From cries to calm: How mobile screens are reshaping toddler care in Cameroon 📺

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In homes across Cameroon, cartoons have become an everyday parenting hack. A crying baby? A toddler refusing to eat? A quick video often does the trick — giving parents just enough time to cook dinner, do laundry, or catch a breath. It’s fast, effective, and increasingly common. But beneath the convenience lies a growing concern about what screens are doing to kids long-term.

A go-to trick for busy parents 🍼

Whether it’s in a taxi, at the market, or at home, it’s not unusual to see toddlers completely zoned in on a phone screen. Their eyes light up at the familiar tunes of Cocomelon, A Ram Sam Sam, or Mini TFO, and just like that — the crying stops. For many parents, this has become the new normal.

“My 18-month-old daughter can cry non-stop, but the second she hears the intro of her favorite video, she calms down,” says Natacha, a mother of three. “I keep the videos downloaded on my phone so she can watch them anytime — even when there’s no internet, like in a taxi or at her grandmother’s.”

Shared links, downloaded playlists, and parenting hacks 📱

Part of the popularity comes from just how accessible the content is. On WhatsApp, moms swap cartoon links and share compressed video files that are easy to save. On Telegram, entire animated series are available for download, with parents showing a clear preference for bright visuals and catchy music.

“A friend showed me the trick one day when she came over and saw my baby crying. She handed him her phone with a cartoon playing, and he stopped instantly,” recalls Rachelle, a mother of two. “I immediately asked her to send me all the links.”

Many parents now download videos from YouTube using third-party apps to avoid buffering issues. In some neighborhoods, old smartphones have been repurposed into “kid-only devices” loaded with a curated playlist of soothing videos — used specifically during meltdowns, sleepless nights, or mealtime battles.

Survival mode in a hectic routine ⏳

For parents juggling work, chores, and inconsistent infrastructure, videos are more than just a distraction — they’re a survival tool. In areas with frequent power cuts, limited access to daycare, and little to no domestic help, screens offer a way to multitask.

“When I’m doing laundry or cooking, I can’t keep an eye on my son the whole time,” says Aline, a young mom. “Videos help me make sure he’s sitting still and not getting into trouble.”

The hidden risks of early screen exposure ⚠️

But child development specialists are raising red flags. Pediatricians and psychologists caution that excessive screen time before the age of three can interfere with speech development, disrupt sleep, and lower a child’s ability to focus.

“Toddlers need to talk, interact, and explore with their hands. Screens turn them into passive observers,” explains child psychologist Pascaline Yimgang. “Many parents mean well, but without limits or structure, screens can cause more harm than help.”

The World Health Organization’s guidance is clear: no screens before age two, and only limited use afterward — and always with adult supervision. Yet in reality, few parents know these guidelines, and even fewer follow them.

Finding balance between tech and real connection ⚖️

Given the socioeconomic pressures, expecting parents to ditch screens entirely isn’t realistic. But some local efforts are pushing for more mindful screen use. On social media, parenting challenges are encouraging screen-free activities. Some daycare centers now offer unplugged programs, and pediatricians are increasingly emphasizing the importance of “quality time” — even just a few minutes a day — to counterbalance screen exposure.

Simple alternatives do exist: singing lullabies, reading picture books, playing pretend, or even involving toddlers in chores through playful interactions.

For now, cartoons continue to serve as makeshift babysitters in many Cameroonian homes. But if screens are to remain a tool — not a crutch — parents will need to rethink how they use them. Because while a cartoon can stop the tears, it can’t replace the hugs, the eye contact, or the words that help a child grow.

We want to hear from you !!!
How do you manage screen time with your little ones? Got tips, concerns, or parenting hacks to share? Drop a comment below! 😄