As toddlers are increasingly playing on smartphones and tablets before they can talk, the use of apps is on the rise among kids under five. A recent study from Common Sense Media shows that 38% of US kids two and younger have used mobile devices, up from 10% two years ago. Along with more toddlers using tablets and smartphones, the amount of time spent digitally has also increased. And it’s not just toddlers: another recent study from US-based AVG Technologies found that among US kids ages three to five, 47% were able to navigate a smartphone and 57% could operate at least one app.

As the prevalence of tablets and smartphones increases with the under-fives, more kids entertainment companies – including Nickelodeon and Disney – are expanding in the mobile preschool space.

To figure out what’s making waves in this space, iKids Weekly looked at the top free iPad apps for kids ages five and under according to up-to-the-minute stats from analytics database App Annie. The data reveals that the top apps for preschoolers and toddlers tend to have an educational bent. The highest ranking apps across a range of countries include Disney Story Central, the recently released PlayKids 2.0 and the ever-popular Endless Numbers. The data also shows that while big brands like Disney dominate the charts, smaller players like Originator and PlayKids are also holding their own with learning-based games.

Top 5 free iPad apps for kids ages 5 & Under

US
1. Disney Story Central – Disney
2. PlayKids – Movile
3. Endless Numbers – Originator
4. Little People Player – Fisher-Price
5. Disney Junior Appisodes – Disney

 Canada
1. PlayKids – Movile
2. The Frog and Fish Storybook – Valdas Barvainis
3. Endless Numbers – Originator
4. Caillou Check Up – Doctor’s Office – Budge Studios
5. Kidoodle.TV – A Parent Media Co.

United Kingdom
1. BBC CBeebies Playtime – Media Applications Technologies
2. Peppa’s Paintbox – Entertainment One
3. Read with Biff, Chip & Kipper: Level 1 – Gazoob
4. Disney Junior Play – Disney
5. Peppa’s Activity Maker – Entertainment One

Germany
1. Disney Princess Palace Pets – Disney
2. PlayKids – Movile
3. MarcoPolo Ocean – MarcoPolo Learning
4. Disney Junior Play: Deutsch – Disney
5. A Funny Cars Wash Game for Kids – concappt media

Australia
1. PlayKids – Movile
2. Disney Storytime – Disney
3. Care Bears Love to Learn – American Greetings
4. Play School Play Time – Australian Broadcasting Corp.
5. Disney Princess Palace Pets – Disney

Singapore
1. ABC Phonics: Songs, Games, Tracing and Photo Frames! – SmartStudy
2. Magikid Numbers – Magikid
3. PlayKids – Movile
4. Disney Junior Play – Disney
5. Preschool! All In One – 22learn