For many families, the earliest days of parenthood can feel overwhelming, especially when access to resources and support is limited.

So when our team gathered in Charleston, South Carolina for our company offsite, we didn't want to just be in the same room together. We wanted to do something that reminded us why we're in the room at all.

With our partners at March of Dimes, our team assembled 100 care packages that are now making their way to families in need across South Carolina through community baby shower events hosted by the Black Maternal Health Collective and The HOPE Program.

Inside each kit: Dream Sock® monitor, an Owlet Sleeper, a safe sleep children's book, educational resources, and a handwritten note from an Owlet employee. 

Why South Carolina 

South Carolina continues to face serious maternal and infant health challenges. In 2023, more than 400 infants died before their first birthday, a rate of 7 per 1,000 live births. Black mothers and babies continue to experience significantly worse outcomes, reflecting broader disparities in care and access

More than a donation, these kits are intended to provide educational resources and practical support to families, including some who may be navigating high-risk pregnancies, NICU stays, or limited access to maternal and infant healthcare resources.

“Years before Owlet existed, I watched people I love experience the fear and uncertainty that can come with caring for a newborn. That experience is what first inspired us to build Owlet, and it’s still what drives us today. Putting these kits together was a reminder that supporting families goes far beyond technology. Sometimes it’s simply offering our time and resources that can help parents feel seen and cared for during an incredibly overwhelming time.” - Kurt Workman, Co-Founder and CEO of Owlet

Sitting down and writing a handwritten note to a parent you’ll never meet was one of the most meaningful parts of this activity. It challenged our whole team to think about what these moms might be going through, what you’d want someone to say to you, and why this kind of community support matters when you’re welcoming a baby into the world. 

Our team left South Carolina feeling deeply connected to our mission, and inspired to intentionally reach parents no matter where they are in their parenting journey. 

*Stat source: South Carolina Department of Public Health

This initiative is part of Owlet Cares, our ongoing advocacy effort dedicated to improving the lives of babies and families through innovation, education and advocacy. Since 2021, Owlet has donated more than $2.5M in product and support directly to families and organizations who share in our mission. 

As a reminder, Dream Sock is intended to track babies' pulse rate and oxygen level and keep parents informed, but it is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or other condition including, but not limited to, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and/or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).