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Original poster

Tablet recommendations for nearly 3 year old

116 replies

snoringnights · 03/06/2026 17:54

Looking for recommendations of a tablet/ipad style for my nearly 3 year old? Going on holiday soon, first time on aeroplane and looking for something to help keep him entertained on the plane. ideally something I can download Netflix etc onto for films?

thanks

OP posts:
Motherofacertainage · 03/06/2026 18:20

Agree with PP. not being “holier than thou” but responding to all the latest research that suggests we keep kids away from tablets and phones for as long as we can!

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 03/06/2026 18:20

Concur with Amazon kids tablets.

PlantsAndSpaniels · 03/06/2026 18:17

MidnightPatrol · 03/06/2026 18:12

A phone is far worse as they then know that’s an option - vs a ‘travel tablet’ which then disappears when you get home.

Only long haul flights have screens with films.

Show quote history

But if you set a time limit you teach them that they can have it for say 10 minutes then they have to give it back. OP wants a tablet for films, far worse in my eyes to have a tablet they could have for the entire flight vs 10 minutes or so. Also tablet is money that could be spent on Sticker books, colouring books, fidget bits etc.

Also, only ever been on a plane 6 times, all have had screens regardless of time which is why I asked.

somanychristmaslights · 03/06/2026 18:17

My biggest regret is introducing a tablet to my DS. Please delay it for as long as possible!!

Everydayimhuffling · 03/06/2026 18:13

Stickers, colouring, find things style books, dobble, audiobooks downloaded onto your phone (BorrowBox is great if your local library has it) with headphones, finger puppets...

MidnightPatrol · 03/06/2026 18:12

PlantsAndSpaniels · 03/06/2026 18:06

Dont. Use your phone if you must and set time limits. Otherwise have a bag of fidget bits and colouring books, stickers etc to keep them occupied. Ita been a few years since ive been on a plane but dont they have screens with films?

A phone is far worse as they then know that’s an option - vs a ‘travel tablet’ which then disappears when you get home.

Only long haul flights have screens with films.

Quokkafeet · 03/06/2026 18:10

How long's the flight? We did regular long haul with our kids at that age (lived in Australia and came back every year to visit!)
I used to get a few cheap new toys/ crafts they hadnt seen before and then got one out each hour. Also the media package on the plane usually has a library of kids TV shows which helps - take your own kids headphones because the ones the airline provides won't fit them well.

PlantsAndSpaniels · 03/06/2026 18:06

Dont. Use your phone if you must and set time limits. Otherwise have a bag of fidget bits and colouring books, stickers etc to keep them occupied. Ita been a few years since ive been on a plane but dont they have screens with films?

Cookingandfoldingthings · 03/06/2026 18:06

None!

LoveHearts69 · 03/06/2026 18:05

If a long enough flight, the plane likely has tv screens that will show child friendly shows. Dunelm do great mini playdoh sets in a travel case, also mini magnetic tiles are amazing! I usually get out a mix of these, snacks and sticker books before putting their headphones into the plane TVs.

Took an 11 hour flight with a 2 and 4 year old recently and we survived without tablets but did utilise the on board entertainment when the other options and naps had been exhausted.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 03/06/2026 18:04

I think Amazon fire kids tablets are good for that age, and a good case and some headphones

Numbersarefun · 03/06/2026 18:04

Don’t……………
When I took mine at that age, they had small rucksacks with something to do (I.e. colouring, stickers, cars etc) for each hour we were on the plane.

OnceYoureToastYouCanNeverBeBread · 03/06/2026 18:03

Don’t do it. Seriously, no need at that age. once they have one you have a heap of trouble limiting it. Interact with them instead, play cards, colouring, I spy.

MidnightPatrol · 03/06/2026 18:03

I have an Amazon fire kids tablet, which we use for travel.

Ignore the holier-than-thou posts - letting your kids watch a few cartoons on a long day of travel is hardly the crime of the century.

My three year old also liked travel Magnatiles and had a ‘airport’ car and plane set which they loved.

allthegoodusernameshavegone · 03/06/2026 18:00

First post nails it, but if you ignore the advice, please don’t forget to purchase the headphones to go with it.

Never2many · 03/06/2026 17:57

colouring books, No three year old needs a tablet. There are plenty of ways to entertain a three year old without having to resort to screens.