Sonicare Kids Toothbrush Reviews

Philips is well-known for their popular line of Sonicare electric toothbrushes. These toothbrushes are rechargeable, and they tend to have advanced features and a long battery life.

In this article, we’ll discuss Philips Sonicare for Kids, a rechargeable electric toothbrush for kids 3 and up. We’ll talk about the features it offers as well as what customers are saying. We’ll also compare Sonicare for Kids to other leading brands.

What is the Philips Sonicare for Kids Toothbrush?

Philips Sonicare for Kids is an interactive children’s electric toothbrush. It’s designed to help your child learn to brush their teeth effectively by providing feedback and allowing you to track their progress.

To do this, it uses both features within the brush itself and a companion app. The Sonicare for Kids app allows kids to brush along with Sparkly, the furry character who appears on the brush packaging and handle.

Key Features

Philips Sonicare for Kids includes the following features:

• A rechargeable battery
• An ergonomic handle designed for kids and adults to hold easily
• KidTimer, which gradually increases to a full two minutes to help kids get used to brushing
• KidPacer, which gives a musical signal every 30 seconds when it’s time to move to the next quadrant
• Replacement brush heads, which can be either Standard or Mini size
• Access to the Sonicare for Kids app via Bluetooth

What are Customers Saying?

We looked at hundreds of verified customer reviews to learn what parents liked and disliked about Philips Sonicare for Kids. Based on these reviews and our own research, we’ve compiled a list of pros and cons.

Pros 

Key advantages to Sonicare for Kids include:

• Effectiveness — Many parents said Sonicare for Kids did a good job motivating and teaching their children to brush well.
• Fun and educational app — The companion app turns tooth brushing into a game and offers rewards to keep kids engaged. Some customers noted their kids enjoyed following along with Sparkly.
• Kid-friendly design — The ergonomic shape, small brush head, and handle stickers made the brushing fun and easy for kids to practice.
• Durability — Parents were happy with how well the brush held up over time. Multiple reviews followed up, saying the brush lasted over 3 years.
• Low noise — A standout advantage for Sonicare for Kids is its low noise level. Customers praised the quiet motor and noted that the musical signals at 30-second intervals were at a comfortable volume.
• Two brush head sizes — Sonicare for Kids offers Mini/Compact and Kids Standard brush heads. Younger kids may benefit most from the Mini brush head, while kids with more adult teeth can switch to the Standard brush head.

Cons

Potential downsides include:

• App issues — Some parents were uncomfortable using an app that gives rewards to keep kids “hooked,” even if it encouraged them to brush. Several customers also had trouble syncing Bluetooth or using the app with certain devices.
• Price — Many customers were unhappy with the cost of replacement brush heads. At $19.95 for two brush heads, each one is about a third of the cost of the original brush handle.
• Quality issues — Some parents ran into issues shortly after buying the brush. Some brushes broke within the first few months and needed a warranty replacement.
• Hygiene — The brush features a gap between the head and the handle. Water getting into this gap can cause mold to build up over time. The brush includes a protective cover, but several parents recommended cleaning the gap regularly to prevent mold growth, and we agree.
• Safety — A few reviewers mentioned that their kids found the vibrations uncomfortable, and some expressed concern that kids without enough dexterity might damage their gums.

How Does Sonicare for Kids Differ From Other Kids’ Electric Toothbrushes?

Sonicare for Kids has some notable competitors, some of which offer similar features, including a coaching app. 

Here’s a quick look at some of the kids’ electric toothbrushes on the market:

Below, we’ll look more directly at how Philips Sonicare for Kids compares to some of its competitors:

Philips Sonicare vs. Oral-B

For the most part, Philips Sonicare for Kids is in a similar price range to Oral-B’s rechargeable electric toothbrush for children. Both brushes feature a built-in timer, replaceable brush heads, and a companion app to keep kids engaged.

One possible advantage of Oral-B is its selection of popular animated characters. However, you’ll pay a premium for some of these characters, with some going well over the roughly $30 price point both brands offer.

We highly recommend Oral-B’s Chameleon toothbrush. It has similar features to the Sonicare brush (plus color-changing bristles) at a lower price of just under $20.

Philips Sonicare vs. Hum by Colgate

Hum by Colgate offers a less expensive brush than Philips Sonicare, with fewer features. The main draw of Hum’s Brush for Kids is its accompanying app, which uses augmented reality to train kids to brush longer.

Unlike Sonicare for Kids, the brush itself doesn’t have a built-in timer, and it isn’t rechargeable. It relies on AAA batteries.

Philips Sonicare vs. Quip

Compared to Sonicare for Kids, Quip Kids offers a brush that’s both less expensive and more minimalist in design. It has a built-in timer, replaceable brush head, and mirror mount to help store the brush upright. Like Sonicare, it’s also pretty quiet.

Quip also offers a coaching app, which is only available with the Smart Kids’ brush. While the regular brush is only around $20, the Smart Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush will cost you $50, making it significantly more expensive than Sonicare.

Philips Sonicare vs. Brusheez

Brusheez is a great alternative for parents and kids who don’t want to deal with complicated features. It’s also less expensive, costing under $20.

The Brusheez kids’ electric toothbrush set comes with a small two-minute hourglass, a protective cover (featuring one of 9 different animals), and a replaceable brush head. It also includes a stand to hold all of these parts. This makes it a great “low-tech” option for parents and kids who don’t want to rely on an app.

What Age is Sonicare for Kids Designed for?

Sonicare for Kids is designed for children ages 3 and up. The handle and brush heads are meant to be easy and comfortable for small children. The handle is also easy for adults to hold, so you can help your child when they need assistance.

In addition, the musical timer and Sonicare for Kids app can help kids get used to brushing for the right amount of time. The app makes brushing into a rewarding game, which can get kids excited about brushing.

Can Adults Use the Sonicare for Kids Toothbrush?

Because Philips Sonicare also offers rechargeable toothbrushes for adults, you may be wondering what makes Sonicare different. 

There are three main differences between Sonicare’s models for kids and adults:

1. Brush head type
2. Handle shape
3. Access to the Philips Sonicare for Kids app

However, none of these features prevent an adult from using the Sonicare for Kids toothbrush.

The Kids Standard brush head is the same size as an adult one, and both are compatible with most Philips Sonicare brushes. If you have a Sonicare One or a brush with a screw-on brush head, however, it won’t be compatible.

The ergonomic handle of the Sonicare for Kids model is also meant to be easy to hold for both children and adults. However, it isn’t clear whether the Sonicare app for adults is compatible with the Sonicare for Kids brush.

Are Electric Toothbrushes Safe and Beneficial for Kids?

Electric toothbrushes are generally safe for kids at least 3 years old. Until then, it’s best to brush their teeth with a manual toothbrush. And even at age 3 and beyond, kids typically aren’t able to brush properly or safely on their own.

Be ready to continue brushing for your child as needed. An electric toothbrush is a great way to help kids learn, but you’ll still have to supervise and assist them to ensure their teeth get cleaned properly.

Pediatric Dentists’ Recommendations

Your pediatric dentist may recommend an electric toothbrush to help motivate your child to learn proper brushing habits. The moving parts and fun designs can help keep kids engaged.

However, there’s no professional guideline requiring an electric toothbrush for kids. Both electric and manual toothbrushes can effectively teach kids good brushing habits.

It’s also possible that your child won’t be comfortable with the sound and vibration of an electric toothbrush. If so, a manual toothbrush may be a better choice.

Tips for Safe Use

To ensure your child’s safety while using an electric toothbrush, do the following:

• Supervise and assist your child — Kids often can’t be trusted to brush independently until around age 8. Until then, you’ll want to monitor your child closely and may need to brush for them.
• Make sure the brush stays clean — Before and after each use, make sure your child’s brush handle and head are clean. Be sure to change out old brush heads at least every 3 to 4 months.
• Keep it fun — Your child will be more likely to learn safe and effective brushing techniques if brushing is a pleasant experience rather than a stressful one.

Tips for Encouraging Kids to Develop Healthy Brushing Habits

The main value of any children’s electric toothbrush is that it helps kids brush regularly and effectively. This sets a foundation for good oral health in adulthood.

Here we’ll look at some ways you can help your child stay motivated to brush, both using Sonicare for Kids’ unique features and in general.

Using App-Related Features

The Philips Sonicare for Kids interactive app centers on Sparkly, an animated furry creature encouraging your child to brush. They can feed and dress their Sparkly, and he gets disappointed if your child misses a day of brushing.

The app also provides a visual counterpart to the musical timer of the brush, allowing your child to see how long they’ve been brushing. In addition, you can use the app to see your child’s brushing progress over time.

These features can help motivate kids to brush and make oral hygiene something they look forward to.

Making Brushing Fun and Engaging

With or without the help of a coaching app, you can motivate your child to brush by:

• Letting them choose a toothbrush — Getting your child involved in picking a toothbrush can allow them to feel more personally invested in their oral hygiene.
• Making it a game — The Sonicare for Kids app is designed to make brushing into a game, but you can do this in other ways. You could try playing music or a video your child enjoys.
• Brushing together — Making brushing a shared activity will set a good example and help you and your child stay on track with oral hygiene.
• Talking to their dentist — Your pediatric dentist may offer additional tips for encouraging your child.

Is Philips Sonicare for Kids the Best Option? 

Philips Sonicare for Kids is a great rechargeable electric toothbrush option for kids. It’s an especially good choice if you want to minimize noise, as multiple reviews have noted how quiet the motor is compared to competing brands.

We’ve reviewed multiple kids’ electric toothbrushes, and Philips Sonicare for Kids got our pick for Best Design. Its low noise level, ergonomic handle, and coaching app are standout features.

However, our top recommendation is the Oral-B Kids brush with color-changing bristles. We reviewed that brush separately here.

Common Customer Questions about Philips Sonicare for Kids

Is Philips Sonicare for Kids waterproof?

For brushing-related purposes, yes. The Sonicare for Kids brush can be safely placed under running water for regular cleaning, and the handle stickers are designed to withstand being held by wet hands. It’s also safe to use the brush while showering.

However, it’s not a good idea to leave the brush submerged in water for any length of time. You should also be careful not to let the charger come into contact with water.

How long will the battery last on a full charge?

You should be able to go about two to three weeks between charges. This assumes that your child uses it to brush for two minutes twice a day.

How can I make this toothbrush last as long as possible?

To ensure the longevity of your child’s toothbrush, you’ll want to:

• Store it properly — You should store your child’s toothbrush upright and in a dry area away from the toilet.
• Keep it clean — Thoroughly clean your child’s toothbrush after every use, including under the brush head. Keep an eye out for any stains or mold.
• Replace the brush head — Brush heads become less effective over time and can collect bacteria. Replace them when the bristles weaken, or at least every 3 to 4 months.
• Don’t overcharge the battery — Philips Sonicare for Kids uses a lithium-ion battery. These batteries can have issues if left charging when already full. Once the brush is fully charged, keep it unplugged.

What makes kids’ electric toothbrushes different from adult ones?

Electric toothbrushes for kids are often similar to those for adults, with a few key differences.

Electric toothbrushes for kids may vibrate more gently or offer a sensitive mode for children’s teeth and gums. Alternatively, they may have a pressure sensor. At a minimum, you can expect a children’s toothbrush to have a smaller brush head and soft bristles.

In addition, these toothbrushes are often made with designs intended to appeal to kids, such as pictures of popular Disney or other characters.

Some kids’ brushes, like Philips Sonicare, also offer Bluetooth connectivity to a coaching app to make brushing fun and let you track your child’s progress.