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Toddler tv time?

12 replies

Martiniolives · 22/09/2026 23:12

My daughter is 20m old and watches maybe an hour - 1.5 hours of tv a day. Is that too much?

thats split between morning and evening, we dont watch in the day. Low stim basically always classic teletubbies or in the night garden. We watch actively with her.

We read books constantly all day too and sometimes its just on but shes doing something else. We’re outside daily running around getting exercise in fresh air. But i do worry its too much? Does anyone else with a 20m old let them watch tv?

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2BarbieOrNot2Barbie · 22/09/2026 23:22

There’s no right or wrong answer really. The recommendations from the health professionals is that there should be no screen time at all before 2. However most parents do not adhere to this. Personally my only DD didn’t watch any television at that age (it never went on until she was in bed) but low stimulation shows with plenty of exercise and books etc… with an involved parent actively watching alongside is probably on the least worst end of the spectrum.

With parenting I suspect most are doing their best, and if your circumstances mean you need to include some screen time in your routine then it is what it is. But I certainly wouldn’t be doing screen time if it was a demand from the child or to avoid tantrums - that way leads to ever escalating demands and will probably not end well.

Floppyearedlab · 22/09/2026 23:23

It’s too much
A child that age doesn’t really need ANY screen time

NuffSaidSam · 22/09/2026 23:26

Yes, it's too much.

She shouldn't be having any ideally.

That said, if you need to put it on occasionally for your own well-being then she's unlikely to be suffering any harm from a bit of telly in an otherwise varied and developmentally appropriate day.

So...if you can, cut it out. If you can't, don't worry, no-one is a perfect parent and she'll be suffering no harm!

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thismummyslife · 22/09/2026 23:26

It’s fine, I don’t think anyone can judge you! My daughter watches the same amount and she’s a little chatter box and is very advanced, we talk about what’s happening, how characters feel and it brings us joy! You do what works for you!

Enuffnowtbh · 22/09/2026 23:30

My children all watched that amount of TV when they were that age.Give or take.They are intelligent,fully functioning adults,well spoken and articulate!

AnneLovesGilbert · 22/09/2026 23:44

She’s 1. She’s a one year old baby. She doesn’t need any tv at all. If you need a break stick on an audiobook, the radio or some music.

You’re asking because you know it isn’t good. Whether that means you want to change or want people to tell you they did the same you don’t say.

Also interesting that on all threads like this you’ll get people being very defensive saying things like “oh, the perfect parents have arrived” which just goes to show they know it’s a crap choice but rather than owning it they lash out at people making different choices.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 23/09/2026 00:00

I think it depends in the programming. I pop YT educational vids on for my kids , especially when I need to get things done.
-alpha or number blocks
-language learning vids
-vids about naming emotions
-what bullying is
-science (anatomy, planets, nature)

OtterMummy2024 · 23/09/2026 12:28

If I were a SAHM, the TV would be on for 20 minutes every day, honestly. However my 2.5 year old goes to nursery, so TV time (20 minutes) is once or twice a week - for cutting finger and toenails, or for a night when I'm by myself and need to make dinner without a curious toddler under foot. If both parents are home, we divide and conquer so don't need the TV. But I have no judgement for those, especially by themselves, who parent differently.

elb1504 · 23/09/2026 12:42

My DD is same age and she has tv time after nursery, she has an older DS so its hard to let one and not the other. A lot of the time shes not watching but it is on while shes playing. Yes their are guidelines but we're all just doing our best!

Peonies12 · 23/09/2026 12:46

Mine is nearly 2 and has about 30 mins a day; a bit more at thr weekend. I don’t have any concerns about it, we watch mostly Julia Donaldson adaptations. The government guidelines are stringent to try and stop excessive screen use, where a child isnt being spoken to, being active, screens in bed etc

PinkWaffleMaker · 23/09/2026 12:50

For me it’s too much. 1.5 hours every day is a lot. I always think about skills could baby/toddler/child be progressing through play or moving if they weren’t spending time watching tv.

An occasional film fine, but I don’t see why you’d integrate it into your routine with a child that young.

Overthebow · 23/09/2026 12:56

Yes she’s still a baby, no need for tv.

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