My husband and I agreed that we should avoid having our baby watch screens until age 2—per every article I’ve read. However, I’m a SAHM and I need TV to survive, so my son absorbs some of that when I watch. I tried to justify it’s fine, he’s 4 months, he’s not “really” watching the TV. And then came the nights when husband was working, I had to get the dog’s dinner and get baby’s bottle ready. And so I’m like, “Whatever. It’s 10 minute of Bob the Builder”. And now my son likes to stare at the TV. He isn’t demanding TV, again he’s 4 months, but he gets mad when we put our hands over his eyes when the TV is on. I read watching TV is just as bad as secondhand smoke and I just need to know am I royally messing up my child?
Read more on PeanutThe views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.
Learn more about our guidelines.
I follow a pediatrician on TikTok and she said that it’s not a big deal if they watch TV. We had the same thing happening with our daughter and that made me feel better. I mean anything in excess isn’t great, but he should be fine. The pediatrician said that you really don’t have to worry about that until 1-2 and only have to take away TV if they’re showing behavioral issues after watching it. Hope this helps!!

TV is definitely not going to make us bad parents, but the fact is that children can easily become attracted to it and overstimulated — even with shows like Bluey or Bob the Builder. There’s increasing scientific evidence showing why introducing TV at such an early age isn’t recommended. More studies suggest that around age six is a more appropriate time to start introducing screen time, and not before. At such a young age, any new texture, sensory toy, or dancing toy can be engaging enough — and unlike screens, those toys don’t trigger the kind of fast neurological responses that children simply don’t need at this early stage
I know is hard but we can help our little ones

I work from home too and depend on something playing on the TV for my son during the day. Usually just kids songs or something educational like bear in the big blue house or dora. Hes 18 months old and whined about the tv blocking too when he was around 4 or 5 months old but he grew out of it as he got older and understood toys more

I’d try other stuff like kid music (just audio) while strapping them in a high chair with a few toys (busy books, pop it toys, contrast cards). Mine responds well to Magic Steps Music https://open.spotify.com/artist/66IlKtLka6We38VOK2p2LB?si=PzAehLv0TaK9h07AByLhgA

I think it’s okay for your 4 month old to watch tv that way they can also start to see new things around him besides just people in front of him , I would say he is also able to get a little distracted because they do pay attention to the tv, my 2 toddlers will definitely pay attention to tv when they were tiny & my 3 month old loves to watch tv😂 so I think I your fine we do need a break too .

My baby said no it doesn’t haha. We watch bluey every day we are on a rerun of it aha

I have to remind myself that this time and choice is not about me.
I volunteer to do the dishes at night and have "Married at First Sight" or some YouTube videos running.
Maybe try to use audiobooks during the day? The Libby app is free with a library card and they have everything 😋
Just developmentally, I would avoid shows this young..