5 reasons why cartoons may overstimulate newborns

Cartoons are generally regarded as colourful and entertaining, and not harmful in any way. Many parents leave cartoons playing in the background when they are feeding or soothing their baby. But when it comes to newborns, cartoons are more likely to be overloading than soothing. Within the initial few months, the brain of the newborn child always tries to understand how to respond to light, sound, and motion. Too much stimulation of these sources can sometimes hamper a newborn in becoming relaxed or sleeping.

Newborns have not learned how to concentrate their vision. Newborns have sensitive vision to bright colours and moving images. This is what cartoons rely on: using bright colours, blinking images, and moving images. Too much for a newborn. The newborn would rather not enjoy what it is seeing. Its brain would have to work overtime in processing what it is seeing.

Cartoons are very fast-paced, with their characters quickly jumping, flying, or switching to another scene in mere seconds. The newborn's brain is not tested to see such speeds. They actually enjoy very sluggish actions, such as the facial expressions or hands of their parents. Their nervous system may become overwhelmed by fast-moving images, making it very difficult for them to relax and become calm.

Too much music, noise, and high-pitched voices are common in cartoons. Newborn babies are very sensitive to sudden sounds. This could cause stress in the child since it could startle him. Even if the child appears relaxed while viewing the cartoon, this could be affecting how relaxed he could be. Quiet surroundings are considered comforting in this age group.

The early months are very important for bonding through gaze, touch, and voice. When a screen is present in the room, even when not being used, this serves as a distraction for the parents. The best teacher for a newborn is human interaction and not cartoon imagery. Too many hours of screen time could mean the loss of precious moments that make a newborn feel secure and emotionally connected to his parents.

Infants require assistance in transitioning between wakefulness and sleep. Cartoons keep the mind stimulated with lights, sounds, and motion, which makes it very difficult for infants to relax before going to sleep. Some exposure may cause irritability or smaller intervals of sleep. A soothing environment, dark, and peaceful sounds help infants sleep better. Reducing cartoons is important because it maintains the normal sleep cycle of the infant.