onto the mattress, that's enough to keep it ticking (which could potentially be dangerous).

    It's run perfectly for nearly 3 years, why not look 2nd hand?

    • Thanks @coxjon I have been looking at secondhand, the Oricom seems to be much cheaper second hand, but there's such a difference in the prices! I am worried with buying appliances that are older though when it comes to warranty & such.
      Did you get the Babysense2 with the video monitor as well?

      • Nah, ours was a bundle with an audio only monitor which we sold (as we already had a video monitor)

  • Sorry can’t comment in price
    But as a first time parent I fully understand why you would consider buying this.
    Expect lots of negative comments about price, don’t need etc. but if this will put your mind at ease then it’s money well spent.
    Shop around for the best price a go for it.

    • Thanks @Numpty21 the barrage of negative comments has begun! Thank you for your tips & yes definitely, it's the peace of mind that we are buying

  • And what are you going to do when it goes off?

    As a parent who had a kid that spent 8 weeks in NICU, I was also tempted to get one but was advised not to by all the nurses I spoke to.

    Just make sure you follow the instructions for how to set up a cot and not worry too much.

    • For me, as a first time parent, trying not to worry has not been my forte throughout the pregnancy. The device is mainly for peace of mind to be able to sleep. Proper SIDS safe sleeping recommendations will of course be followed. But even with these recommendations, SIDS in Australia is yet to be eradicated.

  • +1

    Please read this excellent article before purchasing: https://rednose.com.au/article/home-monitoring

    • Thanks @bobkin, although Red nose is a great resource - nothing can "prevent" SIDS as all the current recommendations only "reduce the risk" of SIDS. This is where the main worry comes in for me

  • Hi OP,

    I have the owlet smart sock 2….costs a fortune.
    But, it let me sleep at night in those first 2 months.
    (i.e. You are buying it for peace of mind… the base station glows a very soft green in night mode)

    It never went "red", but we had a few "yellow" alerts where the sock slipped off while feeding.

    We've stopped using it now, our baby girl is stronger now so we aren't stressed out all the time.

    But, once we move her into another room overnight… we'll probably start using it again (in conjunction with a regular sound/video baby monitor)

    Key Takeaway:
    It's almost certainly not necessary for a healthy baby, but… it's all about allowing parents to sleep.

    I hope this helps!

    P.S.
    A work friend of mine used the AngelCare product - with the sensor mat under the cot mattress… occasional false alarms when his daughter rolled to the edges.

    • Thanks @SomeRandom
      I'm glad that it gave you peace of mind! Anything for a good (or better night's) rest! Out of all the monitors I've looked at, the Owlet & BabySense seems to have overall the best/most consistent reviews

      • Yes, that's true.
        My wife & I also looked very closely at the BabySense.
        In the end we went with the Owlet smart sock because she can't roll off it… resulting in panic stations.
        Also, I prefer the pulse oximetry approach over the movement approach.

        But, in reality… we didn't need either.
        (but it's hard to see that in the days after returning from the hospital)

        Owlet, Oricom, Angelcare, etc all certainly take advantage of 1st time parent's fears!
        (oh no… she's making weird breathing noises… is she OK?)
        (oh no… she's stopped making breathing noises… is she OK?)

        Good Luck with the newborn!

        • Thanks @SomeRandom! Definitely very smart (almost evil genius-ey) the way these companies prey on first time parents!
          I'm hoping that I won't use it, but would prefer to have it & not need it than be in a panic at 2am in the morning & pay full price + express shipping + scared parent markup on it!

  • I've also been looking up the Snuza Pico which you can get brand new for $200

    Our twins are currently in NICU and if they continue to have breathing issues when discharged I'd consider getting it

    • @spaceangelz All the best with your twins! I've had 3 other mums in the preg group that have bought & returned their Picos which was why I'm considered the Owlet & BabySense. Hopefully your little ones won't be in there for too much longer!

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