Addiction to anything is really lack of discipline.   Simply practicing fasting helps give one a good control over themselves.   For example, setting out parameters of when and where to use technology is a practice of when and where you also fast from technology.   What parameters you set up for your family will be based on your own personal philosophy and parental instincts.   These things should not be over thought but you should have a rough plan. 

Remember to set the rules out firmly for the baby and be consistent to follow through.  iPad time might just be mommy/daddy lap time in which the only interaction with iPad is with the baby in your lap doing the specific program you want.   Then you remove the iPad exactly when you want and never waiver.   Babies can spot a weak moment in parent in a heart beat.  So beware and just smile and put it away quickly.   Babies don't like a toy taken away, but you are the parent.   They will love you anyway.   Just be ready with another distraction.   Making this a habit will allow the baby to be comfortable with process and any moment of displeasure will be replaced with an excitement for the next activity with mommy and daddy.   

My baby wasn't introduced to the iPad until maybe at 20 months (strictly financial reasons here), but before that, he did receive screen time through LR and LMusician along with Sparkabilities and YCCD.  I also rotated other things in here and there. 

I believe most studies on babies being exposed to TV and such are very subjective.  These studies are more or less subjective surveys taken by parents.   No consideration is made to the content of the programming other than it being mainstream and directed towards children.   So many elements can really be a factor here from economic, social, cultural and/or parental philosophies.   The programming is also important.  Most television and computer programs recommended by parents on this forum are not really considered mainstream and wouldn't be found in these so called studies.  Also, early learning parents have very different parenting philosophy of creating a loving environment filled with opportunities to learn with and without technology. 

I think interaction children receive during the use of a software or DVD program is critical to the success.   I didn't just push PLAY and walk away from my baby.  This was our special time cuddling where we are counting with the program, naming the colors, laughing together at the silly parts, and singing along.    When I got my baby up in the morning, his first word was "words."   He loved LR, and if he was addicted to it, I was okay with that.  Now, of course, he is addicted to shapes.   How I have learned that shapes are everywhere!   

We are really in the early stages of understanding the mind and how it works.   While we know a lot, we hardly know anything.   There is so much to learn.   I would be wary of any organization that isn't open minded enough to come over to Brillkids or go on YouTube to see the thousands of babies and toddlers reading.

No matter what you are going to do a great job, so don't worry.   I am excited that you are here, and I hope you keep us updated on your early learning journey. 

Hi Cokers,

Many thanks for your valuable tips and information! We now know that baby is exactly like a blank white paper! And its we parents who decide what we want to draw or scribble on it. Whatever the outcome is, it is the parent's doing. Now, the more we learn about this iPad addiction thing, the more we understand how it can be controlled and its always the parents fault for exposing them too much to it. I had friends who once told us "Oh our kids can't sit quiet without iPads! Kids nowadays needs iPad to keep them quiet!". We were quite taken back at first and didn't quite believe that kids NEED iPad to behave. Now to think back on it, who's in the first place who introduced them to iPads? It's the parents themselves.

Our initial fear was introducing our baby girl to computers and ipads (for LR & LM of course) would in the end lead them to 'something else' (such as iPad addiction). But now that the more we understand, it's us parents who needs to be in control of it, and not to just 'push play and walk away' like you said.

We're also very excited on welcoming our baby girl to the world! It should be anytime within this week! Will for sure share her progress with everyone here! Thanks once again!

Personally I think iPad addiction is silly. I have a 3 year old and he shows obsessions for his toy cars, playing in the bath and being outside. I do remember reading the article about iPad addiction and every single one of my friends said that their kids had the same reaction to one thing or other.

That being said, there are legitamate studies that can show the detriment of exposure to stimulation such as TV, iPads, computers, and even flashing toys. I personally avoided media and battery operated toys until my son was at least 18 months. And no real Tv until he was 3. And to this day screen tme is limited and educational.

However I do think exposure to BK programs and certain apps do more good than harm. You will find people who are on both side of the debate. And ultimately it is up to you as a parent to decide where you stand. And if screen tme does concern you, make the time brief and educational.  And make sure you enjoy other activities and interaction. 10-20 minutes a day or Little Reader and Little math is a lot better than 30 minutes of edutainment like Seasame Street.

Hi Korrale,

Yes we personally think iPad addiction is a very silly thing! Most parents nowadays are finding an easy way out by chucking iPads to their kids, not knowing that it creates an unhealthy habit and addiction for them. What happens when there's no iPad for them? Oh God how they will scream and cry! Because basically all they know and love is iPad and nothing else will soothe them. Thank you so much for sharing your tips on limiting their screen time and only screen them with educational items. We'll definitely use that as part of her learning 'system'!

Hi I'm about the be a father in matter of weeks time and are already planning to invest in Little Learner & Little Math for our coming Princess. Me & my Wife are so excited on introducing her to the world and also allowing her to learn as much as we can teach her!

We have a (perhaps common) question that most parents will ask. Are introducing computers & iPads to babies suitable/recommended ? We'd witnessed many parents nowadays who 'stuffed' their kids with iPads anytime of the day just to 'keep them quiet'. We really do not want that to happen to ours as we felt this is the wrong method/idealogy in teaching them. Will teaching them through Brillkids softwares contribute to the 'iPad addiction'? Thanks!