It is true that mobile phones are not deemed ideal for toddlers. But in a busy world, parents have to handle work, household responsibilities and kids’ tantrums all at the same time. This is the case in most households around the world, including the UK. And the only thing to resort to is smart phones to keep these little devils entertained.
You can control the screen time, but also make the time your toddlers spend on the phone productive with the help of apps that have educational value. No, the apps are not boring as it sounds. There are plenty of apps that can keep your toddler entertained, while having age-appropriate content that help them learn something new.
In this blog, we have combined a list of apps available in the UK that are suitable for toddlers. Many of these apps come with animated characters who can become your young one’s new friend. Also most of them come with interactive content and colourful designs – capable enough to keep your toddler entertained, and there you have the time you need to get things done.
1. Elmo Loves 123s
This is a cute app that features Sesame Street character – Elmo and is packed with videos and games. It is capable of keeping your little one entertained through tonnes of activities. Toddlers get to spend their screen time counting, tracing and colouring – having lots of fun, while learning. You can download the app for free from Google Play Store as well as App Store.
2. First Words UK
Improve your toddler’s vocabulary using the First Words UK app. It helps your child learn to talk through words and images associated with them. There is also a fun quiz that helps your little one easily memorize the words. You can change the voices in the app based on what your child likes. With cute animations and learning content, First Words UK app will surely provide an awesome learning experience to your toddler. The app is available for download in Apple App Store.
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3. CBeebies Storytime
When your story vault is empty and you are in search of a new story to your toddler, CBeebies Storytime app is a saviour. The app is packed with different books – some featuring popular characters, while some are well-loved classics. You can read the books for your child or they can attempt to read on their own. The app also contains games and puzzles at different levels of the story that your little one can attempt to continue reading. You can download the app from Google Play Store as well as the App Store.
4. ABC Kids – Tracing & Phonics
his app teaches your little ones to learn to write and pronounce English alphabets. Featuring a series of tracing games, the app teaches your child to learn phonics and alphabets the fun way. They learn to recognize letter shapes, associate them with phonic sounds, and put their alphabet knowledge to use in fun matching exercises. The app has an interesting interface that keeps the toddlers focused on reading their alphabets – keeping the menu commands hidden. Parents can also access the app to view report cards, engage teacher mode or toggle between the games. You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
5. 123 Numbers
You can play together with your toddler using this app. It also teaches your little one basic numbers, counting, tracing and more. The colourful design and games will keep them entertained as they learn. Parents can also customize the app based on their children’s needs. You can download the app from Google Play Store.
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6. CBeebies Playtime Island
It is indeed playtime for your toddler with CBeebies Playtime Island app. It features plenty of free games that can be personalized based on the specific needs of children. The games are not just for entertainment purposes. You little one also learns lessons of bonding, learning, discovery and self-expression through them. The best part? All games are absolutely free. You can download CBeebies Playtime Island app from Google Play Store and App Store.
7. Peppa Pig: Paintbox
Discover your child’s creative side as they paint with Peppa and George in Peppa Pig: Paintbox app. Kids can choose either Peppa or George – the two characters of Peppa Pig cartoon, a favourite among children in the UK and all around the world and then colour a picture or draw one on their own. With rainbows, muddy puddles and lots of fun, the app is sure to keep your toddler engaged.
8. Epic!
Let your toddler read and grow with the Epic! App. Featuring over 35000 children’s books – graphic novels, illustrated books and audio books, the app is perfect for kids. If your little one is still learning to read, there is a “read to me” feature to read it for them. You can also personalize the app based on the age, topics, etc. You can download the app from Google Play Store as well as the App Store.
9. Easy Xylophone
This app will help your toddler explore their interest in music. It allows children to play the instrument virtually, create their own tunes and have lots of fun. The app also has in-app purchases using which you can buy more songs and sounds to entertain your child. Easy Xylophone is available for download in the App Store.
10. Learn & Play by Fisher-Price
This app that comes packed with fun activities and games allows your child to explore and learn. The app features familiar characters who will guide your toddler through the activities they wish to attempt. The app comes with two play modes. Parents can join their child in the Play Together mode and show them how to do an activity or play a game. The other mode – let them play is where the children can explore and learn by themselves. You can download Learn & Play by Fisher-Price app in App Store as well as Google Play Store.
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11. Teach Your Monster to Read
This app teaches your child phonics and encourages them to read through three reading levels. You can pick a monster character for your child and help dress them up. Then start reading and follow the instructions. The app also has many mini games that help your child learn letters and pronunciations and improve their vocabulary. You can download the app from Google Play Store as well as the App Store.
12. Peekaboo Barn
Teach your toddler animal names and sounds using the Peekaboo Barn app. The app comes with many activities that teach the children to recognize dozens of animals. It features narrations – child voice in English languages and adult voice in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, or Swedish languages. You can also record your own narrations in the app. The app is available for download in App Store.
13. Toddler Flashcards
Introduce your child to new words across a variety of topics using flash cards in the Toddler Flashcards app. It features images, sounds, text and professional audio from native speakers. The app also covers the following topics – farm animals, wildlife, fruits, vegetables, food, bathroom, home, clothes, toys, transport, shapes and colors. You can find the app in Google Play Store for download.
14. Kiddopia
Kiddopia app is loaded with over 1000 fun, educational games that can keep little minds engaged for a long time. The bright, colourful designs and sounds will surely grab their attention as they learn their ABCs, numbers, spelling, addition, subtraction and shapes through the app. The app is great for children to learn preschool concepts and life skills. You can download the app from Google Play Store as well as the App Store.
15. Smart Tales – Learning Games
Introduce your child to the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) through Smart Tales – Learning Games app. What makes the app noteworthy is its story-based structure with interactive features that help curb your child’s curious mind. The app features over 50 book-like adventures with interactive challenges and adventures that keep your child entertained as they learn.
There are a plethora of apps suitable for toddlers available online today. Most of them are free and many come with in-app purchases – all loaded with content that help your child to play and learn and make the most out of their screen time.
As much as a restriction in screen time is needed, it is also important for your children to get accustomed to technology in this digital age. So the best you can do is to ensure that the time they spend in front of the screen is utilized in a productive, but entertaining manner. The apps for toddlers in the above list and many more that are available today in the market let you achieve that.