As a parent  I’ve seen firsthand how the Yoto Player and Yoto Mini have transformed daily routines for families. Whether it’s playing Yoto stories during a bedtime routine or tuning into Yoto Daily, the daily podcast, over breakfast, these devices are designed to engage even the youngest listeners. The Yoto Store regularly releases new cards, making it easy to find content that suits your child’s interests and age.

One of the most common questions I hear is, “Is my child too young for a Yoto Player?” The answer is no! With features like sleep sounds for calming nights and the portable Yoto Mini for travel, Yoto adapts to your family’s lifestyle. It’s not just a player; it’s a companion that grows with your toddler.

Yoto Player vs Mini: Is It Suitable for Babies and Toddlers?

While the Yoto Player is officially designed for children aged three and above, it can still be a fantastic tool for babies and toddlers when used with parental supervision. The Yoto cards offer fun, engaging, and educational content that can also be calming, making it a great activity for little ones.

However, younger children might enjoy the action of physically adding and removing the card, which can cause the card content to stop and start repeatedly. This might get a bit annoying, but using an Adventure Jacket can make the device more robust for tiny hands.

When comparing the Yoto Player vs Mini, the Yoto Mini might be a better option for families with babies and toddlers. You can control it directly from your mobile phone, avoiding the hassle of card handling. As your child grows, you can introduce the element of choice and self-direction by giving them physical cards. Every family is different, so choose what works best for you and your little ones.

Our Top Picks for Toddlers and Preschoolers

If you’re looking for the best Yoto cards for toddlers, here’s a quick list of our favorites:

• Musical Yoto card: Casper Babypants – Perfect for little ones who love to sing and dance.
• Sleep Yoto card: Friends Forever with Moshi – A calming choice for bedtime.
• Bedtime story Yoto card: 10 minutes to Bed collection – Short, sweet, and ideal for winding down.
• Interactive Yoto card: Who’s inside your audiobook – Engages toddlers with fun, interactive storytelling.
• Character Yoto card: Peppa and Friends: A friendship story – A hit with fans of Peppa Pig.
• For preschoolers: Percy the Park Keeper Collection – A delightful mix of stories and life lessons.

Don’t forget to explore free Yoto features that are great for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers alike. These cards and features make Yoto a versatile tool for learning, play, and relaxation.

Free Yoto Content Perfect for Toddlers

Yoto offers a variety of free features and content that are ideal for toddlers. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:

1. Sleep Sounds

• Helps your child wind down at bedtime.
• Accessible via the Discover section and Sleep Sounds menu on the Yoto app.
• Choose from calming options like white noise, a fan, vacuum cleaner, or nature sounds such as thunder rain, gentle waves, and grassy fields.
• Completely free and can be played remotely from another room as long as the Yoto player is switched on.

2. Sleep Radio

• A Yoto-run radio station designed for a calm and soothing bedtime routine.
• Combines lullabies, classic music, and sleep sounds.
• Free to stream over wifi or link to a Make Your Own (MYO) Yoto card.

3. Toothbrush Timers

• Makes brushing teeth fun with two minutes of engaging audio.
• Helps toddlers scrub, brush, and rinse while staying entertained.
• Found in the Discover section of the Yoto app and completely free.

4. Soundscapes Lab

• Perfect for imaginative play.
• Includes options like a steam train, pirate ship, and enchanted forest.
• Uses magical sounds, music, and sound effects to set the scene.
• Accessible for free in the Discover section of the Yoto app.

5. Ok to Wake Clock

• Turns the Yoto Player into a nightlight with comforting glows.
• Provides a reassuring light in your child’s bedroom at night.
• Set wake time and sleep time via the settings on the Yoto app.
• Features a symbol that changes from a sun to a moon on the digital clock, helping toddlers understand night and day.

6. Yoto Podcasts

• Includes the Yoto Daily podcast, hosted by Yoto Legend Jake.
• Offers fun games, activities, news, and themes like Fri-yay Jokes, Tongue Twisters, and draw-along sessions.
• A free podcast that toddlers love for its engaging and educational content.

Yoto Player Reviews: Top Picks for Toddlers

Here’s a look at some of the best Yoto cards loved by toddlers and parents alike:

                                              1. LadyBird First Favorite Tales

• A collection of fairytales and folk tales like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Hansel and Gretel.
• Perfect for toddlers who enjoy classic stories.

2. Frog and Toad

• Features short stories about the adventures of Frog and Toad.
• Known for its calming tone and lessons on friendship.

3. Paw Patrol

• Part of the T.V. show cards, these stories let toddlers enjoy their favorite characters without staring at a screen.

4. Daniel Tiger

• Teaches life lessons about kindness and being a good person.
• Uses the same voices from the show, unlike other cards that use a reader.

5. The Tale of Peter Rabbit

• A classic story about Peter, known for its calming narration.
• Also available in a bundle with Beatrix Potter: The Complete Tales.

6. LadyBird Audio Creepy Crawlies

• Shares fun facts about insects like bees, earthworms, and lady bugs.
• Includes sound effects to make learning fun.

7. The Gruffalo

• Written by Julia Donaldson, this story features an eccentric reader.
• Available in a pack with her other popular books for a great deal.

8. My First Bedtime Storybook

• Includes Disney stories that are engaging for toddlers.
• Comes in themed versions like Christmas and Halloween, and can be purchased as a bundle.

• 9. Winnie the Pooh

• A nostalgic favorite for parents and toddlers alike.
• Tells the whole story of Winnie the Pooh.

10. Funny Stories for 3 Year Olds

• Features silly things that happen to kids, making it fun for both toddlers and adults.
• Part of a series with stories for different ages.