Skip Screens for Babies Under 18 Months
In today’s world screens are everywhere, but that does not mean babies and toddlers need them. A few minutes of video here and there may feel harmless, or even helpful during a meltdown, yet early screen exposure can affect a child’s development if it is introduced too soon or without guidance.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screens entirely before 18 months, with one exception: video chatting with family. Video chats support social connection and are usually interactive rather than passive.
Choose High-Quality, Slow-Paced Content
When you do introduce screens after 18 months, look for educational content with simple visuals, slow pacing and no ads. Good options include:
- PBS Kids
- Sesame Street
- Khan Academy Kids
Avoid fast-cut, YouTube-style videos, which can overstimulate a young child’s attention systems.
Watch Together and Narrate
Watching with your child is key. Co-viewing helps toddlers understand what they are seeing, and it reinforces language, emotions and curiosity. Talk about what is on the screen as you watch.
“She’s happy because her friend helped!” or “That’s a triangle, just like your block!”
Keep Screen Time Short and Predictable
Shorter, regular sessions work best for young children:
- Ages 18–24 months: no more than 5–10 minutes at a time
- Ages 2–5: up to 1 hour per day, ideally broken into smaller chunks
Make screen time part of a routine, for example after lunch and before nap, so your child knows what to expect.
Set a Purpose for Screens
Before tapping “play,” ask yourself what this is helping your child do. Screens can be a useful tool when they:
- Reinforce a real-life skill
- Support language or emotions
- Encourage movement, such as dancing together
Try to avoid screens that simply “fill time.”
Avoid Screens During Meals, Sleep or Tantrums
Screens work against you when they become:
- A reward
- A distraction from emotion
- Background noise
These habits can interfere with your child’s self-regulation, sleep and bonding.
The earlier you set healthy screen habits, the easier they are to maintain. Thoughtful, intentional use, always guided by you, turns screens into tools rather than crutches.