Pausing Screen Time to Play, Connect, and Nurture Your Infant's Development

Secure attachment forms the foundation of a child's emotional well-being, and it's crucial to provide a nurturing environment that fosters this attachment. One significant step in building this secure bond is to PAUSE screen time and engage in meaningful PLAY with your infant so they know without a shadow of doubt that they are loved, and they matter.

Tuning into their needs is a skill that we learn as parents over time and often the child in our care just needs our full attention and presence which is often hard with the lure of a phone nearby.

In this article, we'll explore why it's essential to limit screen exposure for your little one and discuss the many benefits of replacing screen time with interactive activities that promote development and strengthen the connection between you and your baby. This in turn leads to several long-term benefits, such as increased self-esteem, better social skills, and improved emotional regulation. All essential skills, that could enhance their ability to land that dream job, so these early years really do matter. 

1: Pausing Screen Time to Play with Your Infant

Why Screen Time Isn't Ideal for Infants:

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against screen time for children under 18 months, citing concerns about its impact on their development. 

Both the Swedish and Danish Associations of Pediatrics have also recommended that children under 2 do not use screens with children aged 3-5 years should have screen time limited to under 1 hour a day.


Here's why:

  • Delayed Language Skills: Excessive screen time can hinder language development, as it doesn't provide the rich, interactive environment that face-to-face interactions offer.

(First exception to this rule - video calls with relatives who live far away can be much more interactive, stabalising, and engaging than just hearing their voice as the child can start to read facial cues as well as vocal tone. McClure & Barr, 2017) 

  • Attention Problems: Prolonged screen exposure can contribute to attention issues in the future, as it doesn't encourage sustained focus on real-world tasks.

  • Sleep Disruption: Screens near bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns, affecting crucial rest for your baby's growth. 

  • Reduced Social Interaction: Screen time often occurs in isolation and may hinder the development of essential social and emotional skills.

2: What You Can Play with Your Infant Instead

Engaging Activities for Development:

Here are some engaging and developmentally beneficial activities to replace screen time:

  • Reading Aloud: Share age-appropriate books to promote language and cognitive development.

  • Tummy Time: Encourage motor skills development through supervised tummy time.

  • Sensory Play: Explore textures with a wide range of different materials for them to scrunch up in their hands or things like water play. As they become more mobile, create a "treasure basket" filled with objects of various shapes, sizes, and textures. Allow your child to explore the contents of the basket, stimulating their senses and encouraging exploration and discovery.

  • Singing and movement: Sing lullabies or play music to stimulate auditory development. You don't need to be a professional singer; your voice is a source of comfort and delight for your infant. Sing lullabies, simple songs, and share with them the music you love while holding your baby, changing your baby or moving around the room. They'll be captivated by the rhythms and melody lines, and these musical interactions will become cherished memories whilst releasing oxytocin in your system too.

  • Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy nature and introduce your baby to the world through outdoor exploration. Whenever possible, head outdoors to let your infant experience the wonders of the natural world and give yourself a breather. The fresh air, sights, sounds, and tactile sensations all contribute to a well-rounded developmental experience for you both.

  • Games and Playdates: Play peekaboo and arrange playdates to encourage social skills.

  • Mealtime Interaction: Make mealtimes interactive exploring different food and textures. Or when you’re feeding milk to your baby enjoying the face-to-face interaction and talking softly to them instead of checking your phone. If you happen to doze off, I won’t tell anyone…

  • Parenting Play-fuelled apps to inspire you- there are some incredible apps and resources online if you are struggling to think about alternatives to screens. Check out the links below.

3: How Screen-Free Time Builds CONNECTION

Strengthening the Parent-Child Bond:

Screen-free time fosters a stronger bond between you and your infant. Here's how:

  • Quality Bonding: One-on-one time without distractions promotes a nurturing and supportive environment.

  • Enhanced Learning: Face-to-face interactions provide opportunities for your baby to explore, learn, and grow.

  • Language Development: Conversations and storytelling enrich your child's language skills.

  • Emotional Connection: Active engagement nurtures a secure attachment, which is crucial for emotional well-being of both parent/carer and child.

  • Physical and Cognitive Development: Interactive play supports motor skills and cognitive growth.

  • Building Memories: These moments create cherished memories and positive experiences for your baby.

PAUSING screen time to engage in PLAY, CONNECTION, and development with your infant is a valuable investment into their future. It strengthens your bond together, enhances their cognitive and emotional development, and builds a strong foundation for a lifetime of positive relationships. So, let's embrace the PAUSE, PLAY, CONNECT Ⓡ model by pausing to nurture our little ones through meaningful interactions and PLAY.

And if you do choose to use screens, do it TOGETHER until you know they have the skills to be safe online.


Please NOTE: There are always some exceptions and we must be compassionately mindful of these. It is also important to acknowledge that as adults we have our own challenges and when mental or physical illness strikes or we find ourselves in the middle of a humanitarian crisis we must practice self-compassion and phones are a wonderful way of engaging with supportive communities that can get us through. Do checkout the links below with suggestions of charities, organisations and helpful parenting apps that I would recommend as it’s hard to think of solutions when sleep deprived for a start!!




Affordable play-fuelled apps I’d recommend:

  • Oliiki app
    ”Oliiki has over 1,000 activities spanning your pregnancy right up until your baby is 2 years old (one for each of the first 1000 days of life). Each activity tells you what to do, how to do it, and most importantly why you’re doing it. There’s also the science and research behind each activity so you can really understand your child’s development and how you’re supporting it with your play.” https://www.oliikiapp.com/

  • Babbu App https://www.babbu.co.uk/

  • Caper (suitable to play with your 3-8 year old) https://www.caper.co/get-caper

Charities and Organisations:

  • NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children):

    • The NSPCC is a well-known charity dedicated to child protection. They offer a range of resources and support for families, including parenting advice and resources on child safety.NSPCC

  • Family Lives:

    • Family Lives is a charity that provides advice and support for families. They offer a helpline and a variety of online resources covering parenting, family relationships, and more. Family Lives

  • Citizens Advice:

    • Citizens Advice is a national charity that provides information and advice on various issues, including family and legal matters. They can help families navigate financial and legal challenges. Citizens Advice

  • Home-Start UK:

    • Home-Start UK is a charity that offers support and assistance to families with young children. They provide trained volunteers who offer help and guidance to parents.Home-Start UK

  • Relate:

    • Relate is the UK's largest provider of relationship support. They offer counseling and support to families and couples facing relationship challenges. Relate

  • Barnardo's:

    • Barnardo's is a well-known children's charity that provides various services for children and families, including counseling, adoption support, and assistance for families facing challenges.Barnardo's

  • The Parenting Project:

    • The Parenting Project is an organization offering parenting courses and support for families. They aim to help parents develop positive parenting skills and strengthen family relationships.https://parentingproject.org.uk

  • Action for Children:

    • Action for Children is a charity that supports vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families. They provide a wide range of services, including family support, mental health services, and early years support.https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/

  • Gingerbread:

    • Gingerbread is a charity that focuses on supporting single parent families. They offer advice, information, and practical help for single parents.https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/

  • Family and Childcare Trust:

    • The Family and Childcare Trust works to make the UK a better place for families by campaigning for affordable childcare and offering resources to help parents access quality childcare. https://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/parent-champions-national-network

    • The Cbeebies Grownups page is full of information and ideas too: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups with action line if you are struggling https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

    • Check out Moodboosters for slightly older children (works for adults too!) https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/moodboosters



Please note that these organizations provide various forms of support for families, including parenting advice, counseling, legal guidance, and assistance with specific challenges. Families can reach out to these organizations based on their specific needs and circumstances.

Deb John