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This generation of children are growing up in a completely new world of technology and distractions. As adults we fondly look back on our younger days where we would spend most of our daylight hours outside, climbing trees and riding bikes. Today, it can be a struggle to drag kids (and adults) away from their screens. But it is so important that we do, or we’ll end up with an even higher rise in obesity, not to mention lack of socialisation and reality of the real world.
A fitness tracker for kids kind of embraces the best of both. Yes it is still technology, but it is also encouraging children to get outside and get moving. We take a look today at the top fitness trackers available for kids.
Kids Fitness Tracker Reviews
Best Fitness Trackers For Young Kids (Under 9)
Garmin Vivofit jr. 2
A high end fitness tracker that is bound to appeal to any Disney loving kid. This tracker from Garmin, of course already a well known quality brand of fitness technology, comes with a choice of different straps; Minnie Mouse, Avengers, BB8, Captain America, Minnie Mouse Stretchy (for smaller children and wrists), and Star Wars, The Resistance.
Main Features
- Size adjustable and durable band.
- 1 year battery life
- Sync up with the free mobile app
- Track steps, sleep amongst other interactive features
- Customisable color screen
- Add up to 8 reminder alerts
- Add up to 2 alarms
- Suitable for children aged 4 to 9 years
One of the huge benefits that comes with this tracker is the battery life. Remembering to charge up devices can feel like a chore, but with this product you only need to worry about it every 12 months when the battery will need replacing.
The trackers sync up with a free mobile app that parents control on their phones. The app has the ability to set up alerts for chores, homework etc. For every activity that the child completes they move a little further on in the Disney story (via the app, not the watch). Parents can set up rewards within the app for tasks and goals that children achieve. Rewards can be what the parents choose them to be, anything from extra pocket money to a treat at the mall.
Best Suited For – Younger children aged 4 to 9 years.
What Would Make It Better – Built in GPS capability to track where your child is.
LeapFrog LeapBand
LeapFrog are a popular brand associated with producing quality products for young children. This particular tracker is aimed at children between the ages of 4 and 7 and comes in a choice of 3 colors (green, blue and pink).
Main Features
- 50 active challenges available for children to take part in.
- Parental control via LeapFrog Connect.
- Choice of 3 colors.
- Suitable for ages 4 to 7.
The LeapBand encourages kids to take part in fun activities that get them moving. The more they participate, the more points they earn. And with more points they get to unlock more features, including pets and pet toys. Children get to choose 1 of 8 virtual pets that kids can look after by moving and being active. A great motivator!
The challenges are varied and engaging with sounds and music to cheer you along. The activities are fun including challenges such as bouncing like a kangaroo or do a silly chicken dance.
Best Suited For: Young children aged 4 to 7.
What Would Make It Better: Touch screen – but for the price and age range it is aimed at, it’s a great choice.
GBD Kids Game Smart Watches
If you are looking for a fitness tracker that is also a smart watch for your child, the GBD Gen2 Pro is a great product suitable for ages 3 up to 9 years. It comes in a choice of 6 colors (green, purple, gray, green, red and pink), and is packed with features to get your child moving while making it fun.
Main Features
- Choice of 6 colors
- 1.5inch full color touch screen
- Pedometer
- Augmented reality feature where 4D virtual animal shapes can be seen via a separate tablet or phone
- 10+ fun learning games
- Camera (1.3mp) with photo effects
- Stopwatch
- Calendar
- Calculator
- Alarm
- Fun voice recording feature
- Strap Wrist Size: Medium size 4.70”-7.00” Inches
- Multiple language support (English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Chinese)
- Parental control
- Easy to charge via USB
- For children aged between 3 and 9 years
Best Suited For: Young children aged 3 to 9 who love watches with lots of features.
What Would Make It Better: If it was swim proof
Best Fitness Trackers For Older Kids and Teenagers
Fitbit Zip
Fitbit pretty much lead the way when it comes to fitness trackers. They don’t, at the time of writing, have a Fitbit designed especially for kids, but some of their models are suitable for older children and teenagers.
The Fitbit Zip is a basic model that does exactly what a fitness tracker should do – it tracks your steps, distance and calories. Whereas it doesn’t track sleep, like many of the other Fitbits in the range, it still syncs up to iOS and Android devices to give you a complete record of your fitness activity.
The Fitbit Zip isn’t worn around the wrist like many trackers, but instead clips on to clothing, or if you prefer you can slip it in a pocket. It is for this reason that we would recommend this model for older children (around 11 years and above) as it has a higher likelihood of getting lost in younger hands!
The battery life is another plus point, instead of regular charging via a USB port, the Zip has a battery with a 6 month life. The choice of vibrant colors are another great feature.
Main Features
- Choice of 4 colors
- Wear and water resistant
- Wireless syncing
- Compatible with Android and iOS
- Tracks steps, calories and distance
- 6 month battery life
Best Suited For: Older children aged 11 and above
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