You know Treehouse and you’re familiar with Dora. But what else is on? Here’s a breakdown of smart, entertaining TV programming by age group:

BABIES

Babies won’t be able to follow the narrative structure of most cartoons. Try these channels instead.

	BABYTV | Ch. 232 During the day, short programs designed to promote interaction and foster early learning skills are interspersed with children’s songs. At night, soft music and gently moving visuals take over, aimed at creating a soothing atmosphere in the home. Available 24/7.
	BABYFIRST | Ch. 233 An inspiring mixture of numbers, animals, colours, music and puzzles are served up commercial-free, around the clock.

PRESCHOOLERS

Ah, to be a preschooler – endlessly curious, full of questions and always in the mood for playtime. These channels will more than satisfy your wee ones.

DISNEY JUNIOR | Ch. 68 & 218 On Demand: Disney Junior On Demand (Channel 217) Online: rogersanyplacetv.com & Rogers Anyplace TV tablet app (Android, BlackBerry, iPhone).Previously known as Playhouse Disney, this service features the Canadian storybook series Stella and Sam and offers animated feel-good fare Tickety Toc, Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Doc McStuffins, which teaches good health, hygiene, compassion and nurturing.

BBC KIDS | Ch. 230 Commercial-free TV series from the British public broadcaster divided into two distinct programming blocks. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the channel is devoted entirely to the BBC’s flagship CBeebies brand of programs, which are designed to help preschoolers learn and develop. Outside of these hours, the focus turns to school-age series.

SCHOOL-AGED KIDS

Thanks to texting and gaming, this age group might not watch as much TV as they used to. But there’s plenty of quality programming tailor-made for them.

	DISNEY XD | Ch. 66, 216 & 589 (HD) On Demand: Disney XD On Demand (Channel 215) Online: rogersanyplacetv.com & Rogers Anyplace TV tablet app (Android, BlackBerry, iPhone).This relatively new TV station aimed at boys serves up popular action-oriented comedies Kickin’ It and Lab Rats alongside such animated series as Phineas and Ferb, Motorcity and Tron: Uprising.
	NICKELODEON | Ch. 231 The largely animated content on Nickelodeon includes Kid vs. Kat, Grossology, SpongeBob SquarePants and T.U.F.F. Puppy. Among the live-action content is mystery drama The House of Anubis, sitcom True Jackson and Big Time Rush, a musical-comedy about a group of hockey players selected to form a boy band.