The importance of introducing a computer for your toddler nowadays may come into your mind as parents. However, there might some questions followed this idea. Below some ideas you may consider before your introduce a computer for your curious toddler.

The right age to introduce a computer
Computer may be right or wrong for your toddler. You may introduce it to them when they are at least nine months to a year old. It is so because their vision has been developed enough to clearly focus on the screen at around six months. Besides, they need to be able to sit up by themselves to enjoy staring at a screen which happen around six to eight months.

The right time to start using it
Once I played some Baby Einstein movies at my computer and my baby did not show his interest at all. But then at 1 year old, I tried again and he enjoyed watching the movie thought he could not finish any single movie. Now that he is three year olds, he can click on the play button to watch his favourite movie.

The right activities
You can choose some games developed for children under three instead of many games and CD-ROMS which are too fast, too loud and too confusing for their brain to absorb. Once you introduced with for example Mario Brothers, then you cannot go back to Teletubbies.

The right purpose
Keep the activities using computer as a source of fun, not a task master. Your toddler is too young to get drilled at academic learning. You can find a software which reinforces reading and math readiness skill that may include shape recognition, color, listening comprehension, opposites and cause-and-effect.

The right duration
For one to two year olds, you may let them enjoy using the computer for about thirty minutes. For older toddler from three to four, they can have longer period of time that an hour a day in total. However, always watch the sign of loosing interest or fatigue. If they stop looking at the screen, crying or getting sleepy, just stop it.

The right size of images
For one year old, you can choose one to three images per screen so they can big images clearly. Avoid too complicated drawings for younger toddler.

The right interesting activities
Activities with songs and music with steady rhythm are helpful for babies and toddlers to enjoy. For 18 months old, you can give ones with the sound of whistles, clocks or bells. Do not make them get confused with the random rhythm or loud rock music.

One example of simple software for your toddler is Reader Rabbit Playtime for Baby and Toddler.



For your toddler who loves Thomas the tank engine, you may also take a look at Thomas and Friends Railway Adventures Playset

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