No Screen Time for Babies: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Screens are everywhere—on phones, tablets, TV remotes, even built into toys these days. In a fast-moving world, it’s easy to lean on them for a few quiet minutes. But for babies, especially in the early stages, choosing a screen-free approach isn’t just about preference. It’s about protecting their growth in the most foundational ways.

At Laadlee, we know what those early parenting days feel like. The long feeds, the short naps, the moments you want to bottle forever. We’re here to support you through it—with honest advice, helpful tools, and a reminder that your instincts matter.

Why Pediatricians Recommend Avoiding Screens for Babies

Most pediatricians, including experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend keeping babies under 18 months screen-free (aside from the occasional video call with loved ones). And here’s why: babies don’t learn by watching—they learn by doing.

Those giggles, babbles, and snuggles? They’re building blocks. Every coo and every response from a caregiver helps shape a baby's brain in ways no screen can match. While digital games might flash and beep, they don’t teach real back-and-forth interaction. That kind of bonding, which only happens with people, helps babies feel secure and curious—and lays the groundwork for how they learn and relate to others later on.

What Screens Can Disrupt in Early Development 

Right now, your baby’s brain is making more connections than it ever will again. It’s a time of incredible growth—and it’s deeply sensitive to input.

Too much screen time too early can:

• Delay speech and language development
  

• Shorten attention span
  

• Make it harder to sleep well
  

• Cut into time needed for physical play and exploration
  

Even educational apps or shows aren’t ideal at this age. What babies need most are real-world experiences—movement, touch, sound, face-to-face interaction. This is how they make sense of their world.

Holding a rattle, hearing a lullaby, feeling water during bath time—these are the “lessons” that stick. They spark imagination, motor skills, and emotional bonding in ways a screen simply can’t.

Playtime Ideas That Keep Things Engaging (and Screen-Free) 

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect setup to keep your baby happy and learning. In fact, some of the best educational games are the simplest—and don’t cost a thing.

Here are a few ideas parents love (and babies do too):

• Mirror games: Babies love looking at faces—their own or yours.
  

• Peekaboo: A timeless game that builds anticipation and understanding of object permanence.
  

• Fabric play: Let your baby explore textures—soft scarves, crinkly cloths, or cotton swatches.
  

• Tummy time: A daily must that helps develop neck and core strength.
  

• Simple music and movement: Clap, sway, or bounce along to a song.
  

• Storytime: Yes, even if your baby doesn’t understand the words yet. Hearing your voice helps them grasp rhythm and language.
  

At Laadlee, we offer Baby Toys that support this kind of learning—gentle, hands-on, developmentally rich. Think soft rattles, cloth books, textured balls, and musical toys that respond to your baby’s actions—not a touchscreen.

Creating a Routine That Reduces Screen Time (Without Stress) 

If screens have crept in, don’t worry. You don’t have to make a massive change overnight. Like most things in parenting, small, steady steps go a long way.

Here are a few shifts you can try:

• Be mindful of your own screen use—your baby is watching, even when you’re not watching them.
  

• Set up “tech-free” zones—especially in bedrooms and play areas.
  

• Plan short play breaks—even 10 minutes of focused, phone-free time makes a difference.
  

• Narrate your day—talk while changing diapers, preparing meals, or doing laundry.
  

• Get older kids involved—ask siblings to play memory games or create silly songs together.
  

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence. The more consistent the rhythm becomes, the easier it is to follow—and the more natural it feels for everyone at home.

Laadlee’s Picks: Thoughtful Toys for Screen-Free Play

At Laadlee, we believe that playtime should spark imagination, not rely on flashing lights or batteries. That’s why we’ve curated a thoughtful range of screen-free toys designed to support growth, curiosity, and connection.

Some favourites include:

• Indoor Playhouses and Tents– Great imaginative storytelling, roleplay, and independent exploration. Perfect for screen-free indoor time.

• Stacking Toys – Build hand-eye coordination and teach basic problem-solving.
  

• Soft Musical Instruments – Introduce rhythm while encouraging movement.
  

• Plush Dolls and Cuddly Friends – Offer comfort and help build social-emotional awareness.
  

• Memory Games for Toddlers – Strengthen focus and early logic skills without any screens in sight.
  

These aren’t just toys—they’re tools. Designed with love, selected with care, and tested by real families.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

We live in a world filled with screens. From virtual meetings to grocery shopping apps, they’re part of modern life. And yes, sometimes a screen does offer a few minutes of calm when you desperately need to fold laundry or drink your coffee before it goes cold.

But for babies, the first few years are different. These moments are when their sense of security, confidence, and communication are taking root.

By choosing screen-free play now, you’re giving them something lasting:

• More face time (the real kind)
  

• Stronger language and social skills
  

• Better sleep and mood regulation
  

• A foundation built on connection
  

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact 

It’s not about banning screens entirely or setting impossible standards. It’s about making mindful choices—when you can, where you can. Every time you sing instead of stream, every time you swap a video for a storybook, you’re planting something good.

At Laadlee, we’re here to walk with you in these choices. We’re cheering you on, offering parenting tips, screen-free play ideas, and curating toys and baby products that make learning feel like love in motion.

Let’s create a summer that’s slower, sweeter, and screen-free—one giggle, cuddle, and story at a time.