Why Play and Movement Matter More Than Screen Time for Children Under 2 Years Old

In today’s digital world, it’s tempting to think that educational videos or playful apps can support a baby’s development. But for children under 2, nothing replaces real-world play and movement. Those early wiggles, crawls, and giggles aren’t just adorable, they’re how your child learns, grows, and connects.

Here’s why hands-on play is so important during this critical stage of development, and why watching a screen of someone else playing just can’t compare.

Movement Builds the Brain

The first two years of life are when your child’s brain is making millions of new connections. Every time your baby kicks, reaches, grabs, rolls, or climbs, their brain is learning how to communicate with the body.

These movements are essential for developing:

• Gross and fine motor skills

• Hand-eye coordination

• Balance and body awareness

Screens can’t offer these learning opportunities. Watching someone else play doesn’t activate your child’s senses or body in the same way that real-life exploration does.

Play Strengthens the Body

Babies and toddlers need to move to grow strong. Simple activities like tummy time, crawling, and pulling to stand help your child develop strong muscles and bones…and prepare them for walking, running, and jumping later on.

Screens are passive. They don’t require your child to use their muscles or challenge their coordination. Real play does all that and more.

Real Play Builds Social and Emotional Skills

Through play, babies learn how to connect with others. Smiling at you, handing you a toy, or laughing during peek-a-boo all teach important lessons about trust, turn-taking, and communication.

These moments can’t be replicated on a screen. Your baby needs your face, your voice, and your reactions…not just colorful animations or other kids on a video.

Language Is Learned Through Real Interaction

Research shows that babies learn language best through live, responsive conversations…not videos or talking toys. Naming objects, singing, reading, and responding to your baby’s babbles helps them build a foundation for communication.

Even the most “educational” show can’t replace your voice and your attention.

Too Much Screen Time Replaces What Babies Need Most

Every moment spent in front of a screen is a moment not spent exploring, moving, or bonding. And for babies and toddlers, those missed opportunities can affect their physical and emotional development.

That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screen time for children under 18 months (except for video chatting), and keeping it very limited for toddlers.

Come Play With Us at BabySpace Coachella Valley

At BabySpace Coachella Valley, we create warm, supportive spaces where you and your baby can learn, move, and grow…together. Our weekly infant Mommy and Me groups are designed especially for new parents and their little ones from birth to 18 months. Parent and Me groups are for toddlers from 19 mos - 3 years old.

Through hands-on activities, music, floor time, and guided play, your child gets the movement and interaction they need, while you build confidence, connection, and community.

Don’t trade play for screen time. Give your baby the real-life experiences they need to thrive.

Join a group at BabySpace Coachella Valley today. Your baby’s development…and your well-being…are worth it.

The playroom at BabySpace Coachella Valley. 

BabySpace Coachella Valley

Becoming a parent is a profound and life-altering experience, but it comes with its fair share of unspoken challenges. Meeting with other parents and exploring together what you are envisioning life could look like with your infant and toddler is an invaluable piece of new parenthood. By sharing experiences with others in a place like a BabySpace Coachella Valley Mommy and Me group, parents can find solace in the shared journey of raising the next generation, embracing both the joys and the trials that come with it.

Serving the Coachella Valley and surrounding areas, including: Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Thousand Palms, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Bermuda Dunes, Coachella, Thermal, Mecca, Desert Hot Springs, Yucca Valley, and Joshua Tree.

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