It’s the toy of choice: the Apple iPhone. It provides hours of app entertainment for grownups of all ages, but, these days, it is reaching a younger demographic: toddlers, to be specific. According to the New York Times the iPhone may be becoming the America’s most high-tech baby pacifier.
Natasha Sykes, a mother of two in Atlanta, remembers the first time her 2-year-old daughter Kelsey held her husband’s iPhone. “She pressed the button and it lit up…it was like ‘Whoa!’ ” Little ones are learning to say “iPhone” before they learn “ball” and “truck.” In fact, moms and dads have discovered that handing the tiny tykes the iPhone keeps them quiet for hours. “If they know they have the option of the phone or toys, it will be the phone, ” says Kelsey’s mom.
And don’t think that app developers haven’t noticed this trend. Now there is an assortment of new iPhone apps directly aimed at preschoolers. “Toddler Teasers” challenges little guys to identify shapes. “Pocket Zoo” streams live video of animals at zoos around the world. “Wheels on the Bus” is an app that sings the popular kid’s song in multiple languages. There are even flashcards aimed at teaching children to read and spell. Plus, more and more marketers are getting in on the act. Kimberly-Clark is currently sponsoring the iGo Potty app which generates automated phone calls to remind your toddlers when it’s go time. Going potty has never been cooler.
But not everybody is a fan of this new trend. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek is a psychology professor at Temple University specializes in early language development. She warns of the dangers of iPhone in the hands on a toddler. According to Hirsh-Pasek, developmental research indicates that children learn best through active engagement and interacting with a tiny screen doesn’t qualify.
Yet, despite the warnings, harried parents will likely do whatever they can to a keep whining child distracted. And, face it, the iPhone is always handy. Plus, every parent wants to be there the moment it happens, right? Baby’s first text.
