6-to-9-month-old
How much screen time is safe for a 6-to-9-month-old?
For a 6-to-9-month-old, the recommendation is no screen time apart from live video calls; under-1s learn best from real, responsive interaction with people, not screens. Background TV should be switched off, and mealtimes and bedtimes kept screen-free. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
Babies this age learn best from your face, your voice and the world they can touch — not from a screen.
In short
For a 6-to-9-month-old, the guidance is clear and reassuring: avoid screen time altogether, apart from live video calls with loved ones such as a grandparent. The World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics agree that under-1s gain nothing developmentally from screens, and the hours spent watching are hours not spent on the back-and-forth play, babble and movement that genuinely grow their brain. If a screen has crept into your routine, please don't worry — gently winding it back is simple and your baby is not behind.Why screens don't help at this age
At 6–9 months your baby is wired to learn from real, responsive people. When you talk, sing, name objects and respond to their coos, you are building the language, attention and social foundations that screens simply cannot replicate — even "educational" ones.- Live video calls are fine — a chat with a faraway grandparent is interactive and warm, and counts differently from passive viewing.
- Background TV still distracts — a screen on in the room pulls a baby's attention away from play and reduces the words spoken to them. Switch it off when not in use.
- Screens near sleep and feeds — these crowd out the calm routines and eye contact that babies thrive on; keep mealtimes and bedtimes screen-free.
The heart of it: more face time, floor time and talk; near-zero screen time.
When to seek a check
Screen time itself is a parenting choice, not a medical concern. But if, separately, you notice your baby rarely makes eye contact, doesn't turn to your voice or familiar sounds, isn't babbling, or seems unusually still or floppy, a gentle developmental check is worthwhile — not to alarm you, but to reassure or support early.The Pinnacle way
This is general guidance, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care. If you'd like to understand how your baby is growing across communication, movement and play, explore how the AbilityScore® works or our early intervention support. You can always start at our [home page](/) to find your nearest centre.Trusted sources
WHO guidance on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and screen time for under-5s; American Academy of Pediatrics media-use recommendations for infants and toddlers (HealthyChildren.org); CDC "Learn the Signs. Act Early." milestone resources.Next step — Want reassurance about your baby's development? Book a developmental check with a Pinnacle clinician.
What to watch
Watch whether your baby makes eye contact, turns to your voice and familiar sounds, babbles, and engages with you during play — and whether background screens are pulling their attention away from people and toys.
Try this at home
Switch the TV off when no one is actively watching, and fill those minutes with face-to-face talk, singing and floor play — your responsive voice is the best learning tool your baby has.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Is any screen time okay for a 6-month-old?
The clear recommendation is to avoid screen time for babies under 1, with one exception — live video calls with loved ones, which are interactive and warm. Passive viewing of TV or apps offers no developmental benefit at this age.
Are educational videos good for my baby?
Even videos labelled 'educational' don't help babies under 1 learn, because at this age learning happens through real, responsive interaction with people. Talking, singing and playing with you builds language and attention far more effectively.
Does background TV affect my baby?
Yes — a TV on in the room distracts babies from play and reduces the number of words spoken to them. Switching it off when no one is watching helps protect the rich face-to-face time your baby thrives on.
I've already let my baby watch screens — is that a problem?
Please don't worry; your baby is not behind. Gently winding back screen time and adding more talk, floor play and eye contact is simple and effective. If you have any worries about development, a friendly check can reassure you.