What are the screen time limits for toddlers?

The recommendations by age

The AAP's guidance sets limits that step up with age. Video chatting is fine at any age, since it involves real interaction with family.

For other screen media, the AAP recommends discouraging use before 18 months. From 18 to 24 months, if you choose to introduce media, select high-quality programming and watch it together. For ages 2 to 5, limit screen use to about one hour per day of high-quality programming, viewed together.

• Under 18 months: avoid screen media other than video chatting
• 18 to 24 months: high-quality programming only, watched together
• 2 to 5 years: about 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, co-viewed
• Any age: video chatting with family is fine

Why co-viewing matters

Watching together is a central part of the guidance, not an extra. When you co-view, you can help your child understand what they are seeing and connect it to the real world, which is how young children learn from media.

Toddlers learn far less from screens used alone than from interaction with people. Talking about what is on the screen turns passive watching into a shared activity and keeps you aware of the content.

Choosing good content

Quality matters as much as quantity. The AAP points to well-designed educational programs as better choices, while unvetted video feeds with poor role modeling or constant advertising are worth limiting.

Avoid using screens as the main way to calm an upset child, since that can crowd out chances to learn coping skills. Keep screens out of bedrooms and turn them off about an hour before bedtime, because screen use near bedtime can interfere with sleep.

Make a family media plan

The AAP recommends creating a family media plan that sets where, when, and how screens are used in your home, along with screen-free times and zones such as meals and bedrooms.

Newer AAP guidance frames media choices around five questions, sometimes called the 5 C's: your child, the content, keeping calm without screens, what screens crowd out, and communication about what your child watches. These build on the age-based limits rather than replacing them.

Related questions

How much screen time is okay for a 2-year-old?

For children ages 2 to 5, the AAP recommends limiting screen use to about one hour per day of high-quality programming, watched together with an adult. Co-viewing lets you help your child understand what they see. Video chatting with family does not count toward this limit and is fine at any age.

Is screen time okay before 18 months?

The AAP recommends avoiding screen media other than video chatting before 18 months. Video chatting with relatives is fine at any age because it involves real interaction. For other media, toddlers this young learn far more from people than from screens, so screen use is discouraged.

What counts as high-quality programming for toddlers?

High-quality programming means well-designed educational content that teaches and models positive behavior, such as established public broadcasting children's shows. The AAP suggests limiting unvetted video feeds with poor role modeling or heavy advertising. Watching together and discussing the content helps your child learn from it.

Does video chatting count as screen time?

No. The AAP treats video chatting as fine at any age, including before 18 months, because it involves real back-and-forth interaction with family. It is not counted in the screen time limits that apply to programs and apps. Joining your child during video calls also supports the interaction.

Sources & further reading

1. AAP — Understanding the New AAP Digital Media Guidelines
2. Pediatrics (AAP) — Media and Young Minds
3. HealthyChildren.org (AAP) — How to Make a Family Media Plan
4. HealthyChildren.org (AAP) — Kids & Screen Time: 5 C's for Toddlers & Preschoolers

This article reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.