The wearable device is strapped around a baby's ankle. Unlike the familiar 'Fitbit for babies' which tracks fitness, the new device from Sproutling tracks sleep.
In 1937, the first models of baby monitors were invented by Zenith Electronics. These are two-way radios which were billed as "Night Nurse." Apart from the later models which had video screens added, baby monitors haven't really evolved that much. They would relay just a single type of information and that's when the baby is awake and crying.
"In reality, baby monitors are really a poor extension of parents' eyes and ears," says Chris Bruce, CEO and co-founder of Sproutling.
Bruce got the idea for Sproutling at that time when his second child was born. Unlike his first baby that used to cry a lot, the second infant seemed to be very quiet. This has caused Bruce to worry as seen by his constant checking on the baby monitor. Once he feels that the baby is breathing, only then can he begin to relax.
While it is considered as a rare occurrence, the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is still one of the causes of new parents' anxieties. "I'd get nervous," says Bruce. "I tried to listen at the door and I didn't want to wake her up. So I sneak in, I try and listen if she's breathing, and I end up putting my hand on her and waking her up."
Sproutling joins the wearable, sensor-driven technology bandwagon with the creation of the unique baby monitor. Designed to give parents useful insight into the sleeping patterns of their child, the device works as a wearable anklet that reports the baby's sleep patterns, moods, and heart rates to an iPhone. Apart from having a novel UI, the device comes with a charging dock and an app.
Sproutling is meant for babies that are six months old and up. The soft wearable band is washable and waterproof. The red, somewhat heart-shaped pouch is where the sensors are kept. It also houses a Bluetooth LE tech and a battery. The sensors are capable of capturing 1,000 data points per minute. These data points are transmitted to the Sproutling app. Parents receive alerts when the baby wakes up or when he has a fever. They even get predictions on when the baby will wake up and the preferred conditions that would create the most suitable sleeping environment.
The new wearable monitor is scheduled to ship in early 2015 and will carry a $249 price tag. Interested customers can start pre-ordering.
