diff --git a/adafruit_io/adafruit_io.py b/adafruit_io/adafruit_io.py
index 28822a4..8463046 100755
--- a/adafruit_io/adafruit_io.py
+++ b/adafruit_io/adafruit_io.py
@@ -636,12 +636,17 @@ def send_batch_data(self, feed_key: str, data_list: list):
         Sends a batch array of data to a specified Adafruit IO feed
 
         :param str feed_key: Adafruit IO feed key
-        :param list Data: Data list to send
+        :param list Data: Data list to send (namedtuples or dicts with 'value' key)
         """
         validate_feed_key(feed_key)
+        if not isinstance(data_list, list) or data_list == []:
+            raise ValueError("Data must be a list of dicts or namedtuples")
+        if not isinstance(data_list[0], dict): # assume namedtuple
+            data_list = type(data_list)((data._asdict() for data in data_list))
+        if not all("value" in data for data in data_list):
+            raise ValueError("Data list items must at least contain a 'value' key")
         path = "feeds/{0}/data/batch".format(feed_key)
-        data_dict = type(data_list)((data._asdict() for data in data_list))
-        self._post(path, {"data": data_dict})
+        self._post(path, {"data": data_list})
 
     def receive_all_data(self, feed_key: str):
         """