Is Ms Rachel good for toddlers?
By the Kivvie product team, reviewed
For many families, yes, with sensible limits. Ms Rachel sings, signs and talks slowly straight to the camera, then pauses so toddlers can answer. Videos cover first words, signs and counting. Her pace is steady, but researchers say young children still learn most from real people, so it works best with you alongside.
Quick facts
- YouTube
- @msrachel (opens YouTube in a new tab)
- Best ages
- 2-5
- Pace
- Calm
- Video length
- from short clips to long compilations
- Host
- Rachel Griffin Accurso, a music educator
- Topics
- first words, songs, signs, counting, routines
Age fit
- Under 2: The AAP and the Canadian Paediatric Society suggest little or no screen time before 18-24 months apart from video calls. If you use it, sit with your child and join in.
- Ages 2-3: The main audience. Pauses and repetition give toddlers time to copy her words and actions.
- Ages 4-5: Some still enjoy it, while others are ready for story-based shows.
Pace and stimulation
Ms Rachel speaks slowly, smiles and waits for a reply, although songs and some segments are more upbeat.
What parents like
- Common Sense Media calls it "outstanding musical shorts" that "show kids the fun of learning."
- Simple signs and words toddlers can copy.
- It feels like being spoken to, not shouted at.
What to watch out for
- Researchers say toddlers learn less from video than from people, an effect called the "video deficit." Ms Rachel isn't a replacement for speech therapy if you're worried about a delay (KQED, Northeastern).
- Long compilations make it easy to watch for longer than planned.
- On regular YouTube, the next video can be anything, and ads may play.
How to let your child watch only Ms Rachel
- Create a free Kivvie account and add your child.
- Search for Ms Rachel in the parent dashboard and approve the channel.
- Open the Kivvie app on your child's device. They'll see Ms Rachel and any other channels you approved, with no recommendation feed.
Related calm channels
Ms Rachel questions
What age is Ms Rachel for?
The channel is aimed at babies and toddlers. It fits most 2-3 year olds best.
Can toddlers learn from Ms Rachel?
Some, especially if you watch together and repeat words afterwards. Researchers say live interaction still matters most.
Is Ms Rachel on YouTube?
Yes, @msrachel.
How do I stop YouTube autoplaying other videos after Ms Rachel?
Use Kivvie to approve just this channel.
Sources
Not affiliated with YouTube or the channel owner. Channel content changes; preview before sharing.