https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 15 May 2026 09:41:29 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739705 Wed, 24 May 2017 16:55:20 +0000 pinkcupcake 2739705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>iPad with an otter box style case. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739642 Wed, 24 May 2017 14:10:02 +0000 Adira 2739642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: Sounds like the iPhone fans all say they prefer iPads and hated the Kindle, so if you're used to the iPhone, sounds like you should stick with Apple!</p> <p>We have Androids, so have no issue with the Kindle Fire. I use it all the time to watch videos, read the Washington Post, binge Netflix, etc. But I'm used to the OS, so it's not hard for me at all.</p> <p>@catlady: With the kids' profiles on the Kindle Fire, the home screen has everything available. There's an option to just look at Apps, or just look at Videos, etc. But if you want to see everything, you can. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739641 Wed, 24 May 2017 14:09:16 +0000 lawbee11 2739641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're getting M the fire kids edition tablet for her birthday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739640 Wed, 24 May 2017 14:07:53 +0000 mdf106 2739640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I recommend a Samsung Galaxy. Cheaper than an iPad, but easy to use with lots of Apps available. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739630 Wed, 24 May 2017 13:53:37 +0000 looch 2739630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would also go with an ipad....we tried to use a kindle for our son, but then he got to kindergarten and some of the enrichment apps that they make available to the kids run only on the apple platform...so we ended up buying an ipad.</p> <p>I use a kindle for myself, though, I use it only to watch videos on amazon prime or Netflix. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739622 Wed, 24 May 2017 13:43:53 +0000 snowjewelz 2739622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd pick the iPad... It can adapt to their usage as they grow. We have an Ipad (well, it is/was mine...) and DD1 caught on in no time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739589 Wed, 24 May 2017 12:54:24 +0000 ShootingStar 2739589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I highly recommend going for the ipad. If your kids are already able to use your phones, they'll immediately be able to use the ipad. But the kindle is difficult to use and none of us could ever figure out, especially because we're all used to iphones. We also had problems with the kindle breaking for no reason and needing to be replaced. I really hated that thing and was glad to be rid of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739586 Wed, 24 May 2017 12:47:37 +0000 catlady 2739586@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I just meant that my LO prefers the apps that we have on our iphone as opposed to the ones that I've downloaded onto the Fire. One major issue I have is navigation on the fire, because it separates "Apps" and "Games" into 2 different sections, and LO's stuff is in both places. It's hard for her to find the apps she likes because the fire is set up to encourage you to download more instead of just viewing your own library. Not sure if it is set up the same on the kids version though (hopefully not) so maybe that version is easier to use. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739582 Wed, 24 May 2017 12:43:02 +0000 Foodnerd81 2739582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I'm pretty much between the kindle fire and a refurbished iPad mini. I'll have to talk it over with DH about how much WE want to use it C's just the kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739580 Wed, 24 May 2017 12:42:08 +0000 Foodnerd81 2739580@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: I think you are probably right. We both have iPhones and the kids (even the one year old 😳) can navigate them. </p> <p>@catlady: I'm sure both kids would prefer to use our iPhones but that's exactly what I'm avoiding. I've never downloaded a kids app on my phone because I don't want it to even be an option. My kid sucks at limits, once she knows it's an option she would be demanding it constantly and annoying heck out me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739575 Wed, 24 May 2017 12:31:01 +0000 catlady 2739575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We got a kindle fire for similar reasons last year (normal fire since it was so cheap, not kids version). I'll be honest, it was fine for vacation but when we are at home, nobody uses it and it just gathers dust. DH and I have all apple products and we just don't like using the fire. I have a kindle voyage so I don't need it as an e-reader and LO actually prefers our phones for apps. I plan to get an ipad when LO is a tad older (she is 3.5 now) and I think it will be a better fit for our family. The fire is really excellent for the price though. I think what we used it most for was downloading LO's favorite TV shows. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739558 Wed, 24 May 2017 12:14:42 +0000 Adira 2739558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: Kids Fire, definitely!</p> <p>We love it and I use it ALL the time. You can easily set up different profiles and I have my profile password protected, whereas the kids profiles are accessible to them. You can choose what apps/videos/books/etc are in each kid's profile so that they only have access to what you choose.</p> <p>You can also download Amazon Prime videos and watch off-line. Once you start watching it, you have rights to the video for 48 hours, and then once you connect back to wifi, that time is reset. We've used the tablets on all our trips (and even trips to the ER) and they've been a lifesaver. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739551 Wed, 24 May 2017 12:08:01 +0000 kiddosc 2739551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think some of this depends on whether you're apple or android people. All of our products are android, so we prefer the fire tablet vs an ipad because it syncs with everything else we own and we're used to the interface. Put an apple product in my hands and I'm immediately lost and hate the thing :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739546 Wed, 24 May 2017 11:32:57 +0000 Boogs 2739546@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a couple of kindles and they don't compare to the iPad. We much prefer an iPad, it's way more is user friendly and has way more free app options. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739329 Tue, 23 May 2017 20:31:33 +0000 ShootingStar 2739329@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have an iPad for DS. We started with the kids kindle and hated it. It was really difficult to use and always had trouble playing movies. The iPad is so much better and simpler. We got a really heavy duty case to protect it and it's been great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739325 Tue, 23 May 2017 20:24:34 +0000 catgirl 2739325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the kids kindle. Overall all I like it but I don't find it super user friendly. (this is most likely because all of my other tech things are apple products). DD received it as a gift though, so I can't complain. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739320 Tue, 23 May 2017 20:15:27 +0000 birdofafeather 2739320@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well it's expensive, but I would get an iPad with an otterbox case. We have two super old ones and they work for both purposes, with them slowly getting buggy. I like that DD1 can work the iPad without me and I can use it without figuring out a whole new interface. I plan on replacing them with "new" refurbed iPads in the next few years or whenever they die. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739313 Tue, 23 May 2017 20:06:37 +0000 bookwormmama 2739313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree about the Kids' Fire! It comes with a year of "free" games/apps (its built into the price I think), then after the first year I think you pay $2.99/month for the unlimited downloads. It's probably the best deal as far as kids' apps/shows/etc goes! And the case is really good.</p> <p>Some of the apps require wifi, but there are a lot you can download ahead of time that don't. Also, you can switch out the memory for more space. My DS also loves the camera function and has a ton of random pictures of the car, rug, our pets, etc. that he looks through. We are looking into ways we might be able to put some of or Disney movies on it since we can upgrade the storage way easier than our iPad.</p> <p>My biggest gripe with it is that you can't access Netflix from the kid's account. So you have to switch to your account...if you aren't on wifi its probably not a huge deal, but they could access the internet and anything you have on your account. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739309 Tue, 23 May 2017 19:48:23 +0000 HappyBaker 2739309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It wouldn't work for you and your DH but we LOVE the Leap Pad 3's we have for our kids (2.5 and 4.5). They are super cheap, and you just load everything up on them before you go so they don't need wifi ever once you're on the road. The one big caveat is you can only put stuff on them that you buy from the LeapFrog store online, but they have pretty much every show my kids like and the games are great too. I'd suggest for the games to buy the actual cartridges instead of buying online because that way you don't take up any space. We used to let DD use our Kindle Fire but she'd get super mad when she'd see options of episodes she couldn't actually watch because of no wifi in the car. We drive 7 hours every other month to see the in-laws and they have held up great and kept them entertained. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739300 Tue, 23 May 2017 19:34:15 +0000 gotkimchi 2739300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: this is what we have and it's perfect. Got it on sale and it came with 2 years of a bunch of kid stuff! So she can play games/apps or watch shows pretty independently. You also can set up age ranges and block stuff (sponge bob!) which is great </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739295 Tue, 23 May 2017 19:10:48 +0000 kiddosc 2739295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Kids fire tablet from Amazon. It's the exact same as the regular fire tablet but comes with a shock proof case and a 2 year, no questions asked, replacement policy. You can set up multiple users to easily switch from kids to adults. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739294 Tue, 23 May 2017 18:58:19 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2739294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the galaxy tab A for my son. Cheap! I don't like reading on tablets (prefer an actual e-reader) so I haven't used it for that. It's held up well. I like downloading Netflix shows onto the app for him to view during a long trip. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tablet-recommendations-for-preschooler-and-parents#post-2739290 Tue, 23 May 2017 18:49:03 +0000 Foodnerd81 2739290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a long drive coming up (like almost 8 hours each way, not including the billion breaks we will need to take). So I think this trip might be what pushes me over the edge to get a tablet of some sort for the family. We currently have laptops and iPhones, and an old school kindle, but no iPad or similar. </p> <p>So I'm looking for recommendations for a device that our almost 4 yo could use to watch shows/ movies as well as some interactive apps, but that DH and I could also use when we want. DH has been wanting a kindle or ereader, for example. We will often not be in wifi when we want to use it so I guess we need a reasonable amount of storage. Ideally not too expensive since we willbe letting a preschooler use it. </p> <p>What do you have and like? What apps do you like for this age? </p>