How to Clean an Owlet Dream Sock and Sensor

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Turn off and separate the sensor

Remove the Dream Sock from the child, turn the sensor off as Owlet directs and slide it completely out of the fabric sock. Keep the Base Station and charging area away from the wash basin. Inspect the sensor window, charging contacts, fabric pockets and hook-and-loop area before adding water so damage is not mistaken for removable soil. For the older model, use the separate Smart Sock 3 cleaning guide.

Step 2: Prepare the correct mild solution

Mix a small amount of mild liquid laundry detergent with cool to lukewarm water. Owlet advises detergent that is familiar to the baby's skin and warns against hand soap, antibacterial soap and dish soap. Do not combine cleaners or add bleach, disinfectant, alcohol or fragrance. Excess detergent is harder to rinse and can irritate skin or leave sensor-interfering film.

Step 3: Hand-wash only the fabric sock

Submerge the fabric sock without the sensor and gently work diluted detergent through the material, paying attention to the sensor pocket and skin-contact areas. Do not stretch fasteners or scrub with an abrasive brush. The sock is hand-washed rather than placed in a washing machine, where agitation and other garments could distort its fit or damage attachment surfaces.

Step 4: Clean the electronic sensor with a soft brush

Dip a very soft toothbrush into the diluted solution, then tap or wipe off excess so it is damp rather than dripping. Use small circular motions over the sensor's accessible surfaces and crevices. Do not submerge the sensor, hold it under running water or let liquid pool around contacts and seams. Repeat gently instead of pressing harder.

Step 5: Rinse detergent from the sensor through the brush

Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly in clean water, remove excess again and brush the sensor to lift away detergent. Repeat with fresh water until no soap film remains. Do not interpret this rinse step as permission to rinse the sensor directly beneath a faucet. Wipe and press the sensor gently with a clean towel without forcing moisture into an opening.

Step 6: Rinse the fabric sock completely

Drain the wash solution and rinse the fabric sock in clean cool or lukewarm water, gently squeezing rather than wringing or twisting it. Continue until water runs clear and the material no longer feels slick. Press it between clean towels to remove moisture. Do not machine-dry, iron or place it on a radiator.

Step 7: Air-dry both pieces away from heat and sun

Lay the sensor and fabric sock separately in a shaded, ventilated location. Owlet says not to use direct sunlight or heat. Turn the sock so its pocket dries inside and out. Allow enough time for seams, fasteners, sensor surfaces and contacts to become completely dry; apparent surface dryness is not enough for safe charging or wear.

Step 8: Reassemble and reactivate only when dry

With dry hands, insert the sensor in the correct orientation and confirm the fabric lies flat with no residue, stiffness or damage. Place the dry sensor on its Base Station as Owlet directs to turn it back on, then verify normal status before use. Never charge a damp sensor. Replace a stretched sock or contact Owlet if cleaning does not resolve an alert.