Welcome to Newborn Tips, in this article we will explore the risks of television for the little ones and share practical advice on the topic of Babies and TV, to best stimulate their development. Read on to find out why turning off the screen can be the best choice for your child!
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What happens if a newborn watches TV?
To tell the truth, for many parents, TV may seem like an ally to entertain newborns, but what are the real effects on their development? Studies show that early exposure to screens can negatively affect language, attention and sleep quality.
For example, if a newborn watches TV, there can be several negative effects on their growth, since the brain in the first years of life is extremely sensitive to environmental stimuli. Here’s what can happen regarding the damages of TV in newborns:
Delays in language development:
- Interaction with parents and the real world is essential for the development of language in newborns. Consequently, since TV does not allow for active dialogue, opportunities for learning words are reduced
Difficulty with attention and concentration:
- Early exposure to screens has been linked to a greater risk of attention difficulties in preschool and school age, as the infant’s brain becomes accustomed to rapid and artificial stimuli
Problems with sleep:
- The blue light from screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, causing difficulty falling asleep and reducing the quality of rest
Reduced social interaction:
- Infants learn through human contact. Watching TV deprives them of crucial moments of interaction with their parents, which are necessary for emotional and social development
Sensory overstimulation:
- Fast-moving images and loud sounds can overstimulate the baby’s brain, making it more irritable and less able to self-regulate
Risk of sedentary lifestyle and obesity:
- If TV becomes a habit, the child may develop a greater propensity for sedentary lifestyle, increasing the risk of childhood obesity in the future
What to do instead?
The ideal is to avoid TV use before the age of 2 and prefer activities such as reading, singing, playing and talking to the child. These experiences promote healthy cognitive development and strengthen the bond with the parents.
Considering that it is not just a recommendation from experts, but a valuable investment in the well-being and development of your little one!
Babies and TV: how to protect them?
In particular, experts recommend avoiding TV and screens completely in the first two years of life of newborns.
In all honesty, it is preferable to involve the child in activities that stimulate his development in a natural way, such as playing, reading, physical contact and interaction with parents.
Therefore, turning off the television and encouraging real experiences is the best gift you can give to your child’s growth!
When do newborns start watching TV?
Generally, newborns are not able to watch TV actively until the age of 6-12 months.
As such, infants develop their sight in the first months of life. Up to 3 months, they see mainly in black and white and have difficulty focusing on distant objects.
Starting at 6 months, swaddled babies begin to show greater attention to bright screens and colors. However, they do not understand the content.
In this regard, experts recommend limiting exposure to TV for children under 2 years old, favoring face-to-face interactions and play activities.
In any case, it is always best to discuss these topics with the pediatrician.
What happens if a newborn watches TV?
Even though a newborn can stare at a screen in the first few months, their brains are not yet able to understand or benefit from moving images.
Instead, TV can have several negative effects on young children, which we briefly list below:
- Distract attention from interactions with parents, which are essential for emotional and cognitive development
- Overstimulate the brain, making the child more irritable
- Interfere with language, since infants learn best from direct human interactions
So when should you introduce TV?
Major pediatric organizations, such as the WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend avoiding screens until the age of two and limiting their use even after that, favoring educational and supervised content.
Psychological Impacts of Television on Infants
The relationship between infants and TV is a topic of great interest to psychologists and researchers. Here are some key considerations:
Cognitive Development:
Viewing non-interactive television content can limit the development of children’s cognitive abilities.
Additionally, TV does not stimulate the same mental interaction that occurs during active play or conversations.
Emotional Development:
Early exposure to screens can affect infants’ emotions and behavior. Since infants may not understand the emotions depicted in programs, leading to confusion.
Attention and Concentration:
Because TV can affect attention span, children may become accustomed to rapidly changing images, making it more difficult to concentrate on static activities.
Imitation and Behavior:
Young children tend to imitate what they see; therefore, violent or inappropriate content can negatively affect their behavior.
When should infants watch cartoons?
After 24 months of age, you can gradually introduce cartoons by following some rules:
- Limit the time (maximum 30-60 minutes per day)
- Create a safe environment, that is, make sure the television is securely fixed to prevent falls and keep cables and accessories away to avoid strangulation
- Choose high-quality, interactive and slow educational content, without images that are too fast or loud sounds
- Watch television together with the child, to explain and comment on what he sees
- Monitor behavior, which means observing how the little one reacts to the TV and interrupt if he shows signs of frustration or distraction
- Avoid TV before bed, so as not to disturb the children’s sleep
But even more important is to stay informed and attentive to the impact of television on the development of newborns to promote a healthy and stimulating environment.
Last but not least, the information provided in this article regarding newborns and TV is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as a substitute for professional medical advice. It is essential to consult your pediatrician or a health professional before making any decisions regarding the health and well-being of your newborn.
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Newborn Tips, The Editorial Team
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