Before I got one, I never imagined an iPhone to be mama’s ‘lil helper. Oh, have I been schooled! I have found many apps that help me organize, prioritize, help me be more productive…but then there’s a whole slew of apps that have saved me when in a pinch with my toddler. Yeah, there’s an app for that.

You know, you’re waiting in line with a full grocery cart and your little one starts flipping out – so much so that you consider leaving the whole cart to get the screamer out of the store? (Just one example of many applications.) But wait! I pull out my iPhone and pull up some apps that keep her occupied, and I get a few more minutes to complete whatever it is I’m attempting at that moment. Talk about a productivity boost!

I thought I’d share a few of the kid apps that have saved me – there are so many more that have come out since I’ve even shopped last, but I also found this site that does kid app reviews – some great stuff on there…I’ll be reading those reviews next.

Peekaboo Barn – This was the first kid app I ever downloaded. It’s cute, not super annoying, and teaches toddlers to identify barn animals and animal noises…and will even do it in Spanish. My daughter loves it and still plays with it regularly. The free lite version is okay, but it’s definitely worth paying the $1.99 for the full version. Many more animals, many more minutes of occupying the kid.

Bubbles by Hog Bay Software – At first I wasn’t too sure about this one. It’s very simple – you swipe your finger across the screen to create the bubbles, then poke the bubbles to pop them. But after reading so many great reviews, I splurged ($.99) and bought it. Seems bubbles are bubbles, on the iPhone or in real life…kids love them. And so do I.

SmackTalk! – First off, I have to explain that my little one is crazy for animals. She really thinks they’re hilarious. So when I found this app that gives you choices of animals that repeat whatever you say, I thought she’d love it. I was right, but I had no idea how much I would. This app gets my toddler laughing so hard, and then the animal on the screen laughs right back at her. That laughter alone can wipe any bit of mama’s frustration away. It brings tears to my eyes, in a good way. Okay, it’s a bit freaky, but still a good choice for a good laugh at $.99, even if you don’t have kids.

Doodle Kids – I love this app for many reasons. First, because a 9 year old boy in Singapore created it for his sister and all the other kids around the world. If that’s not inspiring enough…you can doodle in rainbow colors and different shapes on varied backgrounds. It’s pretty incredible. I love creative toys for myself and my kiddo, and this surely doesn’t disappoint. It’s fun for all ages. On top of all of that, it’s free!

Voice Toddler Cards – Flash cards for the iPhone. I got this because my little one walked early, but was a bit slower on some of her words. Not sure what I thought about it in the beginning, but this is one that she goes back to over and over again. It’s only $.99, and you can even record your own voice for the cards. Lots of choices of categories and items, and although sometimes I find some of the items in there a bit odd…keeps the little one occupied!

At some point soon, I’ll have to upload a quick video of my toddler using my iPhone – it’s hilarious that such a little person can be so technologically savvy.

There are so many great kid apps out there – I don’t have time to look through them all. How about you? Do you have any you can suggest? Do you have an iPhone? What have you found useful in occupying the kiddos? Would love your comments…