There's no denying that "Cocomelon" has one of the strongest content for toddlers and preschoolers on YouTube. However, parents have been looking for alternative programs after child development expert Jerrica Sannes warned that this children's show may be comparable to a drug stimulant.
Here are five "Cocomelon" alternatives that children under 6 years old may learn from and enjoy:
1. Ms Rachel's "Songs for Littles" - Toddler Learning Videos
Rachel Griffin Accurso was inspired to open "Songs for Littles" by her daughter. A music education degree holder from New York University, this YouTuber is popularly known as Ms. Rachel. She has been featured in mainstream media for her growing influence on the video-sharing site. Some parents attest that their toddlers learned to talk properly because of her videos. She is basically a toddler's heroine in many households around the world.
On Reddit, parents warned that her videos can be annoying but her content packs so much educational value better than "Cocomelon."
2. Blippi - Educational Videos for Kids
Blippi is Stevin W. John, a content creator, children's entertainer and educator. He was formerly in the Air Force and decided to make Blippi when he saw the quality of YouTube videos his 2-year-old nephew was watching. That was in 2014 and today, Blippi has over 800 million subscribers.
He does not stick to a studio setting but takes his lessons in actual surroundings that may help the toddlers with image association. John became a father himself after welcoming his firstborn son, Lochlan, in March with his fiancée Alyssa Ingham, per Today.
3. Mother Goose Club
Mother Goose Club has been creating content for preschoolers since 2009. Like "Cocomelon," this show has caught the attention of streamers like Amazon or Netflix, as well as the PBS network in the U.S., to carry the program in their library. While most parents might not get the appeal of this children's show, kids tend to be glued to it for less than 45 minutes for every episode.
4. Pinkfong! Aesop's Fables for Children
This YouTube channel comes from the creator of the widely popular earworm "Baby Shark" and puts focus on Aesop's fables or stories with moral teachings based on the work of the Greek storyteller, Aesop. The stories average five minutes in length only but will keep the children entertained when it's played on loop.
5. HooplaKidz - Official Nursery Rhymes Channel
HooplaKidz is another popular preschool content, raking more than 170 million views a month. The show, which has been on YouTube since 2010 is also available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Roku. It has been integrated with learning apps as well to enhance a child's learning experience.
HooplaKidz is the creation of YoBoHo digital media, which has tons of other children's catalogs for learning, such as Derrick and Debbie, All Babies Channel, Kids Camp, Captain Discovery and Teehee Town. Their content is distributed in 13 languages.
Meanwhile, Sannes has her own recommendations on how to navigate and choose content for young children's screen time in the podcast from FemStrong.
Related Article: 'Cocomelon' Too Stimulating? Famous Kids YouTube Channel Allegedly Bad for Child Development
