If you're looking for a tablet to entertain younger children, the Amazon Fire 8 is suggested for ages 3- 7. It boasts a range of features, including the all-important parental controls so you can be sure your little ones won't access unsuitable content or make unwanted purchases. It comes with one year of Amazon Kids+ and has a range of apps and games suitable for kids.
The Fire HD 8 Kids (12th Generation) is designed for children aged 3–7. It boasts an 8-inch HD display, 2 GB of RAM, and options for 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, expandable up to 1 TB and offers up to 13 hours of battery life for reading, watching programs, and listening to music.
Included with the tablet is a 1-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, providing access to thousands of advert-free books, games, videos, and apps from brands like Disney, Nickelodeon, and Peppa Pig, curated to be age-appropriate.
The tablet features a 2-year worry-free guarantee—if it breaks, it can be replaced for free. It also includes a Kid-Proof Case with a built-in stand, designed to protect against drops and bumps, and a screen made from strengthened aluminosilicate glass.
Parents can easily manage content and usage with the Parent Dashboard, allowing for the setting of educational goals, time limits, and content filters. Up to four child profiles can be managed, and children cannot access social media or make in-app purchases without parental approval. The package includes a Black Fire HD 8 tablet, Kid-Proof Case, power adaptor, USB-C charging cable, and a built-in rechargeable battery.
Amazon Fire 8 - Review
As a dad of two children aged 3 and 5, I’ve found the Amazon Fire Tablet for Kids to be a mixed bag. It boasts a robust foam case, which has proven essential for durability in small, clumsy hands. The case, however, seems to add significantly to the cost, making it pricier than a standard Fire tablet, though still much cheaper than an iPad.
In terms of screen quality, it’s more than adequate for young children, and the weight is perfect for their small hands. The battery life is impressive, easily lasting through long car journeys with a full film viewing. Performance-wise, the tablet handles apps and games swiftly enough to keep impatient kids satisfied. Storage hasn’t been an issue; we’ve downloaded plenty of apps and films without any problems. Connectivity is seamless, and it stays connected to WiFi without a hitch.
However, the tablet feels more like an adult device repackaged for children. While the parental controls are easy to set up and provide a good level of security, navigating the tablet and switching profiles is not intuitive. This lack of intuitiveness extends to general usage; my 5-year-old manages with minimal help, but my 3-year-old struggles significantly. One notable concern is that Alexa is on by default, which can be both annoying and worrying, especially with another Alexa device in the same room.
Despite these quirks, the safety features, including the need for parental approval for downloads, provide peace of mind. Overall, while not perfect, it’s a sturdy, reliable device that serves its purpose well for young children.
Rebecca Lancaster is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby, drawing on ten years of parenting her two children to help others navigating their own parenting journey. As a freelance writer, she spent ten years working with leading lifestyle brands, from travel companies to food and drink start-ups, and writing everything from hotel reviews to guides to the best British cheeses. She’s particularly interested in travel and introducing her children to the excitement of visiting new places, trying different foods (less successfully) and experiencing different cultures.