In short: screens aren't recommended under 2 (apart from video calls); from 2 to 5, no more than 1 hour a day of high-quality content, ideally watched with a parent. For toddlers, short, calm shows like Hey Duggee and Peppa Pig work well; for preschoolers, Bluey and Numberblocks; for school-age children, Ada Twist, Scientist and Wild Kratts.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 September 2026
What children watch matters. Good cartoons can spark curiosity, build vocabulary and open conversations about feelings – but only if they suit the child's age and screen time stays limited. Here is our list of tried-and-tested shows by age group, plus a summary of official guidance.
How much screen time is appropriate?
| Age | World Health Organization (WHO, 2019) | American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) |
|---|---|---|
| under 1 | screen time not recommended | no screens until 18 months, except video chatting |
| 1–2 years | at 1 not recommended; at 2 no more than 1 hour a day, less is better | 18–24 months: high-quality content only, with an adult |
| 3–4 years | no more than 1 hour a day, less is better | 2–5 years: up to 1 hour a day of high-quality programmes, watched together |
| 6 and over | – | consistent limits so screens don't replace sleep, activity and family time |
Both organisations stress that what screens replace – movement, sleep, reading and play with adults – matters more than the minutes themselves.
10 educational cartoons by age
| Age | Show | What children learn |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 | Hey Duggee | curiosity, teamwork, first skill “badges” |
| 2–3 | Peppa Pig | everyday situations, family, friendship |
| 3–5 | Bluey | imaginative play, feelings, resolving conflict |
| 3–5 | Numberblocks | counting, adding, early maths concepts |
| 3–5 | Puffin Rock | nature, animals, a calm pace |
| 5–8 | Shaun the Sheep | wordless problem-solving, humour |
| 5–8 | Ada Twist, Scientist | the scientific method, perseverance |
| 5–8 | Ask the StoryBots | answers to “why” questions about the world and the body |
| 6–10 | Wild Kratts | biology, animal traits, nature conservation |
| 8+ | Ernest & Celestine | friendship, accepting differences, empathy |
Ages 2–3: short, calm and together
Hey Duggee (CBeebies/BBC iPlayer) shows in short episodes how children learn new skills and work together. Peppa Pig offers simple everyday stories that make great conversation starters.
Ages 3–5: feelings, numbers and nature
Bluey (Disney+ and the official YouTube channel) is one of the most admired shows about imaginative play and family life. Numberblocks (CBeebies) makes numbers and sums playful. Puffin Rock (Netflix) gently follows animal life on an Irish island.
Ages 5–8: curiosity and science
Shaun the Sheep has almost no dialogue, so it works in any language, and the stories encourage problem-solving. Ada Twist, Scientist and Ask the StoryBots (Netflix) answer children's “why” questions. Wild Kratts (PBS Kids) introduces animals and their special abilities.
Ages 8+: stories to talk about
Ernest & Celestine is a tender story of friendship between a bear and a mouse that opens up conversations about prejudice and difference.
Streaming availability varies by country and changes over time; checked September 2026.
Where to watch without ads
In the UK, CBeebies and BBC iPlayer offer ad-free children's programmes. On YouTube, stick to official channels or the YouTube Kids app and turn off autoplay.
Getting more out of cartoons
- Watch together and chat afterwards: what happened, how did the character feel?
- Agree a clear end – one or two episodes instead of endless autoplay.
- No screens at mealtimes or in the hour before bed.
- Bring the story into play: build a den like Bluey or count blocks like the Numberblocks. Find toy ideas in our guide to Montessori toys by age and our educational toys.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can children watch cartoons?
The WHO doesn't recommend screens before age 2; the AAP allows high-quality content from 18 months if watched with an adult.
How much TV is OK for a 3-year-old?
No more than 1 hour a day, and less is better. With short episodes that means a few episodes, ideally with a parent.
Which cartoons are suitable for a 2-year-old?
Short, calm ones such as Hey Duggee or Peppa Pig, without fast cuts and loud effects.
Are cartoons on YouTube safe?
Choose official channels or YouTube Kids, turn off autoplay and stay nearby, as unsuitable content and ads can pop up between videos.
What can we do instead of screens?
Read together, play with blocks and puzzles, pretend play and get moving outdoors. Even five minutes of focused play with your child is worth more than another episode.
Sources
- WHO (2019): Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age
- AAP: Media and Young Minds (Pediatrics, 2016)
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.
