Non-Invasive Wearables in Pediatric Healthcare: A Comprehensive Review of Uses and Implications

Wearable technology is rapidly evolving, with increasing efforts to integrate a wide range of sensors capable of capturing real-time physiological and behavioral health data from users. These devices have shown significant promise in supporting health monitoring and promoting well-being by providing continuous, objective feedback based on data analytics. Importantly, they enable early detection of potential health issues, allowing for timely intervention and more personalized healthcare. While a wide variety of commercially available wearable devices are designed for adults-tracking metrics such as physical activity, heart rate, body temperature, electrocardiograms (ECG), and oxygen saturation-there remains a notable gap in the availability and development of wearable technologies specifically tailored to the pediatric population. This narrative review paper focuses on non-invasive wearable technologies developed for individuals under the age of 18, with an emphasis on health-related applications. We examine the current landscape of pediatric wearable research, including devices aimed at monitoring developmental progress and chronic health conditions. Particular attention is given to the limited research on wearables for younger children, where physiological and developmental differences pose additional challenges. Furthermore, we explore emerging applications, identify key barriers to adoption, and discuss opportunities for future development, including improvements in design, data privacy, and age-appropriate functionality.