Disclaimer: We were sent our Yoto Player to review as part of the Good Play Guide Ambassadors, however all words and opinions are our own and we were under no obligation to write a review on the products we were sent.
I’d been looking into a Yoto Player for a while, however wasn’t sure whether we’d get much use from it – we read every night before bed, so we didn’t know how often she’d get to listen to extra stories.
However, I was totally wrong. We could not have been more excited to have received one thanks to the Good Play Guide and in the past month alone she has had it on every single day without fail, and I even regret not getting one sooner, so much so that I’ve already bought her even more Yoto Cards for Christmas.
So, without further ado, I thought I’d share 10 things we love about the Yoto Player.
1. It’s super easy to set up & use
Setting up the Yoto Player was really easy in the first place. You simply plug it in to charge it, but can use it straight away, and download an easy-to-use app to get started. All your cards are stored on the app, so you can access them at any time, even without the cards on hand.
To listen to a new card, kids can simply slot them into the slot at the top of the device, and if you feel your child may not yet be ready for a physical card, you can also play them from the app.
2. Screen-free, portable device
We love how the device is portable – I’m going to order her one of the carry cases too, to make it even easier, but you don’t need to plug it in once it’s charged, you can take it anywhere and everywhere for screen-free fun for up to 10 hours on one charge.
You also don’t need wifi as once the player has played a card, it stores it for future use, making it great for camping, roadtrips, adventures and more.
We especially like leaving it in the bathroom doorway, so she can listen to it in the bath, but we also can’t wait to take it camping next year too – and for when we are staying with family over Christmas!
3. Something for all ages
No matter what age your child is, there really is something for all ages, from first words and baby bedtime stories, through to traditional stories, educational cards and more. The website is also separated into suggested ages to help you find something to suit your kids’ age, taste and ability.
4. The Yoto Cards make great gifts
We’ve already ordered Yoto cards for Lily for Christmas, but we think they’ll make great gifts – if anyone asks for gift suggestions, Yoto Cards will definitely be on our list now as something from friends or family.
5. You can control everything via the app
Everything from what you’re listening to, through to volume, sounds and more, are all accessible through the Yoto app, which means you know what your child is listening to and when.
Unlike some apps, you can only access child-friendly music, podcasts, stories and more, so you can be reassured at every stage.
We also love how all the cards are stored on the app, so everything is kept together. You can also access far more than just your chosen stories on the app – keep reading to find out more!
6. Great card choice for all tastes
Whether you like short stories, longer stories, learning fun, cooking, songs or more, there really is something for everyone on the Yoto Player. This Christmas we’ve bought Lily a French learning card (she’s learning French at school and has an obsession with the Eiffel Tower, so will be super excited!), Encanto, the Snowman and a card all about the digestive system!
Whatever your family enjoys, there really is a card for you!
7. Fun animations on the player – as well as a clock
Even though it is screen-free fun, the side of the device lights up with simple animations, depending on what you’re listening to. It then switches to an amazing nightlight and clock too, with even an ok-to-wake option.
8. Kids’ radio & podcasts too
Did you know, there’s more than just card stories on the Yoto Player? Our minds were blown when we went onto the app and found kid-friendly podcasts and a whole load of children’s radio stations including CBeebies, mindfulness for kids, calming bedtime stories and more.
9. Extra sounds & useful timers included
If that wasn’t enough, there’s relaxing sounds, sleep sounds, musical sounds and more on there, as well as toothbrush timer and homework timer that you can play through the app or Yoto Player too.
10. Great to have on while doing other activities
Our initial worry was when we’d use it when Lily reads every day anyway, but the Yoto Player is totally not a replacement for books – it supports reading too.
Whenever Lily’s doing her homework, crafts, having a bath, drawing or playing with her toys, she automatically puts the Yoto Player on in the background, which allows her to keep doing whatever she’s doing, while listening to music, sounds or audiobooks.
Conclusion
We absolutely love the Yoto Player and our only regret is not getting one sooner – they are fantastic. The range of fiction and non-fiction stories, alongside the music and sounds means they grow with your child, no matter what they enjoy listening too.
We like to give Lily some zone-out time after school and she has often headed towards YouTube, which has helped her relax in her own way, however the Yoto Player is now her choice, whatever she’s doing, without the need for screens.
I also love the variety on offer for her, with everything from Roald Dahl and Disney Classics to Christmas stories, Extraordinary Lives biographies, discovery learning and more.
My only slight negative with it is that I ordered Yoto Cards for Lily’s Christmas and they’re already on the app, so I can’t get her to look at the app until Christmas 🙂 I know it can’t be helped, but it’s just a warning if you’re ordering through your account that they come up instantly – on the other hand, that’s a positive because it means everything is in one place!
A huge thank you to the Good Play Guide for sending us a Yoto Player – I know this will be very much enjoyed for many years and then passed down through the family too.
The 3am Diary 