How to avoid screen time in babies and transform it into skill building time
- Research shows that excessive screen time during the first years of life can hinder language development, attention span, and problem-solving skills.
- A study conducted by the University of Toronto found that every hour of daily screen time between 2 and 3 years of age was associated with a 6% decrease in expressive speech development. Chart (based on hypothetical data)
- Babies learn crucial social skills by observing and interacting with people, especially their caregivers. Excessive screen time can limit these opportunities.
- A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that increased screen time at 2 and 3 years of age was associated with poorer social-emotional outcomes at 5 years of age. Chart (based on hypothetical data)
- Spending too much time sitting and looking at screens can make babies not move around enough and can make them have health problems like getting too fat.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under 18 months of age should avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting. Chart (based on hypothetical data)
- Screen time before bed can disrupt babies' sleep patterns, making it difficult for them to fall asleep or get restful sleep.
- The National Sleep Foundation advises parents to establish a regular, screen-free bedtime routine to promote better sleep quality. Chart (based on hypothetical data)
🌅 Set a Screen-Free Environment: Designate certain areas or rooms in your home as screen-free zones. Keep screens out of sight and reach of your baby to reduce temptation.
🌅 Be a Role Model: Limit your own screen time in front of your baby. They often imitate what they see, so modeling healthy screen habits is important.
🌅 Engage in Face-to-Face Interaction: Spend quality time interacting with your baby face-to-face. Talk, sing, play, and make eye contact to foster social and emotional connections.
🌅 Provide Stimulating Toys and Activities: Offer a variety of age-appropriate toys, books, puzzles, and sensory play materials to engage your baby's senses and encourage exploration.
🌅 Encourage Independent Play: Allow your baby to explore and play independently. Provide safe and stimulating environments where they can discover and learn at their own pace.
🌅 Establish a Routine: Establish a daily routine that includes a balance of activities such as playtime, reading, outdoor exploration, and social interactions. This helps reduce the reliance on screens for entertainment.
🌅 Engage in Outdoor Play: Take your baby outdoors regularly to explore nature, play in the park, or go for walks. Outdoor activities provide valuable sensory experiences and promote physical development.
🌅 Offer Interactive Experiences: Engage your baby in activities that stimulate their senses and encourage their curiosity, such as singing, dancing, playing peek-a-boo, or engaging in sensory play with safe materials like water, sand, or textured objects.
🌅 Utilize Music and Books: Incorporate music and reading into your daily routine. Sing songs, play musical instruments, and read books together to promote language development and cognitive skills.
🌅 Seek Support from Other Caregivers: Communicate with other caregivers, such as family members, friends, or childcare providers, to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to limiting screen time.
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