New dad here - what are some good cartoons for my kid (and I) to watch that are both entertaining and educational?

Man, don’t worry about the screen time nazis. Studies have shown that quality limited screen time can be beneficial. Given how we interface with our modern world this isn’t a leap. I like Blaze on Nick Jr. they integrate scientific concepts like physics into the cartoon in a fun way. My son has learned many advanced concepts from this. Umizoomi on the same channel does a lot of letter and number work. The LeapFrog series can be great though some are better than others. My kids loved on called Letterland.

I am certainly not advocating for unlimited screen time. Used correctly I think it can be leveraged to introduce concepts and learning goals while to the child seeming like nothing but fun. We work with our children closely to create learning moments. They do get tired of us going on about things so a fun source presenting things in a novel and amusing way is great IMO.

Would definitely hold off as long as possible. Around 2, we started letting our daughter watch an episode of Daniel Tiger right after lunch. Her routine would be lunch, Daniel Tiger, then nap.

We were amazed how much she learns from it. Every episode has a theme about feelings, day to day issues, etc., and simple songs to help learn and remember it.

That’s our go to. Super Why is good too for learning, depending on the age.

Would really try to find shows that are created with education at the center of it. So many out there that maybe have an entertaining plot, but little beyond that.

None. Seriously, your child should not be exposed to any type of screens for as long as possible. Read books, build blocks, go for a walk or a bite to eat.

You can be more educational to them than any cartoon ever will be.

When they are older introduce them to Bugs Bunny and any old Warner Bros cartoons.

PBS kids had been the best subscription we've found. Daniel tiger (the next generation from Mr Rogers) was the first go-to (the "if you have to go potty, stop and go right away" song will save the day more than you'd ever imagine) and now we're big fans of dinosaur train. I was sold when, out of the blue, my 3 year old daughter was talking about dinosaurs and I asked her who studies dinosaurs, thinking she'd say scientists, and she came back with "paleantologists". Hell, I don't even know if I spelled that correctly 😳

I’ll actually watch random YouTube clips with my son that are arguably educational (eg space shuttle launch, tour of a car factory). He thinks they’re super cool and I voice overall all the things that are going on.

My 2 and a half year old can count to 50 and to100 in 10s. Can also do some basic addition. Knows the alphabet can recognize any letter and and knows the phonetic sound of each. All thanks to a couple of British shows you can find on YouTube - Alphablocks and Numberblocks. Sometimes screen time can be great for education.

Also, OP didn't ask if it's ok to to have screen time. Help him out with recommendations instead of giving him the screen time warrior spiel!

Newborn, so we have awhile of course. Asking out of curiosity since we will probably do limited screentime. I'd hope the likes of Sesame Street, PBS, and Peppa Pig, etc. are appropriate. Also, would be interested in how certain programming aligns to development stages.

Bluey - on Disney channel

21 years from now...they'll still call you in a panic, while driving down the highway, not understanding why the car won't go over 60 miles per hour.

Meanwhile you'll recognize that high revving sound of your engine about to explode as "Drive 2".

No matter what you do, things like this will still happen.

Tom and Jerry, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote are a good start. When they get more intellectual add Rocky & Bullwinkle...

Daniel Tiger my man, Daniel Tiger.

When they get older we had a lot of fun watching “Avatar” and it’s sequel “Legend of Korra” together as a family.
“The Dragon Prince” on Netflix is also good. It is made by many of the same people and has lots of the same voice actors.

How old is your kid?

Daniel Tiger is always a big hit in the 2-4 age range. Agree that the “when you have to go potty, stop and go right away” song was instrumental 😜. The Nickelodeon Peter Rabbit was a go-to as well.

We did very limited screens before 2 with our first; sometimes I’d have the Mets game on and he would sit with me and watch for a little bit.

With our second the strictures got a little more relaxed - he wanted to do what his brother was doing, etc.

Keep it limited, and make it part of a schedule (e.g. we let them watch for 30 minutes while getting dinner ready)

My son is 16 months and has the attention span of....a 16month old I guess? He knows Sesame Street and who Elmo is. He loves Big Bird and Cookie Monster. Even when he does sit down to watch he literally only stares at the screen for 2 mins before moving on to something else. He loves books with pictures and stuff so I’d stick to those for as long as possible. As a family we try and do at least 1 meal out a week with him and he never uses a screen while we’re at a restaurant.

Wonder pets, wonder pets are on the way. Wonder pets, wonder pets to save the day.

My kids rarely have screen time (my wife’s choice), but we generally watch a movie or tv show on Friday nights.

Little Baby Bum and Word Party (both in Netflix)

Some good suggestions here. I echo a lot of the shows (and comments on pros and cons of screen time) but would also add PJ Masks if you’re into super hero stuff. The kids are super heroes but the show teaches lessons of sharing, etc. Your kid learns while you watch something you don’t mind.

My Little Ponies