Screen Time for Babies Under 2: Harmful, Harmless, or Helpful?

Screen Time for Babies Under 2: Harmful, Harmless, or Helpful?

As technology becomes more embedded in daily life, the question of whether babies and toddlers should be exposed to screens has become one of the most debated topics in modern parenting. From YouTube shows designed for infants, to video calls with family, to educational apps marketed as “brain-boosting,” screen time is no longer only an issue for older kids — it’s now part of life for many children before their second birthday.

That’s why we’re asking our members this week:

Do you think screen time for babies under 2 is harmful, harmless, or helpful?

This simple question sparks strong opinions because parents today are navigating new territory. The generation raising babies right now is the first to do so with smartphones, tablets, and streaming platforms always within reach. There’s no single handbook for “the right way” to handle it — just a mix of expert guidelines, real-life parenting realities, and a lot of judgment in between.

What Experts Say

Current advice from the Canadian Paediatric Society and similar organizations generally recommends avoiding screen time for children under age 2 — with exceptions for activities like video chatting with family members. The concern isn’t just what babies see on screens, but what they miss when they are watching them: language exposure, sensory exploration, bonding, and physical play.

However, many parents point out that real-life doesn't always align with ideal recommendations. Between feeding, sleep deprivation, working from home, or caring for multiple kids, screens can feel like a lifeline. And the rise of high-quality, slow-paced educational content created specifically for babies is changing the conversation.

What Parents Are Saying

Some parents feel strongly that babies should not have any screen exposure until age 2 or even older. Others believe that limited, intentional use — such as calming music videos or simple songs — can be harmless or even helpful during tough moments, like long waits, illness, or travel.

And then there are parents who say screens were essential for their mental health and survival during postpartum struggles, solo parenting, or the pandemic.

That’s exactly why we want to hear from you — not experts, not headlines, but real Canadian parents in our community.

Why This Poll Matters

Polls like this help us understand what parents are truly doing at home — not just what they feel they are “supposed” to say. Once the results are in, we’ll share a follow-up post comparing the data to expert recommendations and real-world insight from our members.

This one isn’t about judging anyone’s parenting. It’s about acknowledging how much parenting has changed — and opening up a conversation that many parents feel they’re not allowed to have honestly.