Apple iPad for My Toddler

Hello I'm after a apple ipad to buy for my toddler who always uses my phone to play games and watch YouTube

These will be the main reasons to buying a iPad unless there is a cheaper device

Can anyone help me with this
I have no idea where to look or what's best for my toddler

Comments

  • +264

    Your toddler doesn't need an iPad lol

    • +7

      This is better than an iPad!

      Check out how much fun this toddler is having!!!

      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4p-AIM92iLs

    • +8

      Correct.

      Every toddler needs an iPad and a Credit Card.
      Anything less and i'll report you to DOCS.

    • LoL check the date.

  • +144

    Your toddler doesn't need an iPad lol

    • +2

      Your toddler should get an iPod touch.

      lol

  • +135

    Your toddler doesn't need an iPad lol

  • +46

    Your toddler needs an iPad lol

    • +7

      If your toddler doesn't get the latest iPad, he will be ridiculed by all the other kids in the jungle gym.
      Then his self-worth will diminish, and he won't be successful at life.
      Can you really afford to NOT get him the latest iPad??

      Here's some wild footage:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ_lC5jX2to&spfreload=10

    • +2

      how old is your toddler?

      • +45

        23

        • Thats not a toddler… Thats a man child… Significantly sulking worst than a todler.

          • @xoom: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    • +37

      Using electronics to babysit your children is extremely dangerous.

      • -4

        Why?

        • +4

          they could use it as a weapon to attack other kids

        • +1

          @mcp2kpro:
          excactly! toddlers lack empathy to curb the seriousness of their cyber crimes.

        • @Radar: if your 2 year old isnt pranking/trolling the fbi and nsa they are so way behind.

    • +3

      My boss' wife uses an ipad mini to show educational videos on youtube to her son. Hes like 2 and knows how to skip ads and close pop-ups. I hope you have some parental setups in mind and use it as a tool rather than a pure distraction.

    • -1

      Your toddler doesn't need an iPad lol

  • +60

    Seriously, just go get the cheapest android tablet out there. Why does he need an ipad?

    "Unless there is a cheaper device" … Anything other than apple …

    • +5

      Finally the first realistic comment.

    • +7

      "Unless there is a cheaper device" … Anything other than apple …

      Should hand back their OzBargain badge if anyone has to be told that lol

      I'm tempted to call post troll …

      • +1

        Not sure why you got downvoted, I actually thought it was a troll at first from the thread title.

        That said, I actually do believe a touch screen device is fantastic for small children and even recommend it.

      • thought the same thing as soon as I read the post. was reading the comments coz i was interested to see if anyone called it. :)

  • +2

    We went with a windows one that works really well. This one looks great and lasts a really long time.

  • +13
    • Don't leave kids unsupervised with tech is obvious and shouldn't require explaining any more than it should require explaining that you shouldn't leave them unsupervised with sharp scissors, kitchen knives and matches. Also that kids aren't going to be careful with or understand how to get the most high priced tech should be common sense. So something cheaper than an iPad as a first device.

      But some of these doctors are flat out Luddites. Plenty of rotten and damaging advice has been doled out by highly qualified experts. Common sense and not getting lazy as a parent is the key.

      On the opposite end of the spectrum you have schools running "bring your own device" programs for children as young as 5 or 6.

  • +5
    • That's horrible. If someone gave me parenting advice realistically I'd just move on to the next store (never to return) and curse under my breath for the next few hours. But what i'd feel like doing is smacking that guy "upside the head" with one of the other tablets. (Don't get me wrong, I'd never actually do it, and I'd never condone anyone else doing it).

  • +55

    Your toddler doesn't need an iPad lol

    • +2

      The iPad needs your toddler lol

      • +1

        ahh, the ol' reddit ozbargain switcharoo

        • +2

          Hold my toddler, I'm going in!

  • +5

    What ever tablet you decide, you need a super-strong case.

    Also consider an Etcher Sketcher. My young kids loved these more than an Ipad.

  • +5

    get a leapfrog tablet

    • +1

      We got a leappad a few years ago - really robust against drops (we bought the protective case/skin too), but the games are really expensive (around $40 each).

      • When last I commented on this thread I was much more of a fan of LeapFrog. Leap readers were better, despite the limited memory and restrictive licensing. Pens with actual physical books and games.

        Now I wouldn't recommend the Leap Pad. It may be sturdy but it's also very limited and LeapFrog's products just aren't what they once were.

    • +1

      I'll keep this in mind for future reference thank you :)

      • +1

        but your toddler would have driven you insane by then :) do not wait, get it now !!!!

        • +2

          I've used up all my negative votes juventino, so I guess you'll just have to be happy with a comment of disapproval instead.

        • +1

          @UFO:
          I attempted reverse psychology with the comment. maybe i failed that or you just didn't realize it :)

        • @juventino:

          A little from both columns seems fair in this instance :).

    • Geez who is buying ipod touches for that price?

  • +51

    I let my kids watch a bit of tv and play with my phone or ipad a bit when they were little, but only for short periods.
    It was a bit of a coming of age thing when they were 7 or 8yro and had saved pocket money long enough to get their own ipods.

    Consider that if you get a child a screen they will increasingly do nothing at all except go on it. And if you buy it for them you will deprive them of learning how to save up for things like that first screen. I appreciate it is easy to give a kid a screen to occupy them for a period, but I don't think it is a good idea to over do it, and if they have their own it becomes harder to control.

    • +5

      Wow an actual parent commenting!

    • +1

      My kids get "daddy dollars". It's a spreadsheet I keep and they earn $10 for every hour they spend with me on advanced (non-schoolwork) concepts and I also reward good grades and doing well and/or making a good effort at ICAS/Naplan. By advanced concepts I mean fundamental ideas in Trig and Calculus for the 11 year old, and basic algebra and graphs for the 9 year old. No they're not going to pass any exams like trained monkeys because I don't drill them or make them practice. I'm just getting them to the point where they understand the fundamentals ideas (which often don't get taught well). Math and Science are the mainstays but also History, Geography, Engineering….anything where I can expose them to advanced ideas. At the end of the day he's still Fortnite obsessed, still goes to Cub Scouts, still does Little Athletics.

      I just wiped them out buying them decent gaming PCs (not from Techfast but similar to some of the deals that have come up from there, spec'd up). I'm hoping the PCs last at least till years 11 and 12. They were about 1/8th funded by "daddy dollars".

      You don't have to be a Luddite to be a good parent. My son who's 11 just scored in the top 2% of the state for his age group in digital media and that's despite terribly messing up the section on email because he just doesn't have access to email yet to practice the concepts.

      If you think I'm boasting, well maybe a little. But they're not MY achievements, I have made plenty of mistakes and my kids do need to work on resilience. For example trying to "bribe" my son to earn daddy dollars reading Carl Sagan's "The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark" was a step too far. I'd forgotten how fond Sagan was of flowery language and it's a hard slog for a then 9 year old having to look up every 3rd word. So we abandoned that one after some tears and worked on something else. However thanks to Youtube and other sources, plus my own efforts, I can confidently say my kid understands what Calculus is for and how it works far better than I ever did in highschool. He's even occasionally has flashes of deep thought. Like when I first showed him some stuff on chaos theory and the Mandelbrot Set and tried to blow his mind with the fact that you could zoom in infinitely and it wouldn't exactly repeat, he countered with an insightful "Why should it repeat?"

      They're children. They're not idiots. You do need to supervise, make sure they don't have to handle responsibility they're not ready for, make sure they're learning etc. And from some things you do have to shield them. But it should be about making the most out of the tech that surrounds us, not hiding them away from it.

  • +4

    Your toddler doesn't need an iPad lol

    Get an ipad 2. Good size, bit heavy so the toddler does not get too comfortable for too long. Refurb, new, or second is up to your budget.
    Please install youtube kids app, there is plenty of rubbish in youtube.

  • +28

    "Toddlers and iPads" is detailed in Chapter three of 'How to make a Zombie'. We never let our kids have any portable tech so while they are now happy and healthy and can hold a real-live conversation with other similarly skilled humans I have to wonder if I am not a failure in some respect? braaaiiinnssss

  • +26

    Your toddler doesn't need an Ipad.

    Tell him/her to climb a tree.

    • +2

      Less chance of injury with an ipad

      • +18

        Depends on whether you're talking physical or mental.

    • +10

      Did you just assume Xer gender?

      I'll have you know that I sexually Identify as an Attack Helicopter. Ever since I was a boy I dreamed of soaring over the oilfields dropping hot sticky loads on disgusting foreigners. People say to me that a person being a helicopter is Impossible and I’m (profanity) retarded but I don’t care, I’m beautiful. I’m having a plastic surgeon install rotary blades, 30 mm cannons and AMG-114 Hellfire missiles on my body. From now on I want you guys to call me “Apache” and respect my right to kill from above and kill needlessly. If you can’t accept me you’re a heliphobe and need to check your vehicle privilege. Thank you for being so understanding.

      I do not appreciate your heteronormativity.

      • +1

        I, for one, welcome our Attack Helicopter overlords.

        Like to remind them, that as a trusted internet celebrity I, I can be helpful in rounding of others, to toil in their diesel-laden airbases.

      • I thought they only come with 20mm m61 vulcans…..not 30mm GAU-8 Avengers….

  • +25

    I have no idea where to look or what's best for my toddler

    Yeah, Your toddler doesn't need an Ipad.

    • +7

      lol

  • +20

    Any/too much screen time has been researched and proven to have a negative impact on children's mental and physical development long term…especially for kids under 3 as this is the most critical time they a learning a ridiculous amount of things everyday. There's a lot of info online about it, but in short most TV and apps are all one way communication and this is what is bad for them. Plus usually they just sit in an awkward stationary position for long periods so this doesn't help either.

    Sure, you might benefit from a few hours a day of sanity now, but long term it will most likely be detrimental to their development, basically they could be a step behind when learning at school and that just snowballs as they get older.

    I'm not saying this to make you feel bad, it's just that it is unfortunately not common knowledge (I personally did not think it was such a big deal until I went to a seminar about it) and as per example below, I (and most parents) would give in on occasion, but please do not just buy your toddler one and let them use it 24/7. The recommendation is zero screen time for kids under 2, so only use it sparingly where possible and try for interactive educational apps if you must.

    As an example, I had to WFH last week when my 16 month old had HFMD. She deadset learnt how to say TV and ipad by the end of it because I had to concentrate on getting some work done. She learnt how to turn the TV on (so I had to unplug it at the wall) and almost got to the tantrum stage at times when we didn't let her watch.

    My wife was not happy at all, but not much I could do…had work deadlines I had to meet.

    • +16

      Thank you for your advice
      I try to minimize the time he spends on my phone and I personally hate it when he does spend more then 30 mins on it because he is like a zombie

      But unfortunately he has no brothers or sister and at times I need to get chores done and it doesn't help when his up my back consistently

      After reading your comment maybe I will re think buy him one for now

      I have read that toddler under the age of 3 is the most important time for brain development hence why I have him in day care 3 days a week so he can get those skills

      Thank you :)

      • +12

        Buy him educational books. Cheap and very effective. Or play some music.

        For many years, parents educate and take care of their kids without iPads and they did fine (probably you were brought up without an iPad too). You'll survive without an iPad. Don't let them play with your phone. Put it in your pocket.

        If they throw tantrum, let them be. They'll stop in a few minutes.

        • Good advice here. Books might not cut it as they usually need parent involvement which stop you from doing chores, but music is great. Both my kids dance and run around happily, together or on their own, for a good 30mins before getting bored. I play it quite loud and they love it. Whatever you feel like listening to, I don't believe in "kids music" or the like, they won't care as long as there is a beat and it's easy enough for them to adapt to (classical might not work…). My usual go-to is a couple of select metal albums (without profanities) and the kids actually ask to listen to them all the time. They love it and I get my chores done while listening to my favourite music!

      • +14

        Make more kids

      • +1

        Do your chores when he is asleep or whilst he is at daycare. Try engaging your child in different activities; puzzles, colouring in, drawing, heck go to Bunnings and get some empty boxes for him to climb in. Screen time can be educational however using it as a babysitter isn't a good reason to buy a tablet.

      • I remember a few years ago I did a course (ex primary school teacher) where the statistics were that years ago 1 in 6 children had trouble with eye tracking (a skill needed to read along lines of print). Now with children using mobile phones, the statistic is 1 in 3. A very sad situation.

        • Would you mind letting me know what course this was? I am an Orthoptist and the amount of kids being sent off to expensive therapy for "eye tracking" is concerning, especially when they finally come to see the specialist to find they don't have any tracking problems at all. I have not seen one kid with tracking problems… All language based issues

        • @kawinuyo: 'Perceptual Motor Program' or abbreviated to 'PMP'. Used by children in first year of school. One of the stations used to improve eye tracking was having the children lie on the floor and a stocking with a ball or another weight inside it suspended over them and an adult sets the ball swinging side to side and the children have to track it with their eyes. A short sharp activity which a teacher was to do daily in small groups.

        • @Buzymum20: thanks!

      • +2

        Tablet time is not necessarily a bad thing - I think it's great.

        In this day and age your children will go up and be surrounded by loads more technology than we may ever get to see. Early introduction to technology will make them more comfortable with it and more savvy in the future as well as peak their interests in that direction. It can also save clutter in the house for less (but probably still plenty) of toys and things you need to buy. There are so many educational games available and you can lock down access for children if you are worried.

        To be honest I would just give the child an old phone on the wifi (or get one of the cheap <100 tablets, you can also look getting devices skinned which works pretty well for kids). If its bigger they cant pick it up to take around and lose it at least, but will need better protection than an old phone.

        My niece could use smart devices better than her mother at 2.5yo but is still a social delight. As long as you take the time of day otherwise to properly teach your child the social aspects of life I wouldn't think it would be detrimental. I have no proof but I've always put that down to nature and environment - either the child is anti-social by nature and find it easier to spend time with technology, or the environment around families who opt to raise their children with technology removes the teachings of social formalities.

        I also feel like that study has more to do with TV watching kids who just veg out in front of the screen. I can understand if that is the case but a tablet encourages interaction which will keep your child thinking if you have the right apps installed.

  • +21

    Looks like you need to spend less time with your phone and more time with your toddler.
    This will fix both the problems 1)Toddler using your phone for games 2)Buy ipad for toddler

    Now a days parent spend more time on phone (whatsapp, facebook, instagram and what not),tv, computer and less time with kids. I think we need to change this habit. Phone is not everything, there is life beyond phone..

    • +5

      Couldn't agree more. Not directed at OP but I've seen so many parents barely spending time with kids, they don't even know them. Then they go expecting child care and school to be the sole educator in their lives. It's like kids are just the next thing to do even if you don't want them or understand how much is involved in having them.

  • -6

    I hate it when parents are judged, if an iPad gives you a bit of you time or some sanity, go for it.
    I personally wouldn't buy an iPad due to costs and age of your child.
    Maybe a cheap Lenovo android tablet >$150
    Set limits with tablet times, rewards etc.
    Good luck

    • +4

      I'm not judging, but educating. I actually wouldn't have said anything if it wasn't for the last 5 words of the post.

  • +28

    Just get them the same iPad you had as a kid?

    • I like your picture…
      But there can only be one.
      Guys! He is an impostor!

  • +55

    Thank you for all your comments and advice

    I am doing puzzles wit him now as we speak :)

    Maybe I'll hold off on the apple iPad for now

    • -3

      iPads are good to distract your toddler for a short period of time and they tend to last longer (battery wise) than the android equivalent.

      As you are probably only playing videos or children's games on it then you should consider getting a second hand one or buy it off a friend who is upgrading.

      Just make sure you get a serious case!

      http://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/ipad/ipad-cases-for-kids-k…

      • Thank you for that info :)

  • A Leap pad or a etcha sketcher for kids

  • +4

    Don't let people guilt you. Tablets are like any other toy, you need to work out what how you want to interact with the child with it. You can use it as a book, for games, there are plenty of education software out there. Look at the Apple website and see what is available before making any choices. It doesn't need to be passive.

    • +3

      Our toddler repeats a lot of the vocabulary from the kids shows that he watches on the iPad. He's getting better at singing along to the kids songs. He plays some children games on there. You just need to control the content and supervise while he's on it.

  • -4

    i called DOCS

  • +10

    Your toddler does not need an ipad, lol.

  • +2

    This is not the i-pad your looking for…
    Try some i-crayons, or i-etch a scetch
    Kids just want to do what your doing and learn
    Try putting down the phone and raise your child.
    Edit. Sorry, Trying not to judge but I see this with TV as well, sit them in front of the babysitter/idiot box and wonder why they have heaps of energy to run,shout,ask too many questions
    Next Q. I can't cope, what ADD meds should I dope it with

    • +5

      For someone not trying to judge, you are doing a pretty good job at it; what sort of comment is "Try putting down the phone and raise your child". The tablet does not need to be passive, there are a lot of educational games to keep the youngters challenged and the OP can interact with the child using the tablet as a tool. There are drawing packages, there are puzzles, there is even a simulated etch a sketch app. Instead of having a heap of plastic rubbish toys this is one versatile one that can keep growing as the child develops.

      • +3

        So you think screens are good for developing eyesight?
        There a bit more at stake here then an adults feelings..
        But don't let that get in the way of justifying your want of convenience

        • It's not just screens though I thought, so that could include books? Anything at the same distance is not good for the eye muscles.

          I think the main things are the quality of the content and the length of time on the device.

        • @John Kimble: try taking it away once they're hooked
          Ps I think these discussions are great (mum seems to have a pretty thick skin) but mostly just unqualified opinion
          She needs to do some research and have some doctors opinions, look up some university studies and combine that with common sense to give Bub the best shot at life
          It's just jesters and jokers here
          And the 'i take myself much too seriously one's ' all feeding their own egos, by trying to show how smarter we is

        • Please cite the cases that show that screens are bad for developing eyesight - particularly over short periods of time. The pad can also be used for talking book scenarios so it doesn't need to be even looking at the screen. Kids need a range of stimulations when they are developing; both physically and mentally. As I indicated, the OP should work out what you want to do with the child and then look at the app store. In relation to "taking things away", then that is a matter of working with the child on setting its expectations. If the tablet is being used properly then it will be anything but a "convenience"; it will be something that the parent/child use together as a learning tool. I hope you don't hurt yourself when you fall off that high horse of yours.

  • +3

    Get a second hand 32Gb iPad 3rd gen (New iPad) with retina display off eBay / Gumtree. These can be found cheaply, still hold a decent charge, plays most things well, has a decent screen and will have enough storage for games and some videos. Invest in a decent rubberised case and screen protector though! Put it in flight mode between plays as the latest iOS will drain your battery on standby. Doing this means I only need to charge my kids'iPads every couple of weeks.

    Do limit your kid's screen time (all screens not just the iPad) as it isn't great for their development. The iPad has a "stop playing" timer which will lock the device when it runs out. Don't do what some parents do and let the battery be the timer!

  • +17

    Your iPad doesn't need a toddler lol

  • -5

    Get a puppy for him…

  • +2

    See if you can grab a shitton of lego off gumtree.

    Don't get megablocks.

    • +1

      why not megablocks?

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