Chicago Public Library-Blog: Interactive Babies: Balancing Screen Time With Very Young Children

Chicago IL

06 November, 2021

2:36 PM

Description

Press release from the Chicago Public Library-blog: Katie November 5, 2021 I love technology, especially when it means I can video chat with my infant niece who lives 300 miles away! But I worry that her time interacting with me through a screen might affect her development--after all, aren't screens bad for babies?  The short answer is: the less screen time the better, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). For babies, AAP discourages the use of screen media other than video-chatting.  For toddlers and older children, AAP suggests that choosing high-quality programming or apps and use them together with children, because this is how toddlers learn best.  But in real life, that's challenging--especially when we're using screens for so much in our daily lives right now! While technology is helping get us through this difficult time, it's always good to remember that young children's brains are developing and need daily face-to-face interactions to continue to grow and learn. Even if screens are part of your daily routine, CPL always recommends adding activities that feature reading, talking, singing, playing, and writing to help young children grow.  The most important screen time tip is to do what's best for your family!  Here are some ideas to help you manage screen time in your family: Sharing interactive books together is a great way to have interactive screen free time, too. Here are some of my favorite interactive picture books for babies and toddlers: Make the seasons change when you rub, touch, wiggle, and Tap the Magic Tree.  Check out the board book for babies or the picture book for toddlers! Tap the Magic TreeTap the Magic Tree Matheson, Christie,Matheson, Christie, Book, 2013Available View detailsView details for Tap the Magic Tree, Book, Available Mix It Up! with this fun, interactive book that invites you to touch the pages and magically make new colors. Mix It Up!Mix It Up! Tullet, Hervé,Tullet, Hervé, Book, 2014Available View detailsView details for Mix It Up!, Book, Available For a quiet but still interactive bedtime story, check out Touch the Brightest Star. Touch the Brightest StarTouch the Brightest Star Matheson, Christie,Matheson, Christie, Book, 2015Available View detailsView details for Touch the Brightest Star, Book, Available This press release was produced by the Chicago Public Library-blog. The views expressed here are the author's own.