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Best TV for an almost two year old?

29 replies

crumbs76 · 29/01/2022 07:40

I was really hoping to manage no screens at all until two, but I’ve come to realise that it’s just not realistic for me, as I do need a break sometimes and a chance to get things done.

Since my toddler is going to watch some TV, can anyone recommend some good programmes or videos for this age group? If they’re going to have screen time I’d rather it was something educational and beneficial in some way rather than just rubbish. Thanks!

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
BertieBotts · 29/01/2022 09:01

The original Postman Pat, Fireman Sam, Thomas the Tank Engine etc are OK as they are fairly slow paced and charming. They do have some dated aspects like stereotyping of characters, Thomas is quite weird in parts, although TBH small children don't really notice. I'd steer clear of the more modern CGI versions, as they are a bit soulless and they move very fast.

What you tend to find with modern TV is that it is constantly moving and cutting between scenes, zooming in and out. That's because it's more engaging to toddlers, but it actually has almost hypnotic properties which is not good for them.

I actually really like Peppa Pig - it's quirky and there are adult-level jokes in there. Maybe watch it yourself and decide.

I hate paw patrol - it's lazy, fast-paced and stuck in the 80s with its one girl character that is smaller and weaker than all the "real" boy character Hmm

Stay away from youtube in general because a lot of the "episodes" of programmes are just loads of clips mashed together so the narrative never makes any sense, it will also automatically funnel you towards the bad (Blippi, Cocomelon), the worse (random children and adults putting on a nauseating voice "playing with" (opening, looking at, covering in paint) literal mountains of plastic toys), or the fucking weird/creepy - computer generated weirdly terrifying loops of animated items being dunked into different colours or crushed Confused

I'd stick with iPlayer, the CBeebies channel on TV, DVDs, subscription services (netflix, disney) that you control, or downloaded bought programmes that you control.

GrendelsGrandma · 29/01/2022 09:07

Whatever is on cbeebies. Once you go down the road of on demand TV, you get a lot of requests to change the programme halfway through, or requests for 'the episode with the car' etc.

Timeturnerplease · 29/01/2022 15:07

From a teacher’s POV things like Yakka Dee, Numberblocks and Newton Avenue are great for having educational value (all CBeebies). Our reception teacher also assures me that Bing is useful in helping preschoolers navigate social situations. I’m yet to be convinced!

Beware though, your child will make up their own mind. DD1 saw an episode of Paw Patrol at a friend’s house and is now OBSESSED.

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santastolemycat · 29/01/2022 15:32

my two year old loves hey duggee, i secretly do it it has done great jokes for the adults and kit and pup is very educational teaching them about opposites.
He also likes patchwork pals mostly
because of the theme tune.
Avoid bing and peppa pig if you can they are
both brats!!

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