Product comparison
BellyButton vs. sock-style monitors
There are hundreds of baby monitors out there. Broadly, they fall into two categories: sock monitors and movement monitors like BellyButton. Neither is universally "better" — here's how they differ, so you can pick what's right for your family.
From our founder
Ratul Narain, BEMPU's founder and CEO, explains the difference between baby movement monitor types.
Side by side
What it measures
BellyButton
BellyButton is a movement monitor — it clips onto clothing above the belly button and senses abdominal movement directly.
Sock-style monitors
Sock monitors typically use a pulse-oximeter-style sensor on the foot to track heart rate and oxygen, alongside more detailed data about your baby's sleep and wellness.
Setup
BellyButton
Simpler by design — clip it onto clothing or a diaper and it works on its own, no Wi-Fi or app required.
Sock-style monitors
Usually needs a Wi-Fi setup and a phone connection to get the full picture of what it's tracking.
Cost
BellyButton
BellyButton is priced well under sock monitors.
Sock-style monitors
Sock monitors are typically priced around $400, reflecting the more detailed heart-rate and oxygen data they provide.
Everyday practicality
BellyButton
Lightweight, travel-friendly, and has a longer battery life — built to be simple to live with day to day.
Sock-style monitors
The added sensing and connectivity make it bulkier and more involved to use, but that's the tradeoff for the extra data it gives you.
Remote monitoring
BellyButton
Works fully standalone, with an optional app that adds remote notifications for parents who want to check in from another room.
Sock-style monitors
Built around its app and connected features from the start, so remote, detailed monitoring is the core experience.
Which is right for you?
Consider a sock monitor if
You want detailed, connected data on heart rate, oxygen, and sleep — and don't mind the Wi-Fi setup and higher price that come with it.
Consider a movement monitor like BellyButton if
You want something simpler, lightweight, travel-friendly, and easy to live with day to day — without needing an app or Wi-Fi to work.
At the end of the day, it's really up to you and what gives you confidence and peace of mind. And remember — whichever monitor you choose, it doesn't replace the safe sleep practices you get from your pediatrician.
BellyButton is a consumer product that monitors abdominal movement. It is not a medical device and should not be used as a substitute for medical monitoring or care.