Babies might seem like all they need is milk, sleep and someone to change their diapers. However, with millennials now accounting for the majority of new parents, there's a rapidly growing trend that's taking over - screen time for babies. Remember when we were told not to sit too close to TV or get square eyes? Well, times have changed and it turns out those little brains can handle more than we think.
What is Screen Time?
'Screen time' refers to the amount of time spent in front of electronic devices such as TVs, smartphones and tablets. Almost every aspect of our daily lives involves some form of screen activity from work meetings on Zoom calls to scrolling Instagram feeds during lunchbreaks.
When Can Babies Start Watching TV?
A child's brain grows at an exponential rate in their early years; therefore it becomes essential that babies have healthy exposure early on so that they build strong cognitive connections through sight and sound interactions. We're talking about 'Baby Einstein,' right? Uh nope! Most pediatricians suggest waiting until 18 months before introducing screen-time among children because screens can interfere with development milestones including language skill building, attention control etc.
Just How Much Screen Time Is Too Much For Your Baby?
For children under two years old...none is ideal according to American Academy Of Pediatrics (AAP). Before allowing any screen, ensure your baby has mastered critical skills such as getting toys into their mouth without stuffing them up nose.
But if you're tempted-to-bend-the-rules-by-40-minutes-of-Peppa-pig-to-catch-up-on-work rest assured “less exposure – even than what’s recommended – probably still carries risk,” said one Seattle pediatrician,
On average toddlers watch around two hours per day but every parent should aim lower—not exceeding one hour according to World Health Organization guidelines.
The Benefits of Screen Time
As much as screen-time can be viewed negatively, it's actually beneficial for young children with moderation. Here are a few benefits:
Build Their Vocabulary
- Listening closely to spoken words and language patterns in videos and educational television programs help learn new vocabulary while they play.
Skill Building Activities
- Educational programming that emphasizes letters, numbers, colors, and shapes make hunting down toys to destroy more fun!
Developmental Milestones
Research indicates that the right type of screentime used purposefully may encourage or eliminate certain behavioral traits as children age closer toward school-age.
How To Ensure TV Watching is Healthy for Your Baby?
Children learn best by being exposed to various things around them which makes picking what they watch important especially during early childhood. Basically: Do Not Show Them Trailer Park Boys when you're having a rough day; Trust me just don't - this show is reserved only for Moms and Dads alike! Also,
Limit The Amount Of Time They Spend In Front Of Screens
Set an allocated amount of time your child should spend watching their favorite shows either daily or weekly then stick to it. Preferable hours would be between 6am-12pm because exposure beyond midday has negative impacts on sleeping habits associated with body’s circadian rhythm.
Quick Tip: You do not havee/omitted match anything perfectly like alphabets or countings among otherthings hence whenever possible challenge their problem-solving abilities T.V never taught nobody nothing about math
Choose Shows Wisely
Pick informative shows like Sesame Street [from pre-schoolers upwards], Curious George or select cartoons where positive messages consistently round up episodes Think superheroes upgrading “Kapowww” into “respectful communicators”. Adult channels can offer valuable teaching moments if watched together such depicting emotions in dramas but if kids are present --keep it PG! Did someone say Paw Patrol marathon?
Watch With Them
Babies imitate their surroundings, and they will think the right way to hold a phone is with both hands stuck on one side of screen. Next time you feel that temptation, choose to join-in spend some quality time at same room as baby engrossed in Smurfs Adventure Time or modern-day Sesame Street. Uhhhhh Phone calls concerning business can wait for now; family-time first!
Conclusion
So there’s no need to raise your kids without TV screen influence n...or hide remotes from them Unseen threats come whenever natural physical exercise opportunities are neglected. With healthy limits established within effects of small-screen usage be minimized while stimulating voice and sight connections which ends up boosting early-childhood development.
The moral of this article?: 1 episode per day (if well selected) keeps the doctor away!