I am personally a huge fan of Miss Rachael. Maybe it’s her shrill voice or the way she lays out her words that gets me hooked. I mean, which child wouldn’t be? In many homes, toddlers are drawn to colourful screens, catchy songs, and fun animations, and it’s no surprise that parents often wonder how much screen time is actually safe for their little ones.
Experts in child development and pediatric care are clear: babies under 18 months should have minimal to no screen time, except for video calls with loved ones. Babies learn best through direct interaction, faces, voices, and hands-on play, which stimulate their brains in ways screens simply cannot. Even engaging shows like those featuring Miss Rachael should be reserved for co-viewing with a parent to make the experience interactive and meaningful.
For toddlers aged 18 to 24 months, supervised screen use can be introduced. Parents are encouraged to choose high-quality, educational content and watch together with their child, explaining what they see and helping them make sense of the visuals. This approach turns screen time into a learning opportunity rather than just passive entertainment.
Once children reach ages 2 to 5, screen time should be limited to about one hour per day. Parents can make this time productive by selecting programs that promote language skills, numbers, shapes, and colours. Balancing screen time with outdoor play, storytelling, and family interaction is essential for healthy social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Excessive screen time can lead to sleep disturbances, irritability, and attention difficulties. Long-term, it may also affect language development and limit opportunities for creative, hands-on play. Choosing quality content and ensuring screens never replace real-world experiences is key.
Practical steps for parents include setting daily routines, creating tech-free zones during meals and bedtime, and modelling healthy device habits. Encouraging sensory play, reading, and outdoor activities helps babies develop essential skills that screens can’t provide.
Screen time is part of modern parenting, but with guidance from pediatric experts, parents can ensure their children enjoy the benefits of learning, interaction, and fun, without compromising their development. Even if your child loves Miss Rachael’s songs, a little supervision goes a long way.