About Baby Proof: Baby Proof is a blog series that breaks down the latest child development research into simple, helpful tips for parents of young children. We translate big studies into bite-sized advice—so you can feel confident knowing what’s best for your baby, backed by science.
When your toddler is crying in the grocery store or melting down before dinner, handing over a phone or tablet can feel like the fastest way to bring peace back to the moment. Most parents have been there.
But a new study from the University of California, Irvine, found that using screens to calm very young children may create bigger challenges later. Researchers found that babies and toddlers who were regularly given devices to calm down were more likely to show behavior problems over time.
What the study found
Researchers followed 210 families with children aged 9 to 30 months. They looked at how often parents used devices such as tablets, phones, or TVs to distract or calm their child.
The study found that children who were more often soothed with screens later showed more behavioral challenges, including difficulty managing emotions and physical acting out.
The researchers believe this may happen because screens can replace chances for children to practice self-regulation. Self-regulation is a child’s ability to calm themselves, wait, cope with frustration and manage big feelings.
Stephanie Reich, a professor of education at UC Irvine and lead author of the study, explained that screens are “incredibly effective at capturing children’s attention,” but they may reduce opportunities for children to build emotional coping skills.
The study also found that stressed parents were more likely to rely on screens, especially mothers. That can create a cycle:
- Parent stress increases
- Screens get used more often
- Behavior challenges increase
- Parent stress grows even more
This is not about parent blame
Let’s be clear, the study is not saying screens are bad or that using one during a tough moment makes someone a bad parent.
Parents are balancing work, stress, schedules, meals and exhaustion. Sometimes a screen is the tool that helps everyone get through the day.
The bigger takeaway is about balance and helping children build emotional skills over time.
What helps instead
Young children are still learning how to handle frustration, boredom and disappointment. That learning happens through practice and support from caring adults.
Instead of always turning to a device, try:
- Taking deep breaths together
- Singing a favorite song
- Naming emotions: “You’re feeling really frustrated.”
- Offering a sensory activity like squeezing play-dough
- Giving hugs or quiet connection time
- Redirecting with movement, books, or pretend play
These moments may not stop behavioral changes instantly, but they help children learn to calm themselves gradually.
Screens and language development
This study connects with other recent research about early childhood development and screen use.
A new study from the University of Tartu found that preschool children who spent more time on screens and less time talking with adults tended to have weaker language skills. Researchers said that daily interaction with caregivers plays a major role in early language development.
Talking, reading, singing and playing with young children all help build the brain connections needed for communication and emotional growth.
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Small changes matter
You do not need to remove screens completely to support healthy development. Instead, focus on small shifts:
- Save screens for intentional use instead of emotional soothing when possible
- Build short calming routines that your child can learn over time
- Spend a few minutes each day talking, reading, or playing together
- Give yourself grace during stressful moments
Parenting is not about perfection. It is about support, connection and learning alongside your child.
