What’s a good iPad for a three year old?

If you’re going to use it for a 3 year old, it’s most likely going to suffer from some damage. Small kids like that don’t have the best coordination and do not understand the respect needed for an iPad. If you insist on letting them use one, find the cheapest one that you can and get it a very protective case. Something like an OtterBox or something durable like that to give it the most protection that you can. That way WHEN it breaks, it’s not going to set you out thousands of dollars.

If any is most suitable for one so young, it would be the the most robust - and least expensive to replace if the unthinkable were to happen

Of current models, iPad7 - and a good case to provide protection.

How about none?

A 3-year old is going to destroy any iPad.

If any iPad, maybe consider an older, used model that are much cheaper to purchase, but are slightly behind in iOS versions, from other trusted sources for new or used Apple products.

There are older 2013 iPad Air 1 and iPad Mini 2 and 2014 iPad Mini 3 models that run, but max out at the slightly older iOS version12.4.7.

Maybe a 2015 iPad Mini 4 or 2014 iPad Air 2 that would be cheaper to purchase and can run the latest iPadOS.

DO NOT purchase any iPad older than a 2013/2014 model iPad!

FORGET any purchase of a brand new iPad!

Get a tough child proof case, if any exist.

Look to Amazon for both older iPads and cases.

I would NOT spend a lot of money on an iPad for a 3-year old child.

Best of Luck to You!