A new article stresses the importance of direct interactions with family members for infants' development and finds no scientific evidence for benefits of iPad or DVD programs, which in fact might even cause language delays.

The neurons in infants' brains are busy processing input involved with sensing, seeing, and hearing, and imitating facial expressions, recognizing , and formulating language are all important aspects of development.

"External coupling of the brain to technology cannot replace these direct multisensory interactions," said Dr. Hugo Lagercrantz, author of the Acta Paediatrica article.

More information: Acta Paediatrica , dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.13298

Journal information: Acta Paediatrica

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