TV and computer screens may seem pretty tempting for keeping your baby occupied while you get some work done. But at what price?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no screen time (except for occasional video chatting) for babies under 18 months of age, and just 1 hour a day for kids ages 2-5.
Research has found that TV and other screen time can interfere with development and language learning, and that it can even lead to childhood obesity (the more screen time a child engages in, the more likely he is to become overweight).
Babies and toddlers learn to read emotions and judge appropriate emotions based on what they hear from others, whether from their parents having a pleasant discussion nearby or from actors shouting and arguing on TV in the next room.
Watching TV is passive; very little learning and no movement takes place. Babies need active play, exploration and real human interaction. Playing with safe, hands-on toys—and with you—will teach your child far more about the world than TV or computer screens and build a lifelong habit of curiosity.
See also ...
• Why avoid TV for Infants and toddlers
• VIDEO: Screen time varies by age
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