Screen time isn’t always a bad thing for toddlers. Sometimes, when your little one isn’t feeling well, watching a soothing movie is a perfect pick. Low-stimulation movies for toddlers offer better quality screen time than movies that are loud and packed with action. Sure, those are fun and can be super exciting for kids, but the impact on their cognitive development is often negative. Those overstimulating movies can be too much for toddlers, leading to tantrums, meltdowns, and an inability to fall asleep.
Think about how difficult it is to fall asleep after watching a horror or suspense movie right before going to bed. Your mind is going in different directions, making it hard to relax and drift off to sleep. Well, it’s the same for toddlers. So, what are the best low-stimulation movies for toddlers to watch and what exactly are they?
Best low-stimulation movies for toddlers
If your toddler is only watching something for an hour a day, you want to make sure it’s quality programming. Low-stimulation movies are the perfect pick to avoid sensory overload. Think about how little ones react when watching a movie in a big theater. Most toddlers don’t enjoy the experience because of the loud sounds and the bold colors on the big screen. It’s overwhelming and overstimulating. So, when you’re looking for low-stimulation movies to stream for your toddler, put these on the list.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
The Little Bear Movie (2001)
Franklin and the Turtle Lake Treasure (2006)
Charlotte's Web (1973)
An American Tail (1986)
Disney movies
Who doesn’t love Disney movies? They are the best, and kids love them because they love animals. How many times have yours watched Frozen? The thing with Disney movies is that they can be overstimulating. Think about that stampede scene in The Lion King or when the wolves are after Belle in the woods in Beauty and the Beast.
If you’re looking to share a Disney movie with your toddler, you might want to try older titles like the Tinkerbell movies, Robin Hood, or The Aristocats. You’ll find them all on Disney+. The best way to see if a particular Disney movie will be too overstimulating for your toddler is to check it out first. Watch the trailer and see if it will be too much for your toddler.
What are low-stimulation movies?
Low-stimulation movies are exactly what they sound like. They’re movies with calming colors, quieter sounds, softer music, and less dramatic scene changes. This doesn’t mean the movie is without fun or not entertaining for toddlers. Low-stimulation movies are like comfort shows for adults. Instead of loud, dramatic movies and big, bold colors, low-stimulation films emphasize educational and emotionally appropriate content.
The Mayo Clinic recommends screen time for children ages 2 to 5 should be limited to an hour a day of quality programming. Using that hour for low-stimulation movies does have its benefits. It can help reduce stress and improve sleep and focus while giving your toddler a better screen time balance. So, how do you know if your child is overstimulated?
What does overstimulation look like?
Did you have a sibling who ran around like crazy trying to karate kick everything after watching Power Rangers or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? That’s an easy example of overstimulation after watching something. Other signs of overstimulation in toddlers include irritability, crying, uncooperativeness, and tiredness. If you find these symptoms popping up more and more after your toddler’s screen time, it could be what’s on the device that’s leading to a meltdown.
When it comes to screen time, toddlers shouldn’t be having a lot. Sometimes, though, watching a movie together is a great way for both of you to unwind. Low-stimulation movies for toddlers are a better choice than those loud, action-packed, fast-moving kids’ films. A better option is soothing movies that have a calming effect on toddlers. Little ones also like to rewatch movies. So, keep these low-stimulation movies on demand because chances are they will want to see them again.
