Infants and Screens

Screens and Developing Brains

Experts generally advise against screen time for children under 2 years old because early exposure to screens can impact development in several key areas. Here’s why limiting screen time is beneficial while a child’s brain is developing:

Brain Development

The first three years are crucial for a child’s brain growth, with connections forming rapidly based on real-world interactions. Babies need face-to-face interactions and hands-on exploration to build cognitive, motor, and social skills—activities that screens can't replicate.

Language and Communication

Babies learn through face to face, responsive communication, not screens!

Babies learn language through responsive, two-way communication, like talking, singing, and reading with a caregiver. Screens, even with educational content, lack the give-and-take of real conversation, which can delay language acquisition and understanding of social cues.

Attention and Focus

Fast-paced, visually stimulating screen content can affect a baby’s ability to focus on slower activities, like playing with toys or listening to a story. This can impact their attention span and make it harder for them to concentrate as they grow.

Sleep Disruption

Exposure to blue light from screens can interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep. Babies need consistent sleep for growth and brain development, and screens can disrupt sleep cycles.

Physical Health

Real-world play encourages physical development through crawling, reaching, and grabbing, which screens don’t provide. Active, physical play is essential for building motor skills and overall health.

Focusing on interactive play, conversation, and exploration provides infants with a richer, more engaging way to learn and grow.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidelines regarding screen time for children and adolescents

For infants (0-2 years old)

Strictly limit all digital media use. This includes “background” activities like having the TV on or using your phone when your child is in the same room, which can disrupt the type of focused play that is most helpful for babies’ developing brains. Video calls with family and friends are appropriate. Under certain circumstances, you might find it possible to enjoy a show on the television - be sure to face your baby away from the screen while you watch a program you enjoy on the television.

For toddlers (2-5 years old)

Up to one hour per day of high-quality programming designed for the very young is appropriate. To enrich your toddler’s screen-time experience, co-view programming together with them, answering questions and encouraging conversations about the program’s content.

For elementary school-age kids (5-12 years old)

Experts recommend establishing clear boundaries around screen time that prioritize adequate sleep (9-12 hours) and physical activity (more than one hour). Place consistent limits on screen time, ensuring it does not interfere with adequate sleep, physical activity, and other behaviors essential to health.

What About a Parent’s Screen Viewing?

When you as a parent need a break, find a way to get a break. Who can support you so you can zone out watching something you enjoy? Whether you are a work outside the home or a stay at home parent, you also deserve down time during the very long days of caregiving, so consider who might be available to support you .

Who can help you with the baby so you can catch up on your favorite program, get a short nap, walk around the block, or an opportunity to meet a friend in person or over the phone?

The playroom at BabySpace Coachella Valley. 

BabySpace Coachella Valley

Becoming a parent is a profound and life-altering experience, but it comes with its fair share of unspoken challenges. Meeting with other parents and exploring together what you are envisioning life could look like with your infant and toddler is an invaluable piece of new parenthood. By sharing experiences with others in a place like a BabySpace Coachella Valley Mommy and Me group, parents can find solace in the shared journey of raising the next generation, embracing both the joys and the trials that come with it.

Serving the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas, including: Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Thousand Palms, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Bermuda Dunes, Coachella, Thermal, Mecca, Desert Hot Springs, Yucca Valley, and Joshua Tree.

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