Many parents set limits on screen time for young children, but some prefer to choose fun and educational shows for their little ones. The top shows for babies should go beyond just bright colors and catchy tunes. If you’re on the lookout for TV shows that are suitable for kids under 2, you’re in for a treat with this list of entertaining and educational series for your little munchkins.
Some of the most fantastic shows for babies help teach words and language skills. Shows like Martha Speaks, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan, and Sesame Street use repetition to help expand your baby’s vocabulary. Meanwhile, other shows like Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Handy Manny are not only enjoyable to watch but also gently introduce fascinating facts about various subjects like science and social interaction.
Which TV shows for babies deserve their precious screen time? Share your thoughts on the best shows, give a thumbs down to the ones that aren’t suitable for their age group, and feel free to suggest any other fantastic shows for babies that you think should be included. Let’s make learning and entertainment a blast for our little ones!
1. Sesame Street
Sesame Street is a beloved classic that has been around since 1969. It’s a fantastic choice for families looking for TV shows that can captivate and educate young minds. With its colorful Muppet characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster, the show creates a diverse environment where they interact with the live human cast. This mix of characters encourages play, learning, and social development. It’s a timeless baby show that focuses on teaching communication and emotional competencies, which are crucial during a child’s early years.
Premiered: November 10, 1969
Actors: Fran Brill, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Ryan Dillon
2. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a fantastic show that celebrates Disney’s beloved character, Mickey Mouse. It’s specifically designed for the little ones in your family, making it a perfect choice for family-friendly entertainment. The show features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, and their clubhouse friends, who all come together to introduce early learning concepts to your child.
Through interactive storytelling techniques, the show aims to engage and entertain your little one while also encouraging their curiosity. They will learn about shapes, counting, and problem-solving skills, all in a fun and engaging way. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is a great way to keep your child entertained and help them develop important early learning skills.
Premiered: May 5, 2006
Actors: Wayne Allwine, Russi Taylor, Bill Farmer
3. The Magic School Bus
Get ready for an exciting and educational adventure on The Magic School Bus! It’s based on a super popular book series, and the show takes us on incredible field trips with Ms. Frizzle and her class. They explore mind-blowing scientific ideas that are out of this world. The best part is that the way they learn is so cool and interactive, it’s guaranteed to get young minds buzzing with curiosity and excitement.
Premiered: September 11, 1994
Actors: Lily Tomlin, Danny Tamberelli, Daniel DeSanto
4. The Wonder Pets
The Wonder Pets is an amazing show that brings together three unexpected heroes on a mission to save animals all over the world. With a perfect mix of animated adventures and real-life photographs, it keeps young viewers hooked. Meet Linny, Tuck, and Ming-Ming as they embark on thrilling rescues, using teamwork, creative thinking, and even some catchy tunes to captivate the little ones. This show not only entertains but also teaches babies the importance of compassion and empathy.
Premiered: March 3, 2006
Actors: Sofie Zamchick, Teala Dunn, Danica Lee
5. Dragon Tales
Dragon Tales is an awesome show that takes you on a magical journey to a land full of dragons. You’ll meet Emmy, Max, and their dragon buddies as they tackle all sorts of cool challenges that make you really think. Plus, they’ll teach you important social skills along the way!
This animated series is perfect for babies because it’s so captivating. They’ll be totally mesmerized by the fun and exciting episodes that touch on important themes like friendship, facing your fears, and believing in yourself. And let’s not forget about the catchy songs that will have you singing along in no time.
Premiered: September 6, 1999
Actors: Kathleen Barr, Andrea Libman, Danny McKinnon
6. Team Umizoomi
Team Umizoomi is a captivating series where teamwork and math come together. Milli, Geo, and Bot team up to tackle different missions, and it’s not just a passive watching experience. This show encourages young viewers to actively participate in problem-solving using counting, shapes, and patterns. It’s a baby-friendly program that sparks imaginations and empowers them to develop their math skills from the ground up.
Premiered: January 25, 2010
Actors: Madeleine Rose Yen, Juan Mirt, Donovan Patton
7. WordWorld
WordWorld is a fantastic blend of entertainment and education, creating a visually captivating world that is made entirely of words. It’s a great opportunity for babies to dive into language exploration, thanks to animated characters who bring word objects to life. This one-of-a-kind environment not only fosters early language development but also tackles crucial themes such as spelling, phonics, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Premiered: September 3, 2007
Actors: H.D. Quinn, George Bailey, Daryl Ekroth
8. Handy Manny
Handy Manny is a show that really brings tools and workmanship to life, and it’s a hit with toddlers. The main character, Manny Garcia, is not your average handyman. He’s actually a tool himself, and he’s got a whole bunch of talking, anthropomorphic tools that help him on his repair projects. It’s pretty cool!
One of the great things about Handy Manny is that it tackles important themes like cooperation, creativity, and problem-solving. It shows kids the value of working together and using their imagination to come up with solutions. And let me tell you, it’s pretty riveting stuff for little ones!
But that’s not all. Handy Manny also offers a great opportunity for babies to learn about Hispanic culture. Manny is a proud Latino character, and the show incorporates elements of his heritage into the stories. It’s a fun way for kids to be exposed to different cultures and broaden their horizons.
Not only is Handy Manny entertaining, but it’s also educational. The show helps little ones develop their cognitive skills as they watch Manny and his tools figure out how to fix things. It’s a charming experience that both parents and children can enjoy.
So, if you’re looking for a show that combines fun, learning, and a touch of Hispanic culture, Handy Manny is definitely worth checking out. It’s a show that will captivate your toddler and leave them wanting more.
Premiered: September 16, 2006
Actors: Wilmer Valderrama, Nancy Truman, Tom Kenny
9. Pocoyo
Pocoyo is a minimalistic yet captivating show that uses visual storytelling and sound effects to enchant and intrigue young viewers. It’s a colorful and wordless journey that takes children on an adventure while also providing educational content. Pocoyo and his friends combine fun and learning, giving babies plenty of opportunities to improve their observational skills in a simple and enjoyable way.
Premiered: September 20, 2005
Actors: Stephen Fry, Alex Marty, Montana Smedley
10. Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends
Let your child’s imagination run wild with Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends! This adorable series is based on the much-loved books by Rev. W. Awdry. Join Thomas and his friends on Sodor Island as they impart important life lessons about friendship, responsibility, and teamwork. These charming storylines are not only entertaining but also teach valuable moral values.
Premiered: September 4, 1984
Actors: Keith Wickham, Matt Wilkinson, John Hasler
