Why Families Who Travel, Especially with Autistic Children, Need a Yoto Mini
Traveling with young children, particularly those on the autism spectrum, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Keeping them entertained, comfortable, and engaged during the journey is crucial for a smooth trip. One of the best travel companions for such families is the Yoto Mini. Compact, versatile, and loaded with features, the Yoto Mini offers numerous benefits that make it an essential item for family travel. Here’s why families who like to travel, especially those with autistic children, should consider bringing a Yoto Mini along on their adventures.
Click here to buy your own Yoto player direct from Yoto, using my referral link. This link will give you 10% off your first purchase, which has to be over £59.99 which is the cost of a Yoto Mini Player. Alternatively, you can click through to this shoppable video I made for TikTok and purchase it there.
1. Small and Portable
Portability is a top priority when traveling with kids. I always talk about travelling with kids being so hard when they can’t carry a proper backpack themselves, so parents are responsible for carrying everything in their backpacks or handbags. I really love this plain black tote bag for travelling with my kids because its sectioned out and so easy to access.
The Yoto Mini excels in the area of portability with its compact size and lightweight design. It easily fits into carry-on luggage, backpacks, or even a changing bag, making it perfect for on-the-go use. This portability ensures that you can keep your child entertained without lugging around heavy or bulky devices. Whether you’re on a plane, in a car, or waiting in a terminal, the Yoto Mini is a convenient travel companion that doesn’t add to your load.
2. Alternative to Screen Time
One of the biggest challenges during travel is managing screen time. While tablets and smartphones are handy, excessive screen time can be overstimulating and can lead to meltdowns, especially for children with autism. The Yoto Mini provides a screen-free alternative that keeps children engaged without the need for visual stimulation. By listening to stories, music, and educational content, children can enjoy a more soothing and less overstimulating experience. This can help in maintaining a calmer environment, which is particularly beneficial for autistic children who might be sensitive to screens.
3. Doesn’t Require Wi-Fi or Internet
Connectivity issues can be a major hassle when traveling, especially when relying on Wi-Fi or mobile data to keep devices running. The Yoto Mini stands out because it doesn’t require Wi-Fi or internet to play content. Once the content is downloaded onto the device or through the Yoto cards, it’s available offline. This feature is incredibly useful during flights, road trips, or when you’re in areas with poor connectivity. You can rest assured that your child will have access to their favourite stories and music regardless of your location.
I will add a shoppable video as soon as possible for the card holder we use when we travel with Yoto cards.
The stories and music are stored on cards which are the same size as a credit card and be easily stored in a credit card holder.
4. Unlimited Stories and Custom Content
The Yoto Mini offers an extensive library of stories, songs, and educational content. Yoto continually releases new cards, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting for your child to explore. You can find all of your favourites: Disney, Enid Blyton, Paw Patrol and so much more.
Moreover, the device allows you to create and upload your own content, providing unlimited possibilities for customization. You can record personalized messages, stories, or even educational content tailored to your child’s interests and needs. This feature is especially beneficial for children with autism, as familiar voices and stories can provide comfort and reassurance during travel. I love the idea of getting grandparents to record stories for my children, and having them for years and years to come.
5. White Noise for Overnight Use
Traveling can disrupt a child’s sleep routine, which can be particularly challenging for autistic children who thrive on consistency. The Yoto Mini can also function as a white noise machine, playing soothing sounds on a loop to help your child sleep. Whether it’s the hum of white noise, the gentle sound of ocean waves, or a favourite lullaby, the Yoto Mini can create a calming bedtime environment even in unfamiliar settings. This feature is invaluable for ensuring your child gets the rest they need, making for a more enjoyable trip for everyone.
There are cards you can buy with these sounds, but if you have internet then you can play them by using the Yoto app the project out to the speaker. By using the app you will have access to these sounds for free, and you can loop things to play on repeat.
6. Perfect for Homeschooling
The Yoto Mini isn’t just a travel essential; it’s also a fantastic tool for homeschooling. This compact device can transform educational content into engaging auditory experiences, making learning more accessible and enjoyable for young children, especially those on the autism spectrum. Parents can utilize a vast array of educational cards available from Yoto, including stories, language lessons, and music, to create a rich, varied curriculum. Some of our favourites are the Blue Planet, Green Planet and Frozen Planet series which includes three cards full of educational content.
Additionally, the ability to upload custom content means you can tailor lessons to your child’s specific interests and learning pace, ensuring they remain engaged and motivated. I have created a number of playlists using free audio from all corners of the internet, making a huge and varied library for Travis to use during homeschooling lessons. The Yoto Mini’s portability means learning can happen anywhere, turning travel time into productive educational sessions.
Click here to buy your own Yoto player direct from Yoto, using my referral link. This link will give you 10% off your first purchase, which has to be over £59.99 which is the cost of a Yoto Mini Player. Alternatively, you can click through to this shoppable video I made for TikTok and purchase it there.
We Prefer the Yoto Mini for Travel
While both the Yoto Mini and the regular Yoto Player are excellent devices, the Yoto Mini is particularly well-suited for travel due to its smaller size and enhanced portability. The regular Yoto Player is a fantastic option for home use, offering a larger speaker and additional features. However, for families on the move, the Yoto Mini’s compact design and robust feature set make it the ideal choice. It’s easy to carry, simple to use, and provides all the functionality you need to keep your child entertained and calm during travel.
There is also a travel case available for the Yoto Mini – a great option if you want to protect it from the elements. I haven’t got one of these, and just keep it in my backpack or handbag and sometimes use the handle on the Yoto Mini jacket to hand it from the stroller or car seat.
Additional Benefits for Traveling with a Yoto Mini and Autistic Children
Consistency and Routine: Autistic children often find comfort in routine and familiar activities. The Yoto Mini can be integrated into your child’s travel routine, providing a consistent source of entertainment and comfort.
Customizable Content: Create custom cards with personalized stories, messages, or favourite songs. Familiar voices and personalized content can be particularly soothing for autistic children. Our Machine Gun Kelly card is our most-used card, it has probably been used hundreds of times more than any other card.
Engaging and Educational: The Yoto Mini offers a wide range of educational content that can keep your child engaged and learning, even while on the go. This can include stories, music, and even language lessons. There are also fun games cards, such as recognising the flag of a country.
Sensory-Friendly: Unlike screens, which can become overwhelming, the Yoto Mini provides auditory stimulation that can be easier for some autistic children to process. The tactile experience of handling the cards and the device itself can also be a positive sensory activity. I’ve also found that the Yoto player is a good wind-down activity when bed time has come and gone but the kids aren’t quite falling asleep yet.
Parental Control: The Yoto Mini allows parents to control what content is available to their children, ensuring that it’s appropriate and beneficial. This control can be particularly important for autistic children who may be more sensitive to certain types of content, and who aren’t as aware of what is appropriate for their age or not.
Click here to buy your own Yoto player direct from Yoto, using my referral link. This link will give you 10% off your first purchase, which has to be over £59.99 which is the cost of a Yoto Mini Player. Alternatively, you can click through to this shoppable video I made for TikTok and purchase it there.
If you prefer, you can also purchase the Yoto via TikTok. Here is a link to a recent video I did about it. The video is about a new cable that was released, but the Yoto player is still linked for people to be able to buy it:
5 reasons you need a yoto mini
You’ll either buy from my @themeldrumsworld account or you may be taken to my @moustashiio account – either way I wanted to be clear that they are both run by me. Which one you end up on doesn’t matter, it’s all the same!
For families who love to travel, especially those with autistic children, the Yoto Mini is an invaluable tool.
Its compact size, screen-free entertainment, offline capabilities, extensive content library, and additional features like white noise playback make it the perfect travel companion. While the regular Yoto Player is also a great option, the Yoto Mini’s enhanced portability makes it particularly well-suited for life on the go.
By incorporating the Yoto Mini into your travel plans, you can create a more enjoyable, engaging, and soothing travel experience for your child. Whether you’re embarking on a long-haul flight, a road trip, or a simple weekend getaway, the Yoto Mini ensures that your child has access to familiar, comforting, and educational content every step of the way.
Happy travels and happy listening!
Interested in what other toys to bring when travelling with an autistic child? Read here.