Why Screen Time Matters from the Very Beginning
In these days, screens encircle us: phones, tablets, TVs, and even smart toys. While technology may be of convenient use and provide for communications, something else holds prime importance for a new parent-to-be: Is posing a time towards screens safe for their babies, and if it is, then how much?
The first few months of a child’s life are truly very crucial from the point of view of brain development. So much of this period is being spent on physical contact, eye gazing, and hearing real-world sounds that form a basis of how the child learns, relates, and develops. In 2025, knowing about safe screen time for newborn babies becomes more critical than ever before.
What Is Screen Time for Newborns?
Screen time is any period when a small child is in front of an electronic device, whether that is watching videos during feeding, TV in the background, or phone use during cuddle time. Passive exposure has its effects on brain development in babies too.
In 2025, with screens in all homes, parents need to be more careful. Due to this, any extra screen exposure is harmful to newborns just because they are so sensitive to light, sound, and other forms of stimulation. In fact, excessive exposure, especially within their first 1-2 years, may interfere with their sleep, compromise their attention abilities, and delay language development.
How Much Screen Time Is Safe for Newborns?
With the exception of sporadic supervised video calls with loved ones, paediatric specialists advise against allowing newborns under 18 months old to spend any time on screens.
This implies:
- No background TV during naps or feedings
- Avoid using phone screens while playing or having tummy time.
- No apps or videos aimed at babies just yet
Instead, emphasise in-person communication, cuddling, and organic sounds like singing, reading, or conversing. These authentic encounters foster a baby’s sense of security, trust, and early communication abilities.
The Impact of Screen Exposure on Newborns
Even short bursts of screen exposure can affect newborns. Here’s how:
- Disrupted Sleep: Bright screens, especially before bedtime, interfere with melatonin production, making it harder for babies to fall and stay asleep.
- Reduced Attention Span: Fast-moving images or sounds can overstimulate a baby’s brain, making it harder for them to focus on slower, real-world activities.
- Less Parent-Baby Bonding: When screens take the place of face time, babies miss out on essential bonding cues like facial expressions and tone of voice.
That’s why safe screen habits for newborns are not just about limiting time—they’re about creating an environment that supports healthy, natural development.
Practical Tips for Managing Screens Around Newborns
1. Keep Screens Off During Baby Time
During feeding, changing, or holding the baby, keep the screens off. Basically, the baby learns greatly by watching one’s face, listening to the voice of that particular adult, and feeling the touch.
2. Create Screen-Free Zones
Some zones like the nursery or feeding chair could be kept screen-free. This, aside from encouraging connection, also provides comfort and quietness.
3. Avoid Background Noise from Devices
Background noise distracts the babies. Background noise from TVs or phones is distracting even if the baby is not looking at anything. Soft music or just silence would work really well.
4. Face Time Is Better Than Face Screens
Video calls really come into their own if relatives actually want to interact. Keep them short, hold the baby close, and keep the environment calm and not overstimulating.
5. Lead by Example
Babies notice everything. Setting strong groundwork for balanced habits in the future would be the times when parents celebrate less screen time around their baby.
Creating Healthy Habits from the Start
In 2025, screen-free parenting is difficult, but not impossible. It starts through deliberate choices. Protect your baby from unnecessary digital exposure to give him or her a better shot at developing good vision, hearing, bonding, and language skills.
Remember, the first year of life is filled with magic but tiny moments—smiles, coos, eye contact, touch. These are the real things that help with learning. Screens can wait.
Final Thought: Your Presence Is the Best Stimulation
Nothing can substitute the power of parental presence: An app, video, or animation. Creating healthy screen time habits early means you are not just protecting your newborn, but you are also shaping their world for a lifetime of balanced digital use.
For parents of 2025, safe screen time is not about perfection. It’s about awareness, connection, and creating a baby-viable world—one moment at a time.
Need expert guidance on newborn care and development?
Our Pediatric New Born clinic is here to support you every step of the way — from safe screen time to sleep routines and more.
Book a consultation today and give your baby the healthiest start in a digital world.
