Stubborn Tablets (Aren't They Just Over-Priced Baby Gadgets?)

The World's Greatest Baby Gadget?

Let's talk about something near and dear to my heart - my iPad.  I still have the first edition, and it still kicks along quite nicely, considering it's almost three years old. And it is especially impressive considering how much abuse I put it through.  It has replaced the need for a full-time computer in our home (although this blog is not written on it), and has become the choice du jour for any entertainment needs for our family.  

Which, speaking of, today I'd like to try to answer a simple question:  Is the iPad (or any other tablet or smart phone for that matter) a good baby toy?  This Stubborn Dad's answer is YES.  In fact, it's not just a good baby toy - it's a great one.  The amount of functions available to entertain a squealing infant or fidgety toddler is just amazing.  What are some such apps?  Here's a list of my favorites for our toddler (a girl):

Dora
Hello Kitty
Watch Disney Junior (very good, even if you don't have a cable affiliate)

And (while we don't use it with our six-month old), here's a website showing those apps geared for infants (and older children two):  http://gizmodo.com/5532261/the-best-ipad-apps-for-babies-toddlers-and-sanity+loving-parents

Functionality aside, and despite my ringing endorsement of the item as a good baby toy, there are important questions that every parent should ask before handing over the thinly shaved rectangle electronics to their little ones.  These are not easy questions, but they must be asked.  First, are tablets durable enough to last through the bumps and bruises of being a baby toy?  And second, regardless of how great a toy the device is, is it safe for my baby to use (i.e., is it worse than watching hordes of television for excessive periods of time) and should I buy one for my little one?

Let's examine both issues:

Is A Tablet Durable Enough to Be a Baby Toy?

In my experience, the short answer is YES.  Our iPad (first edition) is now approaching three years old, and although the inside is slowing, the outside remains almost mint.  This may be to the fact that we have a black case over the back, but even without a screen protector, the front screen remains in great shape.  Not that it hasn't been put to test, either.  Our daughter loves to punch the buttons on the screen (although, as she's grown older, she's learned to be more careful), and not a single loving TKO has caused harm as of yet.  Maybe this is due to the limited force that can be produced by my daughter, but punches aside, even the loving drops (from the couch, car seat, etc.) have caused no harm to the device.

As a precaution, many people may be interested in getting a case to protect their typically expensive tablets.  If you do, maybe consider a water resistant one like the one on the right (link to this): , which will prevent frequent spills (the much more likely harming agent to your tablet).    

Is It Safe For My Baby or Toddler to Use?

Okay, so here's the million dollar question - even if the tablet can be used with your baby or toddler, should it be?  This answer is much more complex, and I won't profess to have any special insight, other than to say it is a parenting choice that should be based on as much information as possible.  The pediatric society has always sought to limit children's "screen time," and so this would include "tablet time" too, it's safe to assume.

However, the tablet is not a television screen (unless it is only being used for movies, shows, etc.), so it's hard to apply the rule of "no tv for children under two" and "2 hours of tv for children over two" to a tablet (see here for typical guidelines).  Instead, the tablet is an interactive device, that allows learning through any number of applications focused on memory and cognitive reasoning.  So a straight "no tablet" approach for children under two maybe too stringent. That said, the typical approach should still be considered.

Whatever the answer, this Stubborn Dad believes that if the tablet is becoming a substitute for parenting, then it is too much, whatever the quantity.  A tablet can be used as a "reward" for a child older than two, and for children under two, it seems to be a great device (in limited quantities) for educational purposes.  However, content matters, so it's important to be cognizant of what information is going into your child's mind, whatever the source.

For other views on this issue, take a look at these sites:

Psychology Today
Times

Should I Buy One For My Infant/Toddler?

Given the above, the next question is whether a parent should "invest" in a tablet for their child.  This Stubborn Dad's answer is NO (especially for children under two).  This is party because they not inexpensive, and forking out hundreds of dollars for a device that could decrease the physical activity of your child is probably not a good idea.

However, if you have one already (or are contemplating getting one), I would say that you should be more than willing to share your prized device with your little one from time to time.  Just install a page of apps specifically for your child, and let them go to town every once in a while.  But monitor the usage, and don't let the tablet become your crutch - for you or them.  If it ever feels like its becoming one, maybe consider hiding the tablet away from your child - and you!

So what's your take?  Do you let your children use your tablet computer?  Do you have any concerns regarding the unknown effects of children using the devices?  Which tablet do you think is the best?  Let us know.  We Stubborn Dad wants to know.