Young children love to copy mum, dad and older siblings; and forbidden objects such as telephones, computers and other electronic equipment are usually fascinating for toddlers.
There are a wide range of electronic educational toys which look like real computers but are designed for young children, in addition, they are very affordable.
A kid's toy computer can be a good prop for a game of make believe in which children imitate the typical activities which they see around the home and on TV. The toys may also contain built-in educational games for the children to enjoy. Toys for pre-school children will be brightly coloured with big knobs and buttons. They should also be sturdy enough to withstand children, to be knocked and dropped.
Toy Computers for Toddlers Aged 1 or 2
Toy computers for the very youngest of children usually do not look much like an adult’s laptop, Baby’s First Laptop being an exception. They are similar to the many battery powered, colourful toys for this age group with pictures, bright colours, big buttons, lights and noises.
The products for this age group are generally around £20 in the UK and $20 in the US, and at these prices their functions are quite limited, some examples are listed.
- Baby’s First Laptop Computer Play set, suitable from birth, looks like a laptop.
- Baby’s Laptop by Vtech, suitable from 9 months.
- Small World Express’s Preschool Laptop, recommended from 18 months.
- Peppa Pig, My First Lap Top, from Inspiration Works, recommended from 2 years of age. It has a variety of educational games which include learning colours, animals and objects.
- At $60 in the US, the Fisher-Price Sesame Street Elmo's Learning Fun Laptop is a more complex toy which is suitable from 18 months. It has a few programmes which help teach numbers, colours, shapes and the letters of the alphabet with music and characters. It is not available in the UK.
Educational Electronic Toy Laptops for Pre-School Kids Aged 3, 4 or 5
Toy Computers for nursery aged kids are more likely to resemble a laptop and have a number of educational games. They are typically priced at around $30 in the US or £30. Images on the screen may be in black and white. A full QUERTY keyboard is common, keys may be in capitals or in small letters, one or other may be unfamiliar depending on how the child is taught in kindergarten. The laptop may even include a mouse.
There are a wide range of models available, with many themed on Disney characters, TV and films.
A range of play computers are marketed by Vtech. They come in various bright colours including pink and Vtech also produces some character laptops such as Dora the Explorer, Winnie the Pooh and Handy Manny. Spanish may be included alongside English.
Another major brand behind many laptops for kids is Oregan Scientific, its laptops for children aged 3+ include some with Barbie, Hot Wheels and Star Wars themes. Prices range from £10 to £40 in the UK, so these are clearly inexpensive toys.
Both Vtech and Oregan Scientific also sell electronic toy computers for older children
A Brief Guide to Buying Toy Electronic Laptops for Children
Electronic learning toy or props for make believe games and toy laptops are readily available. There are many models and manufacturers competing for customers, so these toys are reasonably priced. There can be some truth in the saying "you get what you pay for", as such parents should not expect too much, but these toys should serve their purpose for a year or two. Those on a tight budget should be able to find a child's computer for less than $20 or £20.
When buying a toy computer laptop for children consider colours and themes. There are pink laptops for girls, dual language for bi-lingual children, and character laptops for boys and girls. Laptop characters include: Handy Manny, Winnnie the Pooh, Peppa Pig, Disney, Sesame Street and Star Wars Clone Wars. There are often two similar versions, for example, there is a junior Star Wars laptop for preschool children and a similar model for those a little older.
Laptop toys for pre-school children may be promoted as educational, however, the games should be simple and suitable for the age group, for example, learning number, colours and the names of objects and animals.
Deborah Percy - BSc. MA. Managing Director of a heating & plumbing business. Interest in maths, science & research. Mother of 3, including twins.
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