Let’s face it screens are a part of everyday life, and for many parents, they can be a saving grace when you're out and about with a toddler. Whether you're running errands, waiting in a doctor’s office, or enjoying a walk in the park, a little screen time in the stroller can offer both entertainment for your child and a few precious minutes of peace for you.
But screen time, especially on the go, needs to be handled with care. From proper posture to eye protection, there are important things to consider to ensure your toddler is safe while watching screens in their stroller.
In this blog post, we’ll break down practical ways to make screen time safer and healthier for your toddler when you're on the move.
1. Limit Screen Time with Intention
The first step to safe screen use is intentional use. The World Health Organization recommends no more than one hour of screen time per day for children aged 2 to 5, and none at all for kids under 2 (unless it’s for video chatting). That means screen time should be balanced with other activities like playing, walking, and talking with parents.
Use stroller screen time as a tool, not a constant habit. Save it for key moments like when you need your toddler calm in a queue or sitting still during a long walk and aim to keep it short and sweet.
2. Use a Secure and Safe Mount
Many parents hand their phones or tablets to toddlers, who then either hold them, drop them, or twist themselves into odd positions to watch. This can lead to poor posture, eye strain, and safety risks.
A dedicated stroller phone or tablet holder solves these problems.
Look for a holder that:
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Clamps securely to the stroller tray or seat bar
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Positions the screen at eye level
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Is adjustable and stable, so it doesn’t shake or fall
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Keeps your device out of reach (to prevent accidental drops or tampering)
Products like Stroller Mate have been designed with this exact purpose in mind giving toddlers a hands-free way to enjoy content while promoting better posture and reducing screen-related strain.
3. Maintain Proper Posture and Viewing Distance
When toddlers slump or look down at screens for long periods, it can lead to “tech neck”, a real issue even for young kids. Over time, poor posture can contribute to back, neck, or shoulder discomfort and even early spinal strain.
Here’s how to encourage good posture:
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Use a stroller with good back support
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Position the screen at eye level and about 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) from their eyes
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Ensure they are seated upright not leaning forward or hunched over
A stroller phone holder is key here. It keeps the device fixed in the right position, so your toddler doesn’t need to look down or strain their neck.
4. Protect Their Eyes from Strain
Staring at screens, especially outdoors, can cause eye fatigue and discomfort. Blue light from devices may also impact sleep patterns if used later in the day.
To protect your toddler’s eyes:
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Lower the screen brightness in dim environments and increase it slightly outdoors (to prevent squinting)
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Turn on “night mode” or “eye comfort” settings to reduce blue light
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Limit continuous screen time to no more than 15-20 minutes
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Take regular “eye breaks” looking away from the screen and observing the world around them
Consider using screen protectors with blue light filters, especially if your toddler watches frequently while out and about.
5. Use Educational and Calming Content
What your toddler watches matters just as much as how they watch it. Choose age-appropriate, gentle, and educational content not fast-paced or overly stimulating videos.
Here are some tips:
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Look for apps or shows designed by early childhood educators
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Avoid loud sound effects, fast editing, and aggressive characters
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Use downloaded content to avoid data usage and unwanted ads
A few solid content options include:
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Numberblocks
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Bluey
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Hey Duggee
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Khan Academy Kids
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ABC Kids App (for Australian parents)
Sticking to a few favorite shows or apps helps toddlers feel more secure and less overstimulated.
6. Stay Engaged With Your Toddler
Even during screen time, it’s important to stay connected with your child. Point out things they’re watching, ask questions, or talk to them about what’s on the screen. This turns screen time into a more interactive, shared experience, which helps develop language and comprehension skills.
Simple prompts like:
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“What color is that animal?”
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“Can you say what’s happening?”
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“Do you like that song?”
...make a big difference in how your toddler absorbs screen content.
7. Balance with Real-World Stimulation
Finally, remember that screens are just one part of a toddler’s day. When you’re out with the stroller, point out the trees, dogs, cars, and people. Let your toddler take in the real world between screen time sessions.
Encourage them to:
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Play with stroller toys
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Sing songs
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Look around and describe what they see
The stroller is more than a transport device it’s a mini adventure vehicle. Keep screen time as a backup tool, not the main attraction.
Screen time isn’t the enemy, it’s all about how it’s used. With the right setup and healthy habits, toddlers can safely enjoy some digital entertainment while in their strollers. Using tools like a secure phone holder, choosing appropriate content, and keeping a mindful routine can help create a positive and safe screen time experience.
If you’re looking for a hands-free, posture-friendly way to let your toddler watch their favorite show while in the stroller, consider investing in a dedicated stroller screen mount. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference for both safety and comfort.
Remember: Screens should support your parenting, not replace it.
