APP HAPPY

Need some downtime? Here's our pick of the best toddler apps at the mo

Snail Bob

OK, so don’t be fooled by Snail Bob’s name: this is a physics-based strategy game through-and-through. Press buttons to control various mechanisms and get Snail Bob to the exit asap. Rinse and repeat (hopefully long enough for you to grab a cuppa).

ColorStudio HD

A great free app that turns any iPad into a colourful drawing pad, without ruining the wallpaper or table. Good times.

Little Big Foot

The story: a young Big Foot goes on the hunt for adventure with tonnes of psychedelic interactions with mad creatures. The illustrations and animation is knock-out and better still, it’s free to download on iPad from the App Store.

Potato Head Color

A virtual colouring book for younger children, Potato Head Color makes up in simple fun what it lacks in UK SPELLING (requires capitalisation for the rage it induces). It’s free, though, so beggars can’t be choosers.

Forestry

This is all kinds of great. Your child gets to help forest dwellers build a house, gather food stuffs, pick up berries, go swimming and, best of all, prepare for sleep. Great for memory-boosting and also good for assuring a steady row of Z’s.

Peekaboo Barn

Does-what-it-says-on-the-tin simple identify-an-animal game. Great for young kids, especially in December when it gets Christmas-ified.

Callaway Digital Arts Thomas The Tank Engine games

There are so many rubbish Thomas games it's good to know that those by Callaway Digital Arts are a go-to. Solid.

Peppa Pig Happy Mrs Chicken

For those in the thrall of Peppa Pig, this app is the best of the porky bunch. Even though it costs a couple of quid, it’s worth it for the downtime. Look out for the P2 Games – both for Fireman Sam and Peppa, they’re the wheat in a massive bag of chaff.