Switch off screens and play!
Did you know? Too much screen time can keep your baby from being active, and may interfere with their sleep.
Some parents believe watching screens can be educational, while others use screens for entertainment to keep their littles ones occupied. However, media usage keeps babies from being active and playing. It may also interfere with your baby’s sleep.
What are the guidelines?
- The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends no screen time for children under two years of age.
- Screen time refers to time spent with any screen, including smart phones, tablets, television, video games, computers or wearable technology. Toddlers learn intensely through face-to-face interaction with parents and caregivers. Early learning is easier, more enriching and developmentally more efficient when experienced live, interactively, in real time and space, and with real people.
Simple, active play is far more beneficial than screen time for your baby, from their very first days and weeks. You don’t need expensive toys or equipment to encourage your baby to be active. Make time for brief periods of play and interaction with your baby each day.
Sources
Canadian Paediatric Society. Position Statement. Screen time and young children: promoting health and development in a digial world. Paediatr Child Health 2017;22(8):461-468.
Last revised: November, 2016
Related articles
Baby Development milestones: Months 1 - 3
Your baby’s first focus? She’ll use her eyes and ears, along with her sense of smell and touch, to learn her new world.
4 mins to read
Playtime ideas for your 0-4 month old
Make the most of your time at home with these five tummy-time moves to get your little one active and help you bond with each other.
3 mins to read
Baby Bedtime Routine: How, Why & When to Start
Good sleep habits are important for the health and well-being of your baby. Learn how and when to start a bedtime routine with your baby.
4 mins to read
3 tips for your baby’s happy, healthy tummy
By Dr. Ted Jablonski, family physician
3 mins to read
Top tips for better sleep at 3-6 months
Scientists agree that good sleep is important for healthy growth, so follow our all-day guide to better sleep for baby.
3 mins to read
How a 6 months baby develops fine motor skills? | Baby's Development: Months 4-6
Let’s talk baby talk! No, not words just yet, but the language basics begin here!
5 mins to read
How to get Baby to Sleep & Fight Fatigue
Getting enough sleep during the first months of your baby's life means adjusting to your own new sleep habits and those of your baby.
3 mins to read
Kangaroo care: How to take care of your preterm baby
What is kangaroo care and how can it help you to take care of your preterm baby?
6 mins to read
Tummy time: let’s play!
Did you know? Tummy time helps your baby develop muscles and motor skills.
2 mins to read
How to strengthen your baby's immune system
By Dr. Ted Jablonski, family physician
3 mins to read
Baby Feeding and Nutrition: The Guide
How will you feed your newborn?
7 mins to read
7 playtime dos and don’ts
You’re never too young (or old!) for playing. Here are some ways you can both enjoy fun-filled, safe, and stimulating daily activities that set your baby up for an active, healthy life.
4 mins to read
The ins and outs of babies’ digestive system
By Dr. Jeff Habert, family physician
3 mins to read
Newborn Sleep Development - What you need to know
You’re half-awake at 4 am with a wide-awake baby in your arms and wondering if you’ll ever get a full night’s sleep again. Don’t worry, you will.
6 mins to read
When will my baby sleep through the night?
When your baby first comes home from the hospital, their irregular sleep patterns can be both challenging and exhausting.
4 mins to read
5 happy-baby activities (that help with development too!)
Ideas for fitting new and fun games into your baby’s routine.
3 mins to read
How to Soothe a Baby with Colic
Got a fussy baby? Infantile colic is characterized by intense, uncontrolled crying or fussing in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. About 20% of babies suffer from colic.
4 mins to read
Settling your baby through the night
Did you know? Waking up during the night doesn’t always mean your baby is hungry.
2 mins to read
How to Bathe Your Baby
Baby’s first bath will be a new experience for both of you, so give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy it.
3 mins to read
