• Connector.

  Slower language development

  Babies and toddlers learn by interacting with those around them. Until the age of about 2 ½, toddlers are unlikely to learn new words simply by staring at a screen — and every hour spent watching is another hour without valuable one-on-one interaction.

• Connector.

  Reduced social engagement

  Everyday experiences with parents, siblings, and caregivers teach toddlers how to socialize. Being glued to a screen blocks opportunities for face-to-face interaction and the development of vital social skills.

• Connector.

  Increased risk of becoming overweight

  Research indicates a strong connection between too much screen time and childhood obesity. Not only do children miss out on physical activity while watching TV or online videos, but it also increases the likelihood of mindless snacking

• Connector.

  Difficulty sleeping

  If you've ever noticed that your child has a tougher time than usual drifting off after a Baby Shark marathon, you're not imagining things. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with melatonin release (a natural sleep-inducing hormone), making it more difficult for toddlers to settle down.

The 12 Best Educational Toys for Toddlers to Help Limit Screen Time

Pros

• Touch activated sound features teach toddlers about everything from size and sequencing to counting and colors.
• Comes with loads of realistic touches, including a light up grill, functioning dashboard, talking cash register, life-like sound effects, and several food and drink pieces.
• Grows with toddlers with 3 adjustable learning stages.
• Decent size, but doesn't take over an entire room.

Cons

• Putting it together can take some elbow grease.
• No volume control.
• Some parents wished it was a little bit bigger.

Pros

• Encourages creativity without limits.
• Comes with a wide variety of tools, including dough cutters, a roller, and a squeeze extruder.
• The overall quality is excellent — sturdy tools and soft, pliable playdough.
• Great value for money.

Cons

• Younger toddlers might eat some (luckily the dough is non-toxic).
• Extruder can be difficult for little hands to squeeze.

Pros

• Large blocks are easy for toddlers to grip.
• Set comes with 80 pieces and a zippered bag for storage.
• Encourages creativity and allows kids to hone vital physical and cognitive skills.
• Vibrant colors are visually appealing and ideal for teaching toddlers about colors.

Cons

• Younger toddlers might need some help from older siblings or parents.
• Bag feels a bit flimsy.

Pros

• Interesting enough for hours and hours (and hours!) of play.
• Features an upper level that creates a rainfall effect.
• Comes with spinners, cups, toys, and other accessories.
• Large and sturdy.

Cons

• Assembly requires an electric screwdriver.
• Little kids might not be able to reach the top level.

Pros

• Refillable water pens means there's no chance of unwanted graffiti ending up on your walls.
• Mat dries and clears after about 10 minutes, allowing toddlers to start all over again.
• Comes with a bunch of drawing and writing accessories.
• Big enough for 2 or 3 kids to play at once.

Cons

• Pens and stamps need to be thoroughly air dried to prevent mildew.
• Smaller pens require frequent refills.
• Parents of younger toddlers might need to remove smaller accessories.

Pros

• Mess-free and reusable.
• Size is ideal for on-the-go use.
• Set comes with 3 pads, each with 4 reusable pages.
• Chunky “pens” are easy to grip.

Cons

• Too much water can cause the pages to warp.
• Enthusiastic artists might press down so hard that the brush tip splits.

Pros

• Features transparent rooftop tubes, a built-in maze, a launcher, and holes for exciting ball play.
• Improves aim, coordination, and motor skills.
• Comes with 20 balls for active play and a boiling pot and pouring pitcher for role-play.
• Accommodates group play.

Cons

• Assembly is easy enough, but a lack of pre drilled holes makes it a hassle.
• A bit of extra “counter space” would be nice.

Pros

• Features an LED scoreboard with fun sound effects that cheer kids on everytime they score a goal or toss a ball into the basket.
• Gears, buttons, and moving parts on the frame add interest and help with fine motor skills.
• Comes with 2 balls for fun straight out of the box.
• Strong and sturdy, but compact and light enough to move from place to place.

Cons

• It's pretty short and older toddlers looking for a challenge might find gameplay too easy.
• Toddlers who are learning to stand can topple the frame when pulling up.

Pros

• Holds enough sand to keep toddlers busy digging, building, and pouring for hours.
• Easily doubles as a water table.
• Raised legs and a waterproof tarp help keep sand clean, dry, and hygienic.
• Assembly is effortless and the table itself is sturdy enough to last for years.

Cons

• Play sand needs to be bought separately.
• We'd like it more if it came with a snap-on cover.
• Determined toddlers might push it over if they really try.

Pros

• Comes with a variety of craft supplies and 6 projects.
• Sparks creativity and imagination while cultivating focus and patience.
• Easy to use and produces very little mess.
• Good value for money.

Cons

• Doesn't come with glue.
• Enthusiastic toddlers can work their way through the 6 projects pretty quickly.

Pros

• Versatile, with multiple ways for kids to play.
• Tunnel encourages physical activity.
• Super easy to set up and fold down.
• Ample room for 2 kids to play together.

Cons

• Tent entrances are low and balls can spill out.
• Rough play can cause the tunnel to separate from the tents.

Pros

• Double-sided easel features a chalkboard on one side and a dry erase board on the other.
• A variety of storage compartments, slots, baskets, and cups makes it easy to keep art supplies organized.
• With a dedicated area for creative projects, toddlers are less likely to paint or draw on inappropriate surfaces.
• Kids won't outgrow this option in a hurry.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Younger toddlers might have a tough time reaching the top of the easel.
• No pre drilled holes makes assembly more difficult than it needs to be.