When my daughter got the Yoto Mini for Christmas, it quickly became a household favourite. Previously, we used an Amazon Echo for bedtime stories and podcasts, but I found it challenging to utilize its features fully. After hearing glowing recommendations from friends about the Yoto players, we decided to try the Yoto Mini—and it has been a fantastic decision!

Key Features of the Yoto Mini

Story Cards for Easy Listening

One of the standout features of the Yoto Mini is its use of story cards. Unlike the Tony Box, which uses figurines to play stories, the Yoto Mini uses small cards that slot into the player. This approach has several advantages, especially for slightly older children. For instance, with younger kids, there’s a risk of losing or knocking over the figurines, while the Yoto cards are compact and easy to manage.

For Christmas, I got my daughter the Roald Dahl collection, and it’s been a hit. She especially loves listening to Matilda. To play a story, she simply inserts the card, and when she’s done, she pulls it out to stop it. It’s simple and intuitive, perfect for her age.

Custom Story Recording

A feature I particularly love is the ability to record our own stories using the Yoto app. Many people use the app to download existing audiobooks or CDs, but I’ve taken to reading and recording stories myself. This adds a personal touch and creates lasting memories for my daughter. I imagine these recordings will be cherished, even when she’s older and perhaps sharing them with her own children. You can order blank Make your own Yoto cards, so you can download your own stories onto cards. 

The Yoto App

The Yoto app comes with plenty of additional features. Yoto Daily Radio is a favourite in our household, offering upbeat content with fun questions and silly stories that change daily. The app also has a wide range of podcasts, like Football for Kids, Goodnight Stories for rebel girls, and various science and news podcasts, ensuring there’s something for every interest.

Yoto App Extras: More Than Just an App

One of the things I absolutely love about the Yoto app is how everything is conveniently stored in one place. Every Yoto card I buy is also available on the app, which makes it so easy to access. Plus, any recordings I make—like my own bedtime stories—are right there too. It’s like having a personal library at my fingertips!

But that’s not all—the app allows me to control the Yoto Mini directly from my phone. I can turn the player off, set alarms, or play any of the stories, podcasts, or even the radio through it. This feature is a total game-changer, especially when I want to help my daughter wind down or wake up without having to be right next to the player.

The app’s user-friendly interface and all these handy features make it such a fantastic companion to the Yoto Mini, keeping everything organized and easy to manage. Honestly, it feels like the Yoto app just makes life that little bit easier, and I’m all for that!

How We Use the Yoto Mini

Bedtime Routine

For bedtime, the Yoto Mini is indispensable. My daughter listens to a story or a podcast as she drifts off to sleep. Though I’ve yet to fully explore the alarm clock feature, I’m planning to set it up soon to help her wake up more independently. In the meantime, I often put on the radio in the morning to ease her into the day with age-appropriate content.

On-the-Go Entertainment

One of the best aspects of the Yoto Mini is its portability. We purchased the adventure jacket cover for extra protection, making it easy for my daughter to carry it around the house or take it on trips. Whether we’re in the car or at a sleepover, the Yoto Mini’s compact size and ease of use make it the perfect travel companion. We also got a travel case bag to keep her story cards, charging cable, and accessories organized and safe.

Independence and Flexibility

Unlike the Amazon Echo, which requires Wi-Fi and setup every time we travel, the Yoto Mini is hassle-free. It’s incredibly convenient to have a device that’s ready to go without the need for constant configuration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Yoto Mini. It’s a fantastic tool for children, packed with features that enhance learning and entertainment. From the intuitive story cards to the customizable recordings and wide range of app content, the Yoto Mini is a versatile and enjoyable device. My eight-year-old daughter absolutely loves it, and we’re excited to continue exploring all it has to offer.

This article contains Amazon Affiliate links