This article was initially published on Mashable aimed at a US audience and has been modified for UK readers.
There are few things more tiring than witnessing children expending their seemingly boundless energy. Kids possess a vitality that most adults can only fantasize about. They can spend countless hours running around, often simply for the delight of it. Just the thought can make you feel fatigued, let alone observing them dart about without pause.
With their inherent energy levels, one might think that children don’t need to monitor their activity. Nonetheless, in today’s increasingly inactive world, it’s crucial to emphasise physical movement from an early stage. Motivating children to remain active not only supports their current health but also lays the groundwork for a lifetime of fitness. That’s where fitness trackers come into the equation.
Fortunately, there are numerous fitness trackers crafted specifically for kids. These gadgets concentrate on fostering an active lifestyle (instead of focusing on weight loss, which isn’t a healthy concern for children). They can also aid in the formation of positive habits, such as keeping up with homework and chores. If you’re uncertain whether a fitness tracker is suitable for your child, continue reading for more details and a summary of the best choices available today.
What is a kids’ fitness tracker?
Kids’ fitness trackers are simplified versions of adult devices. Rather than advanced features like ECG apps, these trackers highlight motivational games and rewards. They’re more cost-effective, user-friendly, and built to endure a child’s active lifestyle. Additionally, they are designed with smaller wrists in mind, showcasing fun, child-friendly styles and vibrant colours.
The main purpose of kids’ fitness trackers is to inspire goal-setting — whether that pertains to fitness or other activities. Many models allow parents to schedule daily reminders for tasks such as brushing teeth, completing assignments, or cleaning their room. These otherwise tedious chores become more engaging when woven into a framework of games, rewards, and even lighthearted competition among siblings.
Can children use an adult fitness tracker?
Older kids might be prepared to switch to an adult fitness tracker, particularly if they already possess a smartphone. However, fully-featured smartwatches, like the Fitbit Sense, might not be suitable for children. These devices frequently offer functions such as payment apps and social media access, which some parents may choose to avoid altogether.
Do kids’ fitness trackers include GPS?
It’s important to highlight that most fitness trackers designed for kids — even those from leading brands like Fitbit and Garmin — do not come equipped with GPS for location tracking. If having GPS for reassurance is important, you might want to look into a child-friendly smartwatch with GPS abilities (some options are mentioned below) or a reasonably priced Fitbit model that includes this feature.
Are fitness trackers safe for children?
Prominent brands such as Garmin and Fitbit have constructed their kids’ fitness trackers with safety as a priority. Parents have authority over approving friend requests for fitness challenges via the companion app, and the location of the user is never disclosed. These protocols guarantee that children can use the devices securely.
What features do kids’ fitness trackers come with?
The fundamental functions of fitness trackers tend to be quite similar across various models: counting steps, tracking active minutes, and measuring distance are standard offerings. Heart rate monitoring is also increasingly prevalent. In addition to these basics, there are other features to reflect upon when selecting the right tracker for your child.
Battery life is a crucial element. Will your child remember to recharge their tracker regularly? Sleep tracking is another beneficial feature, as quality sleep is vital for energy, concentration, behaviour, memory, and learning. Furthermore, water resistance is essential for dealing with spills, splashes, rain, and perspiration.
What is the top fitness tracker for children?
We’ve delved into the options from