Learning, Play & Development
Infants

Do babies have screen time at childcare?

Updated 13 October 2026

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No. Babies learn best through play, movement, exploration and responsive relationships rather than screen-based activities. During the early years, hands-on experiences help babies develop communication skills, physical abilities, social connections and an understanding of the world around them.

Research shows that young children learn most effectively through direct interactions with people, objects and their environment. Activities such as singing, reading, playing, exploring outdoors and engaging in everyday conversations provide rich opportunities for learning and development.

At BestStart, we prioritise real-world learning experiences that encourage babies to explore, communicate and connect with others. Throughout the day, children learn through play, movement, music, books, outdoor experiences and responsive interactions with their teachers. Digital devices may be used by teachers to document learning, communicate with families or support centre operations, but screens are not part of babies' everyday learning experiences.

Good to know

  • Babies learn best through real-life interactions, where they can respond to facial expressions, voices, touch, movement and conversation.
  • Unstructured play gives babies opportunities to follow their curiosity, make discoveries and develop problem-solving skills.
  • Many of the most important learning experiences for babies happen during everyday moments such as mealtimes, nappy changes, outdoor play and interactions with trusted adults.
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