It’s that time again! Summer is here, and if you’re like me, you have a road trip or two in your future. Along with the high gas prices, dancing with road rage, and an endless need for bathroom breaks, if you have a toddler, you’re bound at some point, to have an anxious or fussy toddler. One of those inevitable breakdowns. A sure-fire way to calm the storm, that some parents have found, is to entertain their kids with their iPhones. Its quick, convenient, and if you choose careful, it can also be an educational lifesaver when you’re stuck in traffic and limited to what you can and cannot do.
My daughter, who I refer to as Bug on here, has had access to my iPhone for a long while now, I learned early on how helpful a quick savior can be, especially in a situation like a doctor’s office when you need to talk to someone, and you’d rather not over a screaming baby. She’s now 2, been exposed to a ton of apps, and I feel is a pretty tough critic when it comes to them. The list of apps below are all ones I’ve tested prior to her playing with them, and they are all ones that she has thoroughly enjoyed, and still does today. If you grabbed my iPhone right now, you’ll find all these apps installed as they have all proven to be worth it. While others may entertain for a short period, all these I consider to be the top dogs, the cream of the crop, when it comes to iPhone apps for toddlers. If you’re looking for an iPhone app to entertain your child, I don’t feel you can go wrong with any of these.
 ABC Song PianoKiboomu Publishing $.99 |
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of the apps from the ladies at Kiboomu, but to me, I still think their best outing has been ABC Song Piano, and it’s still proving to be a favorite of Bug’s as she’s learning her ABCs. Featuring the options of playing along or just listening, it proves to entertain whichever mood Bug is in. Link
 AniMatchLima Sky $.99 |
When it comes to matching games in the app store, you can’t spit without hitting one. The thing that sets AniMatch apart is that they got the equation right when it comes to fun, enjoyable children’s apps. With great graphics, colors, and sounds, AniMatch is much more engaging than the typical matching game, and is proving to be a fun game that Bug can play with or without me. If you’re looking for something fresh that will challenge your toddler and keep him/her entertained, AniMatch is an easy answer. Link
 Elmer’s Special DayOceanhouse Media $2.99 |
Shouldn’t be a shock to anyone that Oceanhouse Media would make this list, as they should be on nearly every list you find for children related iPhone apps. What the people at Oceanhosue Media have done is basically corner the market for interactive books based off favorites of your childhood, including Dr Seuss and The Berenstain Bears. Elmer’s Special Day is one of their newest additions, and is proving to be a current favorite, but I already own nearly all their Dr Seuss books, and will continue to buy, because I feel that as she gets older, Bug will enjoy these more and more, especially as she starts to learn to read later on. In the mean time, the “Read to me” option and the interactive nature of the pages, prove to be just what the doctor ordered at times. Link
 Interactive AlphabetPiikea St. LLC $2.99 |
Just like with ABC Song piano, this is proving to be on of Bug’s favorite apps as she learns the alphabet. As a parent its one that I highly suggest as it not only teaches your child the letters of the alphabet, but is highly interactive and keeps your child highly engaged. Link
 My UnderwearThumb Arcade $2.99 |
My Underwear is one of those apps that as a parent, you can be confident in your purchase. You can truly view this app as a 4 in 1 as the four games contained in this app could easily carry its own app and price tag. Bug however doesn’t care about any of that, she does however enjoy the painting and creating her own underwear and feeding the monster. Featuring the artwork of Todd Parr, this is another one of those apps that will be enjoyed by both young and old. Link
 Peekaboo ForestNight & Day Studios, Inc $1.99 |
As always, I can’t post a list without including one of the Peekaboo apps from Night & Day Studios. The original app that started it for me was Peekaboo Barn, and while they are all amazing apps, Peekaboo Forest has a bit of a more advanced feel to it, and I feel it’s a more attractive app to a toddler more so than an infant, and in fact, the older Bug gets, the more she is enjoying this app. Rest assured though, you can’t go wrong with any of the Peekaboo apps. Link
 Scout’s ABC GardenLeapFrog Enterprises, Inc $3.99 |
It’s not been around very long, bout Scout’s ABC Garden has climbed the ranks as not only one of Bug’s favorite apps, but one of mine for her as well. She loves having the Scout and Violet characters that she can interact with, and she has now started going into the garden, growing her plants, and laughing as she goes after the moles. If you or your child is a fan of LeapFrog and their characters, this app is definitely one to consider. Link
 Splish Splash InnShortstack $.99 |
Another one of mine and Bug’s favorites, Splish Splash Inn still has staying power, more so now than ever, as Bug is all about counting. The app is bright and colorful, and easily entertains and educates. A unique concept that sets itself above others, and just like other apps on here like Zoo Train and Interactive Alphabet, its self paced, which is a point that I feel makes all these apps not only successful, but also favorites of parents and children alike. Link
 Zoo TrainBusy Bee Studios $.99 |
Zoo Train is honestly one of the best, most unique apps I’ve seen and one of my all time favorites, easily the best children’s app of the first half of 2011. Zoo Train has 5 different activities and every one is 5 stars. You and your toddler both will enjoy this app, and it will prove to be a mainstay. Still holds the standard for children’s apps as far as I’m concerned, and still proves to be Bugs “go-to” app. This has everything you could hope, as a parent, for a children’s app. Link
No these are in no way the only apps I would suggest, but these are some of the best in my opinion. If you have a suggestion of an app that has proven to be a hit with your kid(s) leave a comment, as I would love to take a look at it.