When Should babies watch sensory videos?

My wife just introduced a "Baby Sensory" video to our 3-month old.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ka0Q9oOVXt0&feature=share

This video claims to help develop sensorial skills and keep babies entertained and relaxed. And there are some sites that even recommend different videos. However, I'm well aware that introducing videos too early to a baby can have detrimental effects.

But I'm not sure how old a baby should be for these "Baby Sensory" videos - how old does our child need to be before we start putting him in front of these videos? And, is that dependent on whether or not they are unsupervised?

asked Nov 30, 2021 at 16:39

3

In the links provided, and links from those pages, I could not quickly find any peer-reviewed research articles that show any benefit whatsoever of the "baby sensory videos". Without such evidence, the videos appear to be not beneficial for any age. I recommend not following recommendations of questionable sources, especially when they appear to contradict the scientific consensus, developed across multiple studies by multiple, independent research groups. Instead, consider the following guideline from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), that summarizes the current scientific consensus quite well:

Consider the following as a guideline:

• Until 18 months of age limit screen use to video chatting along with an adult (for example, with a parent who is out of town).
• Between 18 and 24 months screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver.
• For children 2-5, limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days.
• For ages 6 and older, encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens.
• Turn off all screens during family meals and outings.
• Learn about and use parental controls.
• Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums..
• Turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): Screen Time and Children, No. 54; Updated February 2020: https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Children-And-Watching-TV-054.aspx

(emphasis mine)

answered Nov 30, 2021 at 17:36

Timur ShtatlandTimur Shtatland

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Current national and international guidelines recommend that children under 2 years don’t have screen time other than video-chatting.

Very young children learn best from everyday experiences like physical play, playing outside, reading, creative play and social time with family and friends.

Video-chatting is OK because your child is interacting with another person. Video-chatting can support your child’s social and language development. It can also help to create bonds with family and friends.

Role-modelling healthy habits for screen time and digital technology use

Developing healthy habits for screen time and digital technology use is important for children.

Even if your baby or toddler isn’t using digital technology, your baby sees how you use it and learns from you. You can help your child develop healthy habits by using digital technology in the way you want your child to use it in the future.

Even when your child is very young, you can start modelling healthy digital technology use. For example:

• Switch your phone off during meals.
• Turn the TV off when you’ve finished watching a program.
• Balance your screen time with activities like being outdoors, reading and doing physical activity.
• Give your child your full attention and avoid checking your phone when you’re playing together or feeding your child.

Exposure to screens and digital technology

Your family is likely to have a range of digital technology like televisions, computers, tablets and smartphones. This means that your baby or toddler might see images on screens, even if they’re not using the screens themselves.

It’s good to be aware of what your child might be seeing. For example, images on the news or in video games can be violent and distressing, even for very young children who might not fully understand what they’re seeing.

It’s best to avoid screens in the background altogether, because they can distract babies and toddlers. Babies and toddlers might stop playing or interacting with family and focus on the screens instead.

Is it OK for babies to watch sensory videos?

When should I start baby sensory activities?

How long should babies Watch baby sensory videos?