Dear Mamas,
This is very short notice, as the grandparents are due here by noon today, but they want to buy my 2 year old a computer for his birthday and I have not had a second to research brands or types. I would prefer one that has it's own monitor so that we can work side-by-side. :) I have looked at VTech, Leapfrog and Fisher Price, but am uncertain as to which would be the best for him. He is very into the alphabet, numbers and is learning a few words. Any reviews, good and bad would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a bunch!
Thank you to everyone who responded to my post. I am always so happy and excited to read about what other mamas have learned through experience. We are shopping today and I know that your information will be a great guide into the world of first computers. I should have mentioned that my little guy loves his books above all else and has been turning pages since he was 3 months old. I believe with all my heart that it is for this reason, and a little guidance from his former teacher/principal mom, that he knows the entire alphabet, numbers 1-20 and can read a few familiar words. Technology need not be a replacement, but simply another medium for submersion in literacy, numeracy and critical thinking. Not to mention that it's just plain fun to work alongside mom and dad on your own computer! Thank you again for all that you do as a mama and for the support you give to other mamas.
Do you want a real computer or a learning toy? It sounds as if you are looking at a learning toy. I prefer Leap frog over the others. They have great customer support and their products are widely available.
If you want a real computer that will give you more software options as he grows, there are some very good affordable laptops out there.
My husband bought my two year old a LeapFrog for her second b-day...there is a reason WHY they put "suggested" ages on the package. Its just a little beyond her limits. (or any two year olds limits) His thinking was "start her early", "make her more advanced'....yeah, that backfired. In true two year old form, she just likes to press the buttons.
It is currently on the shelf in her closet. I think that in another year or so, (three years old, like the package says:) It will be perfect.
Good Luck in your research....dont forget to pay attention to the recommended age printed on the package!!!
Margaret :)
We loved VTech toys when our daughter was young but found them to be limited.
We also had a Leapfrog - and even though our daughter is 9 and has a DS - she stills goes back to the Leapfrog from timt to time. This would be my personal choice.
we did not do well with the LeapFrog computer, but we have loved the TAG reading book device/pen from LeapFrog...they now have one with books for younger children at toys r us... my 4 year old started using the laptop with software when she was 3, great selection & prices at Half-Price books, much easier to navigate appropriate software than going to sites online
Hi Shelly
First of all I have to tell you that it is awesome to hear I am not the only one that had her 2 year old on the computer. My son(now 8) started on an old Compaq that I had at 2 yrs. When he was about 5 yrs I ended up buying him a new one because he was computer literate enough that the dinosour Compaq was just a hassle for him and ME, he did learn some patience though. My daughter(now 3) has been playing on the computer since before 2 and OMG! she won't even touch the old Campaq(that I have never parted with it was my husband and I's 1st purchase together)she tells me she would rather play on my or my son's computer. BUT she does have a LeapFrog My First Computer that actually connects to a TV and she really likes it, it has a mouse and works alot like a real computer, you could get a small tv(maybe off freecycle.org,if you don't have one)and put it next to you and your computer. I run very strict rules with the computer because they both have found games online that they love to play(yeah the 3yr old knows how to get online and get to her spongebob and barney), but it is awesome to watch them learn. When a 8 and 3 yr old is showing you how to do things on the computer its fun. Also you might already know this place or maybe it is just out of your budget, but I will be the first to say if you can afford it just break down and get the real thing. I have built my computer ground up and bought my son's computer from Tigerdirect.com. When I bought my son's computer I didn't want to spend alot, but I wanted to keep in mind what a growing boy was going to want it for, games right, so the computer I bought has worked awesome for his Lego star wars game(meaning good video card and can be upgraded more) And it came with keyboard, mouse and speakers for $289.99, had to get monitor. Of which I found free on freecycle.org. Hope this helps out--in response to one of the other responses you got, they do make toddler computer games that all the child has to do is hit the keys and click the mouse to teach them cause and effect, so any age can have fun if they like to push buttons. Mine lasted Oh, less then 6 months on those before they had a better concept of the game and played it right. You can over stimulate but never under stimulate!
i would look at the age recomendations like others said. but i would also take him to pick out which one he likes. set him down in the store basket with several different ones and see which he likes. good luck.
Hi Shelly
Two is a little young for a computer in my view- a two year old attention span is about 30 seconds- I would suggest keeping him into books and developing interest in learning from books instead of a computer at this age- most likely around 3 5 or 4 would be a really good age to introduce the computer- books are so important in a childs learning experience. children today have learned to spend all time infront of the computer and not enough time experiencing other things in life. Starting a two year old out to the computer will be like telling him that is all there is. But, if your inlaws insist- and you agree to let him have the computer I would suggest LeapFrog as the one.
good luck and blessings
we just got the Fisher Price Playschool, or coolschool computer. It hooks up to your existing computer, but he has his own keyboard, and drawing pad! It is a GREAT computer and very easy to navigate!
Somewhere between her second and third birthday we bought our daughter the Leap Frog ClickStart™ My First Computer.
She loved and it did not take long for her to get it.
I suggest the grandparents put the money towards age-appropriate books and wait at least a year for a computer. You should be encouraging a love for books and reading right now. Your child will have PLENTY of time for computers later. Don't rush it.
