Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend minimizing screen time for children under the age of 18 months — or even eliminating it altogether. But even once you introduce screen time to young kids, it’s best to do so in moderation, and mindfully, keeping in mind the developmental stage your child is at and the need for age-appropriate content. Enter: the idea of low-stimulation TV shows for toddlers.
“Low-stimulating shows are made with the neurodevelopment of their viewers in mind,” explains Brittney Rick-Betancourt, a behavioral analyst, parent of two and center director at Little Leaves Behavioral Services. They’re often slower paced with fewer jarring colors and sounds.
We asked both experts and real parents to share their favorite low-stimulation show for toddlers. Here’s our comprehensive list.
What are low-stimulation shows, and why are they beneficial?
In low-stimulation shows, colors are generally muted, and there are not rapid scene cuts, which are harder to process for young minds. Because the scenes are slower, there’s more dialogue, which also promotes emotional learning, Rick-Betancourt says.
“The slower pacing, softer visuals and gentle sounds of these shows foster a sense of safety, helping children develop focus and emotional regulation.”
—Hayley Spira-Bauer, elementary school teacher and Chief Operating Officer at Fullmind
Low-stimulating shows for toddlers play a crucial role in helping them navigate their developing sensory and cognitive systems, says Hayley Spira-Bauer, an elementary school teacher and Chief Operating Officer at Fullmind. “At this age, children are rapidly absorbing their surroundings, and high-intensity content can overwhelm their capacity to process information,” she explains.
By offering calming, predictable shows, parents can help create a space for toddlers and young children to engage with material in a way that promotes relaxation and thoughtful learning, Spira-Bauer adds. “The slower pacing, softer visuals and gentle sounds of these shows foster a sense of safety, helping children develop focus and emotional regulation.”
12 low-stimulation shows for toddlers
1. “Bluey”
This popular show out of Australia focuses on the adventures of a young puppy named Bluey. The series “blends imagination and real-life family dynamics in a calm, reflective tone,” says Spira-Bauer. “The pastel visuals and relatable family adventures keep stimulation levels low while encouraging creative play and emotional growth.”
Watch: “Bluey” on Disney+
2. “Classical Baby”
“Classical Baby” has a very simple premise. It’s just classical or folk music, performed by an animal orchestra and conducted by a baby conductor, explains Rachel A., mom of a 6-year-old in Los Angeles. One episode features poetry, with short interviews of kids discussing the poems. “It’s the first thing we ever showed our son, and often would accompany a nap,” says Rachel. “It’s that low-stimulation.”
Watch: “Classical Baby” on Max
3. “Little Bear”
Though older than some of the others on this list, “Little Bear” — which first premiered in 1995 and is based on the books by Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak — is a low-stimulation, feel-good show that stands the test of time. It centers around Little Bear, his family and their friends, offering honest insights into the emotional world of children. The show is slow-paced and soothing.
Watch: “Little Bear” on Paramount Plus
4. “Tumble Leaf”
“Tumble Leaf” is a visually rich, stop-motion series that promotes concepts like curiosity and problem-solving without overwhelming young kids, Spira-Bauer says. It focuses on a blue fox named Fig and his adventures and friendships. “Its gentle storytelling and soft color palette make it ideal for encouraging exploration while keeping toddlers at ease,” she adds.
Watch: “Tumble Leaf” on Amazon Prime
5. “Gabby’s Dollhouse”
“Gabby’s Dollhouse” is a gentle, sweet show about a young girl named Gabby who plays alone in her room with her dollhouse and invites others to join her. “‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ was a favorite for my sensitive kid when he was a 4- and 5-year-old, and he still rewatches episodes regularly,” says Rachel A.
Watch: “Gabby’s Dollhouse” on Netflix
6. “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”
A spin-off from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” this show centers on the family life of 4-year-old Daniel Tiger. It’s designed with children’s emotional health in mind, says Spira-Bauer. “With its slow pacing, musical reinforcement of lessons, and soothing voices, it helps toddlers process feelings in a low-stress environment,” she describes.
Watch: “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” on PBS Kids
7. “Caitie’s Classroom”
“Caitie’s Classroom” is an educational show where teacher Caitie invites children to sing, dance, play and learn. The show is “just wholesome and educational,” says Rachel A., adding that it has a “very Mister Rogers vibe to it.”
Watch: “Caitie’s Classroom” on Super Simple
8. “Stillwater”
Parents can’t get enough of “Stillwater.” “It’s the most calming show about a big panda and three kids he is friends with — including lots of lessons about mindfulness and how to deal with your feelings,” says Carrie Murphy, a doula in Austin, Texas, and mom of two kids, ages 6 and 1. Abi Berwager Schreier, a mom of a 6-year-old from Atlanta, concurs: “‘Stillwater’ is amazing; it’s gorgeous and beautiful and calming to watch.”
Watch: “Stillwater” on Apple TV
9. “Sarah and Duck”
“Sarah and Duck,” a show about a sweet 7-year-old girl and her best friend, Duck, is a favorite low-stimulation show for many parents. “The stakes are infinitesimally small, and the narrator’s voice is so soothing,” says Emily F. Popek, a mom of one from Oneonta, NY. “I honestly put that show on when anyone in our house is feeling stressed; it’s the TV equivalent of a weighted blanket.”
Watch: “Sarah and Duck” on Apple TV
10. “Creative Galaxy”
“Creative Galaxy” is a low stimulation TV show for toddlers that also inspires them to create art. It chronicles the adventures of Arty, a lovable alien, who uses creativity for problem solving. “It has soothing, not-too-annoying sounds, bright but not over-stimulating colors and relatable yet likable characters,” sayss Gennie Gorback, an early childhood educator, teacher trainer, play advocate and mom of two from Orinda, California.
Watch:“Creative Galaxy” on Amazon Prime
11. “Timmy Time”
“Timmy Time” is a stop-motion animated series from the United Kingdom, in which Timmy (a young lamb) and his friends learn to navigate friendships, cope with mistakes and learn to get along. “Every episode is packed with simple yet meaningful content that’s easy for toddlers to follow and absorb,” says Dr. Jamie Krenn, an educational consultant and professor at Columbia University and Sarah Lawrence College. “The show uses minimal dialogue and focuses on gestures, facial expressions and movement, allowing toddlers to tune into the emotional and social cues around them.”
Watch: “Timmy Time” on Amazon Prime
12. “Peep and the Big Wide World”
“Peep and the Big Wide World” is a sweet, charming show about a young chicken named Peep and his friends Chirp (a robin) and Quack (a duck). It looks at the world through the fresh eyes of young children and is both comforting and entertaining to watch.
Watch: “Peep and the Big Wide World” on Amazon Prime
