I’ve never been one of those parents who let screen time stress me out. In our house, screen time has actually been a helpful tool: for learning, for calming down, and honestly, I’, happy with result of the content of curated for my toddler. Over the last couple of years, I’ve found toddler shows that are educational, wholesome, and actually enjoyable. Some celebrate culture, most teach numbers and letters, and a few have become staples in our daily rhythm.
Here are our favorite toddler shows—screen-time picks that are smart, sweet, and honestly kind of a vibe. All of these shows are free to access on YouTube. We do not use YouTube Kids or have any sort of special subscription. The great thing about many of the shows is that even though they are short, on YouTube the make video compilations that compliment one another. Videos can range from 1-3 hours,.
🎀 1. JoJo & Gran Gran
This sweet animated series follows JoJo, a bright young Black girl, and her grandmother in the UK. Together, they explore their neighborhood, go on small adventures, and learn life lessons. Their family is of St. Lucia descent and they interact with the diverse cultures of their community. It’s calm, wholesome, and one of the first shows my daughter watched as an infant, it is a huge plus that my daughter can see a girl who looks like her.
🎤 2. Ms. Rachel
You already know—Ms. Rachel is that girl. Dear I say the GOAT! She really filled a niche for her own children and simultaneously open the floodgates for this YouTube genre. Her intentional tone, pace, and easy engaging music helped infant speech, sounds, and social skills. It’s educational, engaging, and easy to trust as a parent. Don’t blame yourself if you are without your child, but still singing Ms. Rachel songs. It happens to all of us.
🎨 3. Ms. Monica
After Ms. Rachel, Ms. Monica was a natural fit. Her Circle Time videos have become a daily rhythm in our home. So many of her songs are applicable to life like the Good Morning song. She teaches letters, numbers, feelings, and more—with warmth, clarity, and care. It actually feels like a virtual classroom.
🧮 4. Numberblocks
Want your toddler to actually love math? Numberblocks is vibrant, musical, and sneaky-smart. The characters make numbers feel alive, and the math concepts build naturally without being overwhelming. Before you know it you will ask your toddler addition questions and might be surprised how much they know.
✍🏾 5. Ms. Houston
Ms. Houston is a gem. Her videos cover everything from counting and phonics to potty training and emotions. She is a vibe. She has really mastered standing out from the other YouTube teachers. She doesn’t recycle what is created she remixes it. My family was thoroughly entertained to see that my toddler was bobbing and chasing along to Ms. Houston’s hit. She definitely put some pep into classic like ‘Row Your Boat’ and excitement into counting to 50.
🐶 6. Bluey
We didn’t jump on the Bluey train right away, but when we did, it clicked. Bluey is playful, imaginative, and actually hilarious. The episodes explore feelings, family dynamics, and problem solving in ways toddlers and parents can enjoy. It an endearing show that you can rely on for consistent wholesome life lessons and fun.
🎶 7. Listener Kids (Christian Songs for Toddlers)
This YouTube channel offers Christian music and animated Bible songs that are toddler friendly without feeling too intense. The videos are simple, uplifting, and grounded in Scripture. My daughter loves singing along, and I love that she’s hearing messages of God’s love and kindness while learning. It’s a plus when she is around other toddlers at church who sing along to these songs as well.
🍎 8. Tab Time (with Tabitha Brown)
Let me tell you, I’m writing this as Tab Time plays in the background. This is one of the newer shows we have added to rotation. However, it is the only one I can say is an instant hit. I don’t know what the recipe is but my daughter loves the show. I love seeing Tabitha in this element and the diverse characters she features. This show is gentle, affirming, and full of sensory-friendly lessons about emotions, creativity, and empathy. We love how she speaks to children with love and care.
🎒 9. Meekah
Meekah is the character that encourages exploration. She’s adventurous, curious, and full of joy. Her trips find her in everything from science to nature to movement. She is known as Blippi’s best friend. But in our house Meekah is the main character, we know of Blippi because of Meekah. I will warn if you have a toddler that loves to move, Meekah may have them jumping, climbing, and trying to flip. I don’t mind it, but it made the grandparent nervous.
🔤 10. Preschool Prep Company
This channel is animated focusing on math, colors, sight words, phonics, shapes and more. They’re not flashy videos, but they work. Many of the videos are older, but timeless because of how well done they are. It is great for toddler at home learning.
These shows have supported my daughter’s learning, helped her feel seen, and given us tools for everything from letters to feelings.
If you’re looking for toddler shows that educate and entertain—start here. If you check them out, let me know your thoughts.
I’d love to hear what shows your little one loves. Drop them in the comments!
