“Having a child with an electronic [device] usually does increase the risk of it being dropped, banged and the glass cracking,” Delene P. Musielak, MD, FACP, FAAP, ABOM, host of “The Dr. Mom Show,” tells Verywell Family. “iPads at this time are really not made for durability for child use.” Of course, you want to know that the case you choose for your child’s iPad or tablet will stand the test of time and secure their expensive device, but it should also be practical and fun and should suit your child’s taste. We also spoke with a few experts with an eye on tablets that will help keep kids upright, as burying their heads in their laps is not great for their posture. We’ve put together this list of the best iPad and tablet cases for kids. This case comes in a selection of kid-friendly colors—black, black/red and blue/green—and has a pretty cool stand that blends seamlessly into the back of the case when not in use. The stand is easy to engage with just a flip and click. After the stand clicks into place, kids can view their favorite shows while sitting more comfortably than they would with the iPad sitting in their lap. Price at time of publication: $35 Available in three jaunty colors—pink, blue and teal—with a gray handle, this case is infused with silver-based additive that the brand claims blocks microbial growth. It also has a wide ridge around the edges for easy gripping. Another thing we love: The polycarbonate exterior is easy to clean and won’t stain. Just wipe down with a damp cloth or a Clorox type wipe, and it will clean right up. We can’t emphasize enough how durable this case is. According to reports from parents we know, you can pretty much drop this while running out of the room, and it won’t get a mark or scratch. Price at time of publication: $60 This cover also serves to prop up the screen into a good hands-free viewing position on a table instead of their laps, sparing their posture, which is why Grant Radermacher, DC, a chiropractor at Ascent Chiropractic in Wisconsin, recommends it and uses it with his two daughters. The screen cover stays in place with magnets, and when closed, it puts the iPad to sleep, saving your battery. When kids are ready to use it, they can fold the cover into a long triangle that will prop the tablet up for viewing. It’s available in a whole rainbow of colors, and you’re sure to find one your kid will like. Price at time of publication: $17 This super-simple case, which only comes in navy at the moment, is made from polycarbonate and polyurethane, and the inside of the screen cover is lined with microfiber. The magnetized cover fits over the screen and can roll up into a simple stand for the case. This is a great choice for keeping a screen from cracking for a very good price. Price at time of publication: $6.50 That cute handle is great for little ones who want to tote it around themselves, and it also works as a stand and a way to hang the iPad from the car seat headrest for entertainment on the road (assuming your kid doesn’t get car sick). One drawback is that this case doesn’t have a built-in screen protector, so you’ll have to buy it separately, and the handle makes it a bit bulky when you’re trying to squeeze it into small bags. Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $45 What we love is that it looks like a simple magnetic cover that many adults carry, but with a lot more protection. The body of the iPad mini is protected from drops and more by an inner hard polycarbonate border and an outer soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) bumper. The border will also protect the screen from scratches and dust. The magnetic tri-fold cover is detachable, and it can also be folded to create a stand. Precise cut-outs and openings enable full access to screen, camera, charging, headphone jack, and all buttons and ports, without having to remove the case. Note that this case is for older models of the mini (4th and 5th Gen). For the 6th Gen, you’ll need this version. Price at time of publication: $24 This case from Moko is seriously tough and will take everything your kid can dish out. How? It’s got an anti-slip body and rigorous shock absorption: The case features a two-layered structure that combines a polycarbonate shell with a TPU frame. The MoKo case also includes a screen protector that snaps onto the front of the case, keeping the iPad insulated from scratches and dust. The design also conveniently bundles in a built-in stand that works for both portrait and horizontal angles. It comes in pink and gray, dark blue, and black, though none of these options makes it look exactly pretty. Price at time of publication: $18 Price at time of publication: $98 The case comes with a built-in kickstand in the back, along with curved edges to provide a better grip for little hands. Available in colors like aquamarine, sky blue, and lavender that are sure to delight your child, this case’s simplicity and durability are really its strong points. There’s also a kickstand on the back that allows for the tablet to be propped up high or low. Price at time of publication: $35
What to Look for in iPad and Tablet Cases for Kids
“As a dad to two girls under the age of five, I’ve seen the way they treat their iPads (and basically everything else) and wouldn’t dare hand their devices over without a protective case,” Dr. Radermacher tells Verywell Family. “I definitely recommend a quality case to safeguard your tablet from accidental spills and drops.” Here are some of the key attributes to consider:
Materials
You want a case made from materials that can stand up to heavy use but are also not too heavy. Certain types of plastic, rubber, and foam, such as EVA, provide the right balance of shock-absorption, softness, and comfortable grip for little hands. Some cases, like the Moko Heavy Duty, use layers of more than one material for protection.
Screen Protection
Outside of shielding your tablet screen from scratches or worse, a screen protector can also help decrease eye strains, says Dr. Musielak. “A screen protector does help with light transmittance from the [device] that is not as bright. This can help decrease eye fatigue and straining of the eyes,” she explains.
Size
There are a lot of different tablet sizes and different generations, so be sure to read the fine print on which models a case fits. We focused most of our picks on the most recent models of iPads (9th Gen), minis (6th Gen), and Fire tablets available but want to note that many of our selections are also available in sizes that will fit older models if your kids are getting a hand-me-down.
Kickstands
To protect kids’ posture and make viewing more convenient, choose a case with a stand that will let them prop the device on a table instead of holding it in their laps. We’re very charmed by the Spec Case-E Run’s headphone-shaped stand, which also fits around car seat headrests.
Why Trust VeryWell Family
Tanya Edwards is an experienced parenting, food, beauty, and health journalist who has been writing and editing parenting stories for over a decade. To research this article, she spoke to experts and several parents to find out which cases they chose for their kids and why.
