Under 18 months:

Avoid screens altogether (except for occasional video calls with family).

18–24 months:

If you introduce screens, use only high-quality, age-appropriate content and watch together so you can help them understand what they’re seeing.

2–5 years:

Limit to about 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, ideally split into shorter chunks.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasize that real-life play, interaction, and movement are far more important for brain development than screen-based activities at this age.

Here’s a practical daily guide to keep toddler screen time balanced and beneficial while prioritizing healthy development:

Toddler Daily Balance: Screens vs. Real Life

Morning (wake-up to midday)

✅ No screens first thing — start with real play, movement, and conversation.

Activities: free play with toys, outdoor time, story reading, music, puzzles.

Midday (after lunch)

If desired, short screen time session (15–20 min) while you prepare food or have a break.

Tiger’s Neighborhood*).

Sit with them if possible — talk about what they see.

Afternoon

More physical play (running, dancing, climbing) and social interaction.

Keep screens off to encourage imagination.

Late afternoon/early evening

✅ Optional second short screen time session (15–20 min) — ideally interactive (drawing apps, sing-along videos).

Avoid anything too stimulating right before bed.

Evening (wind-down)

No screens at least 1 hour before bedtime to help with sleep quality.

Bedtime stories, cuddles, quiet music instead.

Key Tips

📱 Total per day: Aim for around 1 hour or less, broken into short segments.

🖐 Watch together: Turn it into a learning moment by asking questions (“What colour is that?” “What’s the cat doing?”).

🎯 Prioritize active, hands-on activities over passive watching.

🚫 Avoid background TV — it distracts from play and conversation.