Parents are discovering that iPhone and iPod Touch applications, or apps, are a handy distraction and an engaging, even educational, way to keep young children busy. (Other handheld devices are getting in the game now, too.)

"It's been a lifesaver a lot of times," said Anna Friend of Westwood, Kan.

Life serves up some downtime for her younger son, 6-year-old Brady - waiting at big brother's activities, at restaurants - and at such times he has enjoyed apps ranging from racing games to math practice. "It's helped me keep my sanity and kept him busy," she said.

And many apps are cheap (not counting the cost of the device). Here are five worth checking out for toddlers and preschoolers.

-"Wheels on the Bus," 99 cents. Everyone raves about this one. When the wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish in the song, your toddler can make the wipers swish, swish, swish on the screen.

-"Preschool Arcade," 99 cents. Pinball for counting practice, a claw-crane for shape matching and a rocket ship for letter recognition.

-"Peekaboo Barn," $1.99. Touch the barn door and learn animal sounds and names, in English and Spanish.

-"Toddler Teasers Quizzing," $1.99. Correctly touch the letter B, say, or touch the yellow rainbow stripe and the crowd roars.

-"First Words: Animals," $1.99. Spell the animal pictured on the screen with letter tiles. Skill level is adjustable.