Majority of a baby’s brain development takes place in the first 2 years of his / her life. That’s why it’s pivotal for babies & toddlers to go out and explore the world on their own terms. Experience many sights, sounds, tastes, and textures. Interaction and playing with others (that might be children or adults alike) helps children learn about the world around them. It tends to make them acquainted with the outside world since everything is new for them.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting the amount of time that babies and toddlers spend in front of a screen. That’s a good advice but for the old times as far as I am concerned – in today’s world, it can be tough to keep babies and toddlers away from all the gadgetry that is out there, inclusive of the the following never ending list TVs, tablets, computers, smartphones, and gaming systems they’ll see.

It is a fact that screens are everywhere. Your little angel is probably going to spend some time looking at one, so make sure his or her screen time is as productive as possible. The issue is that at times the adults around babies & toddlers do not realize that it is harmful for them and their brain development.

Babies younger than 18 months should have no screen time at all. The exception to this rule is video chatting with grandparents or other family friends (especially during the time of Covid-19 when going here and there is prohibited), which is considered quality time interacting with others. These days, people are making vlogs and what not, which mainly revolves around filming / recording their daily routines and editing and stuff, even there if they have any babies, they make them stare at screens, which is totally uncalled for. It could have disastrous impact on their eyesight, brain, nervous system etc. Moving on, very often, screen time is a lost opportunity for your child to learn in real time: from interacting, playing outdoors, creating or enjoying social ‘downtime’ with family. Too much screen time also increases your child’s risk of becoming:

• Overweight
• Sleep-deprived
• Less school-ready
• Inattentive, aggressive and less able to self-soothe.

It is a need of the hour, for parents to limit the screen-times for their children. It does not mean that your babies are going to be left behind if they have no access to screens, because it has been proven that children learn the best from face to face interactions, with caring adults around. So don’t worry about it.

Have your say on it.