Experts suggest ‘Tech Training Wheels’ for young children

(KAIT/NBC) - If a child is too young for a connected device, there are some toys that can act as tech training wheels.

A kid-friendly tablet is an easy starter gadget, many are under $100 with a protective casing for clumsy hands. Amazon and Samsung make kid-friendly versions of their tablets, Leapfrog specializes in educational devices, and Kurio offers a tablet, camera device, and a kid-friendly smart watch.

“It connects via bluetooth to a parents smart device which is great," Marissa Dibartolo with The Toy Insider said. “There are over 20 apps and games. Even an activity tracker built in there."

Tweens can make a game out of social media with snap star influencer dolls, and customize an Instagram-ready look with the companion app.

"It even comes with a green screen they can adjust the dolls makeup and clothing options so its a really cool way to enhance that doll play," said Dibartolo.

More and more toys are going digital, but experts suggest limiting screen time to an hour for kids under five, and children under the age of two should avoid all screen time.