One in 10 babies now fall asleep with screens despite health guidance

Despite Government guidance advising against screen time for children under two, new research indicates that one in ten babies are now regularly falling asleep with digital devices. The study highlights a growing trend of using screens as comfort tools for infants, raising concerns about the impact on early childhood development, sleep hygiene, and the ability of families to establish healthy boundaries around technology use from birth. Health visitors and early years professionals play a crucial role in helping families understand the risks associated with infant screen exposure, including disrupted sleep patterns and potential developmental delays. As digital devices become ever more embedded in family life, local authority early years services and family hubs must consider how to provide practical, non-judgemental support to parents navigating the challenges of digital parenting, ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life.