Lifestyle Fun Entertainment 15 Low-Key Shows for Toddlers That Won't Overstimulate Them By Sherri Gordon, CLC Published on October 28, 2024 Fact checked by Sarah Scott Close Parents / Getty Images Whether your toddler is not feeling well or you simply need to sit down and rest, allowing your little one to occasionally watch something on the television or the iPad can be a reprieve for both of you. That said, you might want to consider picking a low stimulation show for your child. If a show is too over-stimulating, this can have the opposite effect of the one you want to achieve. Plus, research suggests that some stimulating programs may cause cognitive and emotional challenges like meltdowns and tantrums and can lead to sensory overload. “Low-stimulation screen time...has slower, more rhythmic music and speech,” says Sarah Rosten, MA, CCC-SLP/L, a speech language pathologist and founder of Pediatric Interactions. “It uses softer, muted colors and smoother transitions [and] features simple plots told in a slow, simplified way.” Here are 15 of our favorite low stimulation shows for toddlers. What Are the Characteristics of Low Stimulation Shows? Low stimulation content emphasizes educational and emotionally-appropriate content while minimizing highly energized or loud dialogue, noises, and colors, says Fernando Ferrer, MD, FAAP, FACS, chief pediatric officer at RWJBarnabas Health. “According to proponents of low-stimulation content, benefits of this approach can include reduced stress, improved sleep, cognitive rest, better screen-time balance, and enhanced focus.” Albert and Junior Baby First Colorful and calming, Albert and Junior is an educational show that moves slowly and answers interesting questions. Each storyline promotes core values like teamwork, perseverance, and creativity, and is great for older, but curious, toddlers. Where to watch or stream: Tubi, Amazon Prime Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood PBS This animated show features an adorable young tiger, catchy songs, and relatable stories. Set in the land of Make-Believe, it teaches kids about social skills and life lessons. This show is similar to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with its gentle tone and its focus on friendship and family bonds. Where to watch or stream: PBS Kids, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV Franklin Nickelodeon / Paramount+ Set in the village of Woodland, Franklin follows a 6-year-old turtle and his friends as they go on adventures playing and learning in the world around them. The show also features frequent appearances by Franklin’s parents, who are often there to help out when needed. Where to watch or stream: Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel Guess How Much I Love You This timeless story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare is great for winding down at the end of the day and encourages relaxation, says Rosten. Based on the children’s book by Sam McBratney, the story follows two hares who use bigger and bigger measures to show just how much they love each other. Where to watch or stream: Peacock, Tubi, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Little Bear Nickelodeon / Paramount+ This charming series follows Little Bear as he goes on exciting adventures in the forest and learns new things with his friends, including Emily, Duck, Hen, Cat, and Owl. His parents are Mother Bear, who is there when he needs her, and Father Bear, who is a fisherman. Each episode features themes like family bonding, friendship, creativity, and empathy. Where to watch or stream: YouTube, Paramount+, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Miffy’s Adventures Nickelodeon / Mercis bv Based on books by Dick Bruna, toddlers are invited into the gentle and enchanting world of Miffy the bunny. During each show, Miffy explores the world around her, tackling everyday adventures that are chock full of lessons even the littlest viewers can understand. Where to watch or stream: Amazon Prime Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Fotos International/Courtesy of Getty Images This classic show has endured the test of time with its gentle pace and heartwarming themes, making it a great choice for toddlers. Focusing on emotional needs and themes like being kind, caring about others, and seeing the best in people are what set this show apart from others. Where to watch or stream: PBS Kids, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV, Hulu, Pluto TV, Fandango at Home Ms. Rachel Ms. Rachel via YouTube Ms. Rachel has created a variety of videos for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers that include songs, nursery rhymes, colors, numbers, emotions, and more. As an early childhood educator, each episode of her “Songs for Little Ones” consists of a compilation of music and lessons. Often the focus is on speech and learning to say certain words. Where to watch or stream: YouTube Not Quite Narwhal COURTESY OF NETFLIX This show follows Kelp, a young magical creature who feels different from his narwhal family, and then discovers he's a unicorn. After that, he learns to navigate his life in both the ocean and on the land. According to Michelle Bennett, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician with Elliston Pediatrics in New York, low stimulation shows like Not Quite Narwhal are generally quieter and slower-paced. They also are entertaining enough to maintain a child's attention, but not so much that the child becomes overwhelmed. Where to watch or stream: Netflix Oswald Nickelodeon / Paramount+ Set in a world filled with kindness, Oswald the oversized octopus navigates life in the big city alongside his friends Henry and Daisy. This show’s gentle style and slow-paced approach combines cute animation and whimsical storytelling to invoke a soothing experience that’s low on stimulation. Where to watch or stream: Paramount+, YouTube, Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel, AppleTV Pocoyo Animaj This cheerful series will delight your toddler with its simplicity. Starring Pocoyo, a little boy dressed in blue, this narrated show is straightforward with gentle humor. Toddlers are sure to love the adventures Pocoyo goes on with his adorable friends, including Pato the duck, Elly the elephant, and Loula the dog. Where to watch or stream: Netflix, Amazon Prime, The Roku Channel Puffin Rock Netflix Set on a beautiful island off the coast of Ireland—Puffin Island—this series follows a young puffin named Oona and her baby brother Baba as they explore the world around them. Themes are often based on learning and common challenges. This show encourages a calm and open frame of mind that will engage your toddler without overwhelming them. As Bennett says, the goal of any low stimulation show is to help children “zone in” while viewing, rather than “zone out.” Where to watch or stream: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Sarah & Duck Karrot Entertainment This British animated show is about a 7-year-old girl named Sarah and her best friend, Duck. Each episode is calm and unhurried and teaches something about friendship or problem-solving. There also is an emphasis on creative thinking mixed with gentle humor and silly or quirky adventures. Where to watch or stream: Pluto TV, Amazon Prime, AppleTV, YouTube, Fandango at Home Trash Truck Netflix This animated series is about the adventures of 6-year-old Hank and his best friend Trash Truck. This slow-paced and thoughtful show emphasizes creative problem-solving as well as social-emotional lessons and is a great option for toddlers. Where to watch or stream: Netflix Tumble Leaf Bix Pix Entertainment Set in a whimsical world, this show follows Fig the fox and his best friend Stick in the world of Tumble Leaf. As Fig the fox and his friends play each day they discover adventure, friendship, and love. Additionally, the show’s themes promote play, exploration, and imagination. Where to watch or stream: Amazon Prime How to Find Other Low Stimulation Shows for Your Toddler When looking for low stimulation shows for your kids, Dr. Ferrer suggests thinking about the pace and action found in the show. “The goal is to engage and educate, not alarm and activate kids.” He suggests looking for these key characteristics of low-stimulation content: Avoid shows with loud music or soundsSteer clear of shows with choppy scenes and dialogueLook for normal voices and slow scenario changes Select shows that contain very few distracting or flashy special effectsAim for shows that have simple or repetitive storylines Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Screen time and young children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. Paediatr Child Health. 2017.