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One in 10 babies now fall asleep with a screen, major study finds

One in 10 babies now fall asleep with a screen, major study finds

New research reveals many families are struggling to meet screen time guidance for babies under two.

Cute little toddler boy using smartphone in his hand

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MadeForMums

Published: June 29, 2026 at 2:07 PM

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Many parents know the advice to avoid screen time for children under the age of two, but a major new study suggests putting that guidance into practice is proving difficult for many families.

Research commissioned by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation found that more than 70% of babies and toddlers under two are exposed to screens. Around one in 10 babies now regularly fall asleep with a screen, while some families reported screen use lasting several hours a day.

The researchers say the findings highlight the need for better support for parents during the first 1,001 days of a child's life - from pregnancy to their second birthday - a period considered vital for brain development.

What did the research find?

The research was carried out by the iADDICT research group, made up of researchers from four UK universities. It combined a global review of thousands of existing research papers with a UK survey and focus groups involving parents and carers of children under two.

Among the findings, researchers reported:

More than 70% of babies and children under two use screens.
One in 10 babies regularly fall asleep with a screen.
Some babies are exposed to screens for several hours each day, with a small minority reported to use them for up to eight hours daily.
Many families exceed current health guidance recommending no screen exposure before the age of two.

The review also found growing evidence linking higher levels of screen use with poorer developmental outcomes. These include increased risks of sleep problems, language delay, behavioural difficulties, short-sightedness (myopia), obesity and challenges with friendships later in childhood.

Researchers stress these studies show associations rather than proving that screen use directly causes these outcomes.

Why are parents using screens?

The report found parents often rely on screens to help manage everyday pressures, including household jobs, exhaustion and a lack of support.

One parent described screen time as "a survival skill in my house".

Dr Matt Price, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Research and Grants at the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, said parents deserve understanding rather than criticism.

This review tells a story that we must hear with kindness, not judgement. Parents are doing their very best in a world that has changed faster than the support around them.

Dr Matt Price, 1001 Critical Days Foundation

He added: "The stress and pressures of modern parenting, the availability of digital content that is marketed at babies and the lack of alternative support are common reasons why the guidance is not being met."

Parents want more advice, researchers say

Professor Carmen Clayton, from the iADDICT research group, said many parents are already worried about screen use but aren't getting enough professional guidance.

Almost two thirds of the parents we heard from were concerned about their own screen use and over half of parents saw their baby’s screen use as problematic. Despite this clear concern from parents, 85% of parents received no information or guidance about screen time from health professionals such as midwives, health visitors, GPs or educators.

Professor Carmen Clayton, iADDICT research group

The researchers say support during pregnancy and early infancy has been shown to help reduce children's screen use and improve sleep.

Calls for more support for families

The 1001 Critical Days Foundation says the findings show a gap between official guidance and the reality of family life.

Will Quince, Chief Executive of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, said: "We welcomed the government's guidance, but this research shows a reality gap between that guidance and everyday life. To move beyond advice, Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies services should be fully funded in every local authority. This would give parents a genuine choice of in-person support alongside digital options."

He also called on technology companies to review age ratings for content aimed at babies, saying labels such as "suitable for all ages" or "0+" may give parents false reassurance.

What is the current screen time advice?

Current UK government guidance advises that children under the age of two should avoid screen time wherever possible, with an emphasis on real-world play, conversation and interaction instead.

The researchers behind this latest study say one of the biggest concerns is that screen use can replace face-to-face interaction between babies and their caregivers, which plays an important role in early language, social and emotional development.

They also found that using screens together with a parent or carer may help reduce some of the potential negative effects compared with children watching alone.

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