Toddlers and TV: How much is too much?
21 months
Television
is a mixed bag. First, there are some great educational shows for kids that are
great in small doses and supervised. But most TV shows are not kid-friendly,
and too much TV (or any other screen time) can mean sleep problems and not
being active enough.
Before
you hit the "Turn on" button, here are some tips for using your TV,
computers, tablets, or other screens properly:
- Experts recommend avoiding screen time for up to 2 years.
- After 2 years, you can choose educational programs and watch them with your child.
- Limit your time watching TV or any other screen to an hour or two a day.
- Do not use the TV as background noise. When no one is watching, turn it off.
Your baby's development this month
When
your baby smiles, you should see a full mouth of baby teeth.
Almost
a third of two-year-old children already have signs of caries. Do not neglect
milk teeth just because they will fall out sooner or later. Milk teeth are
important - they contain space for permanent teeth.
To
keep your child's teeth and gums clean:
- Brush them gently with a soft brush twice a day.
- Use a smear of fluoride toothpaste on your toothbrush until your child is 3 years old.
- Limit sweets such as candy and cookies, as well as high-sugar juices.
- Take your little one to the dentist for every scheduled checkup.
Tips for the 21st month
- You may be hearing "No!" a lot from your tot these days. Don't overreact. Be consistent in your routine and when making requests, say why.
- Many children have nightmares from time to time. To help your child sleep more peacefully at night, unwind with a calming story or a warm bath before bed.
- Make sure your baby's toys are too big to fit in a toilet paper tube (meaning they are too big to fit in your baby's throat and cause choking).
- Reduce distractions at dinner. No TV, no phone, no internet. Talk to each other and make it a habit to meet at the table.
- Feed yourself the same way you feed your baby - a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, dairy and whole grains.
- If your baby has a runny nose, wheezing, or rash on a regular basis, he may have an allergy. Talk to your pediatrician about the best way to help you.
- Not all babies develop at the same rate, but if your 21-month-old baby can't speak about 15 words or can't walk on his own, take him to the pediatrician for a checkup.