Our Experience With the myFirst CareBuds Max

If you have kids at home, you will understand this struggle immediately.

“Starri, volume down please.”

Five minutes later.

“STAR-RI… volume down.”

I think half my parenting these days revolves around repeating those three words.

Especially at night.

Somehow children have this magical ability to believe that the whole house also wants to listen to whatever cartoon, game, or song they are currently obsessed with. Public transport also same story lah. One moment quiet, next moment suddenly full blast audio from the tablet or phone while everybody else in the MRT pretends not to notice.

So when we got to try out the myFirst CareBuds Max, I was honestly more relieved than excited.

And surprisingly… they solved more problems than I expected.

First Thing I Noticed? They Actually Thought About Kids

Most adult headphones are basically just shrunk versions for children. But these really feel designed around how kids actually behave.

The biggest thing for me was the dual volume control. There is an 85dB Safe Mode for normal everyday listening, and a 94dB Travel Mode for noisier places like airplanes or crowded environments.

As parents, we all know kids can unknowingly blast audio way too loudly, especially when glued to devices. And honestly, that part worries me more nowadays because headphones and screens are becoming part of daily life so early.

I am not against gadgets lah. My own kids learn plenty from them too.

But balance and safety matter.

The Safety Feature I Actually Appreciate

One feature that stood out to me was the Smart Transparency Safety Mode. Basically, when the child starts moving around, ambient sounds are automatically let in so they can still hear what is happening around them.

This makes a lot of sense especially for walking around, public transport, or outdoor settings.

Because truthfully, children already become very immersed in their devices. The last thing we want is for them to become completely unaware of their surroundings too.

Comfort Matters More Than I Expected

Starri actually wore them much longer than I expected without complaining.

The CareBuds Max comes with interchangeable ear cushions too, including cooling fabric cushions and softer velvet ones.

I did not think much about this initially until I realized Singapore weather plus kids equals sweaty everything.

Small detail, but thoughtful.

The Real Win For Me?

Peace and quiet.

Now when Starri watches her shows beside me at night, I no longer need to hear every single sound effect from her videos while trying to relax.

And on public transport, we no longer get those “everybody can hear your child’s iPad” moments.

Honestly ah, that alone already worth a lot to parents.

Of course, no headphones should become an excuse to let kids stay glued to screens all day. Devices are useful, but moderation still matters. For us, the CareBuds Max simply feels like a safer and more considerate way for children to enjoy their audio when they do use them.

And maybe… just maybe… I can finally retire from my part time job of shouting “volume down” every evening.

And if you are interested to find out more, you can do so here!

The Perfect Middle Ground: Our Experience with the myFirst Fone S4

If you are a parent, you will probably understand this, that tug-of-war between wanting your kid to be independent, but also needing to know that they are safe. For us, that time came when Starri started asking to walk to the bus stop herself and wanted to call us after school “just to talk.” That was when we decided to let her try the myFirst Fone S4.

Starri has been using the watch for a while now, and she loves it. Her favourite thing? The video calls. She would call my wife or me just to wave, show us her snacks, or tell us some random story from school. It gives her that sense of connection and freedom without needing a full-on smartphone.

Of course, we set some rules, like the watch stays turned off during lessons and only comes on during breaks or after school hours. Having this control helps train her to respect boundaries too.

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What Makes the myFirst Fone S4 a Game Changer

The myFirst Fone S4 is like a smart device built with both kids and parents in mind. Here are some things I personally appreciate:

4G LTE Video and Voice Calls

Clear, stable calls that let us stay connected even when she is away from home.

GPS Location Tracking

We can check her location anytime through the app, and even set up safe zones that alert us if she wanders out.

SOS Button

A quick press sends her live location straight to us — something you hope you never need, but it is comforting to have.

School Mode

This is my favourite feature. It mutes everything during school hours so she can focus, but still allows us to reach her in emergencies.

Fitness and Health Tracking

Starri loves checking her steps, and I like that it keeps track of her heart rate and sleep too. It’s a fun and healthy way for her to stay aware of her activity.

Kid-proof Design

It’s water-resistant (IPX8) and sturdy enough to survive playground life. Knowing Starri, that’s saying a lot.

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What We’ve Learned Along the Way

Now here’s my honest take. For kids like Starri, who already have access to tablets and smartphones from an early age, a watch phone like this might not feel as exciting or “cool.” The games and apps on other devices can be more tempting.

But that’s also where I see the real value of myFirst Fone S4, especially if you start your own young ones on this FIRST. It keeps things simple, as a tool for communication and safety, not endless entertainment. With it strapped on her wrist, she is less likely to lose it (unlike a phone that can disappear into any couch cushion), and it gives us better control over who she communicates with.

It may not replace the thrill of a tablet, but it gives young users something far more important, their own independence with boundaries.

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The Perfect Balance

So if you are thinking about your child’s first device, I would confidently say give the myFirst Fone S4 a try. It gives you control and keeps you connected with your child, without the risk of exposing them to social media or endless doom scrolling at a young age.

And for me, that is already a win.