Screen-Free Fun for Curious Kids
Why the Yoto Player is Changing our Playtime
*This post has been sponsored by Yoto. The lovely team at Yoto got in touch after seeing my (paid for) Yoto Player on my socials. I am excited to share why I genuinely love it!
Screen time is a BIG topic, not just for kids, but also adults. We all parent in ways that work for us, but I have to admit I am very mindful of screens. The kids watch TV in the living room, and have an Amazon Fire for long travel but we don't have tablets at home, they aren't allowed to use mobile phones, no screens when we go to restaurants etc (we have a 'restaurant' bag which is sticker books and pens/colouring in) and no You Tube. Might not be everyones parenting style but I want them away from screens for as long as possible.
One thing that is a big hit in our house, as well as music and the odd karaoke session, is the Yoto Player.
There is something very nostalgic about it - it’s like today’s version of the Cassette player. Modern, but it’s shape and look feels reminiscent of devices from the 90s. If you haven't heard of a Yoto Player, it’s an audio device designed specifically for kids and it's a game changer for families looking to cut down on screen time without sacrificing entertainment or learning.
My kids have been listening to stories, music, educational content, and even mindfulness exercises (my oldest does mindfulness in year one and seems to be quite obsessed by it) all controlled by inserting physical cards (which you can store in a folder like you would football/Pokemon cards). It encourages independent play, sparks imagination, and gives the kids a sense of ownership over their listening choices. I’ll caveat that with there is usually some arguing over whose turn it is...
There are no ads or open internet access, just a few buttons to control it so it’s super simple to use, and works for all my kids, who are ages 2 to 6. We love taking it away and using it on car journeys. My littlest Nico carries it around the house with him like a musical handbag!
Other features we’ve been using are:
The nightlight which the kids have been playing around with to match their surroundings.
The OK-to-Wake display which allows you to set a time and the pixel display will change from a moon (night mode) to a sun (day mode) so they know when to wake up. (apart from when my 2 year old decides to get the vacuum out at 5am).
Sleep sounds which have been great for nap time.
Toothbrush timer, making that part of the routine more bearable (why do kids never want to brush their teeth?!)
There is even the ability to make your own playlists and load onto blank Make Your Own cards, or record your own voice as a track - I am thinking of recording “Dinner’s ready!” and playing it on the device through the parental app when they are all upstairs.
We’ve been really keen to get the kids learning Spanish, Yoto is perfect for this, they can learn through songs, speaking & rhymes. They’ve been enjoying this one a lot.
Here’s a list of some of my kids favourites:
Not only have they got classic stories that I also grew up on, there are podcasts, the Yoto Originals BrainBot series for educational listening, phonics, soundtracks for singalongs and you can record your own stories - a very special touch. I have asked all the grandparents to record bedtime stories for the kids too :)
With so many features it always feels new and exciting. We have a big trip planned this summer with plenty of driving so I will buy a new card as a treat for them on the journey.
I encourage you to check the Yoto Player out, it really has been a game changer in our house.