Our favourite screen time alternatives

Is screen time bad for babies? As technology continues become more and more integrated into everyday life, screen time is an integral part of parenting for many families. So, what do the experts say about screen time for kids? And what are easy replacements that parents can turn to when it’s time to unplug?

What are the recommendations for screen time for children?

Sometimes it’s hard to make sure our little ones are always positioned in ways they can’t get a glimpse of Millionaire Hot Seat, or we can’t resist scrolling TikTok during a feed. But if you’ve seen your baby craning their neck to see whether Eddie goes to a break, you might be wondering if phone or TV screens are bad for babies. For screen time, the Australian Institute of Family Studies suggests that children younger than two years should have very limited screen time. For younger toddlers and babies, screen time should be kept to video chats with family members, which is seen as social interaction and doesn’t necessarily count towards ‘screen time’ in terms of effects.

For older toddlers and children between the ages of 2 and 5 years, it’s recommended that they should have no more than 2 hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day. Young people aged 5-17 should also aim for a maximum of two hours of recreational screens per day, with schoolwork sitting outside that.  

Tips for managing screen time

Understanding that screen time isn’t ideal for babies will help you set up healthy technology boundaries. Teaching your children about healthy screen time will help them from overindulging in technology. So how do you manage screen time?

1. Find and maintain a consistent routine

Toddlers – and everyone else – often do best with consistent rules and routines. It can be confusing to have half a day watching Blippi one day and then be told no screens at all the next. By having predicable rhythms to screens, you can help your little one understand what will be happening, and potentially help prevent power struggles around screen boundaries.

2. Set rules for rooms and situations

Does screen time affect sleep in toddlers? It may for some, and you’ll want to be clear with your toddler about when and where screen time is not permitted. You might want to have certain situations that are ‘screen-free’, such as mealtime, bedtime, or car time. Babies and toddlers should ideally have direct supervision while using devices, and for older children, it’s also often recommended to ensure devices are used only in shared living spaces.

3. Balance their routine

Screen time should only occupy a small part of the day and should not substitute exploring hobbies, playing outside, or engaging with friends. Schedule plenty of non-screen time in your child’s daily routine, as physical games and mentally engaging activities are essential for their creativity and development.

4. Plan for positive screen time

Where possible, use screen time as a bonding or learning experience. Download age-appropriate applications that may help to boost your little one’s development. You can take this opportunity to talk to your toddler through fun educational games. Alternatively, if you’re unable to spend this time together, take the time to research apps that will introduce your child to letters, numbers and other essential educational content. 

5. Censor content

It’s not always possible to accompany your child during screen time, especially if you’re using this time strategically to finish that Zoom meeting, cook dinner, or complete other tasks. Before handing over the iPad or switching on Bluey, be sure to use and check parental controls, and review games to ensure they are appropriate for your toddler.

Alternatives to screen time for kids

We understand that not all screen time is avoidable. Sometimes you just need 10 minutes to yourself and putting on a show is a quick way to help keep your little one entertained for the time being. But if you’re hunting for inspo for easy alternatives to fill your days, here are some fun replacements for screens.

1. Books

Reading with your little one is very important, and books are a great source of entertainment for babies and toddlers. For young babies, try baby books that have crinkly or textured pages that will teach your baby about the world around them. These books encourage babies to grasp and feel with their hands. Choosing books with high-contrast images and fun textures is a great combination for a sensory experience and can provide calm stimulation that doesn’t overwhelm your baby.

For toddlers or young children, picture books and educational books can capture their attention and imagination. Make reading time a bonding activity for you and your child, and play games associated with their books or simply read together. Kids learn through watching you, so setting aside your own time for reading, even 10 minutes, models to them how to read and enjoy books independently.

2. Outdoor play

Spending time outside is a great way to keep your little one entertained and stimulated as they explore. There are several options if you want to take your baby or toddler outside, from going to the park, playing outside games, or going on excursions away from your neighbourhood. The fresh air and different environments can help your little one stay stimulated as well as give them a chance to learn about the world around them. From people-watching to planned activities to unstructured play on equipment or natural elements like rocks, outdoor time is valuable for every part of your child’s development.

3. Sensory toys

Sensory toys provide a great way to introduce sights, sounds and sensations to your little one. Everything is exciting when your baby is learning, and sensory baby toys help develop your little one’s sight, sound recognition and fine motor skills. The best part – since your baby is new to the world, everything is still exciting and different for them! There’s a lot of choice out there for newborns and infants – Baby Bunting has several types of toys that will help keep your baby entertained. 

4. Shadow a grown-up

Sometimes we pop Miss Rachel on so that we have 15 minutes to whip around and wash the dishes, make a cup of tea, and put the rubbish out. And while there is nothing at all wrong with that, if reducing screen time is high on your priority list, you can also simply involve your baby or toddler in your daily chores and rhythms. Of course, it’s easier said than done – everything you do with a toddler in tow takes three times as long, and there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to load the dishwasher while little hands pull everything back out just as quickly. But if you have the patience and time, getting them involved in chores is a wonderful opportunity to have conversations, talk about what you’re doing and why, ask them questions about how they are experiencing their world, and create some lovely memories of your days together.  
Screen time is a reality of life these days, so avoid shame spirals if you use it as a parenting tool – learning how to use devices is in itself a skill for kids to learn. Whether you’re trying to minimise screen use or simply wanting some quick ideas for other activities you can do with your baby or toddler, we hope you’ve found something useful in this article. At Baby Bunting, we have plenty of books, interactive toys, outdoor games and more that will serve as a great alternative to screen time. And remember, time spent with you is just as important as time away from the screen, so take the time to bond with your little one.