Kids today love to move, and fitness trackers are a fun way for them to keep track of their activity. A fitness tracker is like a tiny computer you wear on your wrist that counts your steps, checks how well you sleep, and even reminds you to get up and play.
It’s important because it helps kids stay active and healthy in a world full of screens.
When picking out a fitness tracker for a child, there are some key things to think about. You’ll want to find one that tracks the kind of activities your child likes, fits well so it’s comfy, works with apps for extra cool features, can handle lots of wear and tear without breaking, and doesn’t cost too much money.
There are five great options if you’re looking for the perfect fitness buddy for your kid. The Fitbit Ace 3 is super popular; Garmin vívofit jr. 3 has games; the Biggerfive Fitness Tracker won’t break the bank; Kurio Glow Smartwatch mixes fun with exercise; and MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch wraps gaming into one durable package.
Kids from age 3 to 13 have tried these trackers swimming or jumping around on trampolines so we know they’re good! And prices vary from $19 all the way up to $90 – there’s something for every budget.
Getting kids excited about moving more can make a big difference in their health. Let’s jump right into finding out which tracker might be just right for them!
How to Choose a Fitness Tracker for Kids
Selecting the right fitness tracker for your child involves considering several key factors that cater to their unique needs and lifestyle. It’s about balancing functionality with a design that will keep them engaged and excited about staying active.
Activities Tracked
Kids need to move and play a lot. A good fitness tracker can help make sure they do. They count steps when kids walk or run. If your kid loves swimming, you need one that’s water-resistant or even waterproof.
The best ones even work for jumping on a trampoline.
Think about what your child likes to do. Some trackers give fun badges for reaching goals, which makes moving more like a game. They also remind kids to stand up and move around if they have been sitting too long.
All this helps in making healthy habits early on!
Ease of Use
Choosing a fitness tracker for kids means finding one they can use without any trouble. It should be simple to set up and start using right away. Look for ones with screens that are easy to read and touch.
The buttons should be big enough for little fingers to press. A good tracker helps kids move more by counting steps or giving reminders if they’ve been still too long.
Fitness trackers work best when they don’t get in the way of fun. They need to have clear menus so children can understand how to see their progress or change settings all by themselves.
The goal is a device that fits into everyday play without causing frustration, ensuring it gets worn every day, happily tracking activity levels.
Comfort and Fit
Kids need fitness trackers that feel good on their wrists. Look for lightweight and adjustable bands made from soft silicone. This makes the watch snug but not too tight. Your child should almost forget they’re wearing it.
A tracker that’s comfy means kids can play, jump, and run without it bothering them.
Make sure the band’s size fits your kid right now and as they grow. Some fitness trackers have bands that you can change out for bigger ones as needed. Also check if the tracker stays in place when your child moves around a lot or waves their arms.
It shouldn’t slide down their wrist or pinch their skin. This way, kids stay happy wearing their tracker all day long.
App Compatibility & Extra Features
Compatibility with apps can make a fitness tracker more fun for kids and helpful for parents. Lots of trackers sync with a phone or tablet app. This lets kids join in on cool games and get awards for moving more.
Parents can also see how active their child is. Some trackers even let families share their progress and set up friendly contests.
Extra features might include water resistance, so no worries if it gets wet from hand washing or rain. Kids love talking to Alexa, and some watches have this built-in help! They might also remind your child to move if they’ve been still too long – these are called sedentary reminders.
Look for these extras to give your child a great experience with their new fitness buddy!
Durability
Kids will put fitness trackers through a lot. They play hard, run around, and might even jump into a pool with them on. That’s why strong, tough wearables are key for young ones. Look for options that can stand up to water or at least keep working if they get a little wet.
A good fitness tracker should handle drops, bumps, and all the adventures of childhood without breaking.
Parents want peace of mind knowing that the money spent on these devices won’t go to waste because of a spill or splash. So it’s smart to pick a fitness tracker with a good waterproof rating.
The ones we’ve looked at have been tested by kids in all kinds of fun – in playgrounds, during sports, and yes, some underwater action too! This helps you feel sure that your choice is made to last in any child’s hands (or wrists!).
Price
You can find fitness trackers for kids at many different prices. Some cost as little as $19, and others can be as much as $90. Think about how much you want to spend before you start looking.
The Kurio Glow Smartwatch is the most wallet-friendly option in our list, priced at just $19. It’s a good choice if you don’t want to spend too much but still want to give your child a way to track their steps and stay active.
On the other hand, the Garmin vívofit jr. 3 sits at the top end of the price range at $90. This tracker offers more advanced features which could be worth it if you are looking for something that will last and has extra tools to keep your kid moving.
Price plays a big role in picking out a fitness tracker, so match what you need with what you’re willing to pay.
Fitbit Ace 3
3. Fitbit Ace 3:.
The Fitbit Ace 3 is designed specifically for kids, offering a fun and interactive way to track their daily activities while promoting healthy habits. Its child-friendly interface encourages regular movement with customizable features that resonate with the younger crowd.
Features & Description (Fitbit Ace 3)
The Fitbit Ace 3 tracks your child’s steps, active minutes, and sleep. Its band is soft, flexible, and can be changed to different colors. The screen shows fun animations that grow as kids move more.
This fitness tracker is made for young wrists so it feels good when they wear it all day and night. Kids can also get call alerts if their phone is close by.
This device doesn’t mind getting wet because it’s swimproof. With a battery life up to 8 days, no need for daily charging. Parents will appreciate being able to manage the Ace 3 from a family account on their smartphone or iPhone to keep an eye on their child’s activity progress.
Pros & Cons (Fitbit Ace 3)
Now that you know what the Fitbit Ace 3 offers, let’s dive into its advantages and drawbacks.
- Long battery life: The tracker doesn’t need charging every day.
- Swimproof design: Kids can wear it in the pool without worry.
- Sleep tracking: It helps monitor how well kids sleep at night.
- Customizable bands: Kids can pick colors they like for their bands.
- Motivating challenges: Fun step competitions keep kids moving.
- Parental controls: Parents can check on their child’s activity levels.
- No GPS: It can’t track where your child goes on a map.
- Limited to Fitbit app: You have to use the Fitbit app; other apps won’t work with it.
- Price point: It might be more than what some want to spend on a kid’s tracker.
- No heart rate monitoring: This feature isn’t available on Ace 3.
Garmin vívofit jr. 3
The Garmin vívofit jr. 3 not only tracks your child’s steps and sleep patterns but also brings a sense of adventure to fitness with its engaging app games that reward activity levels, making exercise a fun-filled part of their day.
This durable tracker is designed to captivate young users and withstand the rough and tumble of kid-life, ensuring parents can feel confident about both its motivational aspects and its resilience to playful wear and tear.
Features & Description (Garmin vívofit jr. 3)
Garmin vívofit jr. 3 is a fitness tracker made for kids from ages 4 to 7, but older children can use it too. It’s like a little coach on their wrist with fun colors and designs that make staying active exciting.
This tracker includes games and apps designed just for kids to keep them moving. Kids can see their steps and learn about healthy habits through play.
This watch has a color screen that makes it easy to see progress and check the time. It also connects with Bluetooth, so parents can sync it with their smartphones. Kids love changing the watch faces, which keeps things fresh and fun.
With its long battery life, they don’t have to charge it every day, making it easier to keep up with workouts and daily activities without interruption.
Pros & Cons (Garmin vívofit jr. 3)
Let’s look at the good and not-so-good points of the Garmin vívofit jr. 3.
- Long Battery Life: This fitness tracker can go a whole year without needing a charge, so kids can keep moving without pause.
- Kid-Friendly Design: It has a comfortable band and multiple watch face options that kids will love to wear and show off.
- Ease of Use: The device is simple for kids to operate with minimal setup, which is perfect for their growing independence.
- Durable Build: Made to withstand rough play, it’s tough enough for any adventure your child might take on.
- Activity Tracking Features: The smartwatch includes fun games that reward steps, making fitness tracking exciting through gamification.
- Pricey Option: Compared to other kid fitness trackers, it might cost a bit more, which can be a key factor in decision-making.
- Limited Compatibility: Not all features may work with every phone or tablet, so checking app compatibility before buying is important.
- No Touchscreen: Unlike some smartwatches, this one doesn’t have a touch screen, which might be less appealing to some tech-savvy kids.
- No Heart Rate Monitor: For those looking for detailed health tracking like heart rate monitoring, this device lacks that feature.
- Specific Charging Cable: If you lose the charger that comes with it, you’ll need to get the same type again – no using just any cable lying around.
Biggerfive Fitness Tracker
The Biggerfive Fitness Tracker emerges as a dependable option for monitoring your child’s daily activities, with features tailored to younger users. It’s designed not only to track steps and sleep patterns but also encourages kids to stay active with its interactive interface.
Features & Description (Biggerfive Fitness Tracker)
Biggerfive Fitness Tracker stands out as a top choice for kids on a budget. This simple gadget tracks steps and activity, making it easy for young ones to see how much they move during the day.
It comes with an impressive water resistance feature, so kids can wear it in the rain or while washing hands without worry. Suitable for children aged 3 to 13, this tracker was put to the test in various settings by real kids who ran, jumped, and played indoors and outdoors.
Kids will love the Biggerfive Fitness Tracker’s colorful band options that are comfortable on small wrists. With its user-friendly interface, children can navigate through their fitness stats like a pro.
The price of this device is very friendly compared to other brands but still offers essential features that encourage active living and help fight child obesity. Parents seeking an affordable yet reliable step counter for their little ones will find great value in Biggerfive Fitness Tracker available at retailers like amazon.com.
Pros & Cons (Biggerfive Fitness Tracker)
The Biggerfive Fitness Tracker is a popular choice for keeping kids active. It combines fun and health in a gadget that’s both easy to use and exciting for young wearers.
- Made for Action: This tracker can handle all the jumping, running, and playing kids love to do.
- Sleep Tracking: It watches how kids sleep, so you know if they’re getting enough rest.
- Call & Message Alerts: Kids won’t miss important calls or texts from parents because the band lets them know.
- Easy Charging: You don’t need cables; just pull the strap off and plug it into any USB port.
- Budget-Friendly: It’s cheaper than many other brands but still offers lots of cool features.
- No Swim Tracking: While it’s good against water, it doesn’t track swimming stats.
- Limited App Features: The app might not have as many extras as those for other fitness trackers.
- Simple Design: Some kids might want a tracker that looks more like a grown-up smart watch or Apple Watch.
Kurio Glow Smartwatch
6. Kurio Glow Smartwatch.
Aimed at the younger generation, the Kurio Glow Smartwatch combines style with a suite of child-friendly features that encourage active play and self-expression. Its customizable interface and motion-sensing games make fitness fun, while parents will appreciate its durable build and educational extras.
Features & Description (Kurio Glow Smartwatch)
The Kurio Glow Smartwatch stands out for kids who love having fun with technology. With its cool, customizable screen, children can make their watch look just the way they want. They don’t even need a phone to use it! This watch has Bluetooth so kids can connect with friends and play together.
It comes packed with games and apps that are perfect for younger users.
This smartwatch is more than just fun; it’s also a great fitness buddy. It tracks 19 different sports, making it easy for kids to stay active in many ways. When night falls, the watch monitors sleep patterns too.
Kids can use it as a stopwatch during races or activities. If paired with a phone, the watch even takes photos! Plus, there’s no need to worry about misplacing this little gadget—the “Find Watch” feature will help locate it in no time.
Pros & Cons (Kurio Glow Smartwatch)
Kids love to play and stay active. The Kurio Glow Smartwatch helps them do both while keeping track of their fitness.
- Fun for kids: This watch has games and apps that keep children entertained. They can enjoy color screens and Bluetooth games without needing a phone.
- Budget-friendly: At only $19, parents won’t break the bank buying this smartwatch.
- Easy to use: Kids can start using it right away. It doesn’t need an app and the battery lasts a long time.
- Find it easily: If the watch gets lost, there’s a “Find Watch” option in the app to help locate it.
- Customizable: Children love changing things up. They can make the screen look just how they want.
- Gamify activity: Motion sensor games, glow light games, and dance options turn fitness into fun.
- Not waterproof: Kids can’t wear it while swimming or playing in water, which limits where they can use it.
- Limited features compared with others: Some other watches have more tools for tracking health and activity.
- No phone needed means fewer options: Without connecting to a smartphone, some advanced features are not available.
MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch
7. MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch.
For the tech-savvy kid with an eye for style, the MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch emerges as a trendy companion that blends fitness tracking with smart connectivity. This device offers a range of features designed to keep kids engaged and moving while providing parents with peace of mind about their activity levels and overall health.
Features & Description (MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch)
The MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch is a fun and smart way for kids to stay active. This watch tracks 19 different sports, so it’s perfect for children who love all kinds of activities. They can run, swim, or play soccer and the watch will record their moves.
Plus, it monitors sleep to help ensure they’re getting enough rest.
Kids will love that this smartwatch lets them take photos when paired with a phone. It also has cool features like a customizable screen and games that get them moving. The “dance party” option turns exercise into a fun game.
If the watch gets lost, there’s no need to worry because the app includes a “Find Watch” feature. However, do note that this gadget isn’t waterproof so keep it dry during water activities! With its low price point, the MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch makes staying healthy and active both easy and exciting for kids without breaking the bank.
Pros & Cons (MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch)
MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch packs many features that excite kids and parents alike. It stands out with its user-friendly interface and colorful design.
- Customizable Screen: Kids love changing up the look of their watch, and this smartwatch lets them do that easily. They can pick different screen designs to fit their style.
- No Phone Needed: This smartwatch doesn’t require a phone to use, which is great for younger kids who don’t have one yet.
- Durable Build: It’s tough enough to handle rough play thanks to its strong design.
- Water-Resistant: Kids can wear it while swimming or in the shower without worry.
- Budget-Friendly: Parents appreciate the affordable price, making it a good choice for a first-time activity tracker.
- Limited App Compatibility: The watch may not sync with all types of phones or apps, which can be a downside for some families.
- Basic Features: Compared to more advanced trackers, it might lack some extra features that tech-savvy kids or parents might want.
- Simple User Experience: While easy to use, older kids might find the functionality too basic as they grow.
- Battery Life: Users might need to charge it more often than other models, depending on how much it’s used.
Commonly Asked Questions
8. Commonly Asked Questions:.
Dive into the intricacies of fitness trackers for kids with answers to pressing inquiries, shedding light on their operation, safety, and suitability across various age groups. Explore these pivotal details to enhance your understanding and make an informed decision for your young ones’ active lifestyle needs.
How do kids’ fitness trackers work?
Kids’ fitness trackers are like magic bands that keep an eye on how much kids move and play. They use sensors to count every jump, step, and run. These gadgets can tell if a kid is walking, running, or even swimming.
Some also measure heart rate or sleep patterns. They send this info to a smartphone or computer so parents and kids can see it all in colorful charts.
These trackers are made just for young ones with big buttons and tough designs that can handle rough play. They come with fun apps that turn moving into a game. This makes kids want to be active while teaching them healthy habits early on.
Are fitness trackers safe for kids?
Fitness trackers are made to be safe for kids. They use simple sensors like pedometers to count steps and keep track of how much they move each day. These gadgets don’t have harmful things in them, so parents can feel good about their child using one.
The bands are usually soft silicone which is gentle on the skin.
Parents want their children to be active and healthy. Fitness trackers help with this by making exercise fun. They might have games or challenges that get kids up and moving more often.
Some also remind kids not to sit still too long! Just make sure the tracker fits well so it’s comfy for your child to wear all day.
Can children use an adult fitness tracker?
Safety is key when thinking about gadgets for kids, but what about using adult fitness trackers? Yes, children can use them. However, they might not fit as well or be as fun. Adult fitness trackers often have bands that are too big for little wrists.
They also may include features that kids don’t need or find too complicated.
Kids’ activity-tracking needs are different from adults’. Children’s versions are made to be more comfortable and easier to use. They track the right kinds of activities for younger users.
If you want a device that grows with your child and is easy right away, choose a fitness tracker made just for kids.
Conclusion
Finding the right fitness tracker for your kid helps them stay active and have fun. Think about what activities it needs to track and how tough it should be. Fitbit Ace 3 is great for all kinds of use, while Biggerfive is kind to your wallet but still does a lot.
Look at Garmin vívofit jr. 3 if you want something cool with good features.
Kurio Glow Smartwatch lets kids play games as they move. MgaoLo Fitness Smartwatch mixes games with exercise for even more fun. Get one of these trackers and help your child love being active!
