Here’s a list of the best iPhone apps for a toddler.
Toddler vs. Pre-schooler
For the sake of this list, preschoolers are defined as those wee ones starting to count and say their ABCs. Toddlers are just mastering the basic motor skills that allow them to touch specific (large) items on a screen.
Not all app developers are hip to this difference, though, which means the app store is a little less than helpful for parents of toddlers.
Educational vs. Engaging
While it may be tempting to load apps onto your iPhone that are geared toward learning ABCs and 123s, just know that they will probably make your toddler mad and will possibly get your phone thrown to the floor. That is an entirely different parenting post, though.
This list is for toddlers 9 months old to 2 ½ years old and consists of apps that are engaging, entertaining and fun for this age group.
Note: Most of these apps are not free, but most of the paid apps do have a free “lite” version.
1. SoundTouch $2.99
With over 360 sounds and images, SoundTouch is easily our daughter’s favorite app. Little ones simply touch an image to hear the correlating sounds. Each illustration has multiple photos and sounds, so for example, you don’t hear the same pig oink over and over again.
2. I Hear Ewe FREE
For a simple and free alternative to SoundTouch, it doesn’t get better than I Hear Ewe with it’s 24 different animal sounds and 12 different vehicle sounds.
3. Peekaboo Barn
Peekaboo Barn will entertain your toddler well into the pre-school years. Toddlers love the simplicity of tapping the barn doors to see the animals. Pre-schoolers will love learning the names of the animals in English and Spanish.
4. Toddler JukeBox
This app has no animation and is not a game. It is simply 12 of the most wonderful, timeless children’s songs. Your toddler taps the image to hear the song, and then dances his or her hiney off.
5. Wheels on the Bus $0.99
Since this is my daughter’s favorite song (“Happy and You Know It” is a close second) this app was an obvious choice. The beautiful graphics, fun music and interactivity make this one of the “go to” apps for toddlers.
6. Bubbles $1.99
A ll toddlers love bubbles. This app lets you take bubbles everywhere without the mess. Simply touch the bubbles to hear and see them popping.
7. Bubble Wrap $0.99
This app makes me wish I was a developer and could think on such a simple level. It’s literally bubble wrap on your screen. That’s it. Nothing more. It’s delightful for toddlers and kind of fun for adults, too.
