Why We're Taking a Stance Against Fear-Based Marketing for Baby Tech
By Kevin Lavelle, CEO and Cofounder of Harbor
As both a parent and the CEO of a company in the infant care space, I've watched a disturbing trend unfold in our industry for far too long: the shameless exploitation of parental fears through the marketing of baby biometric devices. Today, we're taking action.
I'm proud to announce the launch of the Bye Bye Baby Biometrics Advocacy Group, a coalition of pediatricians, OB-GYNs, and parents demanding change in the baby tech industry. Our mission is clear: to stop companies from using fear-based marketing tactics to sell unproven biometric devices that prey on parental anxiety. We're calling on industry leaders to submit their products for rigorous, independent clinical testing and provide full transparency about their devices' limitations.
This isn't just business – it's deeply personal. As a parent, I've witnessed firsthand the unrelenting anxiety these companies create. As an industry leader, I cannot remain silent while watching companies profit from the fear they manufacture. The time for change is now.
The Truth About Baby Biometric Devices
It’s simple: they're not supported by science.
The Journal of the American Medical Association states plainly that "there are no medical indications for monitoring healthy infants at home." The American Academy of Pediatrics goes even further, explicitly advising against using home cardiorespiratory monitors to reduce SIDS risk.
Yet despite these clear statements from leading medical authorities, companies continue marketing these devices as essential safety tools for responsible parents.
The impact on families can be devastating. Dr. Jennifer McLeland, an OB-GYN who sees new mothers weekly, puts it perfectly: "Not only are they inaccurate, they increase women’s risk of postpartum anxiety."
What these companies claim is peace of mind is actually slow-burning panic. These devices often generate false alarms that send panicked parents rushing to emergency rooms, reduce adherence to proven safe sleep practices, and create an unhealthy obsession with monitoring unreliable metrics.
As an industry, we must do better.
Parents deserve better than fear-driven products. Our children deserve rested, mentally healthy parents. And our industry must rise to a higher standard. If you're a parent, healthcare professional, or concerned citizen who believes families deserve better, I invite you to join our movement.
