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Association between maternal and infant screen time with child growth and development: A longitudinal study
Chelsea L Kracht1, Leanne M Redman1, Jayne Bellando2
1Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70808, USA.
Pediatric Obesity
|April 2, 2023
Summary
Infant screen time is linked to increased adiposity and poorer development. Limiting early screen exposure may support healthier child growth and development outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Sedentary screen time is a significant, modifiable risk factor for childhood obesity and developmental delays.
- Early identification of risk factors is crucial for promoting healthy child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal and infant screen time and child growth and developmental trajectories.
- To analyze how screen time impacts child anthropometry, fat mass, and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving pregnant women and their infants.
- Screen time assessed in mothers (pregnancy) and children (3, 12, 24 months).
- Child growth (anthropometry, fat mass index) and development (Bayley Scales) measured; linear regression used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Infant screen time positively correlated with Fat Mass Index (FMI) and negatively with developmental scores.
- Boys' screen time associated with higher FMI; girls meeting guidelines had lower FMI.
- Both sexes showed increased screen time between 12 and 24 months.
Conclusions:
- Higher infant screen time is associated with increased adiposity.
- A cautious approach to early life screen time may be beneficial for child health and development.
- Sex-specific associations highlight the need for tailored guidance on screen time.
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