
If you’re thinking about trying Yoto or wondering which cards are best to start with, I wanted to share what’s worked for us. We’ve been using the Yoto Player with my three-year-old, who has a learning disability, and it’s been such a lovely addition to our routine.
We’re still exploring all the things Yoto can do, but the cards we’ve tried so far have gone down really well, especially anything with music or nursery rhymes.
What My Toddler Loves Right Now
The Super Simple Songs cards are by far his favourite. He already knows a lot of the songs from nursery, so there’s something really comforting about hearing them again. He lights up when we put them on.
We’ve also had good luck with:
- Nursery Rhymes Collection – full of familiar songs that are easy to sing along to
- Sleepy Songs from Super Simple – a nice one for winding down in the evenings
- Animal Songs – this one usually turns into a mini dance party
One thing I’ve really noticed is how the cards have helped with his independence. He’s non-verbal, but he’s able to choose which card he wants by looking at the picture on the front. He’s also learning to put the card into the player by himself, which is a great little skill for him to practise. It’s lovely to see him making choices and feeling more in control.
And once the card is in, he can press play, skip tracks or replay something without needing my help. That freedom means a lot to him, and to me, too.
Starting Small
When we first got the player, I didn’t go overboard with loads of cards. We just picked a few I thought he’d recognise or enjoy, like songs he already liked from nursery. As with everything, costs can add up really quickly but I think they’re a good idea for family to buy too for birthdays or Christmas and I plan to pop some onto the Amazon Wishlist that I circulate with family. I’ve also been using Vinted to spot some bargains.
If your child is still quite young or has additional needs, I’d definitely suggest starting with music or well-known rhymes. The rhythm and repetition seem to really help with focus and understanding. It’s also nice to stick with shorter tracks, as they tend to hold attention better at this age.
A Few Quick Tips for Choosing Yoto Cards
- Pick cards with familiar songs or stories
- Look for shorter tracks to start with
- Choose things with clear rhythm or actions
- Try out sleep-themed content for calming routines
- Don’t overlook the Make Your Own cards, great if you want to add your own voice or favourite songs. This is particularly useful for niche topics.
If you’re thinking about getting your first Yoto Player, I’ve got a referral link that gives you 10% off. It only works on the player itself (not accessories or cards), and it’s for the UK store.
I’m just sharing this here in case you’re a fellow parent thinking about giving it a go.
Here’s the link:
https://bit.ly/MorningsandMilk
We’ve found it’s been well worth it for how much we use it day-to-day.
Why We’re Sticking With Yoto
As a parent of a child with additional needs, I’m always looking for things that help him feel more independent, calm and involved. The Yoto Player has slotted really nicely into our day, whether it’s background music in the morning, a story after lunch, or sleep sounds at night.
I’ll probably share more about how we use it as we go, but I hope this post helps if you’re trying to figure out where to start or whether it’s right for your child.