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Top-Rated Best Apps for 1 Year Olds

24 Jul 2024 | By Emily Parker | 4 min read

In an exciting breakthrough for parents of 1-year-olds, researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking list of the top five apps specifically designed to support early childhood development. These game-changing apps, suitable for both neurotypical and neurodivergent toddlers, offer a perfect blend of entertainment and education through interactive stories and skill-building games. With over 80% of children showing improved cognitive and motor skills after consistent use, this thrilling revelation promises to revolutionize the way parents engage and stimulate their little ones during those crucial formative years.

1. Goally

Goally is a remarkable app designed specifically for neurodivergent kids and those with thinking and learning differences. This app offers a huge amount of features that help kids build independence and self-confidence by guiding them through daily routines and tasks. Moreover, it provides parents with valuable insights into their child’s progress and offers support through a community of like-minded caregivers.

Some of the standout features of Goally include:

  • Customizable visual schedules
  • Task timers
  • Positive reinforcement through rewards
  • Parental controls and monitoring
best apps for 1 year olds A Goally device shows the apps that they offer.

"Our Goally has been amazing for helping my son with transitions. Leaving the house is much easier now using his "Go Bye Bye" routine and he loves hearing my voice reciting the steps for him. It's a total game changer when it comes to visual schedules" — Paige
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With Goally, you can ensure that your child stays on track while having fun and learning essential life skills.

2. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn: Learning Letters Puppy

For a fun and educational experience, the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn: Learning Letters Puppy app is an excellent choice among the best apps for 1 year olds. This free app introduces your child to the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors through interactive play.

best apps for 1 year olds. A 1 year old is walking and smiling.
Read More: Top Book Apps for Kids

Some of its engaging features include:

  • Animated characters
  • Interactive games and activities
  • Sing-along songs
  • Parental controls

Above all, this app is designed to stimulate your child’s curiosity and cognitive development while keeping them entertained. Fisher-Price is a trusted name in early childhood education, and this app lives up to its reputation.

3. Baby Sparks

Baby Sparks is a comprehensive app that supports your child’s overall development. It offers daily activities tailored to your child’s age and abilities, focusing on areas such as motor skills, cognitive development, language and communication, and social-emotional growth.

With over 1,300 activities and a progress tracker, Baby Sparks is an invaluable resource for parents of both neurotypical and neurodivergent kids. Here’s a quick overview of what Baby Sparks offers:

CategoryExamples
Motor SkillsGrasping, crawling, walking
Cognitive DevelopmentProblem-solving, memory, attention
Language & CommunicationVocabulary, listening, speaking
Social-Emotional GrowthEmotion regulation, empathy, social skills

4. Peekaboo Barn

Peekaboo Barn is a delightful app that introduces your child to various animals and their sounds. This interactive game encourages exploration and curiosity, making it perfect for 1 year olds. The app’s simple interface ensures that even the youngest users can enjoy it without frustration.

best apps for 1 year olds. A 1 year old is playing in his room with foam letters.
Read more: 3 Apps for 2 Year Olds

Some of its features include:

  • Colorful illustrations
  • Engaging animations
  • Animal sounds and names
  • Multiple language options

Peekaboo Barn is an excellent way to introduce your kid to the world of animals while also helping your kid develop their language skills.

5. Busy Shapes

Busy Shapes is an award-winning app that helps develop your child’s problem-solving skills and spatial awareness. Inspired by the Montessori method, this app offers a variety of puzzles and challenges that adapt to your child’s skill level.

Key features of Busy Shapes include:

  • Intuitive gameplay
  • Progressive difficulty
  • Real-time feedback
  • Colorful graphics

Busy Shapes is an engaging and educational app that promotes critical thinking and fine motor skills in young children. It’s a fantastic addition to our list of best apps for 1 year olds.

Goally | Apps To Support Child Development

Looking for fun ways to help your child learn life skills? Try Goally! The Goally tablet comes with award-winning learning apps and video classes to help kids develop the skills they need to become independent with FUN & evidence-based practices.

An assortment of interactive video class thumbnails, including dental care and cooking, on the best tablet for kids by Goally.

Our apps teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more.

As your child develops new skills, you can increase the difficulty level of the tasks in the app to challenge and motivate them even further. This helps your child grow and progress at their own pace, while also keeping them engaged and excited about their development.

Goally kids tablet makes bedtime easy with bedtime routines completely controlled by the parent.

Discovering the top free apps for one-year-olds can positively impact your child’s growth, especially for neurodivergent children. These apps come with a variety of engaging and educational features that can cater to different learning styles and developmental stages. Five applications, including Goally, provide captivating and instructive experiences that suit diverse needs and skills. Each app offers unique and interactive content designed to enhance your child’s cognitive, motor, and social skills while keeping them entertained. Test them out and observe as your child explores, flourishes, and enjoys the process! Additionally, you can use these apps as a way to bond with your child, sharing in their excitement and progress as they navigate through new challenges and achievements.


FAQ’s About The Best Apps for 1 Year Olds

What are the best apps for 1-year-olds?
The best apps for 1-year-olds include interactive and educational apps like Goally that promote early learning and development.

How can apps benefit 1-year-olds?
Apps for 1-year-olds can stimulate cognitive and motor skills through engaging activities and colorful visuals.

Which features should I look for in apps for 1-year-olds?
Look for apps that are simple to use, have bright colors, and offer interactive elements tailored to young children.

Are educational apps safe for 1-year-olds?
Yes, educational apps designed for 1-year-olds are typically safe and focus on early childhood development and learning.

Can apps help with emotional regulation in toddlers?
Yes, some apps, like Goally, include features that help toddlers with emotional regulation by teaching them how to manage their feelings.

This post was originally published on 06/07/2023. It was updated on 07/24/2024.

Article by

Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.

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