Buying a tablet for a toddler can feel like stepping into a minefield of decisions. There are so many options out there, and frankly, the last thing any parent wants is to spend their hard-earned money on something that’ll end up gathering dust in a toy box after a week. Here are the things you should be looking for.
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1. Size and Weight Matter More Than You Think
The first consideration should be how the tablet actually feels in those tiny hands. Toddlers don’t have the grip strength or coordination that older children possess, so a hefty device is going to cause nothing but frustration. Look for tablets that weigh under 300 grams, if possible, which is roughly the weight of a paperback book. The screen size is equally important, though not necessarily in the way you might expect. While a larger screen seems like it would be easier to use, anything over 8 inches becomes unwieldy for small children to hold comfortably.
Some manufacturers have caught on to this and created tablets specifically designed for little ones, with chunky bezels and rounded corners that are easier to grip. These design features might look a bit cartoonish to adult eyes, but they serve a genuine purpose.
2. Durability Should Be Your Best Friend
Toddlers are basically tiny destruction machines with an uncanny ability to break things in ways you never imagined possible. That expensive tablet you’re considering. It needs to survive being dropped, thrown, and possibly even used as a makeshift drum at some point.
Look for devices with:
- Reinforced screens and sturdy cases
- Water resistance
- Rubber bumpers
- Tempered glass screens
3. Educational Content and Parental Controls
The whole point of giving a toddler a tablet is presumably to provide some educational value alongside the entertainment. Many devices come pre-loaded with age-appropriate apps and games, which can save parents the headache of researching and downloading suitable content themselves. However, the quality of these pre-installed apps varies dramatically between manufacturers, so it’s worth checking reviews before making a purchase.
If you are a foster carer with an agency like Fosterplus, you will understand the importance of providing children with appropriate learning tools and environments. So, this is something to keep in mind when selecting educational content for any tablet.
4. Battery Life and Charging Considerations
A tablet that dies after an hour of use isn’t going to win any popularity contests with toddlers or their parents. Look for devices that offer at least 6-8 hours of active use on a single charge. This becomes particularly important during long car journeys or when you need the tablet to provide entertainment during those inevitable moments when nothing else will do.
Consider how the tablet charges as well. USB-C is generally more robust than older charging ports, and magnetic charging cables can be a godsend since they’re less likely to break when tiny hands inevitably yank on them.
5. Price vs. Value Assessment
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option available, remember that you often get what you pay for. That said, the most expensive tablet isn’t necessarily the best choice for a toddler either. Strike a balance between features, durability, and cost, keeping in mind that this device will likely need replacing sooner rather than later as your child grows and their needs change.
Finding the right tablet takes a bit of research, but getting it right means happier toddlers, less stress for parents, and hopefully a device that actually lasts more than a few months.
