Sense-U Baby Review

Sense-U is a high-tech startup company out of Silicon Valley in the United States.

Performance Comparison

Reliability

Wearables in our tests were more reliable than the mattress sensor pad style monitors as little ones can't roll out of the monitored zone. This makes for fewer false alarms where the device alerts your child has stopped breathing when they haven't. Plus, even if you do get an alert that your infant has stopped breathing and you run to check on them to find a peacefully sleeping baby breathing just fine, at least the baby wasn't startled by an in-room alarm, and only you were inconvenienced. While we can't say you won't get a false alarm using the Sense-U, we feel more confident that if you do, it will be less disruptive to the family as a whole than those monitors that beep in the nursery. However, there are more reliable wearables than this option, which scored fairly low compared to the competition.

Ease of Use

We didn't have any difficulty using this device, and the app is fairly user-friendly and intuitive. You need to follow directions, download the app, register the device, pair the unit, etc. However, it isn't challenging once you get it set up, and everyday use isn't any more difficult than other apps you probably use regularly. While more features typically translate to harder to use, the app makes it easier than other monitors that require multiple button-pushing of the same button to toggle through features. If you aren't comfortable using a smartphone or tablet, it is likely not the device for you.

This monitor has features that include monitoring your baby's breathing, whether or not they roll over (above left), sitting up position (above right), room temperature, and alerts for lack of breathing, stomach sleeping, overheating, and getting cold.

Set Up

The Sense-U requires downloading an app and pairing it with your device. It definitely takes more time than those that work straight out of the box, and there is a slight learning curve to the app depending on how tech-savvy you are and how much experience you have with things like this. While not challenging or difficult, we didn't have any problems; it does take more time, effort, and skill to complete than those you unpack and turn on. You'll want to give yourself some time to set up and register this device before you need to use it. In other words, don't think you'll pull it from the box and get it going 5 minutes before bedtime.

Portability

This monitor is very portable and doesn't require anything special for use. Unlike sensor pad style movement monitors that need a hard surface under the matters, this wearable only requires a baby and clothing or a diaper for use. This makes it versatile and something you can use when away from your little one's regular sleeping area.

Electromagnetic Field (EMF)

This wearable button has less EMF than the other button we tested. With an EMF level of 1.2 V/m in our tests, this option has almost a third less EMF than the other button, which tested at 2.3 V/m. However, we feel less EMF is always better, and there are other wearables with less EMF than this option, though they do not work with an app and have in-nursery alarms. This design means you'll need to weigh the pros and cons of what works best for your family and monitor goals. There are wearables with less EMF, both simple clip-on options and more involved app-enabled products.

Should You Buy the Sense-U?

This button wearable isn't the highest-scoring option and not our favorite. However, if you want a device that offers more information and doesn't alert in the nursery, it could be the option for you. This app-driven wearable is portable and easy enough to use, but it has higher EMF and some false alarms. We prefer this over the other button or sock options, but a more straightforward option could be a better fit for a lower price. If budget or simplicity are your main goals, it isn't the right pick.

What Other Movement Monitor Should You Consider?

We prefer the more straightforward wearables of the Snuza Go and Snuza Hero. Both have in-nursery alarms and clips to the baby's diaper. The Hero will vibrate to rouse little ones before it resorts to an alarm if movement doesn't happen. While the Sense-U provides more information and alerts on the parent device, not in the nursery, we think the Snuza options could be a better choice for those will a smaller budget or who don't need the additional information.