• New research shows that one in 10 babies now regularly falls asleep with a screen
• The 1001 Critical Days Foundation team includes Aston University’s Professor James Wolffsohn and Dr Amy Sheppard
• Evidence links higher screen use to poorer developmental outcomes including obesity, short-sightedness, behavioural difficulties and language delay.

Despite recent government guidelines that parents should avoid screen time for babies under the age of two, a new global study finds that one in ten babies now regularly fall asleep with a screen.

The research exposes the gap between guidance and reality for many families. Commissioned by the 1001 Critical Days Foundation and conducted by the iADDICT research group from four UK universities – Aston University, University of Leeds, Leeds Trinity University and Loughborough University – the research highlights how early experiences are shifting from human interaction to digital engagement. This is of particular importance during the 1,001 critical days – the period from pregnancy to age two – which is the most critical time for the development of a healthy body and mind. A baby’s brain makes one million new connections every second based on their experiences and interactions with the world. This is why understanding the impact of screens in a time when technology is evolving at such a rapid pace is so important.

The researchers, including Professor James Wolffsohn and Dr Amy Sheppard from Aston School of Optometry, reviewed thousands of studies, finding a growing body of evidence linking higher screen use in babies to poorer developmental outcomes. These include increased risk of obesity, increased risk of short-sightedness (myopia), sleep difficulties, challenging behaviour, language delay and later challenges with friendships. In addition to their global systematic review, researchers also surveyed parents and carers with babies under the age of two. Screen use was reported in over 70% of babies and under twos, with some using screens for several hours a day. A significant minority of babies were exposed to up to eight hours per day.

The researchers state that the message is clear: babies under the age of two are now using screens at levels that far exceed current health guidance. This a pressing public health issue because the foundations of future health outcomes are laid down in the time from pregnancy to age two.

However, the academics believe that the answer must not be to blame or shame parents. Parents explained that they are often offering their screens to their babies to help them manage the stress and realities of daily life, from completing domestic tasks to coping with exhaustion and limited support. One parent described their baby’s screen time as “a survival skill in my house”.

On 29 April 2026, Professor Wolffsohn and Dr Sheppard attended the first anniversary celebration of the 1001 Days Foundation in the Speaker’s House within the UK Houses of Parliament, which highlighted the commissioned systematic review on the challenges of screen time for infants. Dame Andrea Leadsom, founder of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation spoke passionately about the impact of a human’s early years on their health and behaviour at the event. She was joined by Lord David Blunkett and Sharon Hodgson, minister for public health and prevention.

Dr Sheppard said:

“We are delighted to be contributing to the goal of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, to ensure that every baby has the best start in life. Screen use and associated guidance are hugely important topics given the ubiquity of digital devices, and whilst much work has been undertaken on older children and adolescents, it’s vital that we also consider the youngest children as well. Our work brings together global findings on the impacts of screen use by children aged under two years.’

Will Quince, former education and health minister and now the 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. Currently, this funding is only available in half of local authorities in England.

“The burden of screen time cannot fall solely on parents. Tech companies must wake up to the realities of the impact of screen time on babies. Content ratings are currently misleading parents, rating content as ‘suitable for all ages’ or ‘suitable for 0+’. We are calling on major tech companies to urgently review these standards.”

Dame Andrea Leadsom said:

“The clear evidence in this world first review into the impact of screen use on babies is shocking to read.

“When combined with the lack of advice and support for hard pressed parents who may not be aware of the extent of the possible harm being done to their baby, the case for action has never been stronger. All governments need to do much more to help parents increase their own knowledge and give their baby the best start in life.

“I set up the 1001 Critical Days Foundation with one purpose - to promote the best start in life for every baby around the world. Screens are the challenge of our time, and this research demonstrates a critical area where parents urgently need more support. It’s joyful but hard work having a small baby, and we should be doing everything possible to make it easier, not harder.”