Screen Time & Sleep For Toddlers
It’s a known fact that too much screen time can adversely affect a child’s sleep patterns and the quality of sleep they’re getting. One of the hardest aspects of parenting in this digital age is trying to find a good balance. You don’t want to completely deprive your child of technology, plus it can be a great way to help them learn and develop. On the other hand, you can’t rely on technology to raise a child or to become an attachment. Let’s chat about screen time and sleep for toddlers.
How much screen time should my toddler be getting?
There’s no real set-in-stone answer for this, unfortunately. Every family does screen time differently, often at different times of the day and night. Screen time is a personal choice, however, it is important to note that studies have shown that the amount of screen time a child gets throughout the day and night can negatively affect the sleep they get.
When should I stop screen time before bed?
The brain needs time to switch off before bed. Have you noticed that when you’re on your phone or your laptop right before bedtime it takes you longer to get to sleep? It’s important to limit screen time around bedtime, even stopping it early in the afternoon, if possible, in order to allow your little one’s brain the time it needs to turn off before going to sleep.
How can I tell if my child has too much screen time?
It definitely pays to be cautious around this. It’s important to keep an eye on the amount of screen time your toddler is getting. If they show any of the following signs, it might be a good idea to start setting limits on when and how much screen time they get…
- They constantly ask to be on the phone, laptop or watching TV
- Their sleep patterns seem to be interrupted
- They start throwing tantrums if they miss out on screen time
- They start showing any other behavioural issues that could be caused by a screen addiction
Sleep is important for a growing toddler. Screen time, if used incorrectly, is a known sleep saboteur. Keep an eye on the signs and reach out if you need help settling your little one into gentle sleep training minus the screen.
As always, sleep sweetly and deeply x
Find out how to keep your child in their room at bedtime.
Header image 📸 @buzzy.kids