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7 Educational TV Shows for Toddlers

April 12, 2019

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When I was pregnant, I thought to myself, “self, we are not going to let our precious little sunflower watch ANY TV until she’s at least 2 years old as recommended by most pediatricians!”

And then at 4 months I said to hell with that. I’m obsessed with my shows. So why deprive her of having fun and probably learning new things from TV?

Toddlers need some time to unwind and just watch TV like we do. Scientists are now saying TV under the age of 2 isn’t all that bad.

If you’re going to let your baby watch TV, at least some if it is educational. Here are Toot’s favorite educational TV shows for toddlers.

7 Educational TV Shows for Toddlers | one year olds, two year olds, three year olds, preschoolers, preschool, netflix, hulu, amazon prime, disney junior, elmo, sesame street, daniel tiger's neighborhood, screen time, educational screen time, #toddlers #toddler #educational #tvshows #preschool

{This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.}

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Educational TV Shows for Toddlers

1. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

This is her absolute favorite show and one of the first shows she started watching.

It’s basically a cartoon version of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood because it’s made by the same people. They teach life lessons. feelings, emotions, and how to control them.

He talks to the camera a lot, which is her favorite part. She waves to him and says “Hi, Daniel!”

They sing a lot of songs which really keeps her attention, and they’re very catchy. I tend to get them stuck in my head all day. I’m pretty sure my coworkers hate when I randomly sing “Ride Along!”

We listen to the soundtrack in the car a lot as I talked about in my previous post about things to listen to in the car.

Side note: Daniel Tiger is not only beneficial for her, it’s also helping me to be a better mom by learning from Mom and Dad Tiger and how they deal with situations. So that’s a plus as well.

And there are several Daniel Tiger toys that we just LOVE.

Daniel Tiger was on Netflix but is now only on Amazon Prime and on the PBS Kids app.

Watch Daniel Tiger on Prime Video
Super Why Educational TV Shows for toddlers

2. Super Why!

Super Why actually has nothing to do with asking “why?” like I initially thought. His name is Whyatt. He’s Super Why when he transforms into a Super Reader.

Related:  5 Ways to Build Your Toddler's Self Esteem

It’s all about reading, rhyming, spelling, and the alphabet.

Toot started talking very early. She said her first words at 6 months and at 12 months she could say about 20-30 words and understood a lot more.

I think Super Why aided in helping her learn because they sound out letters and words.

Obviously, this show is meant for preschoolers and kindergarten age, but I think it’s never too early to start learning to read and write.

Super Why is available on Netflix.

Sid the Science Kid Educational TV Shows for Toddlers

3. Sid the Science Kid

Ok, so I actually love this show. I’m glad Toot likes it too because I love science.

There are lots of great songs that my toddler loves to dance to.

They follow Sid throughout his whole day of getting up and ready for school, time at school, after school, dinner, and bedtime. And they show great little science experiments you can do at home.

The show is aimed at preschoolers since Sid is supposed to be four. So the experiments might need to be modified for a toddler if you want to do them.

Sid is available on Netflix and Hulu.

Try Hulu for Free

Teletubbies Educational TV Shows for Toddlers

4. Teletubbies

I know what you’re thinking. Teletubbies is not educational and is absolutely the worst. Well, you’re wrong. Caillou is the worst.

Teletubbies is actually written for toddlers. They only say a few words and phrases, but I’m pretty sure that’s where Toot learned “Whatssat?”

They jump out of the hole and count to four. My mom said that Toot said “three” right before the Teletubbies did. She also said “Dipsy” which is the green one’s name. I know that’s not a practical word, but at least she can add it to her vocabulary.

Related:  How to Encourage Gifted Toddlers

Teletubbies is a show that I can throw on for her to be mesmerized by while I cook dinner. It’s def-con 4 level of TV. I hate watching it because it’s not appealing to adults at all, and my sister grew up watching it so I’m tired of it.

But Toot freaking loves that baby in the sun so whatever will make her giggle and stay happy for 20 minutes while I throw some dinner together is worth it.

Teletubbies is available on YouTube and you can get it on Amazon Prime.

Get Teletubbies on Amazon Prime
Blue's Clues

5. Blue’s Clues

Who didn’t watch Blue’s Clues as a kid? Luckily, it’s still available on Amazon.

Toot started asking for Blue’s Clues at about 9 months. She learned how to say “Blue!” and point to the TV. We ended up watching it all day because I was so impressed that she could request it.

Steve teaches kids how to look and find clues and problem-solving skills.

Added bonus: Steve also teaches sign language!

Watch Blue’s Clues on Prime Video
Doc McStuffins

6. Doc McStuffins

Doc McStuffins is an adorable show about a girl that fixes her stuffies when they get hurt or sick.

I really like that it shows little girls they can grow up to be doctors or veterinarians. And it teaches compassion and empathy.

Toot’s Papa introduced her to the show when she was about 6 or 7 months old. She sat and watched it while she was staying over at their house. I’m glad they did. It’s a nice addition to her list of shows.

We watch Doc McStuffins on Hulu but if you don’t have Hulu you can get it on Amazon.

Try Hulu for Free
Sesame Street

7. Sesame Street

Yes, they’re still making new episodes of Sesame Street! We watch it on Amazon Prime. (Seriously, if you don’t have prime you’re missing out. There are so many benefits you probably don’t even know about.)

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Sesame Street was basically the first educational tv show for toddlers and preschoolers. I watched it as a kid. You probably did too!

Toddlers just love Elmo and all of the other characters. Toot still isn’t very fond of live action tv shows but she does like Sesame Street because of the muppets.

And they’re constantly teaching your toddler about shapes, numbers, and letters. They also talk about feelings and just how to be a good friend. It’s a classic.

There are 5 seasons available on Hulu. They aren’t the newest ones though.

If you want the current season you have to get HBO. We have it through Amazon channels.

Get Sesame Street on HBO + Amazon
Educational TV Shows for Toddlers | Toot's Mom is Tired

Subtitles On Everything!

B and I watch everything with subtitles on. It’s an extra little thing we do to boost our reading skills.

It’s also hard to understand everyone on TV sometimes.

We think it will also help Toot learn to read in the future.

Try turning on your subtitles while your little one watches TV. It can’t hurt!

Our favorite way to watch educational tv shows for toddlers

My favorite thing about my Echo Dot is that I can control my TV with it.

We have a Firestick, and I can say “Alexa, play Sid the Science kid on Hulu” and she will automatically bring it up and start playing it.

It’s really helpful for when I’m bringing in groceries or something. I can just let Toot sit down and tell the tv to play her show.

I don’t have to look for the remote or flip through the apps. It just goes. I love that it integrates with Hulu because we use Hulu for most of our shows.

Get a FireStick

What Are Your Favorite Educational TV Shows for Toddlers?

Let me know in the comments below! We’re always looking for new tv shows for Toot to watch.

You also might like:

  • 10 Educational STEM Toys for Toddlers
  • 15 Best Daniel Tiger Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers
  • How to Get Your Toddler Ready for Preschool
  • Can My Two Year Old Use ABCMouse.com?
  • top 10 best pj masks toys
  • realistic toddler meal ideas
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Toddlers · 22 Comments

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Comments

  1. Julie says

    August 29, 2016 at 11:07 am

    Ok not a fan of some of these not being available on regular TV. Gotta figure out how to use my Amazon prime on my TV so we can do Daniel Tiger show. I loved Mr. Rogers growing up.

    Reply
    • NikiNonsense says

      August 29, 2016 at 11:16 am

      I don’t even have cable anymore. We got rid of it because we were never using it. We live by Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, and HBO Go. And Youtube which is the only thing I see ads on. Living commercial free is the best thing ever! Our TV has apps for all of them. And we can also access the apps on our PS3 and PS4 on the non-smart TVs. See if you can get the Prime app!

      Reply
    • Kira | A Better Life Lived says

      April 30, 2017 at 10:08 am

      You can also get Daniel tiger on YouTube if you’re not in the US for free. If you’re in the US you need to subscribe. You’ll love it!

      Reply
  2. Eryka says

    August 29, 2016 at 11:45 am

    So far my Izzy is only into Elmo and Mickey Mouse. Thank you for sharing more options for toddlers.

    Reply
    • NikiNonsense says

      August 29, 2016 at 11:48 am

      Toot loves Sesame Street too but I figured that one is already everyone’s obvious first thought. I’ve heard the Mickey Mouse Club is good too. My cousin’s daughter loves it. I’ll have to try it with Toot!

      Reply
  3. Casey says

    August 29, 2016 at 5:44 pm

    We love Daniel Tiger! I joke that if it’s not on Daniel Tiger, I don’t know about it because it’s the only TV I get to see 🙂

    Reply
    • NikiNonsense says

      August 30, 2016 at 1:22 pm

      Lol I know! Daniel Tiger was the first show she loved so we watched it all the time. I started adding new shows because I was so tired of Daniel.

      Reply
  4. Savannah says

    August 30, 2016 at 4:34 am

    LOVE Daniel Tiger! I think that quality matters as well. My 17 month old absolutely LOVES watching his shows, and I like being able to get some time to cook. One of our favorites is Barney. I know, I know, he seems to get a bad name, but even I find myself singing the songs-many of which have a lesson behind it! Omg, LOOOOVE the idea of keeping subtitles on everything. I’m totally going to start doing this. Thanks for sharing <3

    Reply
  5. Aimee @ MamaCentric says

    September 1, 2016 at 8:43 pm

    I thought the same thing before I had my babies, but a little in moderation is okay, I think! (Plus, mama needs her sanity!) Love all the choices to you suggested. We love Daniel Tiger!

    Reply
  6. Jasmine Hewitt says

    October 4, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    When we do let our 15month old watch tv, it’s old school sesame street, and always with the closed captioning on!

    Reply
    • Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says

      October 4, 2016 at 9:35 pm

      Captions are the best!

      Reply
  7. Kirsten says

    December 3, 2016 at 11:12 am

    My recently two year old daughter LOVES Sofia the first!

    Reply
    • Kirsten says

      December 3, 2016 at 11:14 am

      Oh I forgot Mickey Mouse Club House too!

      Reply
      • Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says

        December 3, 2016 at 11:40 am

        That’s one of my cousin’s daughter’s favorites!

    • Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says

      December 3, 2016 at 11:40 am

      My BFF’s son loves that one too!

      Reply
  8. Kira | A Better Life Lived says

    April 30, 2017 at 10:07 am

    We LOVE Daniel​ Tiger! In fact, it made me start thinking about Mr Rogers and I couldn’t remember a lot.of the show, so yesterday we YouTube’d an episode and my son actually watched that more than he does Daniel​! We might do that more.
    I’d also suggest Martha Speaks for the list! We love it cause Martha reminds us of one of our dogs, but it’s such a cute show and teaches a widened vocabulary along with how to behave and react properly in situations.

    Reply
  9. Ashley | Spit Up and Sit Ups says

    June 20, 2017 at 7:56 am

    We love Daniel Tiger. Sid the Science Kid creeps me out but my son loves it!

    Reply
    • Niki @ Toot's Mom is Tired says

      June 20, 2017 at 7:59 am

      Yeah the mocap is a little creepy on Sid. Lol

      Reply

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Toot's Mom is Tired

Hi! I’m Niki.

I’m a mom of a kid called Toot. Yes, I’m always tired!

So I’m sharing all of my tips, hacks, and recommendations for other tired moms to make parenting and mom life a little easier.

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