Books vs. Screens: Why Babies Still Need to Turn Pages (Not Just Tap Them)
If You’ve Handed Your Baby a Screen—You’re Not Doing It Wrong
We’ve all done it. The nappy change emergency, the 4am wake-up, the cold coffee you just want to finish… Screens can be total lifesavers. So this isn’t about guilt—it’s about balance. Because when we look at books vs screens for babies, something pretty amazing happens when a baby grabs a board book instead of a remote.
What Real Books Offer That Screens Just Can’t
Babies learn through doing. They use their eyes, hands, mouths—everything—to figure out the world. When they pat a furry page or lift a flap, they’re not just playing; they’re learning how to focus, explore, and interact.
Screens tend to do the work for them: images move fast, sounds play automatically, and it’s all a bit… full on. That’s why, in the gentle battle of books vs screens for babies, books come out ahead for calm, interactive brain-building.
Here’s what real books bring to the party:
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Slow, focused visuals—just right for developing eyes
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Physical interaction—grabbing, turning, mouthing
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Real connection—with you, their favourite person
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A sensory experience—texture, rhythm, voice, and scent
So, Are Screens Bad?
Not at all. FaceTime with family? Brilliant. A story app on a train? Great call. Let’s be honest—screens are part of life, and they’re not going anywhere. But for everyday bonding, curiosity, and connection, books still have the edge for babies—and it’s those little page-turning moments that can really add up over time.
The Real Takeaway on Books vs Screens for Babies
There’s no perfect way to parent. But offering even one shared story a day—where you snuggle up, read (or chew) a book, and see your baby light up at the pictures—is powerful stuff. So yes, keep the screen time when you need it. But know that books bring something special too—and that combination? Pretty wonderful.
