(Fact First): Health experts, like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization, generally advise no screen time for babies under 18 months old.

There's one common exception: live video chatting with family or friends.

What is Screen Time?

Think simple: If your baby is looking at a screen, it counts.

This includes:

1. Televisions: Even if it's just on in the background. If your baby's eyes are drawn to the movement and light, it's screen time for them. (Can you see it? A baby in a bouncer, room is quiet except for the news channel playing. Baby's head turns towards the bright screen.)
2. Tablets & Smartphones: Watching videos, playing baby apps, or even just watching you scroll through photos or social media. (Time: Dinnertime. Place: High chair. What's going on: Parent props phone against the water pitcher showing cartoons.)
3. Computers & Laptops: Similar to TVs and tablets.

Essentially, it's time spent passively watching or interacting with a digital device's screen.

Why Limit It?

Babies learn best through real-world interaction.

They need:

• To see your face and expressions.
• To hear your voice – talking, singing, reading.
• To touch, taste, and explore objects.
• To move their bodies freely.

Screens don't offer this rich, multi-sensory experience. Too much screen time can potentially interfere with developing language skills, sleep patterns, and attention.

The Video Chat Exception

Video calls (like with grandparents) are different. Why? Because they are interactive. Your baby sees a real person responding to them in real-time. It's closer to face-to-face interaction than watching a recorded show.

What Really Counts?

• Baby watching TV? Time.
• Baby watching a video on your phone? Time.
• TV on in the room, baby looking at it? Time.
• Video call with family? Okay in moderation.
• You quickly check a text while baby plays? Likely fine (as long as the baby isn't focused on your screen.)

The Bottom Line

For your 6-month-old, aim for zero screen exposure, aside from interactive video calls. Prioritize face-to-face interaction, floor time, cuddles, songs, and exploring the physical world. Those are the activities that truly fuel their amazing development right now.