Are Mobile Phones Dangerous for Babies? (Problems & Solutions)
The mistakes most parents commit unconsciously.
In current times, the whole world is technology-driven. Mobile phones are not only required for staying in touch with your close ones but are also required for getting your work done and keeping the track of what is going on around the world.
While technology comes as a bonus, it is vital to know that excessive use of mobile phones, in the long run, can be dangerous.
Increased use of mobile can lead to insomnia, which will reduce the density of bones and will also affect brain activity. It may also result in disorderly conduct like hyperactivity.
But here the actual question is that, are mobile phones dangerous for babies or not ? Yes, is the right answer.
As mobile phones are not safe for adults, they are not safe for babies as well. A handheld device like a mobile may have germs on it and babies will pick up those germs by chewing that device. Mobile phones can be dangerous for babies in different stages of their development such as below.
- Pregnancy (fetus stage)
- Newborn
- Toddler
Pregnancy (fetus stage)
Mobile phones can be dangerous for babies in the fetus stage. Wireless devices such as mobile phones emit radio waves. There can be an impact of mobile phones radiation on the growing fetus. Unborn babies face a greater risk of microwave radiation(MWR) which may cause bodily defects in them.
This is why, in this phase expecting mothers should have limited use of their mobile phones to avoid birth defects in newborns.
Here are tips that a pregnant women should keep in mind for the well being of her child.
- Try to avoid excessive use of mobile by replacing it’s activities with other things. Eg. For refreshing the mood, instead of scrolling through social media go for a walk in the park.
- Hold mobile phone 6 inches away from your body.
- Avoid keeping your phone near your pillow while sleeping.
- Don’t keep your cell phone in a pocket nearer to stomach.
Newborns
Mobile phones are dangerous for newborn babies as well. Newborns don’t have direct exposure to mobile phones however their mothers have. Some mothers in the course of taking care of their babies, don’t get any time to look at their mobile phones. So they prefer scrolling through their phones during the time of breastfeeding.
However, usage of the mobile phone during breastfeeding can cause relationships and emotional issues in babies. It may also affect their psyche.
Here are some problems that newborn babies and their mothers might face while breastfeeding due to the use of mobiles.
1. Problems of Bonding
The baby won’t be able to develop an emotional bond with the mother if she is busy with her cell phone while breastfeeding as it is the way for babies to make their stomachs full as well as to bond with their mothers.
2. Choking Risk
The risk of choking increases if the mother gets distracted by a phone call or some text message. A few seconds of distraction is enough for a baby to suffocate while feeding.
3. Overfed or Underfed
If the mother is glued to the phone on a call, text or just checking emails, that may cause a major distraction from the baby. This might lead to overfeeding or underfeeding the newborns.
Underfeeding and overfeeding might result in crucial issues in the health of babies.
Here are some suggestions to limit the risks caused by mobile while breastfeeding.
1. Use Bluetooth
If you get a call while breastfeeding, try to use Bluetooth and if possible try and reschedule the call.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Scrolling
Avoid unnecessary scrolling of your social media feeds during the time of breastfeeding.
3. Use Before or After
If you have any important work to do on your phone, do it before or after breastfeeding.
4. Airplane Mode
Best thing you could do is put your phone on airplane mode as it reduces the radiation emitted by the device.
Toddlers
A toddler who has larger screen time faces difficulty in sleeping. It is recommended that babies should have zero screen time, till the age of two. But mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our lives that it’s quite difficult to keep them away from toddlers.
The toddlers need to be active for 3 to 4 hours a day. They must get the chance to interact with others as it is important for their growth.
Microwave radiation (MWR) emitted by a phone can cause potential harm to toddlers. They face greater health troubles as compared to grown-ups. MWR absorption is greater in them than in adults as their skulls are thinner and brain tissues are better absorbent.
Here are certain things that should be considered if you allow your toddler to play with your device
- Stay close to your toddler and make sure if charging cords are not plugged in or close by.
- Check whether what he/she is playing, listening or viewing is relevant or not.
- Limit their screen time to 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
- Make sure he/she doesn’t hold the device too close to their eyes.
Thus mobile phones are dangerous for babies in almost every stage of their growth. However, every problem has a solution we just need to find it.
