Devices that track a baby's breathing, heart rate, or movement during sleep. While they can offer peace of mind, the AAP doesn't recommend them as SIDS prevention. They're consumer wellness products, not medical devices, so don't rely on them as a safety guarantee.
Related Terms
A device that lets you see and hear your baby from another room. Modern monitors include video, Wi-Fi streaming, temperature sensors, and even breathing tracking. They're a supervision aid, not a substitute for checking on your baby in person.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby, usually during sleep. It's the leading cause of death for infants between 1 and 12 months. Following safe sleep guidelines like putting babies on their backs and keeping cribs clear of loose bedding cuts the risk significantly.
A set of practices that reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths. The basics: put your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface with no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys. Room-sharing without bed-sharing is recommended for at least the first 6 months.
A nursery equipped with connected devices like smart monitors, temperature sensors, sound machines, and automated lighting. While convenient, smart nursery devices need secure Wi-Fi and strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access to video feeds.