Ashwin Lewis
Many new parents enjoy some downtime in front of the TV while their baby sleeps. However, there are several reasons why this may not be a good idea. Firstly, the noise and flashing lights from the TV could distract and wake the baby. Secondly, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns are not exposed to screens until they are 18-24 months old, as it could negatively impact their brain development and language skills. Some parents find that using headphones, watching TV on a phone or tablet, or moving to another room are good ways to unwind without disturbing their baby.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Impact on brain development | May cause speech delays and lower myelination of brain white matter |
| Distraction | May distract the baby from nursing when they get older |
| Sleep routine | May cause sleep problems and disrupt sleep cycles |
| Parental interaction | May result in less interaction and communication with the baby |
| Parental guilt | Many parents feel guilty about watching TV while their baby is sleeping |
| Parental relaxation | Many parents find it relaxing to watch TV while their baby is sleeping |
| Parental judgement | Parents should use their judgement to determine what's right for their newborn |
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What You'll Learn
The impact of TV on a newborn's brain development
Watching television while a newborn sleeps is a common practice among new parents. While it may seem harmless, there are a few reasons why this might not be the best idea. Firstly, television shows designed for infants often feature rapid image changes, and prolonged exposure to these during critical periods of brain development may precondition the mind to expect high levels of stimulation. Consequently, this may make it challenging for children to sustain attention during the slower pace of real life. The more frenetic or violent the TV show, the more likely your child will have attention challenges later in life.
Additionally, television can be a significant distraction for newborns. Babies sensitive to sounds or colours may wake up if the television is on and become enamoured by the different shapes, colours, and sounds. They may even start refusing to sleep altogether so they can watch TV too.
Moreover, television can negatively impact a newborn's language development. Background television noise is particularly detrimental to language acquisition, as it interferes with focused thinking and learning. In a longitudinal study, researchers found that children exposed to TV background noise at the age of two experienced a significant drop in verbal IQ by the time they entered kindergarten. This effect is exacerbated by the fact that infants spend an average of 232.2 minutes per day exposed to background TV noise.
However, it is worth noting that some parents have reported success in keeping the television on low volume or using headphones while their newborns sleep. Others have suggested that the first few weeks or months of a newborn's life may be the only time when they can get away with watching TV while their baby sleeps. Overall, while there may be ways to mitigate the impact of television on newborns, it is clear that reducing screen time and prioritising interactive play, reading, and music can positively impact a child's development.
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TV as a distraction for newborns
Newborns can be easily overstimulated by loud sounds, bright colours, or too much activity in their surroundings. Television can be a source of such stimulation, with its flashing lights, changing scenes, and constant sound. This can become a distraction for newborns, especially once they emerge from the "newborn haze" and become more aware of their surroundings.
Some parents report that their newborns sleep well with the TV on, even attributing their ability to sleep through anything to having the TV on during their newborn period. However, others find that once their baby is a few months old, they need quiet to sleep.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a science-heavy policy statement on babies watching television, concluding that media, whether playing in the background or as an infant educational tool, "have potentially negative effects and no known positive effects for children younger than 2 years." This is supported by studies that have found a link between increased TV time and developmental delays, as well as potential links to attention problems.
To avoid the negative impacts of screen time, it is recommended to keep the bedroom a screen-free zone, avoid viewing television 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, and have a soothing bedtime routine that involves baths and reading. If you want to watch TV while your newborn sleeps, it is best to do so on a device other than a TV, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop, with the screen turned away from the baby and the volume low or muted.
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TV as a source of noise for sleeping newborns
The arrival of a newborn baby often means that parents have to make adjustments to their daily routines. One such change is how parents spend their downtime, with many opting to watch TV while their baby sleeps. However, this raises the question of whether it is advisable to have the TV on in the same room as a sleeping newborn.
Some parents have reported that their newborns sleep through TV noise, with some even suggesting that their babies slept better with background noise from the TV. In these cases, parents have found that turning down the brightness, using subtitles, and running a sound or white noise machine can help to create a more peaceful environment for the baby while still allowing them to watch TV. Others have suggested using headphones, which can be connected to the TV via Bluetooth or a headphone splitter, as a way to enjoy screen time without disturbing the baby.
However, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences of having the TV on in the same room as a sleeping newborn. One concern is the impact on the baby's sleep habits. The flashing lights and constant sound of the TV, even if it is quiet, can be stimulating and may become a distraction for the baby. This could lead to the baby refusing to sleep without the TV on or becoming enamored by the shapes, colors, and sounds, impacting their sleep patterns. Additionally, research suggests that exposure to background TV noise can negatively affect language development in young children. Studies have shown that infants struggle to differentiate between sounds, and the passive nature of listening to TV can hinder their ability to learn speech and communication effectively.
While there may be benefits to keeping background noise or light on for newborns, such as creating a soothing environment or allowing parents to relax, it is essential to weigh these against the potential drawbacks. As such, it may be advisable to explore alternative options, such as using headphones or watching TV on a phone, tablet, or in another room, to minimize the impact on the baby's sleep and development.
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TV as a source of light for sleeping newborns
Watching television while your newborn sleeps can be a great way to relax and unwind. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when doing this. Firstly, the noise from the television can be a distraction for your baby, especially if they are sensitive to sounds. In this case, using headphones or keeping the volume low can be a good solution. Additionally, the light from the television can also be a source of distraction, with some sources suggesting that the flashing lights from changing scenes and action on the screen can be more disruptive than the constant sound.
To address this, you can turn down the brightness or turn on subtitles so that you can keep the volume low. Watching TV on a phone, tablet, or laptop can also be a good alternative, as the screen is smaller and can be more easily positioned away from your newborn. If you prefer to watch on a larger screen, you can try to ensure that the TV is not in your baby's direct line of sight and that the volume is kept low.
Some parents have reported that their newborns sleep better with background noise, such as a white noise machine or quiet TV. However, it is important to note that this may not be the case for all babies, and some may be more sensitive to noise and light stimulation. As your baby grows and develops, their sleep patterns and sensitivity to external stimuli may change, so it is important to be mindful of this and adjust your TV habits accordingly.
While there may be no permanent harm from having the TV on while your newborn sleeps, it is important to recognize that it may not be beneficial for their development either. Research suggests that background TV can contribute to problems with sleep and attention in children under two, impacting their language development, analyzing capabilities, and memory. Therefore, it is recommended to interact and engage with your newborn through play or educational games, rather than having the TV on in the background.
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The American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations on screen time for newborns
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that screen time and media use be very limited for children under 2 years old. This is because research has shown that screen time can negatively impact infant development, potentially causing delays in language, literacy, and self-regulation. The AAP's recommendations are intended to guide parents and caregivers in making decisions about screen time exposure for young children.
The AAP advises that children under 2 years old learn best by exploring the world around them and interacting with other children and adults. They may struggle to understand what they are viewing on screens unless an adult explains it to them. For this age group, a suggested way to use digital devices is through video-calling apps, such as Facetime, to connect with family members.
To help families navigate safe and practical media use, the AAP and Common Sense Media, along with the University of Michigan, suggest creating a Family Media Plan. This plan can include steps such as using YouTube Kids, which offers more age-appropriate content, or an alternative called Sensical, which reviews and ensures the quality of posted videos.
While the AAP recommends limited screen time for newborns and infants, some parents have shared their experiences of having the TV on while their newborns sleep. Some parents have found that their newborns can sleep through the TV being on, while others have noticed that their babies become more aware of the changing scenes, lights, and sounds around 6 to 7 weeks of age, which can cause frustration and sleep disruptions.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally advised against. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns should not be exposed to screens until they are 18 to 24 months old. The flashing lights and constant sound can overstimulate the baby, and even if the baby is sleeping, the TV may become a distraction, or the noise may influence their brain development.
If your newborn is asleep in the same room, you can use headphones, or watch on your phone, tablet, or laptop, ensuring the screen is turned away from the baby.
The noise and visuals from the TV can cause overstimulation and distract the baby from sleeping. Even when the baby is asleep, the noise and visuals from the TV can cause shorter sleep periods and more awakenings throughout the night.
Exposure to TV can cause speech and language delays in newborns. It can also lower myelination in brain white matter and reduce the number of words the baby hears, resulting in less learning.
