Remember the good old “busy box”, that plastic doohickey that straps to the side of a crib or playpen and encourages babies and toddlers to touch and explore the items it presents? Nowadays, there’s an app for that!
Of course, we’re not suggesting you leave a baby or toddler alone with your Kindle Fire, but with a little adult supervision, they’re sure to get a real kick out of these touch-and-play apps that build vocabulary and increase fine motor skills.
Sound Touch HD (4/5 stars, all ages [with adult supervision], currently priced at $4.99)
The worldwide smash hit iPhone app for toddlers – now for Android!
360 SOUNDS & IMAGES OF: ANIMALS, BIRDS, VEHICLES, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS. DESIGNED BY PARENTS – FOR TODDLERS AND YOUNG KIDS. The app has 6 sections, each one has 12 items displayed with cute cartoon images. Touch an image to bring up a real life photo of the item, accompanied by the sound it makes. Each item has 5 sounds & photos. “Sound Touch” can also name the item before its actual sound, in 20 different languages.
Download this precious app for your little one, it will teach them a lot but your child will just think it’s fun!
Animal Sounds Game for Toddlers (4.5/5 stars, all ages [with adult supervision], currently priced at 99 cents)
High quality pictures and animal sounds, super easy interface with child lock mode. Animal names are pronounced by a child. Our full screen game can be used by toddlers and even babies. Tap a screen to see the next picture, use two big buttons to repeat animal names and sounds, or just swipe right, left, down or up and see what happens! Our application is a childproof – your [device] will be put in a lock mode not to let curious fingers to make calls or launch other applications. Animal names are pronounced by a child, so your baby should learn faster and relate to her voice.
Peekaboo Safari Deluxe (4.5/5 stars, all ages [with adult supervision], currently priced at 99 cents and currently comes bundled with a $1 Amazon MP3 Store credit)
Search for hidden animals, numbers and letters in a vibrant african jungle. Touch the screen to peek behind plants and other objects, touch the animals to hear them pronounced in English or Spanish.
Designed for young kids, toddlers and babies.
ClickySticky (4.5/5 stars, all ages [with adult supervision], currently priced at 99 cents)
ClickySticky is an interactive sticker book app for kids. Your kids will have a blast interacting with fun characters while learning about fish, airplanes, and many animals.
Each sticker character can be scaled and dragged onto each imaginary scene. Scenes include ocean, aviation, space, dolls, dinosaur, dress up, winter fun, and safari. Increase motor skills, enjoy beautiful artwork, and have fun.