In today’s digital age, smartwatches for kids have become increasingly popular as parents seek to stay connected with their little ones while ensuring their safety and well-being. With a plethora of options available in the market, choosing the best kids’ smartwatch can be a daunting task.
If you’re a parent looking to invest in a smartwatch for your child, this blog post is here to help. We’ve curated a list of the best kids’ smartwatches available in NZ, highlighting their features, benefits, and functionalities to assist you in making an informed decision for your young ones. From GPS tracking to parental controls and fun interactive features, find the perfect smartwatch that suits your child’s needs and your peace of mind.
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How to choose the Best Kids Smartwatch for your Kid
Choosing the best kids’ smartwatch for your child requires careful consideration of various factors tailored to your child’s needs and your expectations for the device. Here are detailed guidelines to help you make an informed decision.
Age Appropriateness:
Consider the age of your child and the complexity of the smartwatch. Younger children will benefit from a simple interface, while older children might appreciate more features.
Features and Functionality:
Communication: Determine if you want the smartwatch to have calling and texting capabilities. Some smartwatches come with pre-set contacts only, enhancing safety.
GPS Tracking: For safety purposes, GPS tracking is a sought-after feature for parents who want to keep tabs on their child’s location.
SOS Button: Some watches feature an SOS button that children can press in case of emergencies to alert their parents.
Educational Games: Choose a smartwatch that includes educational games to entertain and stimulate your child’s mind.
Activity Tracking: If you want to encourage an active lifestyle, look for smartwatches with pedometers or other fitness-tracking features.
Camera: Consider if a built-in camera is important for your child to take photos and videos.
Durability: Kids can be rough on gadgets, thus a durable design, water resistance, and shatter-proof screens are significant factors.
Battery Life:
Battery longevity is crucial. Some smartwatches can last several days on a charge, while others need to be charged daily.
Connectivity;:
Different smartwatches use different forms of connectivity. Basic models may only offer Bluetooth, while more advanced models have Wi-Fi and even 4G LTE capabilities. Consider the availability and the cost of data plans if required.
Customisability:
Being able to adjust settings, such as screen brightness and sound volume, can enhance the user experience. Some watches also allow for interchangeable bands.
Parental Controls:
Decide on the level of control you want over the smartwatch. Some models offer companion apps that allow parents to monitor usage, set boundaries, and restrict access to certain features.
Design and Personal Preference:
Consider the design and color preferences of your child. Some children may have a preference for slimmer profiles or a particular color.
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The Best Kids Smart Watch NZ
1. Kidizoom – Smart Watch
The Vtech Kidizoom Smart Watch DX2 stands out with its dual-camera function, allowing kids to capture moments and explore photography creatively. The plethora of 55 watch faces offers a new look for every occasion, giving it a fresh appeal daily.
With the integration of a motion sensor and pedometer, this smartwatch encourages physical activity through engaging challenges, blending fun with fitness. The sound effects add an extra layer of entertainment, making every movement enjoyable.
Parents will appreciate the convenience of the parental control feature to manage playtime effectively. Together with the reassurance of a rechargeable battery, this smartwatch strikes the perfect balance between entertainment and practicality, ensuring it is both a useful tool and a source of endless fun for kids.
2. Kogan Pulse Smart Watch
The Kogan Pulse+ Lite Smart Watch offers a 1.3-inch TFT LCD touch control screen, which simplifies interaction through its responsive and intuitive touch capabilities. The ease with which users can switch watch faces or access functions enhances the everyday user experience.
Equipped with a built-in GPS and 24-hour heart rate monitor, the watch is a companion for those who take their health seriously. Features like sedentary alerts and phone notifications integrate seamlessly into a busy lifestyle, keeping users informed and active.
Durability meets functionality with its IP68 rating, ensuring resistance to dust and water, ideal for the adventurous spirit. Coupled with impressive battery life that lasts up to a week, this smartwatch is designed to keep pace with active users without the constant need for charging.
3. Children’s Smartwatch w/ Touch Screen
The Children’s Smartwatch with Touch Screen presents a vibrant 1.54-inch high-definition display, offering young users a clear and engaging interface. This smartwatch not only tells time but also comes packed with practical tools such as a calculator and calendar, suited for children’s daily learning and organization.
Designed with simplicity in mind, the watch caters to children aged 3-14, making it a versatile accessory that grows with your child. The straightforward operation removes any learning barriers, ensuring kids can make the most of the watch’s features right out of the box.
Capturing memories becomes a fun activity with the included HD camera, empowering kids to document their adventures and experiences. This touch screen smartwatch seamlessly combines education, entertainment, and memory-making in a single, child-friendly device.
4. Smart Watch Kids 4G
The compact size of the SmartWatch Kids 4G makes it an unobtrusive and comfortable accessory for children to wear throughout the day. Its small form factor, similar to a quarter, ensures it won’t impede any of their activities, making it an ideal wearable for active kids.
Leveraging GSM network technology, this device offers peace of mind to parents through its LBS location tracking and SOS tracker capabilities. The ability to make phone calls and send SMS messages keeps communication lines open, ensuring that parents can stay connected with their children whenever necessary.
The inclusion of a health tracker records steps, calories, and distance, promoting an active lifestyle among young users. Meanwhile, the GPS feature provides parental reassurance by allowing real-time monitoring of a child’s whereabouts, ensuring they are safe, whether on their way to school or back home.
5. Timex iConnect Kids Smart Watch
The Timex iConnect Kids Smart Watch caters to the energetic nature of young ones with its lightweight build and splash-resistant properties, ensuring it can keep up with the day-to-day adventures of active kids without skipping a beat.
Staying connected is a breeze with this smartwatch, as it allows children to receive smartphone notifications on their wrist. This feature is particularly beneficial for staying in touch and offers a degree of independence even when their phone isn’t immediately accessible.
Aesthetically, the watch scores high with its fun and vibrant look, appealing to kids’ sense of style. The colourful design resonates with kids across various age groups, making the Timex iConnect not just a practical gadget, but also a fashionable accessory that children would love to wear and show off.
FAQs
What is the best age for kids smartwatch?
The best age for a kid’s smartwatch typically ranges from 5 to 12 years old. At this age, children can appreciate the functionality and take care of the device.
Are smartwatches worth it for kids?
Smartwatches can be worth it for kids, offering safety features like GPS tracking, educational apps, and fitness tracking which encourage physical activity.
Can a kid have a smartwatch without a phone?
A kid can use a smartwatch without a phone. Many models operate independently with built-in calling and GPS features.
Can you text on a kid’s smart watch?
Some kid’s smartwatches do allow texting, often with parent-approved contacts and through a secure app to ensure safety and monitoring.