There’s a growing demographic , and with it is a growing occurrence of sticky little finger prints on iPhone screens. What are we talking about? We are talking about the increasing use of iPhones paired with kid-centric applications as very effective babysitters.

It appears that moms, professionals and parents of all influences are buying a little peace for $.99 when they purchases iPhone apps for kids through the Apple store. This growing market has attracted some heavy hitters in the kid business, such as Sesame Street, Fisher Price and more.

So what makes these apps more than just a timely distraction for parents to use is their educational value.

Sesame Street's "Monster Maker" app teaches recognition, colors and facial feature vocabulary. My favorite app, titled "Grover's Number Special" teaches children hand/eye coordination, counting, vocabulary of such things as fruit and vegetables and even motor skills as they maneuver Grover's tray back and forth on the screen.

So the next time you think about calling your resident babysitter or plopping your kids down in front of the boob tube (TV), just download a top-rated, educational app for your iPhone. Your kid will thank you for it!