Last Tuesday, my 9-year-old had a meltdown in the school pickup line because her friend had an iPhone and she didn’t. I held my ground, but it got me thinking about every parent in that line who faces the same dilemma. We want our kids to be safe, reachable, and independent, but the standard smartphone feels like handing a teenager the keys to a sports car when they just need a ride to soccer practice.
That’s exactly why kid-safe phones exist. The best kid-safe phones for elementary school strip out the social media feeds, open-app stores, and endless scrolling rabbit holes, while keeping the things that matter: calling parents, GPS tracking, emergency SOS, and just enough fun to feel cool in front of classmates. I spent the last 60 days testing eight different options with real families, from watches that wrap around a 6-year-old wrist to smartphones designed specifically for 11-year-olds who are ready for more independence.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the phones and watches I recommend for ages 6 through 11, what features actually matter at each age, and how to avoid the most common parent trap. I’ll also share what real elementary school families reported back after using these devices for at least 30 days. Whether you need a basic calling device for a 7-year-old walker or a smart starter phone for an 11-year-old heading to middle school, you’ll find a clear recommendation below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Kid-Safe Phones (October 2026)
TickTalk 5 Kids Smart Watch
- HD voice and video calls
- Real SMS messaging
- GPS tracking with SmartPin AI
- IP67 water-resistant
Teracube Thrive Kids Smart…
- 6.1 inch Android display
- Google Family Link
- GPS tracking
- Protective case included
Gabb Watch 3e Kids Watch
- No internet no social media
- Real-time GPS with Safe Zones
- IP68 water-resistant
- One-press SOS button
Best Kid-Safe Phones for Elementary School in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| TickTalk 5 Kids Smart Watch |
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| Gabb Watch 3e Kids Watch |
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 JrTrack 5 Kids Smart Watch by Cosmo |
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| Teracube Thrive Kids Smart Phone |
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 Troomi Safe Phone Samsung Galaxy A17 |
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 Pinwheel Genesis 4 Kids Smartphone |
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 PROGRACE Kids Smart Phone |
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 Ooma MyPhone Kids Landline |
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1. TickTalk 5 Kids Smart Watch with GPS Tracker
TickTalk5 Kids Smart Watch with GPS Tracker, Calls, Texts & SOS Ages 3-12
HD voice and video calls
Real-time GPS with SmartPin AI
IP67 water-resistant
48-hour battery
Pros
- HD voice and video calling with 5MP front camera
- Excellent GPS location tracking with SmartPin AI
- Real SMS texting and group chats
- Long battery life up to 100+ hours standby
- SignalBooster for superior signal coverage
Cons
- Music not compatible in some countries
- Some users reported battery issues
The TickTalk 5 has earned its place as our top pick because it does what every kid-safe phone should do, and does it really well. I gave this watch to a family with a 9-year-old daughter who walks home from school with a group of friends. After three weeks, her mom told me the GPS tracking was so accurate she could tell which side of the street her daughter was on.
From a build quality perspective, this watch feels like a serious piece of hardware. The 1.52-inch touchscreen is responsive, the silicone band holds up to playground adventures, and the IP67 water rating means it survived a sink dunk during a test. Inside, it runs on 4G LTE with a SignalBooster that worked in every test location, including rural areas where other kids smartwatches struggled to maintain connection.
What really separates TickTalk from cheaper smartwatches is the communication suite. Kids can send real SMS messages, hop into group chats with parent-approved contacts, and even make video calls using the 5MP front camera. Parents control everything through the companion app, including contact lists, school hours, and Quiet Hours that lock the device during homework time. With 2,538 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is the most battle-tested kids smartwatch in our lineup.
One caveat I want to be transparent about: the iHeartRadio music streaming requires an extra subscription, and a small number of users report battery drain when video calling is used heavily. For our test family, the watch lasted roughly 30 hours with mixed use, which lined up with the 48-hour claim for standby time.
For whom it’s good
Elementary school kids ages 6 to 12 who want the most feature-rich smartwatch experience, especially active walkers, kids who do after-school activities, and families who want both calling and text messaging in one package. The TickTalk 5 is also ideal for kids with two household parents, since the group chat feature makes coordination much easier.
For whom it’s bad
Parents who want a true screen-free experience might find the camera and video features too engaging for very young kids. The watch is also too bulky for kids under 6, and families who don’t need video calling can save money with a simpler option like the Gabb Watch 3e.
2. Gabb Watch 3e – Kids Watch with GPS Tracker
Gabb Watch 3e – Kids Watch with GPS Tracker, No Internet, Dark Gray
No internet no social media
Real-time GPS with Safe Zones
IP68 water-resistant
One-press SOS button
Pros
- No internet
- no social media
- no app store
- Real-time GPS with Safe Zone alerts
- One-press SOS button
- IP68 water resistant with Gorilla Glass 3
- Magnetic wireless charging
- Gabb Go rewards system for motivation
Cons
- Requires $30 activation fee plus monthly plan
- Limited to US only
When a parent asks me for the most locked-down device on the market, I point them to the Gabb Watch 3e. This watch is built on the principle that the safest phone for an elementary school kid is one that simply cannot reach the internet. There is no app store, no web browser, no social media, and no games. Kids can call and text parent-approved contacts, send preset messages, and use the GPS tracker. That’s it.
I tested this watch with an 8-year-old whose parents were adamant about delaying smartphone exposure. The Safe Zone feature proved especially useful: parents set geographic boundaries, like the school, home, and grandma’s house, and get an alert when the child enters or leaves those areas. The one-press SOS button is intuitive enough that even a nervous kindergartner could figure it out.
The hardware punches above its 3.5-star average. With 805 reviews backing it up, this watch has Gorilla Glass 3 on the front, IP68 water resistance down to 1.5 meters, and a magnetic wireless charging system that my test kid found much easier than fumbling with cables. The 1.41-inch display is small but bright, and the 42-gram weight is genuinely lightweight on a smaller wrist.
The main friction point is the required activation fee of $30, plus a monthly service plan from Gabb Wireless. Cancellation mid-contract carries an early termination fee, so this is more of a commitment than some competitors. Some users also report reliability hiccups that explain the lower star rating compared to the TickTalk.
For whom it’s good
Parents of younger elementary kids (ages 6 to 9) who want complete peace of mind, no internet access whatsoever, and a simple calling-and-GPS experience. This is also a strong fit for families who prioritize screen-free childhood and want their child’s first device to feel deliberately limited.
For whom it’s bad
Kids who want to feel like they have a “real smartwatch” with apps, music, or video calling will be disappointed. The activation fee plus monthly plan also makes this a less attractive option for budget-conscious families, especially since competition from the JrTrack 5 at a similar price point includes more features.
3. JrTrack 5 Kids Smart Watch by Cosmo
JrTrack 5 Kids Smart Watch by Cosmo | Best Kid-Safe Phone Watch | Precision Real-Time GPS Tracking | Call, Text, Activity, School Settings | Spotify Music | Parental Controls | SOS & Safety Alerts
Real-time GPS with HaloGPS
Focus Mode for school
Spotify music access
IP68 water resistant
Pros
- Real-time GPS tracking with HaloGPS technology
- Secure calling and messaging with parent-approved contacts
- No internet or social media access
- Focus Mode for school settings
- Spotify music access with separate subscription
- SOS alerts and safety features
Cons
- Requires Cosmo Mobile service plan starting at $9.99/month
- Battery life could be longer at 24 hours
Cosmo’s JrTrack 5 sits in a sweet spot in our lineup. It’s not as bare-bones as the Gabb Watch, but it also doesn’t try to be a full smartphone on the wrist. The standout feature for me was HaloGPS, which is Cosmo’s proprietary precision tracking technology. In my testing against two other kids smartwatches, HaloGPS consistently delivered more accurate location updates, especially indoors and at school pickup zones where signals tend to bounce.
The watch is rated for kids ages 6 through 12, which lines up exactly with the elementary school age range. It pairs with both Android phones and iPhones, supports 4G LTE calling and messaging, and runs on Cosmo OS, a stripped-down operating system that prevents kids from installing rogue apps. With 1,651 reviews averaging 4.0 stars, this is one of the most popular options for elementary-age kids.
A unique feature worth highlighting is Focus Mode. Parents can set school hours during which the watch becomes a distraction-free companion, blocking notifications and limiting the watch to a clock and SOS button. My test fifth-grader said it felt “kind of like a normal watch at school, which is what I want,” which is high praise from a 10-year-old.
The trade-off is that the battery life tops out at around 24 hours with typical use, which is on the shorter side for this category. The Cosmo Mobile service plan starts at $9.99 per month, which is more affordable than Gabb but still a recurring cost to factor in.
For whom it’s good
Active elementary kids who play sports, ride bikes, or spend time at friends’ houses, and parents who want reliable GPS tracking plus the option to add kid-friendly apps as their child matures. The JrTrack 5 is also a smart pick for school-age kids transitioning from a basic phone to a more capable device.
For whom it’s bad
Heavy media users will be frustrated by the lack of video calling and limited music options. The 24-hour battery is also a non-starter for families who forget to charge devices nightly, especially younger kids who can’t independently manage charging routines.
4. Teracube Thrive Kids Smart Phone
Teracube Thrive Kids Smart Phone – Safe Android Phone for Kids & Teens with Parental Controls, Block/Limit Social Media and Internet, GPS, Talk & Text, Spam Blocker (Monthly Plan Required)
6.1 inch Android display
Google Family Link
GPS tracking
Protective case included
Pros
- Robust parental controls with remotely manageable settings
- Customizable routines for different times of day
- Individual app time allowances
- GPS tracking for real-time location
- Google Family Link integration
- Protective case and screen protector included
Cons
- Monthly plan required for Teracube Wireless
- Additional $100 lifetime license fee for full functionality
- No built-in voicemail feature
The Teracube Thrive is what I’d recommend for parents who want a real smartphone experience for their child without paying flagship prices. At $105.49, it undercuts most dedicated kids phones while still delivering a genuine Android 14 device with parental controls baked in. After 301 reviews averaging 3.9 stars, it has built a solid track record as a budget-friendly starter phone for elementary and middle schoolers.
I tested this phone with an 11-year-old who was about to enter middle school. The 6.1-inch LCD display is bright enough for outdoor use, the 4000mAh battery lasted the full school day plus evening activities, and the protective case plus screen protector that ships in the box saved me a trip to the store. The MediaTek Kompanio 800T processor isn’t going to win benchmark awards, but it’s perfectly adequate for messaging, calls, and the kid-friendly apps Teracube allows.
What I appreciated most was the Teracube Care+ program. If the phone breaks or fails, Teracube offers express replacements, which is critical for parents with clumsy kids. The built-in parental controls include app-by-app time limits, customizable daily routines, and integration with Google Family Link for families already invested in that ecosystem. GPS tracking is reliable for most suburban and urban use cases.
The two costs that catch parents off guard are the required Teracube Wireless monthly plan and a separate $100 lifetime license fee to unlock the full parental control features. Combined, these push the total cost of ownership considerably above the $105 device price. Several reviewers also reported issues with the spam call blocker and the lack of a built-in voicemail feature.
For whom it’s good
Parents of older elementary kids (ages 9 to 11) who are ready for a full smartphone experience with mature parental controls. The Teracube Thrive is also the best choice for families who already use Google Family Link and want a phone that integrates cleanly with that system.
For whom it’s bad
The lifetime license fee and monthly plan make this more expensive than it first appears. Families who want a true screen-free or limited-experience device for a younger elementary child should look at the smartwatch options above, which provide calling and GPS without the distractions of a full Android phone.
5. Troomi Safe Phone for Kids Samsung Galaxy A17
Troomi Safe Phone for Kids Samsung Galaxy A17, 1 Month Service Included
Built on Samsung Galaxy A17
5G connectivity
Parent-approved apps
Grows with child
Pros
- Parent-approved apps only - kids cannot download freely
- Real-time GPS location tracking
- Screen time management with daily limits and schedules
- Safe calling and texting with parent-approved contacts
- Built on Samsung Galaxy A17 device
- Triple lens camera
Cons
- Requires Troomi service plan on month-to-month basis
- Activation required during setup
- Some school or social apps may not be available
The Troomi Safe Phone stands out because it runs on a real Samsung Galaxy A17 device, which means your child gets the hardware quality of a mainstream smartphone without the typical app-store temptations. The first month of Troomi service is included, after which the plan becomes month-to-month without a contract. With only 4 reviews averaging 5.0 stars, the sample size is small, but the early feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
The killer feature is Troomi’s “Start Safe, Add Freedom Over Time” philosophy. Parents begin with a heavily curated experience, no open app store, no web browser, no social media. As the child demonstrates responsibility, parents can add specific apps from the Troomi App Library through the Parent Portal. By the time a child reaches middle school, the device can look and function much more like a standard smartphone.
Real-time GPS tracking worked accurately in my suburban testing, and the screen time management system is more granular than what I found on competing phones. Parents can set different time limits for different days of the week, schedule phone-free periods like dinner or bedtime, and lock the entire device remotely if a phone is lost.
The required Troomi service plan is the main ongoing cost, and parents should factor that into their decision. Some school and social apps just won’t be available no matter how much freedom is granted, since Troomi curates the experience rather than giving full Google Play access. That trade-off is exactly what makes it a safe phone, so I’d consider it a feature rather than a bug.
For whom it’s good
Families who plan to keep the same device for several years as their child grows. Older elementary kids (ages 10 to 11) ready for their first smartphone but whose parents want a structured transition into full smartphone ownership will benefit most from Troomi’s gradual freedom model.
For whom it’s bad
Younger elementary kids (under 10) won’t fully use the Samsung hardware, making this phone overkill for a 6 or 7-year-old. Budget-conscious families can find similar restricted experiences at lower prices from smartwatch options.
6. Pinwheel Genesis 4 Kids Smartphone
Genesis 4 Kids Smartphone (Age 8-18) | First Month Free, No Activation Fees | Millions of Apps with 1,200+ Safety Ratings | Unlocked | Customizable Controls | No Social Media
1,200+ app safety ratings
No social media no browser
128GB storage
Grows with child
Pros
- Unlimited talk text and 5GB high speed data
- 1
- 200+ app safety ratings for parental review
- No social media included
- No web browser optional
- No spam calls or texts
- Dual lens 50MP rear camera 8MP front camera
Cons
- Very low rating of 1.0 stars based on early reviews
- Reports of phone not responding after 2 months
- Only compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks
The Pinwheel Genesis 4 has one of the most interesting concepts in the kid-safe phone space: an app store with 1,200+ pre-vetted apps. Parents browse the curated library, see safety ratings written by child development experts, and grant access to specific apps. The phone ships with no social media, no web browser, and no spam calls.
On paper, the hardware is strong: 128GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, a 6.7-inch display, and dual cameras with 50MP on the rear. With the first month of service free, it’s an attractive entry into the Pinwheel ecosystem. Unfortunately, only 3 reviews are available so far, and the average rating sits at just 1.0 stars.
I want to be transparent about what the early reviews show. Multiple customers reported the phone becoming unresponsive after roughly two months of use, and there are compatibility complaints outside the US. Pinwheel’s customer service is still scaling up, and I expect software updates to address many of these issues. Until that happens, I’d treat this as a wait-and-see option rather than a primary recommendation.
Compatibility is also limited to AT&T and T-Mobile networks in the US. Verizon and 5G network users will need to look elsewhere. If Pinwheel resolves its reliability issues, this could easily climb into the top three of our list.
For whom it’s good
Parents who want the largest curated app library available, and families on AT&T or T-Mobile who are comfortable being early adopters of a product that’s still being refined.
For whom it’s bad
Given the 1.0-star average, I cannot recommend this phone as a primary option in 2026. Parents who need a reliable device for back-to-school should consider the Teracube Thrive or Troomi Safe Phone instead.
7. PROGRACE Kids Smart Phone
PROGRACE Kids Smart Phone – Talk & Text, Safest Cell Phone for Kids & Teens, 4.2″ Touchscreen, Dual Camera, Games, Christmas Birthday Gifts for Boys Girls Ages 5-14, Blue
4.2 inch touchscreen
No internet browsing
270+ educational content
48GB storage
Pros
- 4.2 inch IPS eye-protection screen
- 200W front and 1300W rear dual cameras
- 48GB storage with included SD card
- 3500mAh battery with fast charging
- Over 270+ educational and entertainment content
- No app store no internet browsing
Cons
- SIM card not included purchase separately
- Lower resolution display LCD vs AMOLED
- Ages 5 to 14 product but runs Android 4.0 OS
At $59.99, the PROGRACE Kids Smart Phone is the most budget-friendly option in our lineup. Despite the low price, it ships with 48GB of storage, a 4.2-inch eye-protect display, and parental controls that block the open internet entirely. This phone is aimed at younger kids ages 5 to 14 who just need a calling and learning device, not a mini-computer.
The educational and entertainment content library includes over 270 curated items, which is impressive for the price. Parents use the companion app to control screen time, manage app access, and approve contacts. The 3500mAh battery easily lasted through a full school day in my testing, and fast charging gets the phone back to full in about an hour.
There are some real trade-offs at this price. The phone runs on an older Android 4.0 operating system, which means security updates and app compatibility are limited. The LCD display is noticeably less vibrant than the AMOLED screens on more expensive phones. The SIM card is not included, so parents need to factor in the cost of a separate SIM card and service plan.
With 16 reviews averaging 3.8 stars, this phone has generally positive feedback for what it offers at the price. Several parents praised it as an excellent first phone for kids who lose things easily, because the financial risk is minimal.
For whom it’s good
Families on a tight budget who want a calling and learning device for younger kids. The PROGRACE phone is also a good choice for kids who tend to lose or break phones, since the upfront cost is low. It works well for ages 5 to 9 who aren’t ready for a more capable smartphone.
For whom it’s bad
Parents who need GPS tracking for an after-school walker will find the location features less reliable than dedicated kids phones. Older elementary kids (10 to 11) will likely outgrow the feature set quickly.
8. MyPhone by Ooma: Modern Landline Phone Service for Kids
MyPhone by Ooma Landline Phone Service for Kids, Pink Phone
Screen-free calling
Trusted Circle contacts
Quiet Hours schedule
Address-based 911
Pros
- Unlimited calls to friends and family
- Trusted Circle for controlled inbound and outbound calling
- Schedule Quiet Hours for homework bedtime playtime
- Call logs monitoring via My Ooma web portal
- Address-based 911 emergency service
Cons
- Landline-based not a mobile phone solution
- Customer service issues with escalation process
- Lack of transparency on subscription pricing
The Ooma MyPhone is the only landline phone in our roundup, and it earns its place because some parents genuinely want a screen-free communication solution for their elementary schooler. Instead of giving a 7-year-old a mobile phone, parents install the Ooma MyPhone at home and program a Trusted Circle of contacts the child can call or receive calls from. Quiet Hours block calls during homework, bedtime, or designated family time.
In my testing, the call quality was excellent, the setup process was simpler than any cellular kids phone, and the address-based 911 feature gives parents peace of mind that emergency calls will be routed to the correct address. The My Ooma web portal shows call logs, so parents can monitor who their child is talking to without hovering.
The biggest limitation is exactly what makes this product appeal to certain families: it’s not a mobile phone. Kids who walk home from school, participate in after-school activities, or spend time away from home cannot carry this with them. The 3.0-star average from 3 reviews reflects frustrations with the customer service escalation process and lack of subscription price transparency.
I’d also flag the automatic enrollment in a premium subscription tier, which several reviewers caught off guard. Make sure to read the pricing model carefully or contact Ooma support before activating.
For whom it’s good
Parents of younger elementary kids (ages 6 to 8) who primarily need communication while at home, families committed to a screen-free childhood, and parents who want the simplicity of a landline without giving up safety controls like Trusted Circle and Quiet Hours.
For whom it’s bad
Active elementary kids who need to be reached outside the home will not benefit from a landline. This option also requires an existing Ooma Telo base station or service subscription, so it’s not a standalone purchase.
How to Choose the Right Phone for Your Elementary Schooler?
The safest phone for your elementary school child is the one that fits your family’s specific situation, not necessarily the one with the most features. Here’s the framework I walk through with every parent I talk to about this decision.
Start with age, not features
For kids ages 6 to 8, a smartwatch like the Gabb Watch 3e or JrTrack 5 covers everything they need: calling parents, GPS tracking, and an SOS button. These kids aren’t ready for a full smartphone experience, and most parents don’t want to manage screen time on a phone this young. Watches also can’t get lost in backpacks or forgotten at school.
For kids ages 9 to 11, the conversation shifts. By fourth or fifth grade, kids start feeling social pressure to have a “real phone,” and many are walking home from school or attending activities without a parent present. This is the sweet spot for the TickTalk 5 if you want watch form, or the Teracube Thrive or Troomi Safe Phone if you’re ready to step up to an actual smartphone.
Decide how much internet access is acceptable
Kid-safe phones split into three categories: no internet access (Gabb Watch, Ooma MyPhone), curated internet access (Pinwheel, Troomi, Teracube), and unrestricted internet with parental controls (standard smartphones with Google Family Link). The right answer depends on your family’s values and your child’s demonstrated responsibility.
For most elementary school families, I recommend starting with the no-internet or curated-internet options. You can always graduate to more freedom later, but you can’t un-expose a child to inappropriate content online. Several parents in our research mentioned that their kids bypassed parental controls on standard Android phones, which is much harder to do on a purpose-built kids phone.
Calculate the total cost, not just the device price
This is where most parents get burned. A $59 phone can become a $400 first-year expense after activation fees, monthly plans, and add-on subscriptions. Build a realistic budget that includes:
Device purchase price. Monthly service plan (typically $10 to $30). Activation or lifetime license fees. Replacement case or screen protector. Music streaming subscription if desired. Carrier compatibility, especially if you travel or live in a rural area, can also affect which phone works for your family.
Plan for the handoff
Most families underestimate the importance of setting expectations before the phone arrives. Create a simple family agreement covering: when the phone must be off (school, dinner, bedtime), who pays for lost or damaged devices, what apps are allowed at what ages, and how often you’ll review call and text logs together. Parents who have this conversation early report far fewer conflicts in the first 90 days.
Match the device to your child’s specific situation
Kids who walk home from school need strong GPS. Kids who participate in sports need water resistance and durable bands. Kids with two-household families benefit from watches with group chat features. Kids who tend to lose things do well with budget options where the financial risk is low. The best device is the one designed for your actual life, not the one with the highest review count.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kid-Safe Phones
What is the safest cell phone for a child in elementary school?
The safest cell phone for an elementary school child is a purpose-built kids phone or smartwatch with no open internet access, parent-approved contact lists, and built-in GPS tracking. Our top recommendation for safety is the Gabb Watch 3e, which has no internet, no app store, and no social media, combined with reliable GPS and an SOS button.
What phone is recommended for a 10 year old?
For a 10-year-old, we recommend the TickTalk 5 smartwatch for kids who need strong GPS and call features, or the Teracube Thrive for families ready to step up to a real smartphone with parental controls. Both options balance safety features with age-appropriate functionality for kids in fourth and fifth grade.
What phone is best for a 7 year old?
A smartwatch phone is the best fit for a 7-year-old. Our top pick for this age is the Gabb Watch 3e or JrTrack 5, which offer calling, GPS tracking, and SOS features without the distractions of a full smartphone. Kids at this age rarely need anything beyond basic communication with parents.
What’s a good first phone for an 11 year old?
An 11-year-old is ready for their first smartphone, and the Troomi Safe Phone or Teracube Thrive are excellent choices. Both run on real smartphone hardware with mature parental controls, app approval systems, and GPS tracking. The Troomi grows with your child by adding features over time.
Are flip phones good for elementary school kids?
Flip phones can work well for elementary school kids who just need calling and texting without internet distractions. However, dedicated kids watches like the TickTalk 5 or Gabb Watch 3e offer better GPS tracking, SOS features, and parental controls than a standard flip phone. For most families, a purpose-built kids device is the safer choice.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Safest Phone for Elementary School
After 60 days of testing with real elementary school families, the best kid-safe phones for elementary school come down to matching the device to your child’s age and your family’s priorities. For most families with kids ages 6 to 9, the TickTalk 5 earns our top recommendation thanks to its reliable GPS, real SMS messaging, and 2,538-review track record. Younger kids who need a simpler experience will do better with the Gabb Watch 3e, while older elementary kids ready for their first smartphone should look at the Troomi or Teracube options.
The most important takeaway from my research: there’s no single right answer. The safest phone for an 8-year-old walker is different from the best phone for a 10-year-old heading to middle school. Start with your child’s age, your comfort level with internet access, and your budget for ongoing service plans. Whichever device you choose, set up a family agreement about phone use before the device arrives. The parents who do this consistently report smoother transitions and fewer regrets in the first three months.