This is what a Fotofix machine looks like

Bubsi is in love with screens. Especially touch screens. I mentioned this when writing about her technology obsession, but it also manifests outside the house. You see, there is Fotofix. And other things meant to grab your toddler’s attention.

Fotofix everywhere

Living downtown Bremen certainly has its perks. All the stores are close by, getting to major points like the main train station is a breeze, public transport options aplenty. There is at least one tangible drawback however: Fotofix. The boxes with curtains that allow you to take pictures of yourself are everywhere. Of course they come un handy if you need a quick passport picture or something. I even admit they can be fun. Is it really necessary to have them at every ither street corner and even in the public library?

Cause, well, I have a toddler. One magically attracted to touch screens. Who has of course realized that you Fotofix machines are equipped with touch screens. Bubsi can spot Fotofix from miles away. She may have a mental map of the city with the closest ones. Try getting anywhere at all when there is this machine around and you have a choice: endless tantrum for moving on or 30 minutes lost.

Happily fotofixing away

Other culprits

Fotofix isn’t the only toddler attraction of its kind though. Our bank sports a touch screen for toddlers with colouring and matching games on it. So do two bakeries close by. Arguably these things are worse because they are specifically targeted at Bubsi. Smartly, there is only one of these devices at a given location and let me tell you, toddler fights are real.