I'm buying the Yoto Mini for my son this summer and here's why I love it so much

Every summer I start thinking about the long car journeys, airport queues and flights that come with family holidays. Keeping little ones entertained without handing over a tablet can feel impossible, which is exactly why I'll be buying the Yoto Mini for my son this year.

The Yoto Mini is a compact, screen free audio player designed especially for children. Instead of staring at a screen, kids can listen to stories, music, podcasts and educational content simply by inserting a Yoto Card. It's incredibly easy for little hands to use, making it perfect for encouraging independence while keeping them entertained. The latest version offers up to 14 hours of battery life, making it ideal for long journeys and days spent travelling.

The biggest appeal is how small it is. Compared to the original Yoto player, the mini easily fits into a backpack without taking up valuable space. Whether we're driving for several hours or sitting through a long haul flight, I know my son will love choosing his own stories and listening whenever he wants.

I also love the fact that there are no adverts, no camera and no microphone. It feels like a much calmer alternative to handing over a phone or tablet. Instead of more screen time, he'll be listening to books, learning something new or enjoying his favourite songs.

There is a huge library of Yoto Cards. From classic children's books to Disney favourites, educational activities and bedtime stories, there is something for every age and interest. As children grow, you can simply add new cards that match what they're enjoying at the time, making it something they'll continue to use for years.

I also like that it works with headphones, which is a huge bonus on a plane. My son can happily listen without disturbing anyone around us, while I get a chance to enjoy a little peace and quiet too.

As a parent, I'm always looking for ways to make travelling less stressful. If a small device can help keep my son entertained then it feels like a worthwhile investment. It also gives us a break from relying on screens, which is something I'm always trying to encourage.

With summer holidays just around the corner, the Yoto Mini has gone straight onto my shopping list. I have a feeling it's going to become one of those travel essentials that comes with us on every trip.

Natalie Dixon is our Lifestyle reporter, if you liked this article and want to read more about fashion, beauty and lifestyle you can follow Natalie Dixon on X here.