A system and method for controlling the operation of an infant care device based upon whether the infant care device is occupied or unoccupied. One or more sensors are positioned within the infant care device to determine whether the infant care device is occupied or unoccupied. A controller receives the indication of the occupied status of the infant care device and operates the infant care device in a selected mode of operation. Upon a change in the occupied status of the infant care device, the controller adjusts various operating parameters and alarm parameters. The controller continuously monitors the occupied status of the infant care device and controls the operation of the infant care device accordingly.
