Technology and Babies

Many parents feel strongly about the whole Baby/TV debate, but what about babies and other technology? Here's a one year old using an iPhone to look at photos. Cute?

Leapfrog posted an interesting article on the topic.

"Imitating adults is one of the primary ways children learn. In a world increasingly saturated with information and communication technologies (ICT), it is natural for children to want access to these tools too," writes author Jim Gray.

So as long as babies aren't spending too much time on the old iPhone or Blackberry, (like their parents often do), maybe it's actually useful? These tools, the post suggests are going to be a part of their everyday life and in a few years won't really be considered "technology" just as we don't consider a radio technology now.

What do you think?

Comments (5)

We can't expect them to grow up being ignorant of technology they will need to be aware of as they get older but as long as parents are aware of the amount of time their little ones are spending exploring these devices, and provide them with ample time to spend playing with non-electronic, educational toys, I am all for it.

posted by racheloncegentry on April 13th 2009 at 7:05pm
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My one year old uses my iPhone. We don't generally give her too much screen time [no TV, no movies, computer only for those break-glass-in-case-of-emergency crying jags (Which They Might Be Giants podcasts take care of)].

I downloaded Peekaboo Barn prior to a long car trip- best thing I ever bought. I was amazed at how quickly she picked it up. She loves it. I don't know if this type of screen time seems okay to me because it's more interactive than TV, or if I'm just justifying it because she loves it so much, but I think we're in it for the long haul.

posted by ksg on April 13th 2009 at 9:33pm
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I downloaded Peekaboo Barn for my iPhone too and it has saved me from the total meltdown of a 17 month-old on more than one occasion. We definitely interact with her when she's using the iPhone so that makes me feel better. I think a little technology is great and the key is moderation. Plus without a little technology for her I would not have an excuse to watch Jack Black on Yo Gabba Gabba, which was very amusing to both me and my daughter.

posted by Cicely'sMom on April 14th 2009 at 10:40am
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My son knew how to unlock my iPhone by the time he was a year old and he knew the apps that were his- like the rubber duck. He had a febrile seizure last summer and so I try to keep him away from germ fests, and playing with my phone is the only way to keep him away from the oh-so-tempting toys at the doctor's office. It's truly a life-saver for us.

posted by kitjule on April 14th 2009 at 1:15pm
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Our iPod and Pixar's Tin Toy has rescued many restaurant meals for us here in Europe -- just yesterday in Modena, as a matter of fact. Don't know what we would do without it!

And portable multi-system dvd players? They are the reason we were able to drive to Sorrento over Easter break; they help occupy our kids on the longer legs of a drive. My children are not couch potatoes -- they are very active and spend a lot of time running and playing outdoors, and spend a lot of time with books, but I am very grateful they can settle down to watch a dvd of Charlie & Lola or a children's movie.

posted by mschatelaine on April 18th 2009 at 10:17am
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