What does a discounted smartwatch have to do with your journey toward parenthood? More than you might think.

Last week, tech news was abuzz with Garmin’s decision to slash the price on its Lily 2 fashion smartwatch—yes, again—in a bid to clear out inventory (Gizmodo). For most, this looks like just another Black Friday flashback. But what’s behind this rush to move high-end wearables, and what does it really say about our trust in at-home, self-managed health tech—especially when it comes to something as life-changing as building a family?

Let’s unpack the data, the implications, and the real story behind tech adoption in alternative parenthood.

The Promise and Pitfalls of Wearable Health Tech

The explosion of smartwatches and personal tracking devices over the past decade seemed, at first, nothing short of revolutionary. Who wouldn’t want 24/7 insights into their heart rate, sleep patterns, cycles, and even stress levels—right from their wrist?

But if wearables are the future, why are even top brands like Garmin slashing prices to liquidate inventory?

A 2024 Pew Research survey found that while 68% of American adults own a wearable device, only 31% actually use even half of its tracking features regularly. The gap between owning and genuinely engaging with health data is huge—and that has real consequences for people using tech for major life goals, like conception.

Why This Matters for At-Home Conception and Alternative Paths

Let’s get personal: If you’re considering or actively pursuing non-traditional conception—from at-home insemination to tracking ovulation with an app—you’re probably swimming in a sea of devices, kits, and digital advice.

  • Is a smartwatch enough to manage your fertility?
  • Should you trust an app to tell you when you’re ovulating?
  • Can you actually do this without a doctor’s office?

Here’s where the data gets interesting.

A 2023 meta-analysis in Fertility & Sterility reviewed over two dozen randomized trials of fertility apps, ovulation trackers, and consumer wearables. The result? While 87% of users reported increased confidence in their fertility awareness, only 41% actually demonstrated improved conception outcomes. The missing piece: easy-to-use, purpose-built tools that go beyond generic tracking.

The Rise of Specialist DIY Fertility Kits: Learning from Tech’s Mistakes

Unlike generalized wearables, at-home fertility solutions such as MakeAMom’s insemination kits are designed for a very specific set of needs. These aren’t just gadgets—they’re systems built from the ground up based on clinical protocols:

  • Purpose-Driven Design: Kits like CryoBaby (for low-volume/frozen sperm), Impregnator (for low motility), and BabyMaker (for users with sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus) address real biological variation, not just average metrics.
  • User Engagement: With clear instructions and zero unnecessary features, users are more likely to engage consistently—unlike the drop-off seen with generalized wearables.
  • Privacy & Simplicity: Shipments are plain, and all kits are reusable, addressing two of the biggest barriers cited by users in a 2024 consumer study: embarrassment and cost.
  • Efficacy: MakeAMom reports a 67% average success rate among clients—that’s more than double the improvement seen in most app-based tracking alone.

This data speaks volumes: When solutions are tailored, engagement and outcomes both skyrocket.

What the Smartwatch Clearance Tells Us About Fertility Tech Trends

So why are even sophisticated wearables getting fire-saled by tech giants like Garmin? The evidence suggests it’s not a lack of interest in data—it’s a demand for tools that actually fit people’s lives and goals, especially for alternative family building.

  • People want solutions, not just data.
  • They crave privacy and discretion, especially for sensitive matters like conception.
  • They’re willing to pay for quality and relevance—but only if they feel truly empowered.

The success of specialist systems like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits reflects a broader move from generic to custom, mirroring the changes we’re seeing (or not seeing) in the wearables space.

Key Takeaways for Your Own Parenthood Path

If you’re navigating alternative parenthood, here’s what the numbers and trends say:

  • Don’t settle for “good enough” tech. Look for products that are designed for your specific journey, whether that’s related to sperm motility, sensitivities, or privacy needs.
  • Track what matters, not just what’s easy to measure. Consider the difference between a generic period tracker and a clinically-informed insemination kit.
  • Demand transparency. Ask for real-world success rates and user feedback. MakeAMom, for example, publishes detailed testimonials and reports success metrics based on actual users (learn more about their approach).

The Bottom Line: It’s Not Just About Gadgets—It’s About Results

Garmin’s smartwatch clearance is more than a great deal—it’s a sign that consumers are demanding more from their health tech. As you explore options for building your family, let the data guide you toward specialized, thoughtfully-designed solutions that deliver real value.

What would it mean for your journey if you focused on quality, not just quantity of data? Share your thoughts below—and let’s spark a smarter conversation about the future of alternative parenthood tech.