Any new mother can attest to frantically waking up in the middle of the night to check and make sure their baby is safely asleep. It's instinctual and also a part of the pesky sleep deprivation that comes from having a newborn baby. The best parents want their newborn child to get quality and safe sleep.
With technology advancing faster than it ever has, there are now smart baby monitors designed to keep track of your babies' sleep quality.
Since there are more brands, such as Owlet and Pixsee, getting their products on the market, it's best to compare and contrast key components these smart socks have to offer. Keep reading to get to know the difference between Pixsee and Owlet baby monitors and which one is right for your family.
Types of Baby Monitors
The right type of baby monitor depends on your lifestyle, budget, and needs when looking for one to purchase. There are a few different types that exist that you should know of before making your decision.
There are essentially two main types of video baby monitors, a smartphone monitor, and a handheld monitor. Smart monitors allow you to see the footage of your little one in real-time streamed straight to your smartphone. On the other hand, handheld monitors come with some sort of device that is designed specifically to go with the camera.
Handheld monitors are typically great for babysitters, grandparents, or siblings wanting to keep an eye on your newborn. Smartphone monitors are great for use by parents. Smart monitors can be used from anywhere, so they can double as a nanny cam or extra pair of eyes on the baby from wherever, whenever.
Baby Monitor Features
When it comes to baby monitors, there are many features that exist. Not every baby monitor will check all of your needs, so look over each key function when deciding which one to buy. Here are some of the features included in many types of baby monitors.
- Night vision
- Two-way talking
- High-definition camera and screen
- Ability to pan and tilt camera
- Ability to mount the camera anywhere
- An app that accompanies the camera
- Notifications when baby moves or makes sound
- Temperature display
- White noise machine
- Lullaby feature
While having all of these features is nice, the most important part about having a baby monitor is that it is reliable, easy, and functional. It can also be easy to underestimate the power of a parent's intuition because of the advanced technology available today. Back in the day, people did not have access to such advanced technology to check on their babies.
You do not need the most advanced, high-tech device to understand and learn about your baby. You can also check our another article to know how to choose a smart baby monitor.
Pixsee
Starting with the Pixsee, it is a baby monitor that doubles as a smart camera. It can process your child's emotions, determining the difference between crying and laughing expressions.
It captures their movements and interactive moments. With the use of a Pixsee device, you can capture the growing process of your newborn with recorded footage.
It has high-definition night vision. This is great for the nights you hear your baby making noises but want to check if they are awake or asleep without disturbing them. Because of the camera's high quality, your anxious mind can be put right to rest whenever you're checking in on your little one's nighttime or daytime nap.
You can set the camera up at any angle you prefer. You can put it up high to get a bird's eye view of your baby's crib. It can be adjusted down low so that it's level to your baby as your baby bounces or swings in their chair. You can even attach it to a wall, which is perfect for putting it right by your baby's crib.
Owlet
The Owlet is maybe the most popular baby monitor on the market. It doubles as a smart camera and sock. The Owlet tracks your baby's oxygen saturation. This lets you make sure your baby is breathing through the night. The sock tracks your baby's number of heartbeats per minute.
Some features of the smart sock include tracking your baby's sleep routine by monitoring their sleeping and waking hours. You get notified if your baby's heartbeat or oxygen levels appear to be irregular.
There is two-way talk so that your baby can hear you soothing them from the other room. It works with your smartphone so that you may stream your baby right from your phone.
Pixsee vs. Owlet
The Pixsee and Owlet are both good options for monitoring your baby. There are some key differences to understand between the two products before making your ultimate decision.
While the Owlet is more focused on monitoring your baby's heartbeat and oxygen levels, the Pixsee offers a high-quality image of your baby, so you know just what they're up to at any moment.
The Pixsee does not offer the same breathing monitoring that the Owlet does. It is not necessary to track your baby's breathing, but for some new parents, it can provide peace of mind.
The Pixsee has zero image distortion and prides itself on its nighthawk vision, saturated warm colors, and ultra wide-angle features.
The Pixsee has cry recognition and decoder. It also incorporates with multi smart detection features. Besides that the Covered Face Detection alerts you when something is covering your baby’s face. Know when they need you even when you’re not looking. The Area Detection lets you set a safe zone so you know when your child’s moving in or out of it. The Owlet does not necessarily detect humidity levels, but it can determine if the room is too hot or cold for your baby.
Like the Owlet, the Pixsee has two-way talk options available as well.
Difference in Installation
One of the main differences is the ability in which you can install the Owlet and Pixsee monitors. For a baby monitor, you really want something that you can easily put anywhere your baby will be.
The Owlet has a flat bottom. This means it can be set anywhere there is a surface, like a dresser. However, this can be limiting in the angle you see your baby in. You can get a wall mount or use a magnet to attach it to a metal surface, but these are extra steps that do not make it as easy to set up.
The Pixsee can be installed practically anywhere. It sticks to the wall and it has stand option with 4 height adjustments. This can safeguard and capture beautiful moments thoughtfully, the expertly crafted camera stand, designed with clean, minimal lines, keeps the complete outlook neat and cable-free. This is useful so that you can easily move it around or put it where you have a full view of your baby.
Accessibility
Both the Owlet and Pixsee baby monitors are smart monitors, so their accessibility is easy to use. You can see your baby from your phone through the purchase of either of these brands of baby monitors.
The Pixsee allows you to easily convert photos taken from the monitor to other digital means. You can print them out and have high-quality definition photos that are tangible along with on your phone.
The Owlet does not focus on recording or taking pictures of your baby. You can miss out on some very cute moments as they're cuddling in their cribs.
How to Choose the Best Monitor for You
It can be hard to choose the best baby monitor. You may feel more relieved having something like the Owlet that can record your baby's breathing patterns. On the other hand, capturing the memories of your child as they sleep, grow up, and play may be more important.
Smart baby monitors can be expensive as well. You don't want to purchase a costly monitor to end up not using any of its features. Some monitors out there are complex and complicated. It would be a waste to purchase a baby monitor that you didn't get the proper usage out of.
You'll also most likely want something that is fairly easy to install. The prep that goes into having a newborn can be exhausting. You don't want to make it any harder on yourself by choosing a monitor that is difficult to operate.
There are also the safety and comfort features that need to be taken into consideration. Some baby monitors brand themselves as being solely for safety. Others target customers that are looking to soothe their baby with noises, lights, or two-way talk features.
Costliness
Keep in mind that some baby monitors have a cost for the app subscription in addition to purchasing the monitor and other trinkets, such as the smart sock that comes with it. If your baby does not have underlying health conditions where you'd need to monitor their heart rate and oxygen levels, then choosing something like the Owlet might not be the right decision for you.
Do You Need a High Tech Monitor?
A frequent concern of new parents is whether they really need a high-tech monitor or not. There are only audio monitors out there compared to video monitors. However, if you ask any parents, they will more than likely recommend having a high-quality video monitor.
If you have an audio-only monitor, you'll still have to constantly be getting up in the night to see if the noises from your baby are accompanied by discomfort, playfulness, or general sleep noises.
If you get a monitor that tracks your baby's sleeping patterns, it could potentially be easier to get them on a sleep schedule. You can know exactly when they're sleeping and maintain a level of predictability to your schedule with this information. If this is something that is important to you, you may want to consider this type of baby monitor.
If your baby does not have health conditions, though, you may not really need a sleep sock and baby monitor. It could potentially be added stress and one more thing to keep track of.
How Much Will I Use The Baby Monitor?
If your baby sleeps in the same room as you, you might be more comfortable waking up in the night and peeping toward their crib and bassinet to quickly check on them. But, it's still good to have to peep on how they're doing without interfering too much.
You also might only use the baby monitor to keep an eye on your baby as they rock in their swing as you take a quick shower or prepare a meal.
The Pixsee also gives you the option to not only keep an eye on your baby, but double as a personal photographer to capture moments you would have missed if you did not have it available. The monitor is programmable to take pictures at regular intervals each day.
You can also take easy videos and photos of you and your baby interacting with each other. The app has a digital scrapbook that you can compile all of these intimate moments to have forever. These candid moments aren't forced like they would be if you took out a camera and began taking photos. You can get lasting memories that are natural and candid.
Also, there is another option. CES 2023 award winner Pixsee Play is a next-level baby monitor that not only looks out for children’s safety but also creates and captures beautiful moments. It works together in a magical way with Pixsee Friends to develop a stimulating environment that builds character, offering the best for one’s child.
How Long Will the Monitor Last?
SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, is a concern for babies up to a year old. Baby monitors offer an extra peace of mind for keeping your baby safe as they become more autonomous.
Many parents even rely on a baby monitor throughout the toddler years. If your toddler gets their own room, you can monitor to see how well they are falling asleep at and throughout the night. You can also check on them to see if they are safe while climbing on furniture and exploring.
If your child is coloring on the walls or getting into something they shouldn't, a baby monitor lets you surveil safely.
Smart baby monitors can also be used as nanny cams. This is great for when you're a bit anxious about leaving your kiddo at home. You can easily check in on them so that you can enjoy a relaxing and fun night out.
Final Considerations
Before purchasing an Owlet or Pixsee, consider how you'll be using your baby monitor. Do you want to use your baby monitor to record high-quality pictures? Do you want to use your baby monitor to track your baby's breathing patterns?
There is much to consider, but your choice can be made by purchasing a monitor that is cute, high-definition, and has smart features available. To look more into Pixsee and what it can offer, visit our Pixsee Shop and Amazon online store to start imagining our playful-chic, boutique-quality baby monitor in your perfect nursery.