Owlet Issues Safety Alert After Child Death Linked to Loose Camera Cable

Key points

• Owlet announced a safety update on November 13, 2026, following the death of a child who became entangled in a loose camera cable.
• The company is providing free replacement cable guards to users of the Owlet Cam 1, Cam 2, and Dream Sight models purchased before November 13, 2026.
• Owlet reported 91 adhesive-related complaints where cable guards became loose or detached, creating strangulation risks.
• The company advises parents to keep all cables more than three feet from cribs and to dispose of old guards immediately upon receiving replacements.
• Owlet’s Dream Sock wearable monitor is not affected by this specific cable guard issue.

Background

Owlet is a well-known manufacturer of smart baby health monitors, particularly the FDA-cleared Dream Sock, which tracks vital signs. The company also sells camera systems like the Dream Sight and Dream Duo, which provide real-time video and environmental data. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of smart home devices in nurseries, where loose cords pose significant risks to infants.

How outlets are covering it

ABC7 New York and ABC News reported the incident similarly, emphasizing the company’s response and the free replacement program. Both outlets noted that the family involved was not using a cable guard at the time of the incident. Yahoo Finance covered Owlet’s recent Q3 earnings, noting that the company beat estimates with $0.11 per share, but its stock has fallen 71.5% year-to-date, suggesting potential market sensitivity to safety issues. No source disputed the facts, but the financial context from Yahoo Finance contrasts with the safety crisis highlighted by the news outlets.

Why it matters

This incident underscores the critical importance of product safety in infant care technology. The recall of cable guards and the mandatory safety check aim to prevent further strangulation incidents, which are a known risk with loose cords near cribs. For parents, it serves as a reminder to regularly inspect smart device installations and adhere to safety guidelines to protect their children.

What to watch

Owlet is distributing free replacement cable guards to affected users and urging them to complete a safety check in the Dream app. The company expects thousands of families to request replacements. Parents are advised to dispose of old guards and ensure new ones are securely installed. The company will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance on safe installation practices.