Scott Davis and his wife were very worried about SIDS with their newborn. At first they would check on the baby all night long, every few minutes, which didn’t give them much time to sleep. And we all know how important sleep is if we’re going to go out there and make a living to support the newborn. So Scott decided to elicit the help of technology, specifically X10, to keep an eye on his newborn.

Scott found a company who made fiber-optic-based sensors, which could be incorporated into the sheets or mattress of the crib, without disturbing the baby in any way. The sensors monitor the heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. He also installed a window/door sensor on the crib, so that when the crib side rail is in the up position (or the baby is sleeping in the crib), the monitor detects any abnormalities with the baby’s vital signs, and sends a signal to a two-way power line interface. That power line interface starts an ActiveHome macro which Scott calls "Macro #1."

Macro #1 turns on the lights and radio in the baby’s room, via an appliance module and a lamp module. If the baby’s vitals return to normal, the lights and radio turn off. If there is no change in the vitals, then Macro #2 kicks in.

Macro #2 turns on a Powerflash interface which flashes the lights in the baby’s room, and also flashes the lights throughout the rest of the house. It also turns on the radio in Scott’s room so that they are wakened. And if they still don’t get up, he’s got an emergency backup. That would be Macro #3.

Macro #3 turns on a PowerHorn siren, and calls their cell phone. Scott is also thinking about adding emergency numbers to the list as well. And of course all the macros are disabled by opening the crib.

"My wife, myself, and our baby sitter now have peace of mind" Scott says. "No matter where we are, even outside playing with the older kids, the baby is being watched every second he is inside the crib asleep."

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