When to Call Your Pediatrician

Reach out to your pediatrician if you notice any of the following:

What is the AAP screen time recommendation for a 2-year-old?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 hour per day of high-quality programming for children aged 2 to 5. Co-view with your toddler and talk about what you watch. Less is fine, and quality matters more than the exact minute count, so stay flexible and responsive to your child’s needs.

Is any screen time okay for an 8-month-old baby?

For babies under 18 months, the AAP recommends no screen time except live video chat with family or friends. Infants learn best through face-to-face interaction, so a brief call with a grandparent is acceptable, but passive viewing offers no developmental benefit at this early stage of growth.

How much screen time is healthy for a 7-year-old?

The AAP suggests a consistent family media plan rather than a fixed number for school-age children. A common, sensible target is under 2 hours per day of recreational screen time, with screens kept out of bedrooms and turned off at least one hour before bedtime to protect sleep.

Does watching educational TV count the same as games?

Not exactly. The AAP notes that active, shared experiences—video chats, co-viewed shows, and creative apps—tend to be more beneficial than passive watching. Educational content is preferable, but co-viewing and discussing it with your child makes any program more developmentally supportive and meaningful.

Should screens be allowed in a child’s bedroom?

The AAP advises keeping bedrooms screen-free. Devices in bedrooms are linked to later bedtimes, poorer sleep, and harder-to-enforce limits. Charge phones and tablets overnight in a common area, and keep the hour before sleep calm, dark, and device-free for the whole family.

What counts as “high-quality” programming?

High-quality programming is age-appropriate, slow-paced, and designed to teach or engage young children through songs, stories, or movement. The AAP points parents to vetted resources such as HealthyChildren.org for trusted guidance on choosing media that supports healthy development.