11 Best Fitness Tracker for Pushing Stroller in 2024 | Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Finding the best fitness tracker for pushing stroller can be difficult because most wristwatches and trackers don’t register any movement. However, some fitness trackers and watches actually register movement even though your hands are not moving at all.

Beyond that, I would like to point out that ankle fitness trackers are probably the best possible fitness trackers for pushing a stroller. These will definitely register your steps, and you won’t have to worry about wrist trackers that occasionally fail to recognize exercise and movement.

I already created an article about the best ankle fitness trackers, but you probably won’t need to read it since I included the best ones already in the buyer’s guide. 

I also tested a couple of these watches, and I evaluated all products based on my specific criteria, which you can find in the product reviews section. Without further ado, let’s just go straight into product reviews so you can find the perfect fitness watch for pushing a stroller that won’t break your bank but will still measure the steps, distance, calories burned, and much more.

Top 3 Fitness Trackers for Pushing a Stroller

Best Fitness Tracker for Pushing Stroller 2024 Reviews

Here are the best fitness trackers for pushing a stroller in 2024.

1. Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active

Specs

Screen size	1.1 inches
Shape	round
Operating system	Tizen 4.0
Connectivity tech	Bluetooth, wireless
Memory storage capacity	4000 MB

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active is amongst the best because it offers a wide variety of features specifically designed to enhance your fitness experience. Nonetheless, the watch possesses an excellent design that is made to stand out from others with its impressive capabilities.

After using this watch for some time, I can safely say that one of the main reasons I enjoyed using it is its ability to detect a wide range of different exercises. Also, with this, you can track your workouts easily without the need to input data manually. 

You can track up to 39 exercises, which is a huge amount of data that gives you a detailed overview and insight into your physical activity.

The watch tracks your sleeping, allowing you to get a detailed analysis of your sleep patterns and recommendations to improve your sleep. This feature is extremely valuable for people who want to maximize their recovery, which will directly improve their exercise performance.

You are also getting a long-lasting battery that will ensure you can go days without the need to charge it, making it one of the best overall options on the market. The only downside is that you only have around 4GB of music on this device.

2. Most Accurate: Fitbit Flex 2

Specs

Screen size	50 millimeters
Shape	rectangular
Connectivity tech	Bluetooth
Input interface	buttons
Product dimensions	10 x 0.45 x 0.37 inches

The Fitbit Flex 2 is amongst the most accurate fitness trackers, and it can be used for several different activities, making it a versatile and reliable device. It comes with features that can track your calories burned, distance, active minutes, and steps to get a detailed look into your day-to-day activity levels.

Nonetheless, it has a removable, ultra-thin tracker that can be integrated into bangles, bands, and pendants, making sure it is both stylish and functional. The Flex 2 is made of durable and flexible material similar to those used in most sports watches. 

For added security, there is also a surgical-grade stainless steel clasp to ensure it even more. With the Smart Track feature implemented, it will automatically recognize the selected workout, and it will record it to the Fitbit app for easier analysis and monitoring.

Also, checking your sleep patterns is now simpler than ever, with automatic tracking of sleep quality and duration. There is a silent alarm feature that wakes you up with a gentle vibration, unlike the usual loud and noisy ones.

In my opinion, the only thing they should work on is the battery life of this device.

3. Best Budget: Garmin Vivosmart 4

Specs

Display resolution	48 x 128 pixels
Product dimensions	0.41 x 0.78 x 0.59 inches
Weight	0.64 ounces
Manufacturer	Garmin
Display type	OLED

The Garmin Vivosmart 4 is an activity tracker that is a perfect combination of stylish and functional design. It comes as a wristband that can be purchased in several different colors. It also features stylish metal accents and a vibrant, easy-to-read screen that automatically adjusts to the brightness level for an optimal usage experience. 

Based on my observations, this smart activity tracker will provide advanced fitness features beyond basic fitness monitoring, which is especially useful considering its price. What I really like about it is its Pulse Ox sensor, which can gauge blood oxygen saturation levels while you are sleeping and provide you with data that can greatly improve your well-being. 

However, this is not the only feature that is available with this device; it has many tools like stress tracking, VO2 max, wrist-based heart rate, and much more. The Vivosmart 4’s best feature is its insane battery life, which allows you to use it for up to a week on a single charge.

Let’s not forget that you can use it while showering and even swimming since it is water resistant. The sleep tracking was not the best and will probably need to be worked on.

4. Best Premium: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Pro

Specs

Screen size	42 millimeters
Style	Bluetooth
Shape	heart
Connectivity tech	USB
Operating system	Android

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Pro 4 is one of the revolutionary devices on the market that goes far beyond the norm of other devices. What separates this watch from others is its ability to access data on body fat, skeletal muscle, body water, basal metabolic rate, and Body Mass Index (BMI). 

Using these metrics will give you the insight to make informed decisions about your body and improve your fitness and health. Based on my preferences, I find the advanced sleep-tracking ability of this Galaxy Watch 4 very interesting. 

You can continuously track your SpO2 levels and monitor your sleep, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready for the next day. Using the watch will ensure you have better sleep due to the valuable information about your oxygen levels and pattern during the night.

The watch is also great for people who are always moving. It gives you advanced workout tracking that recognizes the 6 most popular activities. Besides these normal activities like running, swimming, or rowing, you can be sure that even while pushing the stroller, you will get accurate data.

After I used it for some time, the swiping didn’t work very well.    

5. Best Value for Money: Amazfit GTR 3 Pro

Specs

Screen size	1.58 Inches
Connectivity tech	GPS
Input interface	microphone
Operating system	Android Wear 2.9, watchOS 6
Compatible devices	smartphone

The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is a feature-packed watch that is made to help you in your everyday activities to enhance your fitness routine and health. It comes with built-in Alexa that can be used to ask various questions and perform tasks that you need her to perform. 

This doesn’t necessarily just make it a cool feature, but also a convenient hands-free feature. Additionally, you can still access an offline voice assistant if you don’t have the internet at that moment and get some essential information provided.

Despite all of its great features, the biggest benefit of using this device is its insane battery life, which can last up to 12 days without charging. This makes it an ideal watch for those who seek longer periods in nature or travelers. 

You can also easily test your stress level, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level just by tapping your watch and getting data within seconds. Also, the device gives you the ability to receive calls and listen to your music all via Bluetooth. 

You can store close to 500 songs, which is more than enough to make a banger playlist for your workouts. There is No Spotify storage, which can be a problem for some individuals.

6. Most Durable: Fitbit Alta HR

Specs

Case diameter	43 mm
Display size	5.5 inches
Item weight	22.68 grams
Manufacturer	Fitbit Inc
Product dimensions	1.61 x 0.61 x 1.3 inches

The Fitbit Alta HR is one of the most durable devices, packed in a sleek and slim design that is perfect for wearing throughout the day. Nonetheless, with all of its functionality, you can accurately check your heart rate and calories burned to tweak your training to make it efficient. 

Overall, one of the best features when it comes to this is the data that provides information about heart rate. You can get insight into a comparison of heart rate levels during rest periods and when you are moving. 

It is very helpful since you can see your cardiovascular health and improvement over time, which can be a great way to motivate yourself to train. Additionally, the Fitbit Alta HR also has comprehensive activity tracking features that are useful for everyday activities. 

It will help you to track your calories burned, distance, steps taken, and active minutes automatically. The battery health on this device is stunning; you can use it for a week without having to recharge it. 

The customer service is not the most responsive, and it took them days to reply to my message.

7. Best for Blood Oxygen Tracking: Apple Watch Series 9

Specs

Screen size	45 millimeters
Shape	rectangular
Compatible devices	iPhone
Depth	10.7mm
Width	35mm, 38mm

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a smartwatch that is a complete game-changer with its wide array of advanced features and innovations. It is powered by the newest S9 chip, making this Series 9 come with a super-bright display and a new method of interaction so you can navigate your watch without touching the screen.

With a feature like this, you get an improved user experience, and accessing information is easier than ever before. Furthermore, it is equipped with advanced health monitoring features, which means that the Series 9 will do everything to help you stay on top of your well-being. 

Features like irregular heart rhythms and ECG readings can provide valuable information about your overall health. Also, there are features like cycle tracking, sleep tracking, and temperature tracking that will help you even more with achieving your goals.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is made to withstand daily challenges, such as using it for podcasts, music, calls, text, and notifications. Some software restrictions from other Apple products prevent you from connecting the watch to some older devices.

8. Best for Fast Charging: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5

Specs

Screen size	40 millimeters
Style	Bluetooth
Bezel material	aluminum metal frame
Display	Sapphire crystal
Battery	284mAh

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is one of the most advanced smartwatches with a wide array of different features to use. What separates this from other devices is its advanced sleep coaching functionality, which not only tracks your sleep starves but also gives you detailed data about your sleep patterns. 

Using and implementing this information can help you develop better sleeping habits, which will improve your sleep quality in general. Furthermore, the newest Galaxy Watch 5 gives you your body composition analysis with its innovative BIA technology. 

You can see your body water, body fat, Body Mass Index, skeletal muscles, and others. All of these advanced metrics are important in order to manage and monitor your fitness goals and health.

With the improvements in battery performance, you go through your busiest business days without worrying about the battery and whether you will need to recharge it. In addition, the charging process has been greatly improved so that you can expect even faster charging speeds than the older generation.

The sleep tracking can be upgraded so it is more accurate than at the moment.

9. Best Fitness Band for Pushing a Stroller: WHOOP 4.0

Specs

Screen size	0.96 inches
Material	silicone
Product dimensions	182.9L x 5W x 3H centimeters
Item weight	1 pound
Sensor type	heart rate

The Frontier X2 is top-notch when it comes to heart rate monitoring technology, giving you advanced features combined with supreme accuracy. However, one of the best features is the ability of this device to track your heart rate while both sleeping and moving. 

With this data, you can see accurately all of the changes in your heart’s health and performance during that time. Nonetheless, there are also AI-generated cardiac rhythms that are great for providing valuable data about your health.

The Frontier X2 is known for its accuracy, and that is why several professional athletes trust it because of its precise data. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise if I tell you that it is a perfect option for you if you need to push a stroller at the moment and you want accuracy. 

Also, the device comes with an easy-to-use chest strap that cures electrodes, silicone dots, and a user-friendly buckle for added security while moving. The device is on a pricier end, which can be a problem for some individuals.

10. Best for Sleep Monitoring: OCTANDRA Active VeryFitPro

Specs

Screen size	0.96 inches
Display type	OLED
Shape	‎rectangular
Product dimensions	24 x 1.9 x 1.1 cm
Item weight	68 grams

The Octandra Active Very Fit Pro watch will help you turn good intentions into lasting habits. With all kinds of features and functions that help you in your everyday life, it also can serve as your digital assistant. 

Not only will it improve your productivity and activity, but it will also bring healthier habits. After I had tested this device, I found a wide range of metrics that can be useful for you, like heart rate, calories burned, sleep quality, and many others. 

If you push strollers frequently, you don’t need to worry about the accuracy of counting steps. Also, you will get comprehensive reports, which can be useful to get a clearer picture of your current fit and health and how to improve it. 

It comes with 14 different sports modes, suitable for all sorts of activities, and allows you to customize your training. This device can be connected to both IOS and Android devices, which makes it accessible to literally anyone.

11. Best for Tracking Calories: Moov Now 3D

Specs

Item weight	9 grams
Screen size	0.96 inches
Sensor type	pedometer
Compatible devices	smartphones
Color	stealth black

The Moov Now 3D is not just a fitness tracker but a personal coach that will lead you through several workouts with real-time audio coaching. Whether you cycle, run, or perform bodyweight exercises, Moov will help you with its smart coaching so you can maximize your progress.

What sets this device apart as the best for tracking calories is its Omni Motion sensor, which has three times more sensors to track your motion in 3D. This allows it to track your workouts with extreme precision, including your movements, and ensure you have the correct data. 

In addition, the Moov can last up to 6 months before you need to change the battery. It is also water-resistant, making it great for all kinds of training. During my time with this device, the standout feature was definitely its intelligent coaching system, which goes beyond simple status updates. 

It is an AI coach who will educate and push you during your workouts to help you maintain proper form and motivation, maximize results, and minimize the chance of injury. The workouts are specifically designed to your needs, making it just perfect to keep you engaged and motivated during every session.

A synthesized voice can become repetitive after being used for some time.

Best Fitness Trackers That Work When Pushing a Stroller Compared

Image	Product	Features	Score
	Samsung Galaxy Watch Active	– Long-lasting battery – Protective Gorilla glass coating – Real-time alerts if ever detecting a high or low heart rate – Thin and light design	5.0
	Fitbit Flex 2	– Ultra-thin and removable tracker – Track steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes – Life-proof for wear in the ocean, shower, and pool	4.97
	Garmin Vivosmart 4	– Battery life lasts up to 7 days – Get vibration alerts for all notifications – Fitness and health monitoring tools include estimated wrist-based heart rate, all-day stress tracking, relaxation breathing timer, and more	4.93
	Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Pro	– Luxurious design – Body composition analysis – Google on your wrist	4.9
	Amazfit GTR 3 Pro	– Battery life of up to 6 days – 24\7 heart rate monitoring – Built-in voice assistant	4.87
	Fitbit Alta HR	– Automatically track your steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes – Up to 7 days of battery life – Automatically track your time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep	4.83
	Apple Watch Series 9	– Always-on Retina display – High and low heart rate notifications – Advanced health sensors	4.8
	Samsung Galaxy Watch 5	– Advanced sleep coaching – Improved sensor analysis – Body composition analysis	4.77
	WHOOP 4.0	– Real-time vibration alerts – Single button for all key actions – Easy to wear	4.73
	OCTANDRA Active VeryFitPro	– 17 different sports modes to pick from – Smart notifications – Alarm clock and sedentary reminder	4.67
	Moov Now 3D	– Up to 6 months of battery life – Omni motion sensor – Dirt, water, and sweatproof	4.63

How We Picked the Best Fitness Trackers for Pushing a Stroller

When it comes to finding the perfect fitness tracker for parents pushing a stroller, the criteria differ significantly from the usual fitness tracker selection process. It’s not just about the features that track physical activity efficiently. 

It’s more about finding a device that accurately records movements when your hands aren’t moving in the traditional walking or running motion. 

Here’s how we selected the best tracker options.

Wrist-Based vs. Clip-on vs. Ankle Fitness Trackers

We evaluated wrist-based, clip-on, and ankle fitness trackers. 

Given the unique challenge of pushing a stroller, which often results in wrist-based trackers failing to register steps accurately, we leaned towards devices that either accurately track steps when worn on the wrist or offer the versatility to be worn on the ankle or clipped to clothing.

Step Count Accuracy

This was a top priority. We looked for trackers that have been proven, through both user feedback and our testing, to accurately count steps in a variety of conditions, especially when the user’s hands are stationary on a stroller handle.

GPS Functionality

For those who enjoy working out outdoors, GPS functionality is crucial. It allows for more accurate tracking of distance and pace, providing insights into your walks or runs with the stroller that wouldn’t be possible with a simple pedometer.

Heart Rate Monitoring

A key component of tracking fitness is monitoring your heart rate. We sought devices that offer reliable heart rate monitoring, allowing parents to ensure they’re in the right zone for their fitness goals.

Durability and Water Resistance

Knowing these trackers would be exposed to all elements—be it a sudden rain shower or the inevitable spill—we favored devices built to withstand a bit of chaos without compromising performance.

Battery Life

Long battery life is essential for convenience. We focused on trackers that offer several days of use at a single charge, minimizing downtime and ensuring the tracker is ready when you are.

App Integration

A good fitness tracker is complemented by a strong app experience, which provides detailed insights and allows for a comprehensive view of your health and fitness trends over time.

One study from PubMed Central suggests that mobile apps and fitness trackers can improve physical activity, diet, and sleep, reduce smoking and alcohol intake, and help manage mental health [1].

Buyer’s Guide

Here are the key factors to consider when buying the perfect fitness watch for pushing a stroller.

Accuracy

The cornerstone of a good fitness tracker is its accuracy in recording steps, distance, and calories burned. Look for devices known for their precision, especially ones that can accurately track activities when your hands are stationary, such as pushing a stroller.

GPS

GPS is invaluable for outdoor walks and runs. It allows for precise tracking of your route, distance, and pace, offering insights that can help you improve your fitness regimen over time.

HR Monitoring

Continuous heart rate monitoring is essential for tracking your fitness levels and ensuring you’re exercising within your target heart rate zones. This feature is also useful for monitoring your overall health and wellness.

Comfort and Fit

Since you’ll be wearing your tracker throughout the day (and possibly at night), it should be comfortable. Consider the band’s material, the tracker’s weight, and how it fits around your wrist or ankle. A good fit ensures more accurate tracking and a better user experience.

Battery

Long battery life is a must-have for convenience and uninterrupted tracking. Opt for trackers that offer several days to weeks of battery life, reducing the need to charge your device frequently.

How to Track Steps While Pushing a Stroller With an Apple Watch?

When using an Apple Watch while pushing a stroller, it’s helpful to know that step accuracy might be affected by your stationary arms. To counter this, try to swing one arm naturally as you walk. 

The Apple Watch relies on arm movement to count steps, so this can help. You can also utilize the Workout app to start an outdoor walk or run session, which helps the watch use more GPS data for tracking. If swinging an arm isn’t always possible, consider adjusting the watch’s placement on your wrist or using a third-party accessory to attach it to your waist or ankle for better tracking.

How to Track Steps While Pushing a Stroller With a Garmin Device?

Garmin devices, known for their superior GPS and activity tracking, can still accurately track steps while you’re pushing a stroller with a few adjustments. Garmin’s Move IQ feature automatically captures different activities, including walking, which is useful when pushing a stroller. 

Initiating a walking or running activity on your device can also prompt it to prioritize GPS data for step counting. For optimal results, exploring accessories that allow you to attach the device to your ankle or secure it around your waist might improve step accuracy.

Why Doesn’t Fitbit Track My Steps When Pushing a Stroller?

Fitbit trackers often rely on arm movement to count steps, which can lead to inaccuracies when your arms are not moving because you’re pushing a stroller. A simple workaround is to move the Fitbit to your ankle or place it in your pocket, allowing it to capture your overall movement better. 

If you find the step count isn’t accurate, you can manually log your walk in the Fitbit app, ensuring your efforts are recorded and count towards your daily activity goals.

Does Samsung Watch Count Steps When Pushing a Stroller?

Samsung Galaxy Watches are adept at tracking a wide range of exercises, including steps taken while your hands are occupied with a stroller. To ensure accurate tracking, switch the watch’s location setting to high accuracy mode. 

This enables the use of GPS to monitor movements precisely. Keeping the watch firmly secured on your wrist also aids in detecting even subtle movements. Additionally, the Galaxy Store offers third-party fitness apps designed to track specific activities like pushing a stroller, potentially offering an improved step-counting experience.

FAQs

How Do You Track Steps When Pushing a Stroller?

To track steps while pushing a stroller, wear a fitness tracker on your wrist or ankle or use a smartphone app designed for tracking steps. These methods can accurately capture your steps, even when your hands are stationary on the stroller.

Does a Fitbit Work While Pushing a Stroller?

A Fitbit works while pushing a stroller if worn correctly, but it may not accurately track steps due to stationary arms. Placing it in a pocket or on an ankle may provide more accurate step counts.

Will My Fitbit Count Steps in My Pocket?

Your Fitbit can count steps in your pocket, relying on motion sensors to track movements. However, accuracy may vary based on the device’s position and type of movement.

Is Fitbit More Accurate in Pocket?

Fitbit’s accuracy in a pocket can vary. Although it is designed for wristwear, it can still track movements when placed in a pocket. The step count may differ from wrist-based tracking due to the device’s sensitivity to movements.

How Do You Push a Stroller While Exercising?

To push a stroller while exercising, maintain good posture, alternate pushing with one hand to allow the other arm to swing, and use a steady pace. This method helps in accurately tracking your physical activity and ensuring a comfortable workout.

Which Smart Watch Counts Steps When Pushing a Pram?

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch count steps when pushing a pram, thanks to their advanced sensors and algorithms that detect various types of movement.

What Is the Difference Between a Pedometer and an Activity Tracker?

The difference between a pedometer and an activity tracker lies in their functionality; a pedometer primarily counts steps, while an activity tracker monitors a range of activities, steps, heart rate, and sometimes even sleep patterns.

How Many Calories Do You Burn Running Pushing a Stroller?

The number of calories burned running while pushing a stroller varies based on speed, terrain, weight, and the stroller’s weight. On average, it can increase calorie burn by 20% compared to running without a stroller.

Our Verdict on the Best Fitness Tracker for Pushing Stroller

Our verdict on the best fitness tracker for pushing a stroller is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active.

It has a wide variety of features that are specifically tailored to elevate your fitness journey. In addition, the fitness tracker comes with a sleep and distinctive design, which is always important. 

The thing that this watch excels at is monitoring and detecting various unusual exercises and giving you the correct data. 

With it, you don’t need to put the tracker in your pocket or ankle to get the proper data while you are pushing a stroller. 

Please let me know which one from the list is your favorite.

References:

1. Tong HL, Maher C, Parker K, et al. The use of mobile apps and fitness trackers to promote healthy behaviors during COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey. PLOS Digit Health. 2022;1(8):e0000087. Published 2022 Aug 18. doi:10.1371/journal.pdig.0000087