Baby addicted to screen time?

[mum11223344]

My baby (12 months) was referred to a physio as he’s behind with his movement. I’ve been given some exercises to do to encourage him, but have found the only thing that gets him moving is placing my phone just out of reach as he’s desperate to get it. If I use normal toys he won’t bother as it’s not enough incentive for him.

Since using the phone and doing the exercises his movement has improved considerably, but when I take the phone off him at the end of the session he has a real temper tantrum. I’m worried that he’s getting addicted to screen time but equally want him to progress with his movement. I’m not sure what to do.

As long as you don't give him the phone as the only activity for hours it's fine. Use the phone to do some movement practise for half an hour or so, maybe twice a day, then fill the rest of the day with enriching sensory activities or just general play. At this age he will start having tantrums but as long as you don't give in to the tantrum and just let him watch all day I really don't see the issue

You might be a good incentive for him - going towards mummy? Otherwise, I'd use it only for the exercises and keep it hidden away the rest of the time.

It is a little bit sad for a 12m old to not be interested in toys at all, except mobile phones - I would try to change that and he's a good age to make that change easily, don't worry. He probably thinks it's brilliant because he sees you are interested in it, as much as the flashy lights etc. When you give him toys, are you looking at your phone? If you are, that's the reason he wants to be part of it, not the phone itself - so it's an easy fix for you really, just show interest in the teddies.

It might be helping with one area of development, but it will have the counter effect in other areas if he's not playing with shape sorters and handling different textures and weights the way a 12m old usually would be.

Can you time the exercises to be before food or snacks, so you can divert from the tantrum by offering food and relocating to a totally different place, like the high chair?