Mothers discourses on baby monitors

A discursive analysis of mumsnet posts on surveillance and risk management

Bibliographic Data

ID4228554
AuthorsChloe Michoud (0000-0001-9149-666X, Keele University), Alain Locke (0000-0002-2759-0579, Keele University), María Del Río Carral (0000-0002-1676-3964, University of Lausanne)
Year2025
Volume30
Issue14
Pages4253-4267
Publication date2025-08-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Health Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1359-1053 • E-ISSN: 1461-7277
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/13591053251353198
PMID40832952
OpenAlexW4413357193
LanguageEN
References cited30

Despite recommendations against using commercial sleep monitoring devices to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), their use is increasing among parents. This study explores mothers' discursive constructions about the usage of baby monitors during their infants' sleep. By analysing 43 online posts from the website Mumsnet through Critical Discursive Psychology, two key discourses were identified: 'surveillance as a good mothering practice' and 'risk management via technology'. The first repertoire illustrated how mothers incorporate digital surveillance into their daily routines, using baby monitors as essential tools to enact 'good mothering'. The second repertoire shows how technology is portrayed as a beneficial tool for mothers and parents, helping in childcare and enhancing safety. In conclusion, baby monitors are seen as essential for managing mothering risks, but their pervasive use can create challenges, raising concerns about whether mothers should adapt to these tools or if the tools should better serve parents' needs

Computer security · Developmental psychology · Key (lock · Political science · Public relations · Raising (metalworking · Repertoire · Sociology · Computer Science · Engineering · Medicine · Neuroscience of respiration and sleep · Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects · Psychology

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