As parents, we all want our toddlers and preschoolers to learn and grow. That’s why “educational TV” often feels like an easy shortcut — shows that promise to teach ABCs, numbers, and shapes.

But not all screen time is created equal. Fast-paced, overstimulating shows may not be as beneficial as they seem, especially for toddlers under 3, whose brains are still developing the ability to focus and process information. Examples of fast paced educational TV shows includes Blippi, Little Einsteins, Paw Patrol and many more.

The Myth of Educational TV

Many toddler programs market themselves as educational by showcasing letters, numbers, and shapes. While these are important, they represent only a fraction of a child’s developmental needs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends minimizing or eliminating screen exposure for children under 18 months, except for video chatting, because infants and toddlers learn best through real-life interactions (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016).

A study published in Pediatrics found that preschoolers who watched fast-paced cartoons experienced short-term declines in cognitive function, particularly in attention and self-regulation tasks (Christakis et al., 2011).

Why Low-Stimulating Shows Matter

Low-stimulating shows may feel “slower” or less flashy, but this is actually a huge advantage for toddlers, especially between ages 2–5:

• Rich Vocabulary: Slower-paced content allows for clearer articulation and repetition, which aids language acquisition (Linebarger & Walker, 2005).
• Emotional Learning: Children can notice and process feelings and expressions more effectively (Valkenburg & Cantor, 2001).
• Empathy and Social Skills: Observing characters in prosocial situations helps toddlers learn cooperation, sharing, and kindness (Mares & Woodard, 2005).

Low-stimulation shows maintain attention without overwhelming young viewers, supporting focused, reflective learning.

What Makes A Show Low Stimulating?

Not all TV shows are created equal. A low-stimulation show is designed to engage toddlers gently, allowing them to focus, process information, and absorb lessons without being overwhelmed. Key characteristics include:

• Slower Pace: Scenes progress gradually, giving children time to notice details and reflect.
• Minimal Visual Distractions: Limited flashing lights, quick cuts, or excessive animation.
• Calm Audio: Soft background music, natural sounds, and clear speech without yelling or rapid sound effects.
• Simple Plots: Stories are easy to follow with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Character-Driven Learning: Shows often emphasize social-emotional skills like empathy, kindness, sharing, and problem-solving rather than just academic concepts.
• Repetition: Concepts, words, or themes are repeated to reinforce understanding without overstimulation.

Recommendations for low stimulating shows: Frog and Toad (Apple TV), Puffin Rock (Netflix), Sarah and Duck (Apple TV, Netflix) , Little Bear (Paramount+), Tumble Leaf (Prime TV and Apple TV), Trash Truck (Netflix), If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (Prime TV)

Tip: Even with low-stim shows, screen time should be limited, interactive (talk about the story with your child), and balanced with real-life play.

The Power of Pace

Fast-moving shows can overwhelm young brains. A study published in Pediatrics found that children who watched overstimulating content scored lower on attention tests compared to those who watched slower-paced programming. Low-stimulating shows give toddlers time to:

• Focus on what they see
• Process emotions and actions
• Make connections between stories and real-life situations

A study in BMC Psychology found that preschool-aged children who watched fast-paced television were impaired in executive function immediately after viewing, compared to children who watched educational content or engaged in drawing (Lillard et al., 2015). Fast-paced programming can also overwhelm young brains, making focus and self-regulation more difficult (Christakis, 2019).

Beyond ABCs and 123s

Real learning for toddlers isn’t just about letters or numbers. Emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication skills are just as important. Low-stimulating content supports children ages 2–5 in building these essential skills naturally, often more effectively than flashy “educational” shows.

Research shows that children aged 2–5 who spent more time on screens showed lower developmental performance over time, even after controlling for other factors (Madigan et al., 2019). Furthermore, limiting screen time encourages social interaction, creative play, and physical activity, all of which support healthy development (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2016).

Parting Thoughts

Before reaching for a flashy “educational” show, consider the type of content your toddler is engaging with. Slower-paced, low-stimulation shows can foster attention, social skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence—skills that are just as important as learning ABCs and 123s.