Owlet Smart Sock Review: Why I Still Use It With Baby #4

I’m a mom of four kids — ages 8, 6, 3, and a newborn — and if there’s one baby product I hesitated to buy the first time, (in fact, I didn't buy it with baby number 1) but continue to use now with baby #4, it’s the Owlet Smart Sock. I purchased the Owlet Smart Sock in 2019, when baby number 2 came along, and have been a faithful user with babies 2, 3 and now 4.

This review isn’t sponsored. I’ve used the Owlet across multiple babies, different stages of anxiety, sleep deprivation, and real life with other kids running around. Here’s my honest experience — the good, the not-so-great, and who I think it’s actually worth it for.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

I mean, whats better than a sweet sleepy baby? --> A mom sleeping peacefully right along with him!

https://amzn.to/45LCEpt < Link to the Owlet Dream Smart Sock

What Is the Owlet Smart Sock?

The Owlet Smart Sock is a wearable baby monitor that tracks:

• Heart rate

• Oxygen levels

• Sleep patterns

It connects to an app on your phone and alerts you if readings fall outside preset ranges.

Why I Bought the Owlet (and Why I Bought It Again)

With my first baby, I debated the Owlet for weeks. Was it unnecessary? Would it make me more anxious? Truthfully, I skipped this purchase due to cost with my first baby, and I regret it. I lost sleep and felt more anxious, waking up to check breathing and making sure the baby was okay more often than was necessary. When you're already sleep deprived, the last thing you want to do is wake up more often than you must. When baby 2 came along, I learned my lesson and made the financial leap - and it was one of the best newborn purchases I made.

The Owlet gives me peace of mind — and that’s why I still use it 6 years later with baby 4.

Funny story (no it’s not): I recently took the sock off baby, set it in the bed, my toddler had chocolate fingers, and apparently touched the sock, and the dog chewed up my most valuable baby item. I burst into tears, and my husband rushed out to Target to buy a new one for that evening. Even my husband knows how important our Owlet is!

What I Love About the Owlet Smart Sock

1. Peace of Mind at Night

I sleep better knowing I’ll be alerted if something is actually wrong — not just because a baby rolled or made a noise. When I go to sleep, I go to sleep without worrying if the baby is okay.

This matters more when:

• You’re exhausted

• You have other kids waking you up

• You’re postpartum and already anxious

2. Helpful (Not Obsessive) Data

I don’t stare at the app constantly, but I do like seeing:

• Sleep stretches

• Good oxygen and heart rate vitals

• Trends over time

• Confirmation that my baby is actually resting

It helps me recognize patterns faster, especially during those blurry newborn weeks.

3. It Fits Into Real Life

I can put the sock on quickly, nurse, rock, and put my baby down without it feeling like “one more thing.”

It’s easy enough that I actually use it — which matters.

4. Peace of mind when baby is sick

When your baby has its first cough/cold, there are no words to describe the worry and stress of making sure they're breathing well and are "okay." While the Owlet is NOT a replacement for medical intervention or evaluation, it gives me peace of mind knowing my baby is breathing effectively and can help me identify if baby needs to be evaluated by a health care professional.

Things I Don’t Love (Being Honest)

1. Occasional False Alerts

This does happen, especially if:

• The sock isn’t positioned well

• Baby kicks it loose

• It loses wifi connectivity

It’s annoying, but once you get used to proper placement, it improves a lot. I've had very few issues with false alarms, and when it is incredibly annoying, its nice to know the alarm system works.

2. It’s Not Cheap

This is definitely a splurge item. There are so many other baby items I would recommend skipping and choosing this item instead. There is the benefit of being able to use an HSA/FSA to purchase!

Does the Owlet Increase Anxiety?

This is the biggest question I see, and a barrier to use from so many moms (no judgement - but coming from someone who got so much peace from this device - I don't get it!)

For me:

• Early postpartum: It reduced anxiety

• Later months: I checked the app less and less

• With an older baby this gives me peace of mind when the baby is ill

If you know you tend to obsess over data, this may not be the right product for you. But if your anxiety comes from not knowing — the Owlet can be very grounding.

Who I Recommend the Owlet Smart Sock For

I think the Owlet is especially helpful if:

• You’re a first, second-, third-, or fourth-time parent

• You have postpartum anxiety

• Your baby is in their own room

• You’re juggling multiple kids

• You want reassurance, not constant monitoring

Who Might Want to Skip It

You may want to skip the Owlet if:

• You’re very sensitive to alerts or data

• You’re trying to minimize tech

• The cost would cause stress

Would I Buy the Owlet Smart Sock Again?

Yes — and I did.

Out of all the baby gear I’ve used across four kids, the Owlet is one of the few items I’ve reused intentionally, not just because I already had it. In fact, the original Owlet was discontinued in 2022 (maybe 2021? the years run together). I had to re-purchase the new version with baby 4, and did so gladly!

It’s not a must-have for every family, but for ours — active, busy, and realistic — it’s been worth it.

👉 Check current pricing for the Owlet Smart Sock on Amazon here

https://amzn.to/45LCEpt  < Link to the Owlet Dream Smart Sock

Final Thoughts

Parenting four kids has taught me that peace of mind is valuable — especially at night. The Owlet doesn’t replace safe sleep practices or intuition, but it has earned its place in our home.

If you’re on the fence, I hope this helped you decide honestly.