When it comes to your baby’s growth, it’s not just about providing them with nourishment. Achieving developmental milestones also involves stimulating their senses to help their brain process information. While there are many ways to achieve this, it seems that watching videos together has become a popular choice for many families, with Hey Bear Sensory being one of the go-to YouTube channels. But is Hey Bear Sensory bad for babies? Let’s find out!
The Power of Baby Sensory Videos
Nowadays, there is a wide range of fascinating sensory videos available, especially on YouTube. These videos feature shapes, music, and vibrant colors that aim to excite your little one’s senses and aid their development. However, it’s important to note that while these videos are safe for your baby to watch in terms of content, research suggests that babies under the age of one can’t actually learn anything from screens. In fact, screens may hinder their ability to focus, pay attention, and develop social skills, speech, and empathy. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend screen time for children under two years old.
Introducing Hey Bear Sensory
Hey Bear Sensory is a YouTube channel specifically designed for babies and toddlers. With a collection of over one hundred sensory videos, this channel features colorful objects dancing on the screen along with upbeat or calming music. These eye-catching videos have gained quite a following, with many parents reporting that they enjoy watching them with their babies.
But while Hey Bear Sensory videos can be a helpful tool to distract and entertain your little one on occasion, it’s important to remember that they should not replace real-life interaction and sensory play. Babies learn best when they interact with you and the world around them. Playful interactions with you help build their brains, while sensory videos provide only limited stimulation for their visual senses.
Moderation is Key
Hey Bear Sensory videos can be a great option when you’ve exhausted other distractions and need a break. However, it’s crucial to use them with caution and infrequently to avoid developing a daily habit. Instead, try going for a walk, using baby carriers, engaging with sensory play activities, or listening to calming music or white noise sound. Only if all else fails, Hey Bear Sensory videos could be an option.
When you do watch these videos together, make sure to point and talk to the screen, actively engaging with your baby. Remember, it’s through these interactions that your little one will learn and grow. Additionally, it’s important to limit their screen time and ensure they are stimulated in other ways, such as tummy time, listening to adults talk to them, and playing with textured toys.
The Right Time to Start Watching Hey Bear Sensory Videos
Hey Bear videos are intended for babies three months and older. However, keep in mind that newborns may find bright screens with upbeat music overwhelming. While your baby may be highly stimulated and attracted to the screen, these videos are not educational. The complex activities in toddler sensory videos may encourage physical responses from older children, but the benefits are seen when children are over two years old and still limited to less than an hour of screen time per day, with adult interaction.
Screens and Sleep
Although Hey Bear Sensory offers options for both upbeat and calming videos, it’s important to avoid using screens as a tool to help your child sleep. The blue light emitted by screens is associated with sleep latency and less deep sleep. Sleep habits start to develop in infants as early as six months old, and dependencies can be challenging to break. Therefore, it’s best to refrain from using any devices within two hours of your baby’s bedtime.
Alternatives to Hey Bear Sensory
Instead of relying on screens, a book reading habit can be a wonderful alternative. Dim the lights, play calming music, or sing songs while reading to your baby. During the day, create a calm and safe play area that encourages independent play. Additionally, listening to audiobooks during rest times can provide a mental break for you while creating a soothing environment for your baby. Having an Audible subscription can be a great way to enjoy audiobooks and create space for yourself.
The Verdict – Is Hey Bear Sensory Bad For Babies?
In conclusion, Hey Bear Sensory can be problematic when it comes to screen time for babies and young children. While occasional use may not cause harm, it’s crucial to limit screen time and prioritize other activities that promote your baby’s development and bonding with you. Hey Bear Sensory videos should not be relied upon as a substitute for real-life experiences and interactions. Remember, healthy habits are best modeled, and moderation is key.
While closely monitoring your baby’s screen time, watching Hey Bear Sensory videos together can also provide you with an opportunity to rest and relax with your little one. However, always prioritize face-to-face interactions and engage in sensory play activities that will benefit your baby’s overall development.
Check out my Buy Me a Coffee page to get your Instant Download Sensory Baby Activity Cards.
