Screentime
March 2, 2023

Screen Time for Infants: How Much is Too Much? Expert Tips and Advice

Worried about your infant's screen time? Read our expert tips and advice to learn how much is too much and how to set healthy screen time habits.
Team Opal

Welcome parents, caregivers and medical professionals! 

The importance of understanding the developmental milestones of infants in their first year cannot be understated. 

This article will provide an overview of the most crucial milestones your little one should reach in their first twelve months – from rolling over to walking to talking. With this information at hand, you'll be able to ensure your child is meeting all the necessary goals for healthy development. 

So let's get started!

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How Much Screen Time Should Infants Have? 

Are you wondering how much screen time your infant should have? 

Well, you are not alone! Many parents struggle with this question. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants under 18 months old should not be exposed to any digital media. 

For children between 18 and 24 months, limited amounts of supervised digital media are allowed. 

The AAP recommends no more than one hour per day for toddlers aged 2-5 years old. For older kids aged 6 and above, they suggest limiting their exposure to two hours per day or less. 

The key here is supervision - parents must make sure that their little ones understand what they're seeing on screens and interact with them appropriately when watching videos or playing educational apps. 

Parents need to ensure that the content is age-appropriate as well as engaging and stimulating for the child's growth and development. 

Moreover, it is important that parents create a balance between online activities like gaming or streaming TV shows and other activities such as outdoor playtime, storytelling sessions, reading books together etc., which can help promote social interactions among family members and peers alike . 

This will also give young minds time away from screens which can lead to healthier behaviors in the long run.

Risks Associated with Excessive Screen Time for Infants 

Are you concerned about the amount of screen time your infant is getting? 

You should be! 

Recent studies have highlighted the potential risks associated with excessive exposure to digital media for infants.

From brain development to sleep patterns, there are numerous dangers associated with too much screen time at a young age. 

Let's take a look at some of these risks in more detail. 

First, research has shown that an infant's brain can be impacted by prolonged use of screens and digital devices. 

This kind of stimulation can lead to decreased attention span and slower progress on developmental milestones like language acquisition or motor skills growth.  

In addition, prolonged exposure to screens can also disrupt normal behavior patterns, leading to issues like aggression or hyperactivity.  

Finally, too much screen time can lead to difficulty sleeping which could affect both physical and mental health in the long run.   

So if you're worried about how your baby's screen habits might be affecting them, it's best to consult a doctor for advice on reducing their digital media exposure as soon as possible!

Setting Healthy Limits Around Digital Media Use For Infants 

Are you worried about your infant's digital media consumption? Do you want to ensure that they are only being exposed to healthy, age-appropriate content? Are you looking for ways to encourage a balanced approach towards screen time? 

If so, then this article is just what you need! Here, we'll discuss the importance of setting limits around digital media use in infants and toddlers. 

We'll explore various methods and techniques for encouraging healthy interaction with screens while minimizing potential harm. 

Plus, we'll look at some tools available to help monitor and limit an infant's access to electronic devices. 

Manage the screen time for your infant
Discover how to safely set limits on screen time for your infant with Opal
Get Started Now!

Wrap it up "

In conclusion, it is evident that too much screen time for infants can have serious implications on their physical and mental development. 

Health professionals recommend limited exposure to digital media with careful monitoring by adults. 

There are numerous strategies available to help ensure a balanced approach towards digital media consumption in young children, including setting healthy limits, creating opportunities for alternative activities, and using tools designed to monitor usage. 

These measures provide parents with the guidance they need to ensure their babies and toddlers receive the right amount of screen time while avoiding potential risks associated with excessive use.

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