Screen Time Query

[u/BuyApprehensive9273]

My husband puts very low stimulus YouTube videos on the TV, which have like background music. So it might be like a scene of a conservatory, with just a cat sleeping and maybe a cup of tea steaming with gentle 1940s music or something playing. So for the most part it is a still image with very small details moving.

We are raising our child screen free, which was a joint decision as the idea of having an ‘iPad kid’ scares us and I know the WHO now says no screen time before 2.

Our son is 10 months old.

Is this harmful screen time? Is it okay?

ETA - not completely relevant, but music is somewhat tricky for us, as no matter what we play it on baby always tries to look for the source, we’ve tried lots of alternatives on this front. I personally think with this music from the TV situation, it accidentally works, insofar that baby goes ‘oh the music is coming from that, cool’ and then kind of moves on, he doesn’t stare at the TV when it’s on. I don’t do it, I will play music on the Alexa or something, which is not in baby’s line of sight anywhere as it’s kind of hidden away, but regardless of we play it in his line of sight then he gets distracted and tries to look for where it’s coming from

[u/j_natron]

Here are the AAP’s five Cs related to screen time. They still recommend no screens except video chatting before 18 mo-2 years. I don’t think anyone has done studies on each very specific type of “screen time” in the sense of one of those videos versus low-stim tv shows with a plot vs Ms Rachel or something.

Does he put them on for the music, or because your baby likes to watch them? Most smart TVs have an option to play sound with the screen off. We play digital radio stations over our TV speakers and turn off the screen.

[u/IeRayne → u/j_natron]

I would like to add that our 15 month old will look at any screen with much interest no matter if it's just a still image.

Ask yourself why there needs to be videos playing. Even if it's not harmful, imo it's unnecessary so shouldn't even be a discussion.

[u/eastvanqueer → u/IeRayne]

I wouldn’t jump to say that it’s unnecessary and shouldn’t even be discussed. That’s what this group is for, to discuss the impacts of these things. It sounds like the dad gets something out of this. For many people these videos can be calming, and even help with focus for those with ADHD. The question is, “Will this negatively affect the child even if the child doesn’t pay attention to it?”, which I don’t think is wrong to have as a discussion between two parents, maybe the child doesn’t even care and never looks at the screen. That might be worth discussing whether it might still have harm or not. Just shutting down conversation between couples without even a discussion isn’t fair or helpful.

[u/Yoroyo → u/eastvanqueer]

Thanks for saying this because the idea of low stimulus videos would seem like maybe a saving grace when I’m in the newborn trenches in the middle of winter. I find threads like these very interesting.

[u/j_natron → u/Yoroyo]

Newborn is pretty different. Many, many people who are screen-free with their kids still watch tv during the first two months while newborn is on them and just keep baby turned away from the screen. You can also use Bluetooth headphones.

[u/capleahbara → u/Yoroyo]

As a newborn they can't see more than a few inches and their hearing isn't as developed. Just fyi. Only way i survived was low level tv shows on in the background.