Are you wondering why your fitness tracker is not working while pushing a stroller? Do you want to know which fitness trackers work when pushing a stroller?
If yes, then you will find your answers in this article. I will tell you why it happens and what you can do to solve it. Not only this but at the end of this article, I will also share some of the best fitness trackers and smartwatches from the brands like Fitbit, Apple, Samsung, Garmin, etc. that you can buy to track your steps while pushing a stroller.
Quick Navigation
- Fitness Tracker That Tracks Steps While Pushing Stroller Comparison
- Why Your Smartwatch Does Not Work While Pushing Stroller?
- How Can You Track Steps When Pushing A Stroller?
- Best Fitness Trackers For Pushing Stroller
- Does Any Fitness Tracker Come With Stroller Pushing Mode?
- FAQs
Fitness Tracker That Tracks Steps While Pushing Stroller Comparison
IMAGE | PRODUCT | SPECIFICATIONS | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Best Fitness Tracker For Pushing Stroller  | Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 |
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Apple Watch That Tracks Steps While Pushing Stroller  | Apple Watch Series 7 |
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Cheapest Smartwatch That Works When Pushing Stroller  | Amazfit GTR 3 Pro |
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Best Fitness Band For Pushing Stroller  | Whoop 4.0 |
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Why Your Smartwatch Does Not Work While Pushing Stroller?
First of all, congratulations on being parents. May you and your child have all the happiness in the world. I know being a parent changes a lot of things, especially the health of the mother. And it is very much necessary to not only focus on your child’s health but also on your own health too. Because you will only be able to take care of your baby when you yourself are fit.
One such device that can help you a lot is a fitness tracker or a smartwatch. But wait, are you having trouble tracking your steps while taking your baby on a walk in a stroller? Has it ever happened to you that you took your baby on a long walk that you both enjoyed, but when you came back your fitness tracker shows that you haven’t walked at all?
Don’t worry, your fitness tracker is okay, it just did not track your steps while pushing the stroller. And there is a reason behind it.
A fitness tracker or smartwatch has sensors called a gyroscope and an accelerometer that detect the movement of your hand to track your steps. And if your hand is in idle condition or is not moving as it is supposed to then your fitness tracker will be unable to track your steps.
This is not the problem with only your smartwatch or fitness tracker but is the story of almost every fitness tracker out there. And it can also happen when you push a shopping cart in malls or Walmart, walk on a treadmill keeping your hands still, walk in the rain holding umbrella, etc. In short, this will happen if you keep your hand, on which you are wearing a smartwatch, still.
But do not worry, I am here to help you solve this problem, just keep reading.
How Can You Track Steps When Pushing A Stroller?
Let me first tell you how can track your steps when pushing a stroller with your existing smartwatch or fitness tracker. And then I will share some of the best fitness trackers and smartwatches with you that you can buy, in case you need a new one.
1) Push With One Hand
The simplest fix to this problem is to push the stroller with one hand. Use the hand on which you are not wearing the fitness tracker to push the stroller and let the other hand move freely.
2) Put The Fitness Tracker In The Pocket
Another fix that has worked for me is putting my smartwatch in my pocket. As discussed earlier, fitness trackers detect movements to track steps. And apparently, it can do that by being in your pocket. If you do not believe me then you can watch my video below where I have shown my Amazfit Neo tracking steps accurately while being in my pocket.
However, the drawback of this method is that your fitness tracker will not track your heartbeats, SpO2, and VO2 max levels.
3) Use A Clip On Band
You can also turn your band into a clip-on fitness tracker. All you have to do is buy a clip-on band for it. Then you can clip your fitness tracker to your belt or clothes. This method has also seemed to be working for a lot of people.
However, like the pocket method, your tracker won’t track your heart rate and other things.
4) Use Google Fit App
If you want to track your steps as well as your heart rate while pushing a stroller then this is one of the best methods for you. All you have to do is install the Google Fit app on your smartphone and sync your smartwatch with it.
Now, whenever you are taking your baby out for a walk, simply start the walking mode on Google Fit app and wear your fitness tracker on your wrist normally.
Google Fit app will record your steps while your smartwatch will keep track of your heart rate. So this way, at the end of your walk, you will have both the information synced to your Google Fit account.
5) Wear Your Smartwatch On Your Ankle
Sounds funny, right? But surprisingly this method works. I have tried this method with my Amazfit T-Rex 2 and I was surprised that it managed to record my steps accurately.
However, the only problem with this app is that you need to have a big band to do this. Because of a simple reason, the size of your ankle is larger than the size of your wrist. As a result, you may have to purchase a big band.
6) Use The Inbuilt GPS
Almost all fitness trackers and smartwatches come with an inbuilt GPS these days. So you can make use of this feature to track your walks when pushing a stroller. In this method, your smartwatch will make use of the built-in GPS to track the distance you have walked, your speed, calories burnt, etc.
The advantage of this method is that you will also have the data related to your heart rate. Because you can wear the tracker on your wrist. However, if your fitness tracker does not come with an inbuilt GPS then this method is not for you.
Best Fitness Trackers For Pushing Stroller
First of all, let me clarify that there is no fitness tracker or smartwatch in the world that can track your steps without a GPS. Therefore, buying a new smartwatch will not track your steps while pushing a stroller if it does not have an inbuilt GPS. And you can make use of the above methods to track steps rather than buying a new fitness tracker. However, if you really want to purchase a new fitness tracker or smartwatch then the following are the best options for you.
1) Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is the latest and smartest watch from the house of Samsung. And if you own an Android smartphone then this is probably the best smartwatch for you.
Like its predecessor, this Samsung Watch can track more than 90 workouts, and walking is one of them. Since this Watch has just launched, so I am still to test whether this will be able to track my walk while pushing a stroller or not. But my experience with Watch 4 wasn’t great, it wasn’t able to track any of my steps while pushing a shopping cart or stroller. I am keeping my hopes high for Watch 5.
Having said that, Watch 5 comes with an inbuilt GPS. As a result, using the GPS, you will be able to use it to track your walks when pushing a stroller.
This smartwatch has a sapphire crystal, therefore you will not have to worry if your toddler plays with it or throws it away. It will not break easily. Watch 5 also looks gorgeous so you can wear it to your office daily and can also wear it to parties.
Like its predecessor, this watch runs on Google’s Wear OS. However, unlike its predecessor, this watch can now track more health metrics. These health metrics include:
- Body fat
- Body water
- Basal metabolic rate
- Skeletal muscle
- BMI
Therefore you will be able to keep track of your body’s health post-pregnancy.
Its IP68 water and dust resistant rating make sure that nothing happens to the watch if you give a nice shower to your baby wearing it.
Verdict
Overall Galaxy Watch 5 comes with a host of new features that can be really helpful to you post-pregnancy to keep track of your body’s health. Therefore if you own an Android smartphone then you should go for it without any doubt.
2) Apple Watch Series 7
The next fitness tracker that can work when pushing a stroller is Apple Watch Series 7. Like Galaxy Watch 5, this watch is the latest and smartest fitness tracker from Apple.
This smartwatch comes with an inbuilt GPS so I was able to track my distance, calories, pace, etc. while taking my baby on long walks. And if I was pushing the stroller with one hand then I did not even have to use the GPS, it tracked all my steps accurately.
Other than this, this watch can help you track other important body health parameters, which include:
- Blood oxygen saturation
- Heart rate monitor with irregular heart rhythm notification
- Sleep tracker, and much more.
Apple Watch Series 7 is also one of the few smartwatches that come with an ECG monitor. You can check out my list of smartwatch that has an ECG monitor here.
This fitness tracker can also track more than a dozen of sports profiles. Out of which it can automatically detect walking. As a result, when I was using this watch, I did not have to turn on the workout mode every time I left home for a walk with my child.
This watch is also one of the smartwatches that have a speaker and a microphone. Therefore, when I was holding my baby I did not have to reach out for my iPhone whenever I wanted to pick up or make calls. During my usage, I could also reply to texts using its inbuilt microphone.
Verdict
Apple Watch Series 7 comes with some of the most advanced health features available on a smartwatch. And if you own an iPhone and want a watch that works while pushing a stroller then this is the best fitness tracker for you.
3) Amazfit GTR 3 Pro
The next smartwatch on my list of fitness trackers for pushing a stroller is from the brand Amazfit. Like other watches on this list, Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is the latest and smartest watch from the house of Amazfit.
Unlike Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch Series 7, GTR 3 Pro comes with multiple satellite navigation systems. As a result, you can track your walks no matter wherever you go.
When it comes to health tracking, this smartwatch did not disappoint me at all. I was able to measure the following things with Amazfit GTR 3 Pro:
- 24*7 heart rate
- VO2 max
- SpO2
- Stress
- Menstrual cycle (of my wife obviously), and much more.
What I really liked about its health tracking is its one-tap feature. Rather than measuring my heart rate, stress level, and blood oxygen saturation level separately, I could measure them all with a single tap using this feature.
Other than this, it comes with an inbuilt microphone and speaker. So I was able to use the watch to talk on calls and listen to music. The smartwatch also comes with internal storage, therefore I could transfer my favorite songs to the watch.
This watch comes with Alexa voice assistant. As a result, I was able to interact with the watch using my voice. This feature becomes really handy when you are holding your baby and can’t use both of your hands.
The thing I liked the most about this watch as compared to Galaxy Watch 5 and Apple Watch Series 7 is its battery life. It easily lasted for around 6 days for me on a single charge with normal usage.
GTR 3 Pro can track more than 150 sports modes, which is just amazing. And during my usage, I found its step tracking to be really accurate.
Verdict
This smartwatch works with iPhone as well as Android phones. It does not compromise on features and comes with an affordable price tag. I know once you have a baby, your expenses just skyrocket. So if you want a cheap smartwatch that can track your steps while pushing a stroller then Amazfit GTR 3 Pro is the watch for you.
4) Whoop 4.0
If you don’t want to get disturbed while taking care of your baby then a fitness band like Whoop 4.0 is what you need.
Whoop 4.0 is a fitness tracker that tracks your fitness and health extensively but does not have any screen. No screen means no constant distraction from notifications. It just keeps tracking your health metrics silently. You can see all the information regarding your fitness and health on its mobile application. Many professional athletes around the world use Whoop, so you can rest assured about its fitness tracking capabilities.
It tracks the following health metrics:
- Blood oxygen
- Heart rate
- Skin temperature
- Sleep
- Recovery, and more.
Whoop 4.0 can also be used as a clip-on tracker. And the best part is that Whoop itself sells merchandise and bands specially designed for whoop. Therefore, if you don’t want to wear it on your hand then you can buy these clothes and use them to wear the tracker on your waist, arm, etc. Just wear a Whoop 4.0 band with Whoop merchandise while pushing a stroller and your every step will get tracked. Whoop 4.0 is also water-resistant so you need not bother about the rain while walking.
It is also very lightweight. As a result, you will not even feel that you are wearing one. The only drawback is that Whoop 4.0 comes with a monthly membership. Therefore, to use it you will have to pay a monthly subscription. However, there are many Whoop alternatives available in the market that either do not require a membership or have a low membership cost.
Verdict
Whoop 4.0 is one of the best fitness trackers available out there that is used by many professional athletes for their training. If you do not like constant notifications and want to track your steps while pushing a stroller then Whoop 4.0 is the fitness tracker for you.
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5) Amazon Halo
Amazon Halo is very similar to Whoop 4.0. It also does not have any screen and is very lightweight too.
Like Whoop 4.0, Amazon Halo can track your steps and exercises accurately. And data regarding your walks and runs can be seen on its app.
You can also wear it anywhere other than your hands. Therefore you do not have to worry about tracking your steps while pushing a stroller. Other than tracking your steps, it can also measure the following things:
- Body composition
- The fat percentage of your body
- Sleep
- Heart rate
- Calories burned
However, like Whoop 4.0, you will have to pay a monthly membership fee to use Amazon Halo. But the good news is that you can choose not to pay the membership and will still be able to track your steps for free. Paid membership consists of some advanced features and you can use the basic features like steps tracking, sleep tracking, calories burned, and heart rate monitoring for free.
Verdict
If you just want a fitness tracker to track your fitness and health without paying a handsome amount for a monthly subscription then Amazon Halo is made for you.
6) Garmin Running Dynamics Pod
Another clip-on fitness tracker that I have for you is Garmin Running Dynamics Pod. This fitness tracker is very small in size and is very lightweight too.
You can clip it on your waist, hang it on your clothes, or you can also keep it in your bag. It does not matter where you keep it, it will track your steps accurately.
The best part is that you do not even need to turn it on or activate it. It will automatically detect that you are walking and will start tracking your steps. Garmin Running Dynamics Pod can even track some pro-level stuff about your walking and running, which includes:
- Number of steps you are putting on the ground in one minute
- The number of steps in a minute you are increasing daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly
- Distance between your legs while running or walking
- Amount of time for which your foot rests on the ground, and much more.
The biggest advantage of using this band is that you do not have to charge it frequently. It comes with an inbuilt battery cell that can last more than a year.
However, the disadvantage of using this fitness tracker is that you will not be able to track your health metrics like heart rate, VO2 max, etc.
Verdict
Garmin Running Dynamics Pod can really track your walking and running extensively. It can work even if you put it in your bag, therefore it will work when pushing a stroller too. If you just want to track your steps and do not want any other data regarding your health then this running pod from Garmin is for you.
7) Fitbit One Wireless
The last fitness tracker for pushing a stroller is from the house Fitbit on my list. Fitbit One Wireless is another clip-on fitness tracker that you can use to track your steps while taking your baby out on a stroller.
Like Garmin Running Dynamics Pod, this is also very small in size and is very lightweight too. It can track your steps, distance covered, and calories burned during your walking.
This fitness tracker can also measure your sleep and the nutrition that you are taking. It also comes with 1ATM water resistant rating. As a result, you do not have to worry even if you sweat a lot during your walks.
Unlike Garmin Running Pods, this fitness tracker comes with a rechargeable battery. And you will have to recharge it after a week or so, as it comes with a battery life of 7 to 10 days.
Verdict
If you want a clip-on fitness tracker that tracks your steps even if you do not wear it on your wrist then Fitbit One Wireless can be the best option for you.
Does Any Fitness Tracker Come With Stroller Pushing Mode?
No, I haven’t seen any fitness tracker or smartwatch that comes with a stroller-pushing mode. However, you can track your steps using any fitness tracker by using one of the methods listed above.
Or you can buy any clip-on fitness tracker that does not require to be worn on the wrist. These trackers can count your steps even if you put them on your bag.
FAQs
Does Fitbit Track Steps When Pushing A Stroller?
Yes, Fitbit clip-on fitness trackers like Fitbit One Wireless can track your steps when pushing a stroller.
Does Garmin Track Steps When Pushing A Stroller?
Yes, Garmin clip-on fitness trackers like Garmin Running Dynamics Pod can track your steps while pushing a stroller.
Does Apple Watch Series 7 Count Steps While Pushing Stroller?
Yes, Apple Watch Series 7 can count your steps when pushing a stroller or shopping cart. The only condition is that you need to push the stroller with the hand you are not wearing the watch on.
