What We Now Know About Babies, Toddlers, and Screen Time

As a mom with a one-year-old, I know firsthand how tempting it can be to reach for a screen when trying to get through your to-do list—or just catch a breath. But as much as we love a little peace and quiet, studies reveal a growing concern about screen exposure for children under two, prompting many experts to urge caution.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under 18 months avoid all screen media, except for video calls with family members. For children 18–24 months, they suggest watching all screen time together, allowing parents to explain and interact with what’s on the screen. The worry is that without these interactions, children may miss out on crucial social and cognitive development that occurs through human connection and hands-on play.

Emerging research suggests that early and frequent exposure to screens can impact babies in several key ways:

1. Delayed Language Development: Studies show that when young children spend time with screens, they miss out on the social interaction that fosters language development. Dr. Jenny Radesky, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician and clinical researcher at the University of Michigan, highlights that young children learn language best through “serve and return” interactions—like when a parent responds to a baby’s babbling. This feedback loop is essential for language development, something screens simply can’t replicate.
2. Sleep Disruption: The blue light from screens can interfere with sleep cycles. One study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that even 60 minutes of screen exposure in the evening can delay melatonin release, making it harder for babies to wind down at bedtime.
3. Attention and Focus Issues: Research suggests that high levels of screen exposure may reduce attention spans. The University of Washington found that increased screen time, especially when it replaces other interactive activities, can make it harder for children to engage in independent play and to focus on single tasks over time.

Knowing all this, what are parents supposed to do?

Balancing work, home, and kids is no small feat. But there are ways to keep little ones entertained and engaged without screens. Here are a few tried-and-true ideas:

1. Create Sensory Bins: Set up bins filled with rice, pasta, or sand (if you can handle the mess!). Add a few small toys or spoons, and watch as your child discovers textures, learns to scoop, and lets their curiosity run wild.
2. Bring Out the Bubbles: Bubbles are a mesmerizing activity that requires minimal setup. Try letting your child chase and pop them outside or in a contained area for easy cleanup. This is a win for both exercise and sensory engagement.
3. DIY Water Play: With just a bit of water and a few cups, bowls, and measuring spoons, you can create a mini water station. Let them “pour,” “scoop,” and “stir” to their heart’s content. This type of play encourages motor skills and gives you time to take a break.
4. Busy Bags and Rotating Toys: Have a stash of simple “busy bags” filled with non-screen toys like stacking cups, crayons, or small books. Rotating the toys keeps things fresh, and they’ll be more likely to stay engaged for longer periods.
5. Independent “Reading” Corner: Set up a cozy reading nook with board books or fabric books that little hands can handle independently. They may not be reading yet, but flipping through pages and looking at pictures builds early literacy skills and imagination.

While the goal is minimal screen time, it’s important to be flexible.

Sometimes, a video chat with Grandma or a short, educational show can be a helpful tool. Parenting expert Dr. Dimitri Christakis from Seattle Children’s Research Institute suggests that if you do use screen time, keep it intentional—choose high-quality, slow-paced programming, and make time to watch alongside your child if possible.

Parenting today comes with so much advice, some of it conflicting. But at the end of the day, our kids benefit most from our love, presence, and care. By limiting screens, offering engaging alternatives, and being gentle with ourselves on the hard days, we’re giving our babies what they truly need: a safe, enriching, and loving environment to grow and thrive.