LG Kizon Review - keeping kids safe with a wearable tracking and communication device

The LG KizON is a brand new wearable technology for kids, designed exclusively for pre-school and primary school children that gives parents a simple, safe and convenient way to communicate with them. The LG KizON has been designed specifically for children to wear on their wrists to be used as a direct communication device with a primary designated phone number. Kids can instantly get in contact without the need to remember telephone numbers, or carry a phone. In addition, parents can set the KizON to send updates on the wearer's location throughout the day, and all the information is delivered to a dedicated smartphone app.  The LG KizON brings peace of of mind by delivering real-time tracking information and by giving children the ability to securely communicate with parents via the press of a button.

With its GPS capability, durable kid-friendly design and functionality and long lasting battery life, the LG KizON offers a secure way of tracking a child’s location, and provides an effective way to communicate, giving parents peace of mind and giving children greater freedom and independence while they play.

Initial Thoughts

As a parent to a five year boy, his safety and security is at the forefront of my mind. I am, by nature, a worrier and I try to keep an eye on his whereabouts at all times. I am aware that this may restrict his ability to explore his environment and play freely.  We love going on family days out and he enjoys going into soft play areas or playing in parks. He is such a sociable lad, always striking up conversations with other kids and joining in games. With me constantly trailing him, I know I am restricting his freedom. It would be better for me to watch him from a distance, ensuring his safety without cramping his style!

The LG KizON offers a means to monitor my child's whereabouts and maintain a way of directly communicating with him when out and about. This would clearly provide me with peace of mind and allow him the chance of spreading his wings. Any unusual movements would be spotted instantly to avoid any incidents of wandering off, and if he became fractious, a quick press of the button would instantly phone my mobile.

How We Got On

The set up process for the LG KizON is quick and easy, with step by step instructions for downloading the app onto my smartphone and setting up designated numbers. The LG KizON is switched on my holding down the call button on the handset. The app can then send a request to the device, connecting the parent's phone to the child's KizON. This enables the tracking and allows calls to be made between the parent and child.

We went away to Wales for an Easter break, which gave us an ideal opportunity to test out the LG KizON in a real life situation.  Freddy was really excited to wear the device on his wrist. Having previously downloaded the app onto mine and Ian's phones, we were connected as the primary and secondary contacts. The app also showed us Freddy's location on a map that appeared on the screen. We gave him a little lesson in how he could call us and we practiced phoning him so he could answer the call. It really is straightforward. The device is adjustable and was comfortable for Freddy to wear, and the design is really kid friendly (the blue version has little trucks and cars on it).

Freddy went into an outdoor play area at the resort we were staying at and we sat on a bench while he played. It was so reassuring to be able to phone him to keep tabs on what he was up to and tell him when it was time to leave. Freddy was able to answer by pressing the button on the front of the device. If the child fails to answer after ten seconds, the call automatically connects so you can listen through the microphone. Freddy was also able to ring us if he needed to. For me, this is the greatest feature of the LG KizON. Being in contact with your child is very comforting and gave me the confidence to allow him a little bit more freedom without constantly following him around. For me, the LG KizON is not a replacement for my parental vigilance, but it is a great tool, which helps me relax a little and lets Freddy gain a bit more independence.

The tracking worked best when both devices, the KizON and my phone, had a good signal. Unfortunately in some parts of Wales the network is not very good, which meant that it sometimes struggled to find the exact location. However, when back in our hometown the tracking is accurate to an individual address. As it uses GPS technology to track the device, it will understandably work best in places with a good network.

The tracking would be really useful for my 12 year old who goes from school to friends' houses and then off into town independently. Being able to know where she is would be very useful as her mobile is generally turned off and in the bottom of her school bag. If LG ever launch a teen tracker, I will definitely be in the market for one! A similar system for the elderly would also be very useful.

For 5 year old Freddy, he will never be too far away from me to really need to track him during a normal day. But for holidays and days out this is an excellent product, and if he ever did wander off, it would be an absolute godsend to be able to track his whereabouts. As a precautionary measure, this is invaluable.

I absolutely loved being able to be in phone contact with Freddy. The device is really easy to use and a friendly voice lets the child know that they are making a call and when the call is ended. When receiving a call there is a really cute ringtone and a flashing light to alert the child.  Wearing the KizON on his wrist meant Freddy couldn't drop it, put it down or lose it. It is always on his person without him having to worry about it. Freddy felt very grown up having his own 'mobile phone' on his wrist.

As it has a simple pre-configured one button to dial function, he doesn't need to remember a phone number or have a handwritten copy of my phone number tucked in his back pocket. He knows that with a touch of a button he can contact me. This will be really useful for birthday parties or play dates.

The battery is good for 36 hours and if it starts running low, an alert is sent to the parent's phone, giving the adult the responsibility to keep it fully charged. The KizON contains a SIM card with its own phone number and you can add credit for making the calls. Only designated numbers can make calls to the phone making it very secure.

The app interface is really good. You can set it up to notify you of battery life, to tell you when the device is on or off and to set location reminders at set times. You can control the KizON's power and volume, allow up to four contacts and enable auto-connect directly from your phone. You can also make a search and call through the app.  The map can be viewed using a traditional road map, or using street view. It is all very user friendly and intuitive.

My only slight criticism of the functionality of the device is that the button you use to make calls is also the button that needs to be held down to turn the device off. So I have inadvertently phoned myself up a few times while switching it off. However, a voice does say 'good-bye' once the button has been held in for 8 seconds so if you are patient it isn't really a problem. It's just me being too hasty!

Both Ian and I were really impressed with the LG KizON. It gave us that bit of extra security knowing we could contact Freddy at any time and that he could phone me if he ever got in any trouble or felt frightened. Although we still won't let him go off completely on his own, this ability to contact him does make it easier to let him go into parks or play areas independently. The tracking is a very reassuring back up to have in the event that we ever lost track of our son. I hope it is something we won't need to use, but it is good to know that we could find him if we ever needed to.

The LG KizON will be launching in the UK soon.

“I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network ResearchPanel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity”.

Make Sure Your Kids Are Seen with GLOWkids

Clothing which is practical, funky, looks cool and which can help keep children safer is an excellent concept. GLOWkids ticks all those boxes.  With a range of cool tees featuring high-visibility designs, parents can keep the kids looking stylish while making sure they are seen.  

The bright, eye-catching designs on the front and back of the t-shirt make the child much easier to spot and keep an eye on when out and about.  When darkness falls, the design makes the child much more visible as the reflective, high viz image really comes into its own.  This is really important for road safety. The T-shirts are much more practical and far cooler to wear than a high visibilty tabard, and are more distinctive than simply wearing brightly coloured clothing.  In fact a child will be more than happy to wear a T-shirt from GLOWkids as they feature fun designs and look great!

Freddy was sent a GLOWkids T-Shirt featuring a high visibility snake design.  He absolutely loved the picture and he looked fabulous wearing it.  The image really did stand out and is very distinctive.  Having the picture on both sides of the T-shirt is a great idea when trying to spot your child in a crowd of kids.  It catches your eye allowing you to easily spot your child in a soft play area or in the park and keep better track of where they are at all times.

The quality of the t-shirt is good and the sizing is generous.  I really liked the fun design which is printed using highly visible inks for maximum visibility.  There is a range of different designs which will appeal to boys and girls. You can spot the t-shirt easily, even from a distance.  Being able to keep an eye on your child, and knowing that they are visible from a road safety point of view is invaluable.

GLOWkids also sell hoodies in a range of designs for kids aged 3 to 13.

The cost of Freddy's T-shirt in age 3-4 is £12.00.  A small price to pay for something with the potential to keep him safer and keep him seen.

Find out more online at www.glowkids.co.uk

Keeping Toddlers Safe with a Kool Kangaroos Boomerein

Keeping toddlers safe is a concern for all mums and dads.  It only takes a second for an adventurous little one to slip away from your side, which can be terrifying.  Kool Kangaroos have come up with a solution to child safety with the UK's first hands free retractable toddler safety system.

The Boomerein consists of two parts: an adjustable belt for the parent to wear which attaches to a waist strap that your toddler wears.  A retractable rein keeps your toddler safely attached to you, while giving them the freedom to toddle beside you.

Adult Belt with Retractable Rein

Toddler Belt

The belts are made from strong elasticated fabric and are adjustable. The fasteners are secure and easy to use, clicking together when you want your toddler safely secured to you. There is space to put your child's name on the casing.

Adjusts to fit your waist

Being hands free means you can carry your shopping, load your car, push a pushchair and do all the other million and one things that a busy parent has to do, all the while knowing your child is safely attached to you.  Parents of multiples or childminders can attach 2 or 3 Boomereins on the belt, giving peace of mind when out and about with more than one toddler at a time.

Freddy sometimes resents feeling restrained when out walking, but the Boomerein, being around his waist, was less restrictive and he seemed to enjoy the extra freedom it gave him.  The retractable rein allowed him to walk at his own pace but stay within arm's reach.

Perfect for the supermarket, the beach, the park, the school run or crossing the road, it offers safe, reliable and innovative help to parents on the go.  I love the concept of hands-free reins, especially when my mobile phone needs to be answered!  It is one less thing to have to juggle when out and about with a small child.

This is Kool Kangaroos' shocking promotional video which highlights the importance of child safety and the danger of road accidents to toddlers.  It is a stark reminder of the importance of keeping our little ones safe.

You can buy a Boomerein and other child safety products at KoolKangaroos.com.  The Boomerein costs £15.95 with the choice of a blue or pink sticker on the rein casing.  It would be lovely to see the childs' belts available in different colours too, or perhaps having them made out of a hi-viz material for extra visibility. 

*We were sent a Boomerein to try but no other compensation was given.*

Child Safety Week....Protecting Our Children

This week is Child Safety Week, sponsored by safety specialists Lindam and retail giants Argos.  Organised by the Child Accident Prevention Trust, the aim of the week is to raise awareness of the accidents that injure or kill children and advise parents on how to avoid them.

As a mum to a toddler, this is something very close to my heart.  I am one of those mothers who sees danger in everything.  I am a self-confessed worrier!  But I don't want to wrap my toddler in cotton wool.  Bumps and bruises are an important part of growing up, as children seek independence and explore their environment.  However, as parents, it is vital that we take steps to minimize the dangers.  The theme to this year's Child Safety Week is "Take a Second Look for Safety".

We often take things for granted  and don't notice potential dangers in the home.  Lindam have created a virtual tour to highlight potential dangers which reminds us of things we can do to protect our children in the home.

The statistics for accidents in the home are shocking, but most of the accidents are avoidable.  Sometimes we simply don't realise that our toddler has grown tall enough to reach dangerous items which were previously out of harm's way. Their advancements can take us by surprise. So we really do have to keep child safety at the forefront of our minds on a day to day basis to pre-empt potential hazards in the home.

Consider these facts:

• Over 500 under fives are rushed to casualty every week because of burns and scalds with hot drinks being the number one cause.  
• Everyday a child under 5 is admitted to hospital after being scalded by bath water.  It takes just 5 seconds for a toddler to suffer third degree burns from hot water.
• 41,000 under fives go to hospital due to a fall down the stairs.
• 12 children a day are admitted to hospital for swallowing dangerous substances.
• Traffic causes half of all accidental deaths in children.
• Over two thirds of all cycling deaths involve a head injury.
• 6000 housefires every year are caused by under tens.
• A toddler can drown in 5cm of water

It is tragic that avoidable accidents can kill or seriously injure children.  We can't protect our children from everything, but we can do our best to avoid many common dangers by taking sensible precautions and taking a second look for potential dangers.

Cycle Helmets protect against head injuries.

Safety Reins with Grab Handle

Lindam is the UK's number one safety brand with 20 years experience and an award winning portfolio of home safety products including stair gates, play pens, travel accessories and bed rails.  The products are available to purchase from Argos.

Pimp My Slide

My husband is being exalted as a DIY hero in our house at the moment!  Freddy adores the outdoors.  He'll stand at the back door shouting "Garden!" whilst clutching his Dinosaur wellies in his little hands.

A few years ago we bought an outdoor swingset for Kizzy.  A big wooden affair with a slide, climbing rope, see-saw and swing.  It served us really well!  When Fred was born we swapped the see-saw for a baby swing and he spent many a happy hour swinging.  As he has got older and more adventurous the slide has intrigued him more and more.  At first he'd enjoy being 'whooshed' down it safely in your grasp.  More recently he's wanted to do it himself.  Unfortunately it is not made for a toddler.  The rungs have thin wooden edges and the top has open sides that a small child could easily slip through.  This leads to our independence seeking toddler getting very frustrated.

Ian decided to try to remedy the problem.  I immediately had visions of something akin to Steptoe's Yard with mismatched pieces of wood nailed all over it!  Yes, I had little faith...but I saw my husband's attempt at a DIY compost bin constructed from an old palette!  It weren't pretty!  However I shouldn't have anticipated a Homer Simpson-esque attempt at woodwork.  He spent £10.87 on some decking and a fence post and set to work with his trusty saw and drill.

Three lovely flat stairs leading up to the platform and lovely fenced in side panels have transformed a dangerous outdoor toy into something that Freddy can use on his own.  He has spent ages going up and sliding down today...so proud of himself!  DIY SuperDad totally Pimped his Slide!!

Little Life Day Sack

  My little boy Freddy is now 18 months old and is extremely keen to explore the world.  There are times when his wanderlust is a complete nightmare, as he runs away to look at whatever it is that catches his eye.  Holding hands is so restrictive for him and he gets frustrated.  It is important that he has the freedom to run around and discover everything life has to offer him now he is so mobile. But I obviously want to avoid those heart stopping moments when my precious child disappears out of sight.

We wanted (needed!) a solution that would keep him safe, and yet still allow him his freedom.  Some toddler reins are really old fashioned and would make him feel like a dog on a leash.  I wanted something that would be fun but functional.

After some research I discovered Little Life who make the amazing Day Sack.  With a variety of beautifully designed ruck sacks, they really do put the FUN in FUN-ctional!!  A safety wrist strap attaches discretely to a clip on the back of the ruck sack so the parent can keep a hold of their wayward toddler, while they enjoy feeling like a grown-up with their own funky little bag!

We chose the turtle shell design.  The day sack clips firmly around the toddler's chest and seems very comfortable.  The zip up bag is big enough for a favourite toy, a snack or even a couple of nappies and wipes (!!)  There is a little zip up compartment that contains a novelty weatherproof  hood which matches the bag design, so Freddy looked like a little turtle which was so cute and a lovely feature of the day sack. The handle at the top of the bag is strong and sturdy enough to grab if the child if the child is falling.  A thoughtful internal name tag would be very useful if the child took the bag to nursery.

Retailing at £18.99 (we got ours from Boots) the Day Sack also comes in a variety of other designs including ladybird, bumble bee or cow print.  I love them!  More importantly, so does Freddy!

*I have not been approached to write this review and have received nothing in return for it.  I paid for this product myself.  I love it and want to tell other mums about it, so their toddlers can be safe and happy too!!*