Screen Time Guidelines for Babies: What New Parents Need to Know

As a parent, it is natural to wonder how much screen time is safe for babies. In today’s world, screens are everywhere: phones, tablets, TVs, video calls, and even digital toys. With so many devices in our homes, avoiding screens completely can feel impossible. But for children under 18 months, less really is more.

As someone trained in child development and passionate about early childhood research, I want to help you understand how screens impact babies and what to do instead. And yes, I get the real-life challenges, too.

Do Babies Need Screen Time?

Short answer: No.

Babies learn best through:

• faces
• voices
• touch
• eye contact
• movement
• real-world interaction

At this age, development depends heavily on sensory experiences, not passive visual input.

Why Limit Screen Exposure for Babies

According to early childhood research, too much screen time before age 2 can be associated with:

• language delays
• reduced attention span
• disrupted sleep
• fewer face-to-face interactions
• less exploratory play

Screens move quickly, and babies do not fully understand what they are seeing. Their brains are wired for real-time, real-world feedback.

Does Facetime Count as Screentime for Babies?

Occasional video calls with grandparents, friends, or deployed parents do not count as screen time.

Why? Because:

• the baby sees a familiar face
• there is live interaction
• someone is talking responsively to them

This supports social development, not passive consumption.

Can I play the Tv in the Background?

Ideally, no.

Even background TV can:

• compete with language exposure
• distract caregivers
• overstimulate infants
• make play less focused

If the TV must be on, keep volume low and interaction high.

Are Educational Baby Videos Helpful?

Despite marketing, babies under 18 months cannot learn well from screens alone.

They need:

• live language
• repetition
• gestures
• social cues

Those are things screens cannot fully provide.

What About Screens for Baby So I Can Get Something Done?

This is so understandable. However, instead of screens, try:

• a high-contrast board book
• a sensory basket
• stacking cups
• a rattle, teether, or crinkly toy
• a safe play yard with soft objects
• floor play with a mirror

Babies are easily entertained by simple, tactile exploration. Especially younger infants, if you train them to be independent they’ll learn to entertain themselves!

If you need to shower or cook, containers, spoons, and safe household items go a long way.

Never Strap a Baby Facing a Screen

Avoid placing babies:

• in highchairs
• in bouncers
• in swings

where they cannot look away from a screen.

Movement and gaze shifts are important for healthy neurological development.

Healthy Alternatives to Baby Screen Time

Try to build a routine of sensory play:

• tummy time
• music and dancing
• board books
• bubbles
• safe kitchen utensils
• peek-a-boo

Even five minutes of interactive play does more for the brain than 30 minutes of passive viewing.

What If Older Siblings Are Watching Screens?

Such is life. The first born typically gets little to no screentime while the second and third are watching Bluey from birth.

Tips:

• turn babies away from the screen when possible
• offer something to hold, shake, chew, bang as a distraction
• try to limit screens to when the baby is napping or in another area

Do your best — perfection is not required.

Sleep and Screens: A Critical Note

If screens are part of your life, ideally avoid screens for babies at least 60 minutes before bedtime. I know this is the time that most parents lean on screens but it is important for the healthiest little bodies possible [and the best sleep possible]!

Light from screens can:

• confuse circadian rhythm
• reduce melatonin
• overstimulate the nervous system

[This applies to adults, too.]

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When Can Babies Begin to Have Limited Screen Time?

Most experts agree:

• under 18 months: avoid, except video chats
• 18–24 months: very limited, co-viewed with a caregiver
• 2+ years: brief, high-quality programming with limits

Key word: co-viewing
If you watch with your child, you can label, narrate, and connect information to the real world.

Parents Need to Survive, Too

Here is the truth:
Screens are a tool, not a failure.

If you occasionally use them so you can:

• shower
• feed yourself
• answer a work email
• collect your thoughts

That is okay.

Your mental health matters, too.

Bottom Line: Your Baby Will Be Okay

Limit screens when possible.
Lean into sensory play.
Make room for movement.
Video chat freely.
And when you need a break — take it.

You are doing an amazing job.

For more early development support, child sleep help, or in-home postpartum care, our team is here for you.