iPads are becoming more and more popular, with millions being sold. Although these are mainly used by adults, a new trend is starting where apps are being designed for children as young as toddlers.

1. A New Trend: Apps for Kids By Laura Leonard Photo credit: Toca Boca – flickr

2. April 2010 iPad was introducedto the US market In just over four months, iPad sales reached $1 billion Photo credit: yto - flickr January 18, 2011 iPad sales reach 14.8 million March 11, 2011 iPad 2 for sale in US

3. Now there is a NEW trend… ...apps for kids. Photo credit: novemberwolf – flickr

4. Apps are being designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Photo credit: creativesam – flickr

5. When “TODDLER” and “EDUCATIONAL” are typed into iTunes, more than 800 apps for children under 3 years can be found. Photo credit: BasBoerman – flickr

6. The touch screen is EASYfor kids to use and games make learning FUN. Photo credit: Toca Boca – flickr

7. Photo credit: @cdharrison Some apps may even help children learn how to READ.

8. BONUS: An iPad is more easily PORTABLE than traditional toys... Photo credit: lobo235 - flickr

9. ...and perfect to keep kids busy in a car, plane, or public transit. Photo credit: Dominic’s pics - flickr

10. Photo credit: Jemimus - flickr If parents are worried about damage to this expensive device, there are many ways to childproof it with anti-slip, waterproof, and other protective covers and cases.

11. Some stores sell cheaper and more durable versions for kids. Photo credit:jessicamullen – flickr

12. Photo credit:AngryJulieMonday - flickr However, there are some dangers for kids using iPads and similar products.

13. “The challenge for parents will be finding ways to limit screen time..... Photo credit: Jinod - flickr

14. .... and make sure their kids don’t end up tapping their way into places (or people) they should not.” Photo credit: bfishadow - flickr Nicole Baute in Is iPad the next big toy for toddlers

15. “Laptops and computers are already diversion-and-distracting machines and an iPad is that for a toddler” - Mike Elgan in Is iPad the next big toy for toddlers? Photo credit: Shane Pope – flickr

16. Parents need to monitor their children’s usage and teach them how to use these devices safely. Photo credit: jted – flickr

17. Photo credit: AngryJulieMonday - flickr Devices like iPads may seem addictive and shorten attention spans. Devices like iPads may seem addictive and shorten attention spans.

18. Studies show children who spend more time in front of a screen each day are likely to have attention problemsin school. Photo credit: Elizabeth Albert – flickr

19. Child’s screen time should be limited to 1-2 hrs/day. – American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Canadian Paediatric Society Photo credit: jencu - flickr

20. An iPad can teach kids a lot, but not everything. An iPad can teach kids a lot, but not everything Photo credit: michaelaion - flickr

21. It is important for parents to interact with their children. Photo credit: karen.j.ybanez – flickr

22. References A Brief History of the iPad [Infographic] http://www.theipadfan.com/history-ipad-infographic/ Excess TV, computer video games linked to poor attention in classroom: study By Sheryl Ubelacker http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/newsfeatures/article/832181--excess-tv-computer-video-games-linked-to-poor-attention-in-classroom-study iPhoneapps a hit with preschoolers By Rob Ferguson http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/934673--iphone-apps-a-hit-with-preschoolers Is iPad the next big toy for toddlers? By Nicole Baute http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/newsfeatures/article/824100--is-ipad-the-next-big-toy-for-toddlers Parent Debate: Do iPads and Smartphones Really Teach Toddlers to Read? By Becky Worley http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/parent-debate-ipads-smartphones-teach-toddlers-read/story?id=13626381 References Photo credit: 3Gstore.de – flickr