Parents always want to know what’s going on with their children, but those who use certain monitors to track their baby’s health are warned that these products come with some potential problems. Experts say smartphone-integrated baby monitors have not been proven safe, accurate, or effective, according to a review in The Journal of the American Medical Association. These devices connect to apps on your smartphone and display your infant’s health information, like his or her pulse, blood oxygen saturation, and respiration.

Many of the devices will sound an alarm if metrics indicate your baby is experiencing a possible health complication. This alarm system is a potential cause for concern, as false alarms can result in stress for parents, excessive trips to the doctor or hospital, unneeded medical testing, and costly medical expenses, Dr. Christopher Bonafide, a pediatrician and co-author of the JAMA review, told CBS News.

Most manufacturers of these devices do not overtly state that these products diagnose or treat any illness or reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Utah-based company Owlet Baby Care sells one of the more popular smartphone baby monitors on the market: a wearable sock priced at $249. On the Owlet website, it states “the Owlet Baby Monitor is designed to notify you if your baby’s heart rate or oxygen levels fall out of range, but your baby’s safety is your responsibility.” The JAMA review warns against these types of wearables, as well as others such as onesies and diaper clips.

When some parents purchase devices like these, however, they are looking for peace of mind. The reviews of the Owlet monitor are overall positive, but product reviews also indicate parents are buying this product to keep their babies safe. “Very happy with the piece [sic] of mind owlet gives me now and look forward to relying on it once it’s time to put our baby in his own room,” one reviewer writes on Amazon. “Hope this awesome product helps save babies from SIDS in the future!” another reviewer writes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics clearly advises against using cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategy of reducing SIDs, The JAMA report indicates. Before purchasing a smartphone baby monitor, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician.

Related Posts

Save up to $500 on Narwal robot vacuums with these Black Friday deals

If you've been waiting for the right moment to outsource your floor cleaning, this is it. Robot vacuums have evolved from clumsy bumpers into genuine cleaning assistants, and Narwal is currently running its biggest savings event of the year. From November 20 through December 1, you can save up to $500 across their lineup, bringing flagship cleaning tech down to much more accessible prices.

Get 50% off this SimpliSafe 8-piece wireless home security system

If “I should really get a security system” has been sitting on your mental to-do list for a while, this SimpliSafe deal makes it much easier to finally check that box. The SimpliSafe 8 Piece Wireless Home Security System is down to $119.99, which is 50% off the usual $239.99 price. You get a full starter kit from one of the best-known DIY security brands, without signing a long-term contract.

Save 20% on the Honeywell Sunturalux LED desk lamp with USB charging

Good lighting can quietly make a big difference in how you work, read, or study—especially if you’re staring at screens for hours. The Honeywell Sunturalux™ LED Desk Lamp (HWT-H01) is designed with that in mind: soft, adjustable light, a compact foldable design, and a couple of USB ports to keep your devices topped up.