Tech for Parents: Must-Have Gadgets to Keep Track of Your Child

As a parent, ensuring your child’s safety is a top priority, especially in today’s fast-paced and tech-driven world. Fortunately, modern technology has made it easier than ever to keep an eye on your little ones, whether they’re at home, in the neighborhood, or out in the world. Here’s a list of essential gadgets every parent should consider to stay connected and ensure the safety of their children.

1. GPS Trackers for Kids

GPS trackers are small devices that you can attach to your child’s backpack, shoe, or wrist. These gadgets provide real-time location tracking, ensuring you know where your child is at any given moment. Some popular GPS tracker brands include:

• Jiobit: A compact and durable GPS tracker that offers real-time tracking, geofencing alerts, and is designed for young children.
• AngelSense: This GPS tracker also functions as a safety alert device and allows parents to listen in on their child’s environment. It’s especially useful for children with special needs.
• Tile: A simple, versatile tracker that can be attached to backpacks or jackets, making it easy to find lost items—and children.

Why You Need It: GPS trackers offer peace of mind by letting you pinpoint your child’s location, helping you keep them safe in public spaces or during outdoor activities.

2. Smartwatches for Kids

Kid-friendly smartwatches have become a popular alternative to smartphones. These devices provide more than just the time—they offer GPS tracking, messaging, and even SOS buttons. Some models to consider include:

• Garmin Bounce: A kid-friendly smartwatch with real-time location tracking, fitness tracking, and a two-way communication feature.
• TickTalk 4: This smartwatch includes voice and video calling, location tracking, and a step counter. It also supports 20+ contacts for your child to communicate with safely.
• Verizon GizmoWatch: Designed with safety in mind, this watch offers GPS location, two-way calls, and geofencing capabilities.

Why You Need It: A smartwatch allows you to stay connected with your child without the need for a smartphone. It’s perfect for younger children who are too young for a phone but still need a way to communicate in case of emergencies.

3. Baby Monitors with Smart Features

For parents with infants or toddlers, baby monitors with smart features can make all the difference. These monitors go beyond simple audio and video feeds, offering features like heart rate tracking, movement detection, and temperature monitoring. Some top-rated options include:

• Nanit Pro: This smart baby monitor tracks your baby’s sleep patterns, breathing, and room temperature. It also offers HD video, two-way audio, and personalized sleep coaching tips.
• Owlet Dream Sock: This wearable monitor tracks your baby’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep trends, alerting you if anything seems off.
• Miku Pro: A contact-free monitor that tracks your baby’s breathing and sleep without any wearables. It offers HD video, two-way audio, and detailed analytics.

Why You Need It: These devices give parents an extra set of “eyes and ears,” allowing you to monitor your baby’s vitals from anywhere, ensuring peace of mind during nap times and overnight.

4. Smart Home Security Systems

For parents with older children, a smart home security system can provide an added layer of security. Many of these systems come with mobile apps that allow you to monitor the home, receive alerts, and control smart locks or cameras remotely. Some popular options include:

• Ring Doorbell: Provides a live video feed of your front door and allows you to communicate with anyone who rings the bell. You’ll also receive motion alerts, so you know when your child comes home.
• SimpliSafe: A customizable security system that offers 24/7 monitoring, motion sensors, door and window sensors, and live video feeds—all accessible through a smartphone app.
• Arlo Pro 4: This smart camera system provides crystal-clear video quality and advanced features like night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio, so you can keep an eye on your home from anywhere.

Why You Need It: Smart security systems help you monitor your home and keep track of your child’s comings and goings, ensuring they’re safe whether you’re home or away.

5. Smart Door Locks and Doorbell Cameras

If your child is old enough to come and go from home independently, a smart door lock is a great way to ensure security. Many smart locks allow you to unlock doors remotely, monitor who enters the house, and even assign individual codes to family members. Some top picks include:

• August Smart Lock: A user-friendly smart lock that works with most deadbolts. It allows keyless entry, remote access, and logs all door activity.
• Schlage Encode: A smart deadbolt with built-in WiFi, allowing you to lock/unlock your door remotely, manage access codes, and receive real-time activity logs.
• Ring Video Doorbell: Paired with a smart lock, a video doorbell lets you see who is at your door and open it remotely. It also alerts you to any motion detected at your entryway.

Why You Need It: Smart door locks and doorbell cameras allow you to monitor who is entering or leaving your home, which is particularly useful if your child has their own key or comes home from school alone.

6. Indoor and Outdoor Activity Monitors

Activity trackers can help you monitor your child’s physical activity, ensuring they are staying active and healthy. Some trackers are designed specifically for kids, offering features like activity goals, rewards, and kid-friendly designs. Some great options include:

• Fitbit Ace 3: This fitness tracker is designed for kids aged 6 and up, helping them stay active with daily step goals and movement reminders.
• Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3: A durable fitness tracker with a focus on fun. It offers activity tracking, sleep monitoring, and even adventure games to encourage kids to move more.

Why You Need It: An activity monitor not only keeps track of your child’s physical health but also encourages them to stay active and develop healthy habits.

With the ever-growing range of tech gadgets available, keeping track of your child has never been easier. Whether it’s a smartwatch, a GPS tracker, or a smart security system, these gadgets offer peace of mind, knowing that your child is safe and secure. Investing in the right tech can help you stay connected, whether your child is just a room away or out exploring the world.

By incorporating these tools into your daily life, you can strike a balance between independence for your kids and assurance for yourself, making parenthood a little bit less stressful in the modern age.