Screens and your baby: a realistic guide to video calls, screentime, and real-world connection

It can feel impossible to parent confidently, as the guilt around "screentime" for babies is overwhelming. This guide is about finding a realistic, non-judgemental path that prioritizes connection, whether it's face-to-face or through a video call.

We are all surrounded by screens, from the phone in our pocket to the television in the living room. It is common to feel like you are "failing" if your baby sees a screen, especially when official recommendations often suggest avoiding them entirely for the first year or two. This pressure is not helpful. The goal is not to achieve a perfect, screen-free life, but to understand how to balance our digital world with the real-world connection your baby truly needs.

It helps to think about screens in two different categories. The first is interactive time, like a video call with a grandparent. This is not "passive screentime". When your baby sees a loved one's face, hears them say their name, and watches them react, they are engaging in a real, back-and-forth social interaction. This can be a wonderful way to build relationships, especially with family who live far away.

The other category is passive screen time, like a show on TV or a game on a phone. The main concern here is not that the screen itself is "bad" in small moments, but that it can easily replace the simple, face-to-face interactions that build your baby's brain. Your baby learns about the world by watching your face, hearing your voice, and engaging in the simple, back-and-forth "conversations" of coos and babbles.

The most practical approach is to focus on prioritizing real-world connection. When you are playing, feeding, or changing your baby, these are powerful moments to talk and make eye-contact, which is hard to do if you are both looking at a screen. It is also important to remember that perfection is not the goal. If you need to put your baby in a safe place and turn on a show for fifteen minutes so you can take a shower, that is a realistic part of modern survival.

If you ever feel that screens are replacing your ability to connect, or if you have concerns about your baby's development or vision, your pediatrician is the best person to talk to.

This is not about a strict "all or nothing" rule. The most important thing you give your baby is your presence, and a video call with a loving family member is a form of presence, too.

A gentle reminder: The content in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you are facing a problem that feels sharp, persistent, or overwhelming, reaching out for professional help is a sign of strength.