For new parents, the concern during their baby’s sleep is understandable. However, frequent check-ins every five minutes can disrupt both parental rest and the baby’s sleep cycle. This pattern poses the risk of disturbing the infant, necessitating a balance between vigilance and allowing uninterrupted sleep for optimal well-being.
The emergence of baby monitors addresses the concerns of new parents, offering reassurance during their infant’s sleep. Notably, two prominent brands, Nanit and Owlet, have garnered attention in this regard. As I prepared for parenthood, I encountered considerable discussion surrounding these brands. With the intention of providing an objective comparison, I conducted a thorough evaluation of both products, analyzing their design, features, technology, and pricing. Below, I present my insights derived from this assessment.
The Players
Nanit has established itself as a leading provider of advanced baby monitoring solutions, renowned for seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with elegant design. Since its inception in 2014, Nanit has prioritized empowering parents with comprehensive insights into their infant’s sleep patterns, developmental milestones, and overall welfare. The flagship product, Nanit Pro, offers a suite of features including sleep tracking, temperature and humidity monitoring, and high-definition video streaming. Additionally, when paired with Nanit’s specialized sleepwear, it enhances the ability to detect the baby’s breathing motion across various sleeping positions.
Since its establishment in 2013, Owlet has gained prominence for its innovative Smart Sock, a wearable device designed to monitor an infant’s vital signs. The company’s primary objective is to furnish parents with instantaneous updates regarding their baby’s heart rate and oxygen saturation levels. Owlet’s Smart Sock has garnered acclaim for its efficacy, particularly among parents of premature infants and those concerned about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Design
Nanit places a strong emphasis on its sleek and minimalist design, a quality that personally resonates with me. The Nanit Pro camera, with its wall-mounting feature, stands out as an exceptionally elegant solution in my experience. Its integration with the Breathing Wear Sleeping Bag enhances its functionality, allowing for the detection of a baby’s breathing motion across various sleeping positions. This dual-purpose feature is notably convenient and adds to the appeal of the product.
The Dream Sock from Owlet is designed to be wrapped around the baby’s foot to facilitate monitoring. While the wearable concept is promising, practical challenges arise when dealing with restless or wriggling legs during application. This wearable device is complemented by the Owlet Cam, which delivers exceptionally clear 1080p HD video footage, even in low-light conditions, thanks to its night vision capability.
Winner: Nanit
Features
Nanit provides extensive sleep tracking capabilities, encompassing analysis of sleep patterns, duration, and quality. Furthermore, it monitors the infant’s sleeping environment, including factors such as room temperature and humidity, which can influence sleep quality. Additionally, the Nanit camera features two-way audio functionality, enabling caregivers to comfort their baby without physically entering the room.
The Owlet Smart Sock offers a more streamlined set of features, primarily concentrating on monitoring the infant’s heart rate and oxygen saturation levels. I value the high-quality video streaming capabilities of the camera, particularly its ability to provide clear footage in high definition with night vision functionality. This feature simplifies the task of monitoring my baby, especially during periods of low lighting.
Winner: Nanit
Technology
Nanit’s technology stands out as exceptionally advanced, characterized by remarkably sharp video quality. It enables me to effortlessly monitor my baby’s sleep patterns, whether I’m nearby or at a distance, with a noteworthy feature being the Split Screen functionality. This application of technology enhances convenience and tranquility in my life while also furnishing valuable insights and actionable data that empower me as a parent. Additionally, I appreciate the inclusion of tips and guidance within the app, tailored to the information it generates.
The Owlet device, while effective in offering real-time health data and issuing alerts for any deviations from normal vital signs, falls short in comparison to the Nanit system. It lacks the comprehensive range of features found in Nanit and does not provide additional support such as tips and recommendations for enhancing sleep quality.
Winner: Nanit
Price
As is typical of high-quality parenting products, Nanit is positioned in the upper price bracket. The camera is priced between $199 and $399, depending on the chosen mount, while the Sleeping Bag accessory costs $34.99. Despite its premium pricing, the value it offers, particularly in terms of providing peace of mind, is significant. However, it’s important to note that Nanit may not be the most budget-friendly option available.
Winner: Tie
Overall Winner: Nanit
As with any parenting product, it’s important to acknowledge that individual circumstances and preferences vary. Each family has unique needs and priorities, and both Nanit and Owlet offer notable advantages. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what aligns best with your requirements. However, based on my personal experience and the value gained for the investment made, I found the Nanit experience to be preferable.
At first glance, I am impressed by the sleek aesthetics and intuitive functionality of Nanit. Every aspect, ranging from the design of the camera stand to the user interface within the app, exudes simplicity, minimalism, and elegance. Additionally, I greatly appreciate the comprehensive insights provided by the app, as well as the tailored tips offered based on my baby’s sleep patterns.
Having encountered Nanit extensively on social media prior to trying it firsthand, I can attest that it indeed lives up to the widespread acclaim. Furthermore, my sentiments are echoed by a significant portion of parents surveyed, with 71% expressing reduced anxiety following the integration of this pediatrician-endorsed technology into their daily routine. I frequently advocate that exceptional parenting products simplify rather than entirely alleviate life’s challenges, and Nanit undeniably falls into the category of such products.