Yoto Player: A £90 Screen-Free Alternative to iPads for Kids
Yoto Player: A £90 Screen-Free Alternative to iPads for Kids

Screen time is a growing concern for parents, especially with the upcoming Toy Story 5 film highlighting the issue. As a father of a nearly two-year-old boy, I understand the struggle of keeping children entertained without resorting to screens. The Yoto Player, priced at £89.99, offers a solution by providing a screen-free device that inspires imagination and independence for kids aged 3-12+.

The Yoto Player is simple to set up via an app and Wi-Fi. Children insert Yoto cards into the top slot to access stories, music, and learning content. The device has no microphone, camera, or ads, making it a safe alternative to tablets. It features two large orange buttons for volume control and track selection, and includes a free 'make your own' card for personalised audio.

Yoto's library includes over 1,000 titles, from classics like The Gruffalo and Harry Potter to music by the Spice Girls and The Beatles. The device also offers a free radio setting, night light with seven colours, sleep sounds, white noise, a room thermometer, and an 'ok-to-wake' setting. It can be used as a Bluetooth speaker, paired with headphones, or connected to a car.

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While the Yoto Player is slightly heavy, it feels well-made. Alternatives include the Toniebox (£99.99) and Voxblock (£59.99), both screen-free. Trustpilot reviews praise the Yoto Player, with one customer noting it 'teaches my kids so much'.

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