Best Medical Alerts for Kids [Our Top Picks]

We’ve all seen that commercial for a popular medical alert system where a senior falls and isn’t able to get back on her feet.

Perhaps it’s those ads, or even the plan descriptions themselves, but medical alert bracelets are usually thought of as devices to assist the elderly.

This, however, is a common misconception, as medical alert systems can serve both adults and younger users.

If you have a young child with a cognitive or physical impairment, or are merely concerned about potential complications for a child with a chronic illness who’s attending school or spends periods of time unsupervised, a medical alert system might be right for you.

Not only can a medical alert bracelet notify emergency personnel that your child needs help, but you can also use the device’s GPS tracking capabilities to pinpoint their location in the event they get lost taking the bus or walking home from school on their own.

HOW DO MEDICAL ALERT DEVICES WORK?

Medical alert systems come in different forms and feature different monitoring levels.

DIY systems require users or their caretakers to pre-program the medical alert device with emergency contact numbers, while monitored medical alert systems offer professional assistance from certified monitoring stations.

Older monitored systems, for example, come with a base unit that’s installed within the home and one or several accessories—either a bracelet, pendant or clip-on—that must remain within range of said base station.

In turn, the home base connects to the monitoring station through a cellular network.

Newer (monitored) medical alert systems include mobile devices that can be worn inside and outside the home and serve as two-way communication devices, allowing the user to connect to a live representative at a monitoring center.

Mobile medical alert systems typically have GPS capabilities, allowing caretakers to pinpoint the location of the user in the event they are lost or disoriented.

Like their home base counterparts, GPS-enabled medical alerts communicate to a monitoring center through a cellular connection.

When a user, be it a child or an adult, presses their medical alert button, they are automatically connected to a monitoring station where a trained professional will assess their situation and call the necessary emergency services.

Some monitoring companies even keep medical information on record to aid medical responders in understanding the situation at hand.

Current medical alert systems come with added features that offer greater flexibility and protection in the home and on the go.

Some systems, for example, have motion sensors that can detect when the user has fallen and is unable to press the help button, while other options come with additional wall sensors that can be placed around the home in areas that could pose a risk to the user, such as stairways and bathrooms.

MEDICAL ALERTS FOR KIDS: WHAT TO CONSIDER

Since medical alert companies tend to sell these devices for the safety and protection of older adults, there is very little information on the web regarding medical alert systems for kids.

However, most providers offer medical alert accessories that can be tailored to the needs of a child.

The majority of, if not all, providers offer in-home medical alert systems as well as GPS-enabled ones.

Your choice of medical alert system should depend on your child’s needs and daily routine.

If your little one goes to school or takes the bus unsupervised, a mobile medical alert system with GPS capabilities may give you some additional peace of mind.

Now, depending on your child’s condition, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind.

The child in question must be able to understand the alert button is not a toy and must only be pressed in the event of an emergency.

If, for example, your child displays nonverbal autistic behavior, a medical alert system is unlikely to be an effective tool in protecting them during a medical emergency.

Older children who suffer from severe allergies or asthma, on the other hand, could benefit from a medical alert device.

Before you look any further into medical alert systems, ask yourself the following:

• Is my child old enough to understand that the medical alert button is not a toy?
• Will my child be able to press the medical alert button in the event of an emergency?
• Does my child spend time unsupervised in an environment that could pose a risk to his or her health or safety?
• Would my child be able to obtain medical assistance any other way?

As parents, we know anything is possible when raising children.

They can get away from us and into a world of trouble in the blink of an eye.

Having an additional safety net in place isn’t a bad idea, but in certain situations a medical alert system can simply be overkill.

Age and maturity should also play a part in your decision to opt for a medical alert device or a different alternative.

For example, I know my ten-year-old would be able to call home or 911 if anything happened.

He has a prepaid cellphone with him at all times, is usually cool and collected in difficult situations, and has been taught repeatedly how to handle an emergency away from home.

Now, would a seven-year old know where to go for help if she got stung by a bee and went into anaphylaxis?

Would an asthmatic ten-year-old be able to call for help if he’s struggling to breathe and can’t find his inhaler?

Again, whether or not to opt for a medical alert system should depend on the child’s condition and needs.

MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEMS FOR KIDS: WHERE TO LOOK

If you’ve determined a medical alert system is right for your child, there are some additional considerations you should keep in mind.

Based on hours of industry-specific research, our editors have narrowed down on four important factors to look at when comparing medical alerts.

Consider the Equipment

Learn about how the system works, the components it includes, and how they must be used and maintained.

Older systems with home bases don’t work unless the alert button is in proximity of the home base.

If your child has limited mobility and your home is large, make sure the alert button will be within range of the base unit from every room your child frequents.

Read the Contract

As with any service, it’s imperative that you read the contract thoroughly to understand your responsibilities as a user, as well as the length of the agreement, the cancellation, and trial periods.

Most providers offer substantial discounts to those who enroll in longer contracts, so opting for an annual plan may be the best alternative if you have the means to pay more up front.

Compare Costs

Comparison shopping is the best way to determine whether or not you’re getting a good deal for what you’re being offered.

One great way to go about this is to have a little chart where you collect information on the devices’ specs as well as annual and monthly monitoring service costs.

Look at the Provider’s Reputation

Finally, before opting for a medical alert system provider, look for consumer reviews to make sure the company has a good reputation for customer service.

Compare response times and confirm that the company you’re going with is certified by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as well as by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), since these are the two main regulatory entities ensuring monitoring centers comply with minimum training requirements.

When you’re ready to start your search, make sure to check our detailed reviews of some of the best medical alert providers in the industry.