The Great Baby/Toddler TV Debate: Why I’m Team Screen Time (And You Shouldn’t Feel Guilty Either)

If there’s one parenting topic that sparks endless debate, it’s TV time for babies and toddlers. My feed is constantly flooded with opinions—some quoting research that TV stifles imagination, triggers behavioral issues, and slows development. And while I understand where those concerns come from, here’s my take: TV has been a lifesaver for our family.

Let me take you back to when Archie was a baby. As most of you know, it was HARD. Between his laryngomalacia and the infamous “witching hour” (spoiler: it’s real, and it’s brutal), our evenings were pure survival mode. From 6-9 pm, Archie would cry inconsolably—probably a mix of tummy troubles and overstimulation from the day. Our routine became military-like: I’d crash at 6 pm to grab a few hours of sleep, Jay would soldier through the witching hours, and then we’d switch at midnight so Jay could rest before work.

One thing helped us keep our sanity during those grueling nights: TV.

We relied on baby sensory videos like Hey Bear—bright, soothing visuals paired with calming music. They worked wonders, giving Archie a brief moment of calm and giving us 10-20 minutes to breathe. Some nights, we’d play music we loved and dance as a family. Other nights, we’d lean on Disney classics in small doses to get through the day.

Did I feel guilty? Sometimes. But when you’re exhausted, scared your baby might stop breathing in the night, and running on empty, you do what you have to do. TV wasn’t a crutch; it was a lifeline.

TV and Learning: A Surprising Ally

As Archie grew, we adapted what he watched. We incorporated stories and nursery rhymes that tied back to the books we’d been reading and songs we’d been singing. This helped him connect the dots and boosted his vocabulary. He began recognizing words and concepts, and soon, he was singing along.

When Archie started showing an interest in letters, we introduced alphabet videos. He knows his ABCs inside out, and I’m convinced the videos played a huge role. Now, he’s obsessed with numbers, and Numberblocks is his favorite show. At not even three years old, Archie can count to 26, add, and subtract—all from watching videos and playing number games on the tablet.

And here’s the kicker: his imagination hasn’t been hindered one bit. He tells us bedtime stories that are incredibly creative and plays imaginative games with his toys. TV hasn’t replaced his creativity—it’s complemented it.

The Balance of Screen Time

Of course, we don’t let TV dominate our lives. We watch it together, talk about what’s happening, and ask questions. On days when I feel Archie’s had too much screen time, we scale it back the next day. And yes, YouTube occasionally “breaks” when those annoying police car videos get too repetitive!

But the truth is, life happens. During illness or rough patches, TV has been a comforting constant for Archie and a much-needed break for us as parents. Before Archie, Jay and I loved watching TV together, and that hasn’t changed now that we’re parents.

No Guilt, Just Survival

To any parent out there feeling bad about using the TV: stop. We all do what we need to survive, especially in those early years. TV didn’t hinder Archie’s development—it supported it. And when I look at the curious, imaginative, and clever little boy he’s become, I know we made the right call for our family.

So, if TV gets you through the tough days or gives you a breather, embrace it. Because at the end of the day, parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding what works for you. What do you all think about The great Baby/Toddler TV debate?