Guidelines on screen time for babies

Some parents believe watching screens can be educational, while others use screens for entertainment or as electronic babysitters. However, media usage keeps babies from being active and playing. It may also interfere with your baby’s sleep.

What are the guidelines?

Health departments in the US, Canada, and Australia all recommend limited or no television for children under two years of age. Surprisingly, research suggests that parents may not be aware of these recommendations. In one particular study:

90% of parents mistakenly allowed their children under two to watch television or use other electronic devices
some of these children were watching screens for two hours or longer every day
40% of three-month-olds were regularly watching videos or television

Simple, active play is far more beneficial than screen time for your baby, from her very first days and weeks. You don’t need expensive toys or equipment to encourage your baby to be active. Make time for brief periods of play and interaction with your baby each day.

Sources

Cespedes EM, Gillman MW, Kleinman K et al. Television viewing, bedroom television, and sleep duration from infancy to mid-childhood. Pediatrics 2014; 133(5):e1163-71.

Vaala S, Hornik R. Predicting US infants’ and toddlers’ TV/video viewing rates: Mothers’ cognitions and structural life circumstances. J Child Media 2014; 8(2):163-82.

Zimmerman FJ, Christakis DA, Meltzoff AN. Television and DVD/video viewing in children younger than 2 years. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2007; 161(5):473-9.

Signs of A Weakened Immune System & How You Can Help Your Child

A strong immune system is the key for a healthy growing child. It gives them that extra protection to go on with their daily playtime. Parents must be aware that the immune system in children is not on par with adults. Hence, they are more vulnerable to viral infection.

Common cold, flu, warts and more serious illnesses are what your children are up against once they step outside. So, be a tiger mum or a lion dad if you have to by identifying the tell-tale signs of a weakened immune system and help your child to boost their first line of defence against viral diseases.

8 Child-Friendly Foods That’ll Boost Your Child’s Immunity

Nothing is more painful than seeing your child fall prey to infectious diseases easily. Even though colds and flu are a fact of life for kids, there are a number of steps that you can take to reduce the number of sick days. Washing your hands regularly, getting enough sleep, and getting your yearly flu shot are some ways to prevent sickness, but there is one thing that is often overlooked at, and that is nutrition.

Something as simple as changing your child’s diet can do wonders to the body, keeping away the common cold and flu or lessen the duration or severity of them. But as parents ourselves, we know that it’s not easy getting children to eat certain foods. So, let’s check out some child-friendly foods that contain immune boosting properties and start keeping that flu bug away!

5 Ways to Strengthen your Toddler's Immune System

It’s that time of the year again- no, we’re not talking about Christmas or any other celebration, it’s that time where all the kids seem to be getting sick. It’s sick season, that’s common right? But why is it that not all kids are getting sick? It’s our immune system.

We don’t just have to accept our child’s current state of health, a strong immune system provides children with powerful natural defences against diseases, and it is possible as parents, to take measures to boost your child’s immune system. Here’s how: