The Best Toddler Watches

Buying Guide

While it’s more common for people to have cell phones than to wear watches these days, wristwatches are good for more than just telling time. Of course, young children need to learn how to tell time, and watches are one of the greatest ways to do this.

Instead of having to find a clock, pull a phone out of a purse or ask Alexa, it’s faster to glance at one’s wrist. A three-year-old’s very first watch doesn’t need to be hi-tech, either. This technology can be a waste of money because these kinds of watches can have features that little ones aren’t old enough to understand yet.

Ones that have alarms and show the dates are enough for kids this age. It makes even more sense to find ones that have familiar characters like their favorite TV cartoon show stars or fun things like unicorns and dinosaurs so that they’ll want to wear them.

Shop for timepieces that have soft materials with adjustable straps; little ones also like bright colors. Bright LED lights make it easier to read the time, and some have different light-up colors that the kids can play with. Waterproof and shockproof models are good because they’ll stand up to swimming, bath time and plenty of jumping and running around.

A toddler doesn’t need to know how to tell the time to wear a watch. Having one to wear, especially with their favorite things on them, makes them feel special. While analog watches may be considered old-school, they help teach children how days progress in terms of hours and minutes.

Analogs can also help young learners better grasp the concept of time. Digital watches look more modern, but the final choice is really up to you; pick a color that the child likes and shop for really cool bands that will make them want to wear the watch throughout the day.

• Some children’s watches are machine washable; you can place them in socks. Read the directions carefully before doing this, though.
• See what kind of battery the watch comes with, as you may need to buy replacements.
• Make sure that the watch band fits snugly but not too tight.
• Even if they argue, toddlers shouldn’t wear watches or other jewelry to bed. Necklaces are especially dangerous because they present a choking hazard; conscientious parents can do themselves a favor by insisting on a “no jewelry or watch” rule at bedtime.
• Don’t force a child to wear a watch if they don’t want to.
• These toddler watches are inexpensive and make affordable, thoughtful (birthday, Christmas, back-to-school) gifts.