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The iPhone and iPad are starting to replace books and puzzles as the preferred tools to pacify and educate children. But some critics warn, if not used wisely, they could produce harmful results.

A writer for Parade remembers a trip taken with friends and their restless young daughter, who was immediately calmed when given the iPhone to play with.

"Little S was beginning to lose it after several hours of bus travel, when a fellow passenger pulled out his iPhone and generously invited the frustrated parents to entertain the toddler with one [of] the apps on his screen. ...And lo and behold, the cranky child was instantly entranced."

A reporter for CNN says many toddlers prefer the iPad to coloring books and other games.

"At nineteen months, Marcus is already familiar with his dad's iPhone. He's never seen an iPad, but after he's shown what it can do, he goes for it every time, choosing to play with it over his usual favorite toys."

A contributor to Mac products review site IGM explains why kids love these tech toys.

“So doing the direct touch is very natural to them. They love the sounds, the animations and all the graphics and video and music that the iPad has to offer. So I think that it’s a pretty cool learning tool and a pretty cool entertainment tool.”

But a writer for gadget blog CrunchGear says using the iPad with young children is not always wise.

"I don't like reading bedtime stories on it mostly because you're dealing with a brightly lit screen and an antsy toddler."

And a writer for the Huffington Post thinks that too much time spent in front of an iPhone or iPad screen can be damaging for kids.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics says children under age two shouldn't spend any time watching television or using a computer. ...Different studies all point to the same result: ...kids run an increased risk of developing ADD or ADHD, obesity, or falling behind in the classroom."

So, are iPads and iPhones ultimately beneficial for children? Or should kids stick to traditional books and toys during playtime?

WRITER: Linden Wilson

PRODUCER: Newsy Staff