When it comes to screen time for babies, two child development experts weigh in on the issue.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children should avoid screens until they are at least 18 months old, with an exception made for video calls. Pediatricians Dr. Sean McKenna and Dr. Fadiyla Dopwell agree that exposure to screens during this age can be detrimental to a baby’s brain development.
“Children don’t learn as well from two-dimensional images,” said Dr. Dopwell. “If a baby is watching a screen, there’s not much processing or learning happening in their brain, especially when they are under 2.”
However, both experts acknowledge that some screen time can be beneficial for babies. Video chats are fine for babies under 18 months, and short bursts of screen time can be used to occupy a crawling or walking baby.
According to Dr. McKenna, the key is to keep exposures minimal, choose appropriate content, and always be present and engaged with your baby during screen time. He recommends playing a video for 15 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of screen-free interaction.
In cases where screen time is unavoidable, both experts suggest being mindful of the type of content being shown. “Don’t put on things that would be disturbing,” said Dr. McKenna.
If your baby has already been exposed to screens before their 18th month, it’s not too late to make changes. Both experts encourage cutting down screen time gradually and finding alternative activities to recreate the experience for your child.
Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between screen time and other aspects of a baby’s development. By being mindful of screen exposure and choosing high-quality content, parents can support their baby’s brain development and set them up for success in school and beyond.
Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/screen-time-newborn-baby_l_67d0407fe4b07cd1ea33e9a1