Mobile devices are everywhere and even babies seem to enjoy the technology. Phones and tablets may seem like a convenient way to keep babies engaged.
But a new study shows too much screen time could negatively affect a little one’s development.
In a large study of more than 7,000 children, researchers found 1 to 4 hours of screen time per day at age 1 was linked to delays in communication, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal and social skills at age 2.
“Language is really the foundation for so much,” said Catherine Tamis-LeMonda, a developmental psychologist.
Experts say time in front of the screen takes away from real-life interactions where babies learn how to communicate.
“When children are playing, they’re hearing lots of verbs like push, pull, pick up. The thing is that children are hearing those words as they’re acting on those objects,” Tamis-LeMonda said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends babies younger than 18 months get no screen time – except for video chatting.
By ages 2 to 3, kids should only get up to an hour a day of educational programming. To encourage language and social development, turn off devices when they aren’t in use.
And make sure you set a good example by limiting your screen time. Talk to your child often -- especially while you are performing tasks. Try to use descriptive words, such as “blue truck,” instead of pronouns, like “it.”
“It’s not that complicated. You don’t have to get fancy books all the time or fancy toys,” Tamis-LeMonda said.
In the new study, mothers of children with high levels of screen time were more likely to be first-time moms, have a lower household income, be younger, have a lower education level, and have postpartum depression.