Best Apps for Kids - Toddlers
/By Kari If you’ve been overwhelmed Apple Store’s Apps for Moms & Dads offerings, you are most likely not alone. There are literally thousands of iPhone and iPad applications for children available, why would you want to purchase them? And which ones are the best…or atleast recommended by one Kids In the Capital Mom?
The iPhone or iPad can save your sanity; it is the ice cream bribe without the mess. It can make long haul flights or car trips a piece of cake, our daughter was a dream during 30 hours of transit to South Africa and I give credit to the iPad. When your favorite restaurant has dropped the ball, and your dinner out is approaching two hours, the iPhone will save you. And when waiting at emergency at CHEO, it can be the distraction your child needs. I’m not advocating the purchase of an iPhone or iPad for your children, merely encouraging you to leverage your iPhone or iPad in your bag of tricks with the download or purchase of a few apps. Best Apps for Toddlers (1 & Up)
- Wheels on the Bus is an interactive representation of the classic song; With the flick, slide, or tap of a finger, you can open the doors, swish the wipers, or cause a bit of mischief on the bus. Price: $.99 and worth every penny.
- Old MacDonald is another interactive representation of a classic song by developers Duck Duck Moose. Cows are abducted, pigs can paint, and the ducks have gone wild. Price: $1.99, but sadly not as good as its predecessor.
- Little Bella’s – I Close My Eyes is a whimsical interactive book about Bella & her imagination. It also comes in a Lite version so you can try a scaled-down version prior to purchasing the full version. Extremely cute and engaging graphics are used to convey Little Bella’s thoughts; my personal favourite is the very hungry monster. He empties the fridge, and then swallows it. Oh yes, my toddler likes it too. Price: $.99 and worth every penny.
- Giraffe’s PreSchool Playground falls in the realm of educational games; it encourages toddlers and preschoolers to identify their numbers, letters, and of course, Giraffe’s Safari Animal friends. Price: $.99 and worth every penny.
- Talking Tom Cat (and other offerings by its developers Outfit7) is the Angry Birds of the toddler world; Tom is your pet cat, he repeats what you say in a silly voice, he purrs when rubbed, and – much to your toddler’s delight – can be knocked out by your repeated taps. Price: Free, I love free. And who couldn’t love this kitty?
What apps does your toddler love? Share with us below.
Kari is the mom of two girls, a 5 year old and a 1 year old. She can be found frequenting free activities throughout the city in hopes it’ll tire them out enough to sleep through the night.
