What does an Owlet Sock yellow vs red notification mean?

What do red, yellow, blue and lavender mean on the UK/EU Dream Sock?

Owlet's Dream Sock EU/UK/AUS: Getting Readings and Notifications page (updated 6 May 2026, checked 10 September 2026) describes four base-station priorities. If more than one is active, the base shows the highest priority. The base station is the primary notifier; the app still needs push alerts enabled if you want the phone to buzz too.

Owlet's own line on that page: Dream Sock is not a substitute for adult supervision or safer-sleep practices, and you should not rely solely on the notifications to decide how the baby is.

What pulse and oxygen presets trigger a red notification?

The UK/EU help page and the UK product page publish the same fixed Health Notification bands. Owlet's separate Health Notifications article says the bands are not adjustable.

A number inside those bands is still not a discharge from A&E. Owlet's intended-use text says the notifications supplement a carer's decision to seek medical guidance. They do not replace diagnosis or treatment.

Why is yellow usually about fit or range, not a reading?

Yellow is medium priority: the sensor could not collect good readings for at least 60 seconds, or the sock was out of range / the signal was blocked for 60 seconds. The app is the place Owlet points you for the exact reason (fit versus Bluetooth). Tips on that page include the correct sock size, sensor flat on skin, base within hearing of the carer, sensor and base within about 100 feet of each other (UK shop copy: 9 metres), and not holding the baby with your back to the base.

Owlet also says excessive movement and ambient light make readings harder, and that you should press the base to turn monitoring off while you change a nappy or feed, then press again to resume. Recovery Mode: if you turned monitoring off but the sensor then collected four minutes of good readings, monitoring can switch itself back on after 20 minutes.

A short press on the base (or Dismiss in the app) snoozes sound for 60 seconds. The light ring stays on until the cause is resolved. A new event restarts the sound.

What should I do the moment any colour sounds?

1. 1
   Go to the baby Lullaby Trust: switch off the alarm, look for chest or tummy movement, feel for breath on your cheek, stimulate without shaking.
2. 2
   No response — 999 Phone on speaker. Stay with the baby until the ambulance service tells you otherwise.
3. 3
   Baby responds — NHS 111 if you are worried Also your midwife, GP or health visitor. England: 111.nhs.uk.
4. 4
   Then read the colour Yellow: reseat the sock, close the range, pause monitoring while you hold them. Red: you have already checked the baby; now read which preset the app names. Blue: charge the sensor. Lavender: settle if needed.

Do Health Notifications have to be switched on?

Yes, for red pulse and oxygen alerts. The UK/EU page states that high-priority notifications are for pulse rate and oxygen saturation and require separate activation of Health Notifications in the Owlet Dream App. If that toggle is off, you can still get yellow / blue / lavender base lights, but you should not expect a red Health Notification.

The UK product page lists no subscription fee for the Owlet Dream App. Health Notifications are an in-app function, not a paid UK add-on on that page.

In shortYellow = fit or range after 60 seconds. Red = pulse under 50 or over 220, or SpO2 under 80%, if Health Notifications are on. Every colour still starts with the baby, then 999 or 111.