Playtime is fun—and healthy

Television and other screen time can have negative effects on children, including unhealthy weight gain and disrupted sleep and nap patterns. Instead of television, keep a list of other activities that you and your baby can engage in so he can get the healthy playtime he needs. 

At six months old, your baby is getting stronger and can probably do many things he couldn’t do even last month, such as pushing up on his hands and knees, rolling over, and possibly even sitting up. He is likely to be beginning to gain the strength, coordination, and social skills he needs to really start to play. By giving your baby time to be active, instead of sitting still in front of a screen, he will get the chance to move about, play, and explore.  

Dedicate a section of floor space for activity time with your baby, making sure you allow enough room for him to be able to kick his legs and roll over. The more fun you make it, the more he will want to engage in playtime—alone and with you! 

Activity ideas  

Instead of watching TV while your baby is in the room… 

Try encouraging playtime by lying down on the floor and letting him pull himself up using you as a support. 

Instead of keeping a TV or other electronics in your baby’s room… 

Try keeping a box of her favorite toys in there instead. Play together by putting some toys just out of arm’s length and encouraging her to roll from her back to her belly to reach for them. 

Instead of leaving him in a car seat, stroller, or bouncer for long periods of time (when not traveling)… 

Try encouraging him to sit up on his own by creating new games to play together. For example, fill a clean empty plastic bottle with rice or pasta and encourage him to rattle it and explore the sounds and patterns that it makes. 

Instead of leaving the TV on all day, with your baby facing it… 

Try giving her some fun tummy time. Lie her on her belly, put a toy under a blanket, leaving part of it showing, and encourage her to look and grab for it. 

One recent study showed that parents with low activity levels were more likely to have children who also have low activity levels. Be a role model for your baby and commit to active playtime for both of you. Rest assured that this time spent with your little one will be precious and much more fun than anything TV can offer. 

Sources 

AAP Council on Communications and Media. Media and young minds. Pediatrics 2016; 138(5):e20162591. 

Duch H, Fisher EM, Ensari I et al. Screen time use in children under 3 years old: a systematic review of correlates. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2013; 10:102. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-10-102. 

Thompson DA, Christakis DA. The association between television viewing and irregular sleep schedules among children less than 3 years of age. Pediatrics 2005; 116(4):851-6. 

Last revised: November, 2017