Fitbit Flex - what's the point?

[MumCodes]

My DH bought me a Fitbit Flex for Christmas. I had a baby 7 weeks ago and want to get back in shape so I was pleased with it.

I've finally had a fiddle with it, downloaded apps, filled in forms and it's a fucking pedometer, and not a very good one.

I've worn it for a couple of hours around the house and it hasn't recorded a single step. According to t'internet it also won't record steps unless I swing my arms (not ideal when you're carrying a baby), and is particularly bad if you're pushing a buggy.

How are they charging so much money for something that used to be given away free with breakfast cereal? Shall I tell my DH that his great present is shit? Can I return it without the packaging and if not - does anyone want to buy a Fitbit? They're amazing.

Sorry, I needed to rant. I suspect sleep deprivation is affecting how upset / cross I am about this.

I really like mine. It's always accurate with my steps. The only thing it isn't great at is recording my sleep, but then I toss and turn a lot so I wasn't surprised by that. Sounds like yours may be faulty, it sounds odd for it to record nothing at all.

I've had a Fitbit for about three years now and they are really good. I had the one to begin with that you clip to a bra and now I have a Fitbit charge. If it hasn't recorded any steps, it sounds like it isn't working properly. The customer service is really good too. I accidentally put mine in the washing machine and they sent me a new one!

I enjoyed my fit bit for three months or so, and then the strap broke. They did replace it for free but the charm had worn off then..

They did say when I was buying it that it wasn't suitable for use by new mums though, because of the arm issue. If your arms aren't moving naturally, it won't track right, so they checked I wasnt going to be holding a baby/buggy and even if I was going to be walking a dog. I wonder if your husband was asked the same questions?

It'll probably be more useful when your baby is older but that's quite a while to wait! The one that attaches to a zip might be better, but I'm not sure they'll exchange if you've opened and used it. Worth a try.

How annoying! People I know with them like them, but most don't have the baby issue.

The Fitbit Zip might be better for you - that's on a clip rather than a wristband. My DM had one for Christmas and says it's great - she's wearing it clipped in the middle of her bra (her last pedometer ended up in the washing machine still attached to her trousers ) and it's recording fine.

I don't know about the packaging though - they probably wouldn't take it back. Your DH could have it and you get the Zip perhaps?

I've been given a fitbit flex (thanks, DH!) for xmas too. Mine is recording every step I take. I know this because I have stood at teh back door, marching up and down on the spot, watching the steps go up on my phone). Am sure the novelty will wear off but for now, I love it.

It sounds like yours is either faulty or not synced properly with your smart phone. I am not very techy but it was easy to get it up and running. Sounds like you've got a dud one, hope you get sorted with a new one soon. Just a thought, are you sure it's charged up?

Love mine. My friend with a toddler has same issue as you though - didn't record steps when she was pushing the buggy.

DH and I are in a competition with friends on the app. It's a great way to measure how active you are.

Hmm, sounds like mine is a dud then. I'll get on to customer services in the morning. Thanks everyone!

I took the chip out my flex and put it in my bra when pushing the buggy, tested it and it was just as accurate!

Does sound like yours is faulty though.

Well if it's not recording at all,it's a dud.

I can't wear mine in my wrist at work and I either put it in my tunic pocket or round my bra strap and it works fine both locations.

If I'm pushing a buggy I take mine off my wrist and attach it at my hip. So either looped through the belt loop of my jeans, or looped through the side of my knickers and tucked inside leggings. Very accurate that way.

Had another play and it's recording steps now. I'll try putting it in my undies () when I'm pushing the tank. Thanks all, might not be a duff Christmas present after all!

Oh yes, DH thinks it'll record my stats when I go for a run. But I'm pretty sure that for it to do that I'd have to take my phone with me too, to press the right button on the app. Sound right?

I put it in my coat pocket when I'm pushing the pram and it works perfectly.

It will record your stats without you needing your phone.

DH and I wear ours at the gym and then sync when we get home to our phones.

I'm a bit of a sceptic about the flex tbh.

I had a fitbit one (which you clip onto your belt - a bit like the zip others have mentioned but with more functionality). I thought it was pretty accurate in terms of distance and steps. Then I lost it and got a flex - and suddenly the amount I walked shot up (by about 25%!).

Much though I'd like to believe the info that was being recorded I lost faith. I didn't like the look of the flex either, thought it was a bit ugly.

Have stopped using it though occasionally wonder about buying the 'one' again. I currently use the free app you get on an iphone (which I think is more accurate than the flex) but the data you get from it is far less useful or well displayed.

According to Fitbit the app is incompatible with my phone (Android 4.2.2), so in order to update I need to activate the app on my Mac Book. Very annoying! And it isn't on the list of excluded apps either.