Top 25 Best Educational YouTube Channels for Toddlers

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So you’re a little iffy about YouTube, with all the negatives circulating about the impact screen time has on brain development, especially in young viewers. And you’re in search of the best educational YouTube channels for toddlers and preschoolers that are non-stimulating/low-stimulating and won’t overwhelm their young senses.

Friend, I have been there, and I’m still in the trenches.

Given that I have a son who has a diagnosis of ADHD/ASD, I have often questioned if I made the right decisions when it comes to screen time in those early years.

When I had my youngest son, 10 years later, my stance on screen time took a turn, and the fear of him having developmental delays haunted me.

And that fear drove me to doing some homework on what YouTube Videos or Channels I would allow my toddler to watch.

I found myself google searching “educational videos for baby brain development” and “best learning videos for babies and toddlers”, as well as the research behind specific channels.

Needless to say, it was exhausting!

Finding quality educational content that aligns with your child’s developmental needs can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding the perfect educational YouTube channels for your little ones.

And a challenge I know all too well.

That’s why I’ve done the digging for you and curated a list of the top 25 best learning and educational YouTube channels that are tailor-made for toddlers.

These nonstimulating and educational YouTube channels for toddlers and preschoolers contain catchy songs, and interactive content that will not only entertain your little ones but also spark their imagination and nurture their desire for knowledge (without all the vibrant animations and rapid scene changes that actually do more harm than good).

Whether you’re looking to inspire early learning, enhance language skills, or simply enjoy some screen time that’s both fun and enriching, these YouTube channels are perfect for your little one.

So let’s get into the best YouTube channels for your toddler, preschooler, and elementary students.

Effects on Screen Time and Brain Development in Children.

Most pediatricians recommend zero screen time for toddlers under age two. (With the exception of video calls). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than an hour a day of age-appropriate media use for two- to five-year-olds.

A recent study by the National Institute of Health shows kids who spend more than two hours a day on screen time activities score lower on language and thinking assessments.

And kids who spend more than seven hours a day on screens show a thinning of the brain’s cortex, which is responsible for critical thinking and reasoning.

This overwhelming research was the driving force behind this comprehensive list for non-stimulating/low-stimulating educational YouTube Channels and shows for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary aged kids.

Enjoy!

Best Educational & Nonstimulating/Low Stimulating YouTube Channels for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Early Elementary Students

Let’s jump into it!

1. Bluey (My Husband’s Favorite Educational YouTube Channel for Toddlers)

Bluey is lovable and energetic Blue Heeler puppy who lives with her Mum, Dad and little sister Bingo. This is hands down my favorite educational YouTube channels for toddlers that teaches mental and emotional resilience through imaginative play.

My husband and I are both so impressed by the brilliant humor found in the show. Bluey hasn’t only been good for my littles, but for me, as well. I only wish I possessed the patience and compassion her parents have.

It has quickly become one of the most entertaining learning videos my son and I watch together.

2. National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids is a standout among the best YouTube channels for young viewers, offering an educational experience that transcends traditional “screen time.”

Just like Ms. Rachel’s approach, National Geographic Kids is tailored to inspire and encourage development in toddlers and preschoolers, capturing the curiosity of young minds with its captivating exploration of the natural world, from mesmerizing field trips to fascinating encounters with wildlife.

With engaging videos covering everything from the wonders of the natural sciences to exciting adventures in the cosmos, National Geographic Kids provides an abundance of original content that ignites a love for learning in children of all ages.

Whether it’s discovering the secrets of chemical reactions, embarking on virtual field trips, or learning about social studies through captivating documentaries, National Geographic Kids offers a diverse range of high-quality videos that make learning a fun and enriching journey for young audiences.

So, just like Ms. Rachel’s channel, National Geographic Kids serves is an absolute favorite among parents and caregivers, providing a safe and entertaining platform for children to explore, learn, and grow.

3. Trash Truck (On Netflix Jr– One of Our Favorite Educational YouTube Channels for Toddlers)

I fell in love with Trash Truck from the first video I watched and so did my toddler! This tv series is about a 6-year-old boy Hank and his best pal, Trash Truck.

They spend the day following their curiosities and helping their friends. This slow-paced and thoughtful show emphasizes social-emotional lessons and creative problem solving, and is great for young kids.

It’s also one of those shows I don’t mind playing in the background- actually I find it relaxing.

4. StoryLine Online

StoryLine Online is a must-visit haven on the Kids TV landscape, brimming with captivating content tailored to inspire and educate young minds.

With an impressive library featuring everything from timeless classic nursery rhymes to original educational songs, StoryLine Online is a go-to destination for families seeking quality entertainment that nurtures language development and sparks creativity.

5. The Brain Scoop

The Brain Scoop is not just another YouTube channel; it’s a goldmine of knowledge and wonderment, perfectly suited for the curious kids of today’s generation.

With its captivating blend of education and entertainment, The Brain Scoop caters to kids of all ages, offering a learning experience like no other.

Through engaging full episodes, viewers are transported into the fascinating world of natural science, where they can explore everything from ancient fossils to the wonders of the cosmos.

From dissecting scientific concepts to unraveling the mysteries of the natural world, The Brain Scoop is a must-watch on any kid’s TV lineup.

The Brain Scoop ensures that learning is always a fun and engaging experience with its wide range of videos and high-quality content, including animated characters and fun song.

So whether your child is into dinosaurs or outer space (like mine), The Brain Scoop has something for everyone, making it the best way to embark on an educational journey right from the comfort of your own YouTube channel.

With millions of subscribers and popular videos that are beloved by kids worldwide, The Brain Scoop has rightfully earned its place as a favorite among parents and educators alike, endorsed by organizations like the Sag-AFTRA Foundation and Pew Research Center as a top-tier educational resource.

Related: Being a Boy Mom (10 Things I’ve Learned from Being Mom to 4 Boys)

6. Khan Academy Kids

Khan Academy Kids is a game-changer in children’s education, offering a vibrant and interactive platform that makes learning fun and accessible for kids of all ages.

We’ve have found that its engaging animations, colorful characters, and diverse range of educational activities, provides a dynamic learning experience that caters to the needs of young learners, especially in those preschool and early elementary ages.

From foundational concepts in math and literacy to explorations in science and social studies, this innovative app empowers children to explore and discover at their own pace, making it such an invaluable tool for parents and educators in nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning.

7. Tumble Leaf

Tumble Leaf is an animated series that sparks curiosity and imagination in young viewers, offering a whimsical journey through the enchanting world of Fig the fox and his friends.

My husband and I absolutely love the charming characters, vibrant visuals, and engaging storytelling.

Tumble Leaf captivates children’s attention while seamlessly integrating educational concepts into its narrative.

From problem-solving adventures to exploration of science and nature, Tumble Leaf provides an enriching experience for children, making it a top choice for parents seeking quality content that entertains and educates simultaneously.

8. Puffin Rock

Puffin Rock invites young explorers into a charming world of adventure and discovery, where Oona the puffin and her friends set out on exciting journeys around their island home.

With its stunning animation, gentle storytelling, and focus on the wonders of nature, Puffin Rock captivates children’s imaginations while imparting valuable lessons about friendship, empathy, and the environment.

Through Oona’s adventures and encounters with various creatures, your child won’t only entertained but also inspired to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

9. If you Give a Mouse a Cookie (Prime Video)

“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” is a timeless children’s classic that captivates young readers with its whimsical tale of cause and effect.

From the moment a generous boy offers a cookie to a mouse, the story unfolds with surprises and humorous twists, engaging children in a playful exploration of the consequences of one small act of kindness.

Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, this show not only entertains but also teaches valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and the joy of giving.

10. Jojo and Gran Gran

JoJo and Gran Gran on lots of adventures and travel through the different seasons! JoJo is almost five, and Gran Gran is her wise and loving grandmother.

They live close to each other, and Gran Gran always has something fun planned to do when JoJo comes to visit. Jojo and Gran Gran teach children to be open, tolerant, respectful of others, and empathetic.

11. PBS Kids

PBS KIDS is an educational YouTube Channel for preschool and school-aged children. Their content aids in cognitive, social, emotional and physical childhood development.

And I love the uniqueness of the characters, as well as the way they inspire littles through their positive role models and exhilarating adventures!

Our favorite show on PBS Kids YouTube Channel is Daniel Tiger from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood!

12. Genevieve’s Playhouse– Learning Videos for Kids.

Genevieve’s Playhouse creates educational videos for kids and toddlers using toy based learning. They focus on counting numbers, basic words, and storytelling skills.

Their video formats range from vlogs, skits, animations, and experiments.

13. Crash Course Kids

Crash Course Kids is an innovative educational resource that brings learning to life for young learners in an engaging and accessible way.

With its dynamic videos covering a wide range of topics, from science and history to math and language arts, Crash Course Kids makes complex concepts easy to understand through fun animations and clear explanations.

Whether exploring the mysteries of the natural world or the wonders of the universe, Crash Course Kids ignites curiosity and inspires a love of learning in children of all ages.

Its emphasis on making education enjoyable and accessible is a valuable tool for parents and educators alike, empowering young minds to explore, discover, and grow.

14. Let’s Read Stories for Kids

“Let’s Read Stories” is one of the best YouTube Channels for toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary students that fosters a love of reading and storytelling in young minds.

Its diverse selection of children’s books and engaging narrations provides an escape into the world of imagination for children of all ages.

From timeless classics to contemporary tales, each story is brought to life through colorful illustrations and expressive readings, making it a wonderful resource for parents and educators seeking to instill a passion for literature in their little ones.

15. Learn Bright

Learn Bright is an educational platform designed to illuminate young minds and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

With its interactive lessons, engaging activities, and personalized approach, Learn Bright caters to the unique needs and interests of each learner, fostering curiosity and confidence in a variety of subjects.

From math and science to language arts and beyond, Learn Bright empowers students to explore, discover, and succeed at their own pace, making learning a rewarding and enriching experience.

16. Ted-Ed

TED-Ed sparks curiosity and ignites a passion for learning in students of all ages. With its thought-provoking videos and engaging lessons, TED-Ed transforms complex topics into digestible bites of knowledge, making learning both accessible and enjoyable.

This one is geared more toward early elementary and beyond, in my opinion, but my toddler still very much enjoys watching it with his brothers.

17. Ms Rachel’s Songs for Littles- Toddler Learning Videos.

You may have heard “Ms Rachel isn’t screen time”. And that’s because Ms Rachel is actually formatted like video chatting, excluding it from being classified as “screen time”. In fact, these toddler learning videos encourage development.

Ms Rachel’s Educational YouTube Channel for Toddlers and Preschoolers is one of my absolute favorites! Rachel Accurso began the channel after her son, Thomas, was diagnosed with a speech delay. So, she expresses “A lot of things I teach are things I wish I would have known for my son”.

Her videos emphasize speech and language

18. Sesame Street (One of the Most Widely-Known Educational YouTube Channels for Toddlers).

We all know Sesame Street, of course, and they are still as popular today as they were in the 1970’s.

The AAP authors note, “well-designed television programs, such as Sesame Street, can improve cognitive, literacy and social outcomes for children 3 to 5 years of age.”

And that report goes on to say that “evaluations of apps from Sesame Workshop and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) have also shown efficacy in teaching literacy skills to preschoolers.

Unsurprisingly, with it’s live-action, sketch comedy, animation and puppetry, Sesame Street isn’t only vastly entertaining, but is one of the most well-known educational videos for littles.

19. It’s Circle Time

This YouTube Channel for toddlers and preschoolers is perfect for parents and caregivers who want to give their little ones a head start on their journey to kindergarten.

With catchy songs and interactive activities, they make learning fun and engaging for young children. We really enjoy It’s Circle Time!

20. Alphablocks.

Alphablocks is a series of fun educational videos teaching phonics. With adventures, songs and silliness, it will easily become one of your toddler favorites.

21. Lotty Learns (Educational YouTube Channel Teaching Toddlers Alphabet + Phonics)

Lotty and her friends teach ABCs for kids, ABC Phonics, learning colors, numbers, and even reading skills.

22. Toddler Fun Learning.

Toddler Fun Learning makes fun, free and educational videos, and animated nursery rhymes and songs for toddlers. These fun and educational videos for babies, toddlers and children teach counting, ABC’s, and much more!

23. Coilbook- Learning for Children.

Coilbook Learning for Children is an educational YouTube channel for toddlers and preschoolers that I recently discovered.

Your little one will learn numbers, shapes, colors, letters, chain reactions, physics, and more!

24. Super Simple Play/Caitie’s Classroom- Educational YouTube Videos for Toddlers & Preschoolers.

At Super Simple Play/ Caitie’s Classroom, Caitie and her friends know the importance of learning through play. They’ve got crafts and songs, along with lots of fun and learning. Your toddler will learn colors, numbers, and explore the world.

25. Boey Bear– Preschool Learning Videos.

We are so impressed with Boey Bear because they are non-hyper stimulating, calm & interactive toddler learning videos.

Also, I love the story behind Boey Bear’s origin.

It was founded by a parent who felt annoyed at the mindless videos her son was watching on YouTube.

And she wanted to start a show that would not only appeal to her son, but would encourage his development, teach him early educational skills, and model good behavior.

The Top 25 Best Educational YouTube Channels for Toddlers

Parenthood is tough.

We are faced with so many decisions on a daily basis and so overwhelmed with fear that we will somehow mess them up. But I’m here to remind you that you are doing a great job!

And I hope you found value in this Top 15 Best Learning Videos for Toddlers on YouTube.

What are your favorite educational YouTube videos for your toddler? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Mothering, sweet friend.

-Love Kacie

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