As parents, we're no strangers to screens; most of us even know what it's like to spend too much time on screens. We've had access to technology like televisions, computers, and cell phones for years. We know what it feels like to be attached to our phones, tablets, or computers all day, whether using them for work or mindlessly scrolling through social media. More than likely, we've all seen posts or articles detailing the benefits of 'screen detoxes' or the importance of staying off of your phone before bedtime. But how do we bridge the gap between our babies' health and a world overrun by screens that are thought to negatively impact even adults? Where do we draw the line between gently exposing our children to what's readily available in the world around them while still protecting them from technology that could have adverse impacts?

Babies and Screen Time - What's the Big Deal?

Can you remember a time before you had a phone? Some of us can. What about a time before you had access to a family computer or a television screen? That task may be more difficult. In the last several decades, phones, tablets, laptops, and other screens have become more readily available than ever before. We use them to entertain ourselves, to complete work and personal projects, for schooling, and to keep in touch with family and friends we don't live near. So it's normal to want to share the devices that reliably enable the success of such important parts of our lives, right? Of course, we want to share these wonderful pieces of tech with our little ones. Technology opens us up to the world, and it's totally normal for parents to want to expose their children to that world on a careful and timely basis. But when is too soon for our children to spend time on screens? After all, we've all seen the sweet videos that take over the internet of babies looking mesmerized by dancing fruit showing on a screen or singing and dancing to their favorite children's show theme songs.  

How Does Screen Time Impact Babies? 

Unfortunately, those people posting articles and videos about the importance of a 'screen cleanse' are actually right. While screens can be a huge asset to us when used as a tool, they can also negatively impact us in various ways when they become a larger part of our lives. The same thing is true for our little ones. Screen time can have a negative impact on babies in several different ways.  

• Risk of eye/sight damage: When children are small, their sight is still developing. Babies must learn to adjust their focus to different depths to properly visualize the world around them. When infants are exposed to screens, they are confronted with a 'world' that is 2-dimensional as opposed to the three dimensions of the real world. As a result, children who are on screens before the age of two or three are considerably more likely to have issues with sight development, including myopia. 
  
• Mental/psychological concerns: The main issue when it comes to screen time is the potential for psychological issues to form. Exposure to screen time has been shown to make it more difficult for children of a young age to focus properly, control their impulses and emotions, and relate and empathize with the world around them. These issues can last into late childhood and adolescence. Instead, children should learn and develop by reacting to the real world instead of watching a screen. 

When is Screen Time Okay?

While there is some back and forth on when screen time is appropriate for young children, the general consensus reached by the American Academy of Pediatrics is that screen time should be completely eliminated for children who are under two years old, with the exception of using Face-Time with family members. Once children reach age two, it's okay to start showing them appropriate screen content for no more than one to two hours per day. Because children are still rapidly learning for the first three years of their lives, it's healthier for them to experience real-world play as opposed to playing or watching videos on televisions, phones, tablets, or laptops. Real-life play helps children build neural pathways, allowing them to increase their cognitive development significantly over the first years of their lives. 

Preventing Negative Screen Time Impacts on Your Baby 

While screens may not seem like an imminent danger to your child, and some dangers are more evident, it's important to be mindful that screen time can profoundly impact your child over time. Instead of watching a show or playing a video game, consider playing a real-life game, getting some air outside the house with your little one, singing songs together, or participating in various interactive activities. Have trouble coming up with fun activities to do with your baby? No problem. The infant learning cards from Curious Baby Cards are designed to help parents come up with fun activities to do with their babies that will aid in their little one's physical and cognitive development.