I write for a great online site called GirlGuides and my most recent review was on top apps for toddlers.
I’ve resigned myself to the fact that when I open my iPad, my toddler Max says “My Ayped”, and thinks it’s his. But as any good dinosaur and mom knows, sharing is caring, which is why my and Max’s iPad has about 60 apps just for him. He goes through stages of what he loves the most, but the key factors are sound, cool visuals and something with an action and reaction, i.e. he does something, and another cool thing happens.
With thousands of apps out there for different stages and ages, it’s hard to come up with a definitive guide, but here’s my list of what he’s loving (at the age of two and five months) and what I’m loving because he’s learning and having fun.
If Max could talk, this is probably what he’d list as his faves, and say about them:
1. Toca Tea Party
I can have a tea party, set the table, choose what cakes and drinks to serve, and what music to listen to. I love dragging things to each placemat, mopping up tea, eating cake and sandwiches, and listening to cool music. This gives me lots of pleasure time, and once I learnt how to drag and release items, it was a cinch!
Available from iTunes for 99 US cents.
2. Talking Tom Cat
This was my first app ever, and it’s a classic that never fails to delight. I love hearing Tom talk back to me, and I like hearing him purr when I pat him, and cry out if I pull his tail. He has friends on other apps such as Talking Ben and Talking Rex, and I heart them too.
Available for free on Apple and Android. Add-ons and extra characters cost.
3. Itsy Bitsy Spider, Wheels on the Bus and Old MacDonald (from Duck Duck Moose)
I love learning these great tunes, and spend a lot of time on these. I slide and poke with my finger, and great things happen – people talk, flowers blossom, animals make sounds and sceneries change. There are often upgrades that offer more features.
From $1.99 on Apple.
4. ABC a Go Go
This has been ranked as the number-one educational game in four different countries. But never mind that – I enjoy getting my first taste of my ABCs with these flashcards, that have pictures, plus a voice description of what it is.
Free from Apple.
5. I Hear Ewe
I Hear Ewe was ranked second place as Best Kid Distraction App for 2011 in the Best App Ever Awards, and I love being distracted by it! I press different animals and vehicles, and I hear what noise they make, and then I’m told what has made that noise. Love this a lot.
Free from the Apple iTunes Store.
Mom’s notes: The best way to find cool apps is to ask other moms, or to do some trial and error, especially with the free ones. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t like something that’s been highly rated or recommended – no one size fits all. And don’t forget about the apps that let your child draw, colour in or play music.
