Families For Life | How Children See Television

Television and Babies: What Parents Should Know

In a world where televisions are a fixture in most homes, it is natural to wonder how much — if any — TV time is appropriate for your baby. The short answer from most health and child development experts is: as little as possible.

What do the guidelines say?

Most major health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), recommend avoiding screen time altogether for babies under 18 to 24 months. This is because the first two years of life are a critical period for brain development, and babies learn best through real-world interaction — touch, movement, conversation, and play. Excessive television exposure has been associated with delays in language development and disrupted sleep.

Practical tips for parents

Avoid placing a television in your baby's bedroom and try to keep it off during mealtimes and play. Background television is also worth being mindful of — even when your baby is not actively watching, the noise and movement on screen can be distracting and may interrupt valuable time spent on play and interaction with caregivers.

For more information on screen time for babies in general, visit the resource below:
Parent Hub: 0-2 Years - Screen Time